Lean Horse 50k- Race Report!!

[Urlea]

Thanks ladies!! I had a lot of fun.

And for the record, the blisters look super painful but once they finally got out of the running shoes it really wasn't bad. They are healing nicely.

I need suggestions on a different brand of socks to wear while running though, I think my blisters may have been in part to that & the heat. What are you wearing for you runs?

[OakLeaf]

What are you wearing for you runs?

I am so not worthy to suggest anything to you! But here goes anyway.

I used to always get awful blisters on my arches on any run longer than two miles. What's worked for me is SmartWool socks, lube like BlisterBlock or BodyGlide, Compeed blister pads when I already have a hot spot or blister, and larger shoes. That last especially - I would think that the longer you run, the more your feet swell.

[colby]

I've worn the injiji toe socks for several marathons (and bike and run for Ironman), my biggest complaint is how they wear (faster than other socks, and not cushioned or anything). I do still get blisters, but they aren't like those - they take longer to form and aren't so blistery, though that could be because my feet are so calloused Blisters also don't form under my toes or between my toes, which are problems I had before wearing them. What I get now is rubbing on the side of my big toe/foot because of how my shoes wear.

I do have fewer blister problems and discomfort running in triathlons than running by itself (as long as I wear the injijis - if I don't, I get blisters under/between toes after 5-10k). Go figure.

[teigyr]

That was a great race report! It sounds like fun and more and more it looks like smaller races are the way to go.

How did the 50k differ from the marathon? It's 4 miles over (+/- a bit, right?) but I'm thinking those last miles might make a huge difference I'm looking at it for the future...I think it's on the list of things to do.

As far as blisters go, I run in these: http://www.wrightsock.com/ Some depends on the shoes but I've never had horrible blisters from the wrightsocks and I am prone to blisters.

Congrats!!! Would you do it again?

[indigoiis]

Yay!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

[yellow]

I knew you'd kill it!

Re: socks, I second the Injinji. I won't wear anything else for runs longer than about 10 miles. I put body glide all over my toes, heels, and balls of my feet then put the socks on. I do not get blisters. I wear the wool ones in the winter, and even when my feet are wet I don't get blisters.

Oh, changing your socks after about 20 miles doesn't hurt either. Since most big races accommodate drop bags, just put a fresh pair in your drop. I know people that also change shoes in a race (although this is usually 50 m or longer).

There's also some (probably cockamamey) theory out there that low sodium can lead to more blisters (somehow affecting the skin). Could be bunk. Since I don't have a problem, I haven't looked into it much. Maybe some medical pro-fessional here can comment on this!

[Urlea]

Thanks for the sock recommendations, I think I will have to try several out to see what I like. I wear Injinjis as recovery socks, my feet are kind of wide so I'm concerned the extra width in the toes added by the socks might not fit well in my shoes, will give it another shot though. For now I'm running in VFFs without socks, hoping to build up a good tolerance to barefoot running at least for the shorter races left this season. I'll keep you posted!

Teigyr- The Ultra group is a lot different than the 26.2 group. I'd compare your average marathon crowd/volunteers to a fast food restaurant, get in & get out, say thanks. Ultras are a nice sit down dinner with five courses, good service & great conversation.

Now, while a 50k is only roughly 5miles farther than a 26.2 those added miles are difficult. The terrain is also much different. I'm used to running races on mostly flat pavement & this race was hilly gravel trail. The nice part about that is that your joints don't take the same beating.

All said, if you are interested in doing an ultra you should. Because the people who even consider them are more than likely the type who would enjoy one!

[indigoiis]

You may want to look into alpaca socks. I love mine!
Red maple Sportswear has a very thin alpaca sock:

http://www.redmaplesportswear.com/st...products_id=95

They are worth the $$$.

[colby]

Runner's World's "best no blister" sock was the drymax maximum protection something or other - happened to have it in my stack.

[Jolt]

Thanks for the sock recommendations, I think I will have to try several out to see what I like. I wear Injinjis as recovery socks, my feet are kind of wide so I'm concerned the extra width in the toes added by the socks might not fit well in my shoes, will give it another shot though. For now I'm running in VFFs without socks, hoping to build up a good tolerance to barefoot running at least for the shorter races left this season. I'll keep you posted!

Glad to hear you're running in the VFFs--they are great! I've never gotten a blister from them although my longest run in them (actually, longest run ever) has been 9 miles. I think the reason is that they conform to the foot and move with it so well. You can wear the Injinjis with them as well, to really make sure there's no rubbing! That 9-mile trail run last Sunday has gotten me thinking about training for a 21-mile trail race that is held in southern NH in the spring--think I should go for it?

[Urlea]

Jolt- Absolutely! Sounds like a good race. As for the injinjis w/ the VFFs: I grunted really hard and was unable to get them to fit in the shoes to save my life.