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Angela L.
Angela L. Sendmail

blisters during an ultra

posted 5 months ago | Report

Any suggestions on how to avoid blisters on 50 mile + distances?? It seems as if I always get them and if I could avoid them, I could go further...just hate to limit my distance due to blisters!

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  • Chris B.
    Chris B. Sendmail

    First, look at where you are getting blisters, and then ask yourself why there. Is it poorly fitting shoes, bad socks, of dirt getting in?

    What seems to work for me is to run 10-20 miles/wk barefoot to keep my feet tough (and enhance form), then use lots of body glide, good socks and shoes that aren't worn out. If possible, I try to use 1 pair of shoes for the wet parts of the race and another pair for the dry. Also, if you are doing a trail race on the east coast, or running through snow, gators are a must. Keep some spare socks with you and don't worry about losing few minutes to deal with developing problems. It can save hours over 100 miles. After 2010 I thought I had it all figured out, but this year at Bighorn 100 I was crippled with blisters, so I am still learning as well. Good Luck.

    posted 5 months ago

  • Mike O.
    Mike O. Sendmail

    Have you tried something like BODY GLIDE? I use very liberally on long runs and on 50 miler reapplied at 30 miles. Minimal blisters. Also, I am using wool socks by Smartwool.

    posted 5 months ago

  • Angela L.
    Angela L. Sendmail

    Thanks for the suggestions! The blister that developed was in between my big toe and the next one and had been started before the race...which was a big part of my problem. From there it just got progressively worse, as you can imagine. I tried injinji toe socks, second skin, tape, and i wore my Hokas. I think maybe using the body glide and second skin might work well. How often do you reapply body glide, etc? If you were doing a desert trail run would you normally change socks and shoes?

    posted 5 months ago

  • Joe W.
    Joe W. Sendmail

    How happy are you with your shoes and socks? Are your toes crowded in the toe-box?

    I've had good luck with some talcum powder. Also, the suggestion below to run barefoot to toughen up your feet makes sense.

    -joe

    posted 5 months ago

  • Angela L.
    Angela L. Sendmail

    I have a lot of room in my shoes....of course less when my feet swell. I did do the barefoot thing once for 4 miles before a marathon and got blisters then as well! ugh! I might try the talc idea!!! thanks you guys!

    posted 5 months ago

  • Nickelass
    Nickelass Sendmail

    I dont touch my feet during ultra's unless there is a problem (i.e. a hot spot develops). I apply a liberal layer of body glide, followed by Injinji liner socks followed by a Injinji socks. The liner socks really help create a soft layer next to your skin. I also wear running gaters during ultras as this reduces the amount of dust and grit that get's into your shoes. I haven't had any significant blisters since I started this approach.

    posted 5 months ago

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