Any runners here? Blister question (fun!)

moosegal · August 2011

So I started the Couch to 5K program today, which starts you in interval jogging/walking to build you up from a lazy bum (me now) to a 5K runner (me in 2 months).

Well...after this morning's workout, I already have a blister on each foot. They're both located on the bottom of my feet where the big toe and 2nd toe meet.

Can anyone tell me if this is a shoe problem, sock problem, gait problem, my delicate non-runner feet getting whipped into shape, or all of the above? I would love to hear some helpful suggestions on how to prevent!

kosmos · August 2011

I started that program in the spring, and got to week 7, when it was 100 degrees in NJ, and I had to stop running. I was bummed. I want to get back on the wagon in the fall.

Anyway, I didnt have any blister issues, but perhaps you need new sneakers. I can highly recommend Blister Blockers, sold in the band aid section of a drug store. I think Johnson and Johnson makes them. They're a bit pricey, but they're little cushions for your blisters, so you can still run/exercise.

Good luck!

ccam · August 2011

I used to be a runner, but have defintely slacked. Are you running in new shoes? You should break them in gradually, wear them around the house a little. Do they fit properly? What kind of socks do you wear? They should be something breathable so that your feet stay dry.

moosegal · August 2011

kosmos:
I started that program in the spring, and got to week 7, when it was 100 degrees in NJ, and I had to stop running. I was bummed. I want to get back on the wagon in the fall.
Anyway, I didnt have any blister issues, but perhaps you need new sneakers. I can highly recommend Blister Blockers, sold in the band aid section of a drug store. I think Johnson and Johnson makes them. They're a bit pricey, but they're little cushions for your blisters, so you can still run/exercise.
Good luck!

I will look for these at lunch today! I definitely need to get something to cover up the ones that formed already.

limpetfan · August 2011

I fell off the running wagon a couple years ago, but in my experience blisters are usually from moisture and rubbing. Do you have wicking socks? Are your sneakers old? Sometimes those specifically-for-blister bandaids help!

faydre · August 2011

ccam:
I used to be a runner, but have defintely slacked. Are you running in new shoes? You should break them in gradually, wear them around the house a little. Do they fit properly? What kind of socks do you wear? They should be something breathable so that your feet stay dry.

All of this! Shoes and socks definately make a difference. Part of it may be just that your body is getting used to a new sport and needs to build up callouses. You can also try running on different surfaces, like those rubber tracks or do a trail run instead of just street running.

my guess would be footwear though! Feel better!

moosegal · August 2011

ccam:
I used to be a runner, but have defintely slacked. Are you running in new shoes? You should break them in gradually, wear them around the house a little. Do they fit properly? What kind of socks do you wear? They should be something breathable so that your feet stay dry.

I'm not sure they're proper running shoes, but they're definitely broken in. I'm using a pair of shoes I bought last fall for some light trail hiking -- they're similar to these: https://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/12014W/56074/Womens/Siren-Sport?dimensions=SS%2CSW

The socks aren't anything fancy -- just some ankle white cotton, cushiony socks. Should I get something else?

Thanks for the feedback!

faydre · August 2011

I like running specific socks. They are more breathable and offer very rudimentary support as well. My very very favorites are injinji's, but there's no need to go overboard. Try a running store or an athletic store for cheap try ning socks.

any runner will tell you--- it's all about the shoes. They make or break injuries. They are the difference between running 10 miles and running 13. As a new runner, you don't need to invest in a treadmill test and specialized running shoes, but you should at least purchase running shoes. I love asic's, and saucony.

ccam · August 2011

moosegal:

ccam:
I used to be a runner, but have defintely slacked. Are you running in new shoes? You should break them in gradually, wear them around the house a little. Do they fit properly? What kind of socks do you wear? They should be something breathable so that your feet stay dry.

I'm not sure they're proper running shoes, but they're definitely broken in. I'm using a pair of shoes I bought last fall for some light trail hiking -- they're similar to these: https://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/12014W/56074/Womens/Siren-Sport?dimensions=SS%2CSW

The socks aren't anything fancy -- just some ankle white cotton, cushiony socks. Should I get something else?

Thanks for the feedback!

You might benefit from investing in a pair of running sneakers. You don't have to spend a lot of money, but I'd go somewhere that has knowledgable people who can make sure they fit properly, like a sporting goods store.

Also, they say to wear synthetic material when running to allow your feet to breath. Even if you double up, wear thin synthetic than regular socks, it will keep your feet dry.

And, as gross as it sounds, I was always told to pop my blisters with a sterilized needle, drain it, leave the skin then let it air dry when you can or cover it with a bandaid.

moosegal · August 2011

Ladies, this is all VERY helpful -- thank you!!

Sweets11 · August 2011

faydre:
I like running specific socks. They are more breathable and offer very rudimentary support as well. My very very favorites are injinji's, but there's no need to go overboard. Try a running store or an athletic store for cheap try ning socks.
any runner will tell you--- it's all about the shoes. They make or break injuries. They are the difference between running 10 miles and running 13. As a new runner, you don't need to invest in a treadmill test and specialized running shoes, but you should at least purchase running shoes. I love asic's, and saucony.

This. The socks I wear are breathable and are double layered at the toe to prevent loss of toenails (which has happened to me more than once!)

With regard to your shoes, they should be light, shock absorbant, and suit your foot-type. I always need something with arch support. Remember to replace your runners every 400K. Also, your feet swell when you run, so your runners should always be half a size bigger than what you'd normally wear.

I just bought these, and I'm loving them!

https://www.sportchek.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=11428872

tiddle · August 2011

faydre:
I like running specific socks. They are more breathable and offer very rudimentary support as well. My very very favorites are injinji's, but there's no need to go overboard. Try a running store or an athletic store for cheap try ning socks.
any runner will tell you--- it's all about the shoes. They make or break injuries. They are the difference between running 10 miles and running 13. As a new runner, you don't need to invest in a treadmill test and specialized running shoes, but you should at least purchase running shoes. I love asic's, and saucony.

I love Sauconys! they are my favorite... if you have one near by, go to a running store and they can fit you for shoes that will work best for you.

good luck on C25K

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