THOU SHALT BE A COMEBACK

April, do you leave enough room in your shoes that a finger and a 1/2 is between the tips of your toes and the end of the shoe? My first marathon my right foot bugged me a great deal. I thought it was my bunion but really it was too tight of shoes. I also, after my first marathon, had tons of blisters on my feet. I didn't realize that my shoes were too tight. I thought shoes were supposed to feel snug. I was corrected and that has made all the difference in the world. Rarely a blister from a marathon, only under my long second toes that cause me to eventually lose the nail. No blisters on any long run since changing sizes. The pain before was intense that I could barely walk after a run. Where exactly is your pain again? I could read back and find out but since I am writing this ridiculously long post I thought I'd ask.

I agree with you assessment that running slower hurts you. Well, at least for me because I bounce more. And for a fatty like me, that's bad.

Julie I have what I believe to be plantar fascitis in my right foot. At first it presented just like plantar fascitis and seemed to almost go away until I ran the 1/2 then after all those rocks and gravel it was killing me. Now it is much better but not 100% and I have noticed on harder surfaces and rocks it hurts to run. It's not acting like PF anymore either--it doesn't hurt first thing in the morning or after sitting still, but more at the end of the day when I have been on my feet too long, and when I've been running on a hard surface. I think I heel-strike less at higher running speeds, and therefore less pain in the foot. I have just been getting paranoid lately about it rupturing after 26.2 miles on asphalt and I have to limp to the finish. If it would show some more improvement throughout the next month I wouldn't be so paranoid. How's that for a long post?

Burt--I'm glad I'm not the only one that has noticed that too slow of a speed can actually be uncomfortable

I was hoping it was an easier fix but really plantar fascitis is a hard one, but common even in non-runners. Do you where heels a lot (I am doubtful here)? The other thing I have heard is that weak calves are to blame. Where is your masseuse : D? Dehydration/calcium channel problems may play a role, causing in balance in muscles of legs leading to tense calves and then poor compensating heels. These are just my nursing thoughts here at the end. A friend of mine wears a brace at night to keep her ankles flexed, hence stretching her calves and helping her plantar fascitis. Try more new shoes too with added heel cushioning.

Heels haha never! I do have high arches, though. The problem all started after running in those blasted Mizuno shoes that were supposed to be the bomb but I think they were too flexible and I run on too much uneven surfaces and bang now my heel/arch is mad about it. I also was on my feet for nearly 24 hours in a row that week and it was just too much for my poor foot. I am really really hoping that with supportive care this thing goes away. I want to see how it acts on a few 18+ mile long runs so I will know if it is going to hold up for a marathon or not.

If it doesn't get better than I will probably back off after the 1/2 in September, do a lot of cross-training and treadmill and let the stupid thing heal, and then maybe look around for a January marathon or even wait until spring if need be.

I would suggest cutting down a little mileage before taking decision to cut off races. More easy miles. Hope your foot gets well soon.Take care.