Still recovering, warts and all

Post 26.2, I am still recovering from a hip flexor strain that caused a secondary issue with my piriformis and some tendonitis. Not only that, but I have finally lost all the toenails that I ruined during the long miles of training and the race itself. In spite of being fitted multiple times for correct shoes, having a sock consultation, and getting my overall running form evaluated, I still lose toenails. I was basically told it's a biomechanical problem I just happen to be prone to. Swell. So for the record, I have now lost FIVE out of ten toenails. That's HALF. The good news is, they have all completely fallen off now, so at least they don't look like mangled nasty messes anymore. They just look...gone.

In spite of missing all those toenails, it's summer in Southern California, and it's hot. And when I'm not in running shoes, I pretty much live in my Rocket Dog flip flops. That is not changing, no matter how self-conscious I get about my less than elegant, non-pedicured toes. I hope that my friends know me well enough to overlook this social/fashion faux pas. I found an amusing post from the "Ask Miles" files at Runner's World that addressed this issue:


DEAR MILES,
Q: I've lost a few toenails thanks to running. Is it impolite to wear sandals around nonrunning friends?
A: Are they new nonrunning friends? If so, yeah, it's kinda rude. If they're friends who know you all too well, it's fine.

(http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267-270-13549-0,00.html?cm_mmc=beginner-_-2010_07_14-_-beginner-_-ASK%20MILES%3a%20'Should%20I%20Tip%3f'%20)

Thank goodness. And to all my new nonrunning friends, I hope you're not squeamish or a member of the fashion police. Because this is me. Warts (and missing toenails!) and all.