Pedicures and Running

Even runners like to have nice looking feet even though we abuse them regularly during our runs.  Are pedicures something that runner’s foot appreciates?  The runner definitely appreciates them, but do you feet? 

What your feet DO appreciate - Pedicures can enable proper blood circulation, maintain healthy feet and make you feet look and feel good.  The following treatments during a pedicure are welcomed by any foot:

• Feet getting soaked and cleansed;
• Toenails cut and shaped and cuticles trimmed; and
• A nice foot and lower leg massage

What your feet DON’T appreciate - The following treatment is an area to approach with caution:

Removing dead skin, calluses, hard skin and/or bumps;

Calluses and hard skin areas are very common to runners as calluses are caused by repeated contact or pressure, which is what us runners subject our feet to on each run.  Removal of calluses can leave your feet very sensitive and if it’s done too aggresively can also cause blistering, especially if it’s done too close to a long run or race.

Best to schedule your pedicures either well in advance or after a long run or event.  Let the pedicurist know that you are a runner and to buff the rough spots gently.  Don’t let them shave your feet as this can lead to infections.  If you have problem areas on your feet, best to see your doctor.

Staying Motivated to Run

I have almost always been motivated to run. The simple fact of knowing how agonizing it is to take a break and then get back into running motivates me to run. However, you probably can’t always call it running. The ground may be moving underneath my feet, but I’m not sure if you can call it running.

Here are a few tips if you have taken a break from running and are just finding it too tough to hit the road.

1. Schedule Your Run or make a date with yourself to run. Write those days down on the calendar and the time frame, so that nothing else get’s scheduled in place of your run. Make it a priority above all else. I love to run first thing in the morning. When I arrive back from my run, I shower, have my coffee and start my day. Nothing can replace the euphoric or invigorating feeling that gives me. When I’m struggling to get going on my run, I think of how great I’m going to feel when it’s done.
2. Find a running partner or easier yet, join a running group in your community. Running groups aren’t hard to find. I live in a small community that has three running groups. They are either free or nominal costs. Running groups are welcoming and offer a healthy social outlet.
3. Sign up for a race - personally this works well for me. As I mentioned, I’m usually motivated to get my running shoes on and get out for a “so-called” run. But signing up for a race really motivates me to train, which ultimately makes my running easier and feel much better.
4. Set goals that are achievable - this could mean signing up for a race, or it could mean that you are going to set a goal to run “??” times this week for “??” minutes on each run. Or, you may want to challenge yourself further by incorporating speed bursts or fartleks into your run. It could be by the clock or from telephone pole to telephone pole. You be the judge.

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