I may have my first battle scar.
This is actually a little upsetting because while I can say I'm ambivalent about my finger nails and I actively dislike the age spots on the backs of my hands, I've always been able to boast really pretty toenails.
Sounds silly. Other women have gorgeous hair, or a killer bod. I have (had) pretty toes.
Note to self -- keep toenails trimmed VERY short, or they can rub and catch on my sock and the inside of my shoe -- this evidently causes a blood blister to develop under the nail and has the lovely nickname, blacknail.
The nail turns purple (and hurts like a mother bear) then black, then falls off. This process can take days or weeks, and in some rare and lucky instances, the nail re-attaches is just really ugly for a while, but doesn't fall off.
I had read about this and how repetitive abuse to one's feet can cause toenails to come off. Other blogs call this "a cool runner's scar." And it's nothing serious as eventually the errant nail does grow back.
Still, kind of gross.
So I have a nail on my left foot that is purple. I'm hoping that it doesn't fall off because that whole process freaks me out a little. (ok, a lot). But if it does, that'll be an interesting footnote (see what I did there? Foot, get it? I crack myself up) to this whole adventure.
If it falls off, I'll mourn the loss of my pretty little French Manicured toenail -- but hey, Halloween is coming up . . . and black is edgy.
I ran a full mile without stopping yesterday. I ran a full mile without stopping yesterday, AND I can still walk today. I don't need no stinking toenail.
(oh man. stinking -- I hadn't thought of that. I will not be nearly as zen if that becomes part of this equation.).
Battle Scars, Baby!!
Welcome to the runners foot club. I flipped out when I saw that one of my toenails was only attached on one side. Shrieking, cursing, freaking flipping out. I went to a Podiatrist, who tried not to laugh at me. Rule #1: if you're going to run distance (anything farther than the refrigerator from the sofa), you should buy yourself a pair of running shoes 1/2 - 1 size larger than your regular size. Rule#2: If you paint a fake toenail on your toe, most people won't notice.
ReplyDeleteLove the puns, by the way!
I bought shoes a half size bigger -- but failed to take into account that evidently I puff up like a tick when I run and my feet swell.
ReplyDeleteRemember when I said this isn't pretty . . . yah. It's getting less and less pretty by the second.
I will save up for a new larger pair of shoes (I really wanted to Asics anyway) and in the mean time, will keep the nail cut very short. The purple has seemed to stop at a nice aubergene color and I can now stand to have the bedsheet touching it, so perhaps all is not lost.
Asic makes great running shoes. I need to buy another pair for runs, along with cycling shoes. Fred is making me use the click-in cleats. I am so afraid of tipping over (please visualize a cow in a pasture falling to its side). Yes, short toenails because polish looks so much better as a thin line >.<
ReplyDelete