Back in Black.

I (NOEL – the missing team member) have been somewhat lax in my official marathon training – not for lack of cardio endurance or internal drive, but because I have fallen prey to the infamous BLACK TOENAIL syndrome that I’ve heard so much about but have never experienced firsthand.

The path leading up to the BLACK TOENAIL (isn’t it so much more dramatic in ALL CAPS?) began with a plan to rid myself of the used and tattered running shoes that had served me well. I wanted to start training for the NYC Marathon in freshly cushioned, sparkly white and blue runners, so before leaving for Italy in June I purchased a new pair of Asics Gel Kayano v14 Size 10 on Ebay for $100. This is steal considering they retail for over $135. I’ve been wearing this brand and style of running shoe for over six years, and this was my first time purchasing them on Ebay. My old running shoes had clocked in the miles and my plan was to leave them in Italy to make room in my suitcase for More Important Things (i.e., pasta + espresso + limoncello). Getting rid of the old pair is a story in itself, so if you have the time and curiosity, check out my other blog which details how Mary and I were running from “the law” in Italy in a last ditch attempt to “throw our shoes up.” My intention was to just leave them at the bus stop for someone else to pick up and use (ala Detroit-style) but as is the case with Mary, nothing is ever that simple.

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=112176485

Upon return to North Carolina I laced up my new Kayano’s and the toebox felt a little snug. Hmmm. I thought. Same style, same color, and same size as my old shoes, but since they’re new, I must have to break them in. I went for one trail run – it was just okay. My second run on June 30th was here in DC where I’m working. This run marked my first official “track workout” (although done on a treadmill at the gym) and began the decent into toenail transformation.

I can do this, I thought. I just gotta break ‘em in. No worries. I’m TRAINING, I kept telling myself. Like Rocky. Nobody said running a marathon was cake. This positive self-talk kept me going through the weekend’s long run of 9 miles at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station, Virginia.

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/burkelake/

Burke Lake Park was voted one of the 10 best fitness trails in America by the American Hiking Society, and its 4.7 miles of shoreline trails helped me recharge my batteries after a long week at the office. I was so happy to be out in the woods that I hardly noticed the toes on my left foot wincing with every step. It wasn’t until that evening that “the shiner” appeared. One of my toenails had gone purple, and when I touched it I could feel it all the way up into my armpits. Hmm, this isn’t good, I thought. I glanced over at my shoes, then down at my toenail, then over at my shoes before shaking my fist in the air thinking that somehow I had purchased “fakes” on Ebay! This can’t be! I ran a few more times in said shoes before hitting up the running store in town, and sure enough, when I measured my sockless feet, I had somehow grown to a size 10.5 since I’d lift Italy. Must have been all of the pizza I ate. Haha.

So, since this debacle I’ve been cycling at the gym and examining my toenail daily like it’s some kind of middle school science experiment. I can’t wait for it to fall off so that I can discover the world underneath. (I hope you’re not eating at your computer right now because I’m sure the thought of that is making your stomach turn.) Because the pain has subsided, I was finally able to run today for the scheduled “tempo run” of 6 miles (on the treadmill) and my toenail was cooperative. I did a two mile warm-up (6 mph), three miles at tempo (7-7.5 mph) and a one mile cool-down (6 mph). This weekend, Burke Lake for 10 miles – black toenail or not.

- nlk