Memories, thoughts, and feelings the day after my 2.49 marathon

My 2.49 marathon is now behind me, a lovely chapter in my running journey book!

I’m not hurting! That makes me proud. I remember my first couple of marathons more than a decade ago. They were just over four hours. I couldn’t lift my ass from my bed or chair for days! Now I’m so well trained, I’m not hurting.

Except for my toes!

About a year and a half ago when I was starting to run more, I wore some cheap Nike shoes. They’d worked for me fine in the past but then my toenails started to get bruised. Not so long ago, already after my first sub-3 marathon, I tried New Balance Rebel 2. They felt great, except for the narrow toe box. So the bruises under my nails got worse. I now train in Saucony but it will take a long time for my nails to heal. For many months now I can’t appear in public without sandals — so ugly my toenails are! I’m pretty sure it’s not fungus. Just bruises on top of bruises. Sorry, if you are eating and I’m ruining your dinner.

I love my Nike Vaporflies but I guess when you run twenty-six miles some of your bruises and scars will remind you of their existence. My left toenail is screaming in pain! I’m limping today because of my toenail, not muscle pain.