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Favorite Excuse Not to Run: I Get Blisters

FitSugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:30:00 -0700

Now that Spring is really here, you probably see tons of people running outside. Maybe you tried it but ended up with awful blisters on your feet, so you threw in the towel. I am here to tell you that there are many ways to prevent blisters and keep your feet comfortable. Give these a try, and then give running another chance.

First, think about how old your sneaks are. Is it time for a new pair? If it is, choose ones that fit well. Different brands and styles cater to wide/narrow feet and high/low arches. There should be about 1/2 inch between your longest toe and the tip of your shoe. Make sure you can wiggle your toes freely, and your heel shouldn't slip when you walk. Also choose ones based on the activity you plan on doing. If you'll be running on pavement, don't buy the trail runners.
Spend some time breaking in your new pair. Go on short walks and runs, and then gradually build your time up.
Get yourself a few pairs of thin wicking socks (not cotton). When your feet sweat and stay wet, your skin will get soft and that's how blisters can form. Wear these socks when you go to pick out your new sneaks.
Keep your feet as dry as possible. Avoid running in puddles, and if you like to pour water over your head on a hot day, try leaning over so it doesn't drip into your shoes.

Want to know what else you can do to prevent blisters? Then

Blisters Hurt, Treatment Shouldn't

FitSugar — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Yesterday, while running on the treadmill, I did not notice that my sock had a rather unfortunate fold in it which left me an even more unfortunate blister on my heel. So I went on the search for what I should do to help heal it rapidly.

Here are some good suggestions I came across on caring for a blister, from the University of Michigan Health System:

Steps should be taken to avoid further irritating the problem area.
Large blisters can be carefully drained with a sterilized needle, then covered with antibiotic ointment and a bandage.
For extra protection, purchase a moleskin at a drugstore. Cut a hole that's larger than the blister in the moleskin, creating a moleskin "donut." Then apply the moleskin so that the hole is over the blister.
See your doctor about any blisters that don't heal in a reasonable amount of time, or look like they may be infected.

Source

How to Avoid Foot Pain Caused by Running

FitSugar — Tue, 15 May 2007 09:30:00 -0700

According to the website Cool Running your feet pound the ground some 800 times when running just a mile. That's a lot of pounding!!! So you want to be sure to take care of your feet, especially if you are new to running. Rookies tend to experience more shin splints, blisters ankle sprains and other injuries than veteran runners (but those veterans had to start somewhere, right?).

Here are some ways to help you protect your feet and ankles that will hopefully help you stay injury and blister free.

Warm up: A few Sun Salutations will get your blood flowing before a run. Or try walking briskly or running slowly for 5 minutes, followed by gently stretching your leg muscles.
Buy good running shoes: Look for good shock absorption and construction that will provide stability and cushioning to the foot. Buy shoes at the end of the day when the foot is the largest. Here's a list of running sneaks that podiatrists recommend.
Keep your feet friction free: To avoid blisters, make sure your shoes fit well and try Thorlo's "blister-proof" socks. Give these socks a try, and in general keep in mind that nylon socks tend to be more abrasive than cotton. Try lubricating the friction prone spots with vaseline, and if that just sounds too icky try powder.

There's more, so

Spring Running Tip: Prevent Blisters

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Running or jogging can be tough on your tootsies - especially if you run outside. Here are some tips to keep your feet happy:

Make sure your shoes fit properly - not too tight and not too loose. Different brands and styles cater to wide/narrow feet and high/low arches. There should be about 1/2 inch between your longest toe and the tip of your shoe. Make sure you can wiggle your toes freely, and your heel shouldn't slip when you walk.

Go to a sneaker store that has a treadmill so you can try them before you buy them. No treadmill in the store? - then run around inside. You'll feel a little silly, but when you go for that first run in your new shoes, you'll be glad you tried them out.
Keep your feet as dry as possible. Avoid running in puddles and if you like to pour water over your head on a hot day, try leaning over so it doesn't drip into your shoes.
Get yourself a few pairs of wicking socks (not cotton) - these will pull moisture away from your skin when your feet sweat. They also make blister-proof socks. Check out these made by Thorlo.
To prevent blisters, sprinkle talcum or foot powder on your bare feet before putting on your socks.

Want to know what else you can do to prevent blisters? Then

Protect Your Skin with BodyGlide

FitSugar — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 11:00:00 -0800

One of the toughest things about running in races (or even just jogging a few miles in your neighborhood) is how rough it is on your skin. Anyone, no matter if they're resting, working, walking, running, cycling, hiking, climbing, swimming or paddling needs to avoid skin injury from sun. However we also need to avoid injury to the skin from friction (blisters, chafing, saddle sores and other skin irritation caused by rubbing). I don't know about you but my gym bag is only so big, so wouldn't it be great if one product protected your skin from both dangers?

Luckily BODYGLIDE has revamped their anti-blister and anti-chafing formula to include a spf 25 sunscreen in their BODYGLIDE Sun Screen Stick ($13.99). Whether from footwear (including athletic and other shoes, boots, and sandals), from clothing (including shorts and bike chamois, tops, and sports bras), or from skin rubbing skin the stick will help alleviate such pain. It comes in a convenient stick formula (looks like a deodorant stick) that you can put anywhere you need sun and/or irritation protection. The ‘stick’ makes application effortless and unlike other products, it contains no petroleum or mineral, vegetable or other oils, no lanolin, no water or alcohol; so it does not slide off the skin, evaporate, or require frequent reapplication. it’s not oily, sticky or wet, doesn’t fly away like powder. It's waterproof, breathable and moisturizing, which means even if you are doing a triathlon in the desert, you'll feel protected. Buy it online from DrugStore.com or visit the BodyGlide site to see where you can buy it.

Wicked Awesome Wicking

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 11:58:08 -0800

Do you get blisters when you work out? Sweat can soften your skin, which will make you more prone to blisters when your foot rubs against your shoes. Then the friction can tear softer skin and cause blisters -- Ouch!

A sock that keeps your foot drier will help to prevent blisters from forming. Socks with wicking will help to wick (or draw) the moisture away from your foot to keep your tootsies dry and blister free.

I like: Patagonia's Lightweight Endurance Ankle Socks ($14.50) are lightweight and airy, with enough ankle coverage to stop the sock from slipping in the shoe. Buy them here.

Or you can try: Nike's AirMax 360 Dri-Fit Tab Sock ($7). Dri-FIT properties wick away moisture for rapid evaporation and cooler, drier wear and Air Max technology cushions feet against impact. Buy them here.

Fit's Tip: If you're blister prone then pre-treat problem areas. So say you always get blisters on your heels, pad them with moleskin prior to working out.