6 Ways to Prevent Blister

  While I was training for the Princess Half Marathon, I certainly developed my fair share of blisters. They were always in the same spot too, on the outside edge of my big toe and sometimes a little below my big toe where that curvey bone is. But is was funny because I didn't always get them and they weren't consistent with just long runs. They just happened so randomly.

 The first word of advice that any runner is probably given is DON'T WEAR COTTON SOCKS. You all know that by now, right? Well, in case you don't, you can read this short post as to why cotton socks are not a good idea.  This might be the cure all for some people but I have to tell you, even after wearing the non cotton socks, I was still getting blisters.

Here are some things that I have tried.  I did a combination of these things so it's hard to say for sure that you will never get a blister if you use  these items. But hey, they are worth a try.

1.   Injinji toe socks: I have tried these toe socks from Injinji. 

I know it looks as if my one foot is bigger than the other, but it's not.
I guess I just have a hard time standing straight!

These are also breathable, light weight, non cotton socks that are suppose to prevent blisters.  They felt good and I liked them. The problem was that I wasn't getting the blisters between my toes, so I didn't know if the separated  toes did help me there. These socks are very comfortable to run in though.

2.  Vaseline: According to Alexandra Heminsley, author of Running Like a Girl, putting Vaseline on your feet before you put your running socks on can prevent blisters as well.

3. I've tried this Blistop spray by Flexitol.

 

Spray it on your feet several minutes before you put your socks and shoes on. A word to the wise, do it in a well ventilated area. This stuff has a strong smell. ( It's not bad, it's just very strong, kind of like a mix of hairspray and medicine).  This stuff is also very cold, and it made my feet purple for a while ( because of how cold it was). It reminded me of that canned air you use to clean your keyboard off.

4. Blister Shield from 2Toms: 

This is a powder that you simply pour into your sock and shake it around before putting your sock on for a run.  This powder does not stain, it's water proof and it helps eliminate friction.

5. Sports Shield from 2Toms:

 

This is probably the most simple product. It is like a roll on deodorant. Roll it on any part of your body that is prone to blisters or even chafing.  This is perfect for if you know you will get blisters in the same exact part of your foot during a run. Just roll it on that part and you are good. This can also be used on arms and any other body part that is prone to chafing. This has no odor at all!

( Side note:  2 Toms have put together a great prize pack as one of the gifts for the Summer Run Scavenger Hunt)

  6: If you try all these things and you are still getting blisters, take a look at your shoes.  When I went to a local running store and told the associate that I was getting blisters on the sides of my big toes, she immediately knew that it was from slightly over pronating.  I'm pretty sure she hit the nail on the head right there.   This is where a shoe with a wide toe box is helpful. Hello Altras!

So for Princess Half Marathon I ran in my Altras and ended up with zero blisters on the sides of my toes! I was happy, although my toe next to the big toe was feeling a little tender. I noticed that my toe nail was raised. I had maroon nail polish on, so I couldn't quite tell if the nail was black in color. Because the nail was raised, it was pretty loose. I thought for sure that I was going to be losing my first toe nail. I didn't know if I should just pull it off, or wait for it to fall off. I didn't know how all this losing a toe nail stuff worked.  After further examination, I noticed that the reason the toes was raised, was because I was developed a blister underneath my toe nail!   I didn't even know that could happen.  It turns out that my Altras were the width I needed, but I didn't calculate correctly on the size. The result was my toes rubbing up against the front of the shoe.  Funny how this didn't bother me at all while I ran 13.1 miles.
I normally wear a size 6, but Altras run small, so I got a 6.5.   I now know that the shoes I am wearing for long distance running need to be a size larger.  I knew enough to order my next pair in a size 7.

Just in case you do end up developing a blister. I've found this Dr. Oz video to be helpful. http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/first-aid-blisters-pt-1
 I can't believe that one lady is walking with blisters like that.

Of course these tips can be used for anyone, not just runners. In fact, they are all great tips to remember the next time you'll be walking around a Disney Park all day!


DISCLAIMER: If you read my posts from earlier this month you know that I mentioned that I had huge blisters on my heals. I just want to let you know that I did not use any of these products before I set out on my walk that day because I didn't think I would actually get a blister from WALKING. I never had before. I know for a fact those blisters on my heels came from a new pair of shoe inserts that were rubbing up against the back of my foot.

Are you prone to developing blisters? What have you done that works?

Did you watch that video? What did you think?

Of course we still have the GIVEAWAY going on and also the RUNNING SCAVENGER HUNT ( with prizes) started this week. Be sure to check them both out.

* I was sent the 2Toms products to test out for free but all opinions are certainly my own.

Running Like A Girl: Notes on Learning How to Run

Last Thursday I received a package from Simon & Shuster book publishers. I excitedly opened it to see what it was. Inside, I found a complimentary copy of Running Like a Girl : notes on learning how to run by Alexandra Heminsley.

After reading the press release and several lines of praise for the author, I immediately knew this was going to be a fun book to read.
British author, Alexandra Heminsley,  writes so candidly about her running experiences that I almost though this was a book of fiction, but it's not. It is her own personal account.  I have read many books by British author Sophie Kinsella ( The Shopoholic series, Can you Keep a Secret, Remember Me, etc) and this book was written in the same humorous style. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Sophie Kinsella, think Bridget Jones takes on running!

Ms. Heminsley ( or Alex) as she refers to herself in the book, didn't start taking a interest in running until she was in her 30's. She had always admired how energized and refreshed her flat mate (roommate) was after she had returned from a run and was hoping to experience the same feelings once she began her own running journey.  It didn't happen!

Alex set her sights on the London Marathon. As a reader ( and runner myself) I was curious to find out why she didn't start out with a few smaller races and work her way up to a marathon, but  according to the book, the London Marathon was her first attempt at a race.

She discusses her thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences that I assume every woman runner has wanted to know or discuss at some point in their running career. 

She tells about her first experience in a high end running store where she wanted to get a proper pair of running shoes. The sales associate will not help her because she will need to be measured and you have to make an appointment for that. There were no appointments available the day she was there.

She discusses the one thing more important than a proper pair of running shoes is a proper running bra. Did you know you can do more bodily harm running in the wrong bra than in the wrong pair of shoes? Heminsley talks about the unknown damage that woman can sustain while running in an ill fitted bra.

O yes, what happens if you have to go to the bathroom on a long run and you are far from home. She shares her experience with that as well.

Almost any struggle one could have while training for a race, Heminsley experienced, even falling down and having to go to the medical tent during the race.

After her marathon there was a period of time that Heminsley had stopped running and had fallen into a rut. She knew she had completed the marathon so she felt she had nothing else to prove to herself.

Excerpt from the book:
"Why should I be trying sooo hard to get twenty minutes faster? What's the purpose? What would I ever do with that extra twenty minutes?"

(I found that part to be extremely funny because it is the raw truth, but as runners we are always trying to improve our times)

With that being said, she  does go on to talk about how she got back out there and started running again, even completing the San Francisco Woman's Marathon earning herself the Tiffany's necklace.

The second part of Running Like a Girl  is Alexandra Heminsley's tips, tricks, and advice.  She lays it all out there for you on what to expect from your first marathon, what you should eat before, during, and after. She'll give you advice on protecting yourself from injury and other practical running advice. Did you know that rubbing Vasaline on your feet before you put your socks on  can prevent blisters from forming during your run?  She'll tell you what essentials to pack for race day, what to run with, and what to make sure you have waiting for you in your checked bag for afterwards.

Heminsley addresses the truth behind the top 10 running myths ( as far as woman are concerned). Some of these I've heard of and some I have not. Here are just a few.

1. Running will destroy your knees.
2. The high impact of running will give you a saggy face and a saggy behind.
3. Running will make your boobs sag
4. Running makes you pee blood.
5. Running makes your pee smell of ammonia.

She also discusses the most common injuries among runners, how to identify them, and how to best cope with them.

1. IT Band Syndrome
2. Planter Fasciitis
3. Achilles Tendonopathy
4. Piriformis Syndrom
5. sprained ankle

I have known runners who have had these injuries and after reading Heminsley's book I am now surprised how some of them can be so simply rectified or at least managed.


I really enjoyed this book because it was full of useful information yet written in very candid narrative. I loved how honest the author was about her experiences. After reading her words you will truly believe that with the proper training, even you can complete a marathon ( even if you've only ever run a 5k).  This book is certainly not just for the beginning runner, seasoned runners will enjoy her stories and learn some new tips to try as well.

Look for Heminsley's book Running Like a Girl: notes on learning to run on store shelves on October 8, 2013.  This is a very easy read. I read the entire book in one weekend.

Thank you Scribner/Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read/review this great book.
*I was given a free copy of Running Like a Girl: notes on learning how to run.  All opinions are my own.

What is one misconception you've had (or heard) about running?