I don’t know about anyone else, but my feet take a beating because of my love of running. Before I ran long distances, I didn’t understand the value of supportive shoes or stretching. I’d never lost a toenail or worried if I needed to spend an evening in high heels. I didn’t properly appreciate my feet because I wasn’t on them all that often.
But now, they factor into all sorts of decisions. When I buy an outfit I want to wear for a special event, I start with my shoes and build up. If I’m going to spend a day walking around a fair or touring a city while I’m on vacation, I consider comfort and support before beauty. I’ve learned the hard way that the feet are the foundation for the body’s happiness.
Here’s how I take care of mine:
1. Nightly massages–courtesy of Bill. Sore muscles like to be soothed.
2. Stretching the plantar fascia–while watching TV at night and before getting up in the morning. This is to prevent plantar fasciitis, which hurts like hell.
3. Rolling on the Rubs ball–a great, cheap tool to further stretch the muscles.
4. The right shoes–I simply don’t wear cheap shoes that don’t have support. On the rare occasion I wear something flimsy for fashion’s sake, I insert Superfeet.
5. Pedicures–because while my feet are tough, there’s just no reason in the world they can’t be beautiful, too.
6. Pug love (see picture)–need I say more?
What about you? What are your tricks for keeping your feet happy?
I was going to preface this comment by stating that I did all of those! That of course is not true. First off I don’t have someone to give me nightly massages, much to my dismay they sound wonderful! I do stretch my plantar fascia frequently, but it’s sporadic, and never at the same time. I do not own a Rubz Ball, but it looks fun! I stand often instead on my foam roller and that helps with some balance as well as stretches a little bit the bottom of my feet. Of course the right shoes are must. I am always in tennis shoes and running shoes, both of which have inserts for my plantar fasciitis. I have gotten one pedicure before (I went with Linda’s daughters, it was okay), and I don’t have a pug, but I love taking care of dogs, and have many that over the years have been a joy to house sit for!
I’m just careful in general. I try not to do anything that would be harmful to my feet, or body. I have never lost a toenail, I am dreading that day, but they’re pretty strong buggers, if I haven’t lost one yet, those events may be few and far between! I do get blisters, but mostly just on two toes and small ones. Those are the hardest things to know what to do, usually I let them run their coarse as they aren’t a problem most of the time.
Well, if you don’t have a pug to lick your feet, you don’t know what you’re missing, Brandon. Sometime you’ll have to come borrow mine. I’ll bet your feet need a rest right about now. Congrats on your races!
I’m just starting to run, but my LOVE is hiking. Last year, I could barely walk up one flight of stairs to my apartment due to knee & hip pain. I have become obsessive about my shoes, their fit & how they support or don’t my incredibly high arches. I plan to add your stretching tips to prevent plantar fascitis, and I’m definitely getting one of those little balls.
My attention to proper shoes for my arches & incredible hiking boots & socks! as well as proper running shoes & socks! has created an amazing victory…this last week, I hiked 32 miles in three days in the Grand Canyon…and still managed to get up & go to work the next morning as the retail manager on a tile floor for 8 hours. The best part was: not a blister in sight from all that hiking & rock climbing…. I’m still amazed that I was able to do it, but proper shoes/boots & the correct style of socks in addition to training was the answer.
I also treat myself regularly to the pampering of the pedicure. Because of working retail on a tile floor all day, I tend to keep my feet elevated in the evening…just to aid circulation & relaxation. Alas I do not have a dog of any breed & my coral in the reef tank are reluctant to leave their aquarium:-) Thanks for sharing your tips!
Thanks, Kimber! And yes, how could I forget the socks!! So key to happy feet. Congrats on your 32 miles in the Grand Canyon. I bet it was beautiful (but hot). Cheers.
Plantar fasciitis is particularly common in runners. In addition, people who are overweight, women who are pregnant and those who wear shoes with inadequate support are at risk of plantar fasciitis. ,.;”
Ciao for now
<http://www.healthmedicinejournal.com/index.php/
I’m just careful in general. I try not to do anything that would be harmful to my feet, or body. I have never lost a toenail, I am dreading that day, but they’re pretty strong buggers, if I haven’t lost one yet, those events may be few and far between! I do get blisters, but mostly just on two toes and small ones. Those are the hardest things to know what to do, usually I let them run their coarse as they aren’t a problem most of the time.