Comeback Race Success

Lynn, Jen & me - ready to race after checking our bags 

Mentally, I had a lot riding on last week's MCM 10K.

I'm pleased to report that I successfully completed the race with no pain in my hallux-rigidus-riddled big toe.

After many months of not being able to run (sometimes even walk) without pain, this is a huge milestone for me. And a huge relief.

Mental Toughness for MCM 10K

The MCM 10K is in one week. I've been trying to decide whether my toe is up for the challenge.

Over the past few weeks, I've had several "successful" runs. Successful being defined as no toe pain, and far enough distances to convince me I can handle a 10K.

Can I handle it physically? Yes. 

Can I handle it mentally? That's harder, but I'm ready to do it.

What a Long Strange Trip

Actually it hasn't been that long...and it's been more surreal than strange.


I look back over the past three years and I ask myself...well, how did I get here?

I Ran! Will I Race?

These past months have been challenging as I've tried to figure out how to manage hallux rigidus, and whether I can still run.

I've now had my third version of orthotics for almost two weeks, and I'm cautiously optimistic that the third time may be the charm.

I successfully ran two miles in them yesterday, after 7 weeks of not being able to run at all. So what does this mean for my fall race hopes?

How to MacGyver SuperFeet

While I'm waiting for my newly-adjusted (pedorthist-informed!) orthotics to come back from the lab, I'm stuck in activity limbo. I have two pair of Naot sandals that I can wear without pain, and that's it. I can't even wear my running shoes, and for a while they were my go-to comfort shoe. 

It takes 2-3 weeks for the orthotics to come back, and then a week or more to adjust to them. I was feeling anxious about waiting all that time just to be able to go on a walk (much less a run) without hallux rigidus pain. Pedorthist Rachel to the rescue!

A Pedorthist Consult for my Orthotics

If you've been following my blog, you know that I recently got custom orthotics to help manage hallux rigidus. The first pair wasn't quite right, and neither was the second. It was time to call in an orthotics expert - a pedorthist.

Outlook for Fall Races

Four months ago when I wrote "Adrift in a Sea of Races," I never imagined that I would still be drifting in the middle of August. But I am. Here is the likely outlook for the fall.

Orthotics, Take Two

Six weeks ago I got custom orthotics to help with my foot issues, particularly hallux rigidus. Here's the rundown on how that initial break-in period went.

Diamonds on the Soles of Her Orthotics

I now have custom orthotics and I have high hopes for them. They were not cheap. For the price, you might expect a little platinum plating or gemstone sparkle, but they are just polypropylene and graphite. But they will be worth their weight in gold if they keep my hallux ridigus from progressing!

Shoe Reviews: Munro

Challenge 

I'm in search of toe-friendly shoes; it is a delicate balance of looks and function. My criteria:

• a wide toe box 
• supportive, especially under my big toe
• stylish enough for work (or play)
• small enough for my size 4.5 feet

Shoe Reviews: Mephisto

Challenge

I'm in search of toe-friendly shoes; it is a delicate balance of looks and function. My criteria:

• a wide toe box 
• supportive, especially under my big toe
• stylish enough for work (or play)
• small enough for my size 4.5 feet

Hallux Rigidus: Some Answers

I had my two week post-hallux rigidus diagnosis follow-up appointment today. I got answers to some of the questions I posed on Tuesday and a secondary diagnosis.

I'm using Tuesday's post as the framework for today's post, inserting answers and updates into the original text with red italics.

Hallux Rigidus: So Many Questions

It has been two weeks since I was diagnosed with hallux rigidus in my right big toe. At the time, my focus was on whether I could still run. I now realize my focus should be much broader than that.

I have a follow-up appointment with my podiatrist in two days and I have so many questions about what this diagnosis means on a broader scale.

Mother's Day 4-Miler Recap

Slow and steady runs the race.

I didn't even realize I had a mantra for this race until it popped into my head during the first mile. You aren't trying to "win" a PR, you are just trying to run.

Slow and steady runs the race. 

Shoe Reviews: Naot

Challenge

I'm in search of toe-friendly shoes; it is a delicate balance of looks and function. My criteria:

• a wide toe box 
• supportive, especially under my big toe
• stylish enough for work (or play)
• small enough for my size 4.5 feet

Shoe Reviews: Alegria

Challenge

I'm in search of toe-friendly shoes; it is a delicate balance of looks and function. My criteria:

• a wide toe box 
• supportive, especially under my big toe
• stylish enough for work (or play)
• small enough for my size 4.5 feet

Shoe Reviews: Arcopedico

Challenge

I'm in search of toe-friendly shoes; it is a delicate balance of looks and function. My criteria:

• a wide toe box 
• supportive, especially under my big toe
• stylish enough for work (or play)
• small enough for my size 4.5 feet

What is Hallux Rigidus & What Can I Do?

X-ray of my right foot, top view

• What is hallux rigidus? 

• What can I do about it? 

• How will it impact my life? 

• Let me tell you everything I've learned so far...