Well, my new Saucony Triumph 4's have given me blisters. The first 2 appeared right after the Brooklyn Half Marathon, however they were flat by the next morning. I currently have a nice big one on the side of my big toe. It's been there for a week or more and I don't know what to do about it. The blister doesn't hurt but I'm afraid it'll burst while I'm running and then it'll throb nonstop. What to do?
Why, consult the internet of course. I Googled "how to treat blisters" this morning and the advice is divided. Some folks advocate popping and draining. Others say to leave it alone and it'll drain into itself on its own (as my first blisters did). I don't really want to pop it because I'm afraid it'll hurt if I do. Right now it doesn't hurt at all. It's just not so nice to look at. I think I'm going to take my mother's advice and go with, if it doesn't bother me then I won't bother it. If it doesn't go away or get smaller by Tuesday night, I'll drain it and treat it with something called NuSkin. Apparently, it is a product used to keep blisters from becoming infected. It is also recommended to get some moleskin and make a donut in it the size of the blisters so it doesn't rub against the sock/shoe while out on the next run. I also learned that wearing 2 pairs of socks can protect one from blisters because the socks rub together and not against your foot. It's a little too hot for that these days. Not that I'm complaining because I felt like winter would never end!
I have been wondering if I should take the sneakers back to Jack Rabbit. The salesman did say I could return them if I get blisters or experience any other problems. It has been almost a month since I bought the shoes, however, so they probably won't take them back.
I love my new shoes despite the blisters. I am faster, they're lighter on my feet, and the design and color have grown on me. I also feel better about the fact that I didn't need those other motion control shoes. There's something about knowing my runner's stride is normal that makes me feel strong. This knowledges give me confidence and makes me feel graceful and fast out on the road.
Speaking of faster, we ran the Central Park track again last night. We did 4 repeats/sprints around the track. Slowest time out was a speedy 1:28. The fastest and last time around was 1:24. Coach Doug said we were at 7 minute pace that last time. I usually don't want to run with Doug because he's really fast and I'm afraid I won't be able to keep up with him. Something has moved. I was right on his tail yesterday every time we went around. Right out in front. I will try to run with Doug again next week.