So here is my shoe (I don’t have fat ankles, not sure why it looks that way in this pic). Notice the orange strap that goes across it. Where that strap hits the right side of the shoe is where my pain is in my foot. Strange, because these are my second pair of Brooks PureFlow shoes and I’ve never had a problem.
I went out for my run yesterday and got about a quarter mile into it when my foot started hurting again. It hurt on the top of the foot on the bone that leads to the big toe. So I ran out and back toward my house. By the time I got home I was in some real pain. Crazy. Not wanting to quit my run, I immediately switched shoes with my old pair, you will remember look like this…
Okay. A bit worn. My foot felt better though, even though this is the same style shoe and has that strap. After about 3 miles more, the pain was gone and I felt so much better. The only issue was earlier, while I was in pain, I obviously adjusted my form to compensate, even though I tried really hard not to. I am sore today in my ankle and calf muscles.
The run.
It was a good run. I ended with a mid week high mileage (at least since my marathon last September) run of 6.4 miles. I also had an 8:38 pace and that included a 2 minute walk while I got a call from work. I think it is a conspiracy that work calls me in the middle of my runs. Anyway, I really felt great about the run and the mileage. I hope to keep doing that same run about every other day to start slowly building my mileage up.
At the moment I have no plans to taper for my half marathon. I’ll probably slow down a bit, but that is about it. Running has become a lifestyle for me and tapering for a half marathon doesn’t seem to be that big of a deal to me. If anyone wants to chime in on that one, feel free!
Tom
278 to Boston 
It all depends on your level of training and what you want to do for your half. I’ve run enough half marathons to where the distance is not a challenge and I can safely finish one without an 8-12 week training plan. (In fact, I just finished a marathon on March 29 and am doing an abbreviated 4 week training cycle for a half marathon on May 4.) If you’re hoping to do something above and beyond finishing, tapering is essential. It allows your body to recover and repair damage done during the training cycle. It would still be a good idea to taper your running if you have trained especially hard.
As far as the shoes go, are the blue ones the PureFlow 2s? If so that might be part the issue as they did some major redesign work from the initial release to the second edition and a lot of people didn’t like the new look. The newest model had even more changes that I wasn’t particularly fond of, including more cushioning in the sole and greater arch support. If that old pair works for you and they were the first release, check on ebay or the Brooks website for leftover stock and grab as many pairs as you can! That’s what I did in the case of the Brooks PureDrifts!
Thanks for the info. Yes, I guess I will taper some for my half. I know I can run it pretty easily, but I do want to PR which would be under 1:44, so I guess a taper would be good. Thanks.
Yes, those are PureFlow 2. In fact both pair are PureFlow 2s. I’m not sure what the issue is with this new pair, but it is definitely an issue. I really like the shoe, but I might head on down to our local running store and check out some more options. I can’t keep running in the worn out pair, that is for sure.
Could just be the pair that hurt are defective. It wouldn’t be the first time a shoe company put a lemon on the shelves! LOL. Back to my original comment though. If the 2s work I wouldn’t try the 3s unless you’re looking for a different experience. And good for you going for a 1:44! My PR at the half distance is only 1:51 and I’m hoping to bust that May 4!
I have thought about talking to Brooks directly about it. I love my Brooks, but this is not a good thing.
Wow, I hope you make a PR! Especially after just running a marathon. The challenges running gives are awesome and fun – after the pain of the run. 🙂
I am somewhat with you on the tapering issue. As a coach I would have an athlete taper a bit of course for a half. But like you, I run so much mileage that running 13.1 isn’t a huge deal. I would lower my mileage a bit for the days before just to give my body a bit of a rest but besides that I am sure you will be fine.
That strap on the shoe could certainly be bugging your foot. I have definitely had shoes, and skates, that I loved the first time and the second pair just didn’t work for me. A few years ago I sustained an injury similar to what you are talking about. It was actually from me tying my skates too tight while I was teaching (I’ve only been skating for 20 some years). But I had that pain across the top of my foot and ran on it and ended up causing it to swell so much it looked like a sausage! It was a form of tendonitis. Cross friction massage and ice really helped. I also found keeping my shoes untied (when not running) helped to alleviate the pain. Hope you are back to 100% soon.
Thanks for the tapering advice. I do want to run well, but also don’t think I need to go too low with my mileage as I enjoy running each afternoon. What to do.. What to do…
Also on the foot. To be fair, I did have an issue right before my marathon, but I think my shoes were tied too tight during one run and I bruised myself. This time, I can’t loosen this pair enough to help and my old pair (though stretched out) is awesome. Maybe I’ll tweet Brooks and see if they respond.
It is so great to have such good advice given. Thank you for all your comments and help!!!!!
I agree with the commenters above (who are far more expert than I am.) It’s not really about the mileage…you don’t need to taper for that. You just want to give your legs the chance to be super fresh so you can PR. As for the shoe, good luck! Take them back and talk to the people at your running store…
Will do. It is just so disappointing about the shoes. Also, I had about 50 miles on them before the issue which is really strange. But who ever said running didn’t have strange consequences. 🙂 Thank you!!!!!!!
I would just taper a little – nothing major. Just enough to take the edge off your legs a little bit. As far as the shoes, I’ve had similar things happen, and unfortunately, I don’t have a great explanation for you. I’d probably try them one or two more times, just to make sure it’s the shoe and that it wasn’t just one of those days. If it’s still bothering you, definitely try and exchange them!
The shoe thing is strange in that they were fine, hurt, and then the same shoe but used a lot more didn’t hurt. I wonder if it is my instep and I could just loosen them some. I even thought about cutting off the strap, but didn’t know if that would mess with the integrity of the shoe.
Thanks for help and the info on tapering!!!