Blisters on long races/events
5 watchers
Jun 2023
4:33pm, 13 Jun 2023
3,128 posts
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cackleberry
I know there have been several threads on blisters, I have read them. They don't really cover my question. I'm finding once i get beyond 30-40 miles I get blisters, nice big puffy ones. Twice they have caused a DNF on a 100 mile event. In both cases, I was using socks and shoes I had previously used. The conditions were warm, too warm for me really, rather than wet. I think my feet get all puffed up with the heat and then bashing around on the baked ground and they blister. I usually get them under the balls of my feet and this time on the sides of my feet. I got 6 in total, very painful. Thing is, I rarely get any blisters in training - I guess I don't usually run 40-odd miles in blistering heat - so I am not practiced in what to do with them so I can carry on running! On this last event, I used Compeed under my feet (one of those blisters still popped while running, ouch) and ordinary plasters on the ones on the sides of my feet, but ulitmately they were too painful to bear for another 60 miles. Plus, I didn't fancy the skin actually coming off. I asked a few people at the event, of course I got several different answers! Physio Tape Vaseline 2Toms powder But, what do I do mid-run so I can keep going? I have signed up to a multi-day ultra and its going to be a massive waste of time and money if I get blisters 40 miles in and have to DNF. Is it a case of popping, dressing and gritting my teeth? They will have a medic team on hand during the event and our kit list includes scalpels... Anything I can try before hand would be great (I have a 50-miler in a couple of weeks, trying tape and powering my feet first this time!) |
Jun 2023
5:25pm, 13 Jun 2023
1,104 posts
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Shades
I no longer attempt the longer ultras as my stomach plays up and I end up having to DNF. But I've had my fair share of blisters in the past and what made a significant difference to me was switching to elastic laces. Gives a snug fit so less chance of friction/hot spots. I know a few of my ultra friends tape their feet before long ultras. Good luck finding a solution. Blisters can be so painful. |
Jun 2023
9:21am, 14 Jun 2023
7,458 posts
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um
I think the only way is to prevent the blisters. Once started, they're only going to get worse. I've not been in the post 50 mile range, but have you thought of or tried :- - changing to dry socks (and shoes?) every so often - cream on key spots - I use germolene or the Scholls 'cracked heel' cream on likely points before they blister (may need redoing if a very long run) - change of socks completely? I find the thorlos thicker ones best for me Failing that, popping and compeed (various sizes and or cut to fit) have worked best for me (but you can't mix compeed and creams - once creamed, the compeeds won't stick properly) good luck though! |
Jun 2023
10:17am, 14 Jun 2023
1,359 posts
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Sam Jelfs
First off, grab a copy of "Fixing Your Feet" and have a read: ultramarathonrunningstore.com Key thing is prevent them starting, so for me thats removing hard / dry / dead skin before the race. You can try anti-blister spray, but it also depends on what the root cause is? Friction or something else? I have a lot of problems with maceration causing blisters where the skin swells and folds, rather than with friction blisters, so for me it is a case of dry shoes and socks as often as possible, letting my feet dry out at CPs, ideally using products like a menthol talc to help dry them out as quick as possible. careplus.eu Don't underestimate the amount your feet can sweat in hot weather, and be careful of pouring water over your head etc and letting it drain into your shoes. Wet feet will cause problems, no matter how they got wet. |
Jun 2023
11:22am, 14 Jun 2023
14,442 posts
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mulbs
I'm a taper - but I've only done tame 50-100k events, so not necessarily best qualified. Would agree that unless you catch a hotspot before it's a blister you're doomed to an uncomfortable outing
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Jun 2023
1:46pm, 14 Jun 2023
46,933 posts
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HappyG(rrr)
I'm afraid I've never really had significant problems in events right up to 100ish miles. Maybe just been lucky. I am a vaseline on feet person. Socks that fit well in shoes that fit well. Tight enough to minimize movement, loose enough to allow swelling. In my 96 and 105 miler, I didn't change shoes, socks or apply any additional treatment to feet. I had blisters at the end, but none so severe that they stopped me running. I had far worse problems! Good luck.  G
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Jun 2023
2:11pm, 14 Jun 2023
4 posts
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squeaki..#Ultragrandad
Hiya, I have competed and completed a number of timed events including 48hr and 6 day races and have tried plenty of different approaches over the years. Taping my feet has given me mixed results depending on how well my feet were taped, fantastic blister less results when my nurse wife tapes them, but not so successful and a couple of blisters when done myself. Lubing my toes/feet gave me good results unless hot weather(I am located in Queensland, Australia) so not always the best for me. At present I do manage to race big hours on my feet and be totally clear of blisters, lifted nails, hot spots ... etc. by trimming back my nails very short, the week preceding the race I smooth off any hard or cracked skin and moisturise my feet daily. On race day I leave my feet as they are, just change into fresh clean socks every 6 hours without fail and only change shoes if a multiday. Shoes I wear wide fitting toe box as have bunion on one foot to contend with too. Experiment and you will find your right way |
Jun 2023
11:09am, 15 Jun 2023
774 posts
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faithfulred
To remove hard/dead skin get this: margaretdabbs.co.uk It's the only one I've found to do the job effectively. |
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