Nervous Running Plan for Race

I was following kind of my own training plan for a 10 mile race.  I was to run 8 miles this weekend, then 10 miles next weekend.  Then I run 2-3+ miles 2-3 times a week besides the long run.

Well... I have struggled with foot numbness, it doesn't come on until mile 4, but after my last run (of just 2 miles), my foot is sore, bruised feeling.  My plan is to take this week off, go have my gait reanalyzed as well as possibly buy new running shoes, based on their recommendation.  I was also starting to get a blister on the base/side of my big toe on longer runs (4+ miles).  I am thinking it might be a combination of my shoes being worn down (not enough cushioning...I distinctly remember thinking that my feet felt bruised the last time it was time for new shoes...but this time its just the one foot)...as well as I made need bigger shoes, either longer or a wider toe box.

I have been fiddling with the shoes laces for months, I definitly don't think I am laced too tight at this point.

Do you think, that with an entire week off, that running 8 miles for a long run, then 10 miles for a long run...a week of decrease and then the race the following weekend (4 weekends until the race day), that I will be alright? 

I know most training plans for the 10 mile only went until 8 mile runs (which I haven't completed yet) but I really wanted to run 10 miles for the mental reassurance. 

My foot is sore enough, that I can't push through it, I am certaint running this week will do my in for sure and I won't be running the race.  I am hoping a week off with ice, and maybe new shoes will fix the problem.

...just for info I am an over pronator, and I run on gravel (not small rocks either).  I kind of wonder if the gravel might be why my shoes seem to break down fast. 

What has your weekly volume been like for the past few weeks?  Avg weekly mileage.  When is the race?  Do you have any idea how many miles you have run in your current shoes?  You really should not get new shoes and then run 8/10 miles in them the first time out.  

Take the week off from running, but cross-train.  Get on your bicycle or something and get your heart rate up at least 2-3 times while resting the foot.

I would suggest you get your foot checked by a podiatrist especially if the pain is lingering and is worse when you are done with a run.  You could have a bone contusion or a fracture, which if you ramp up your mileage too fast is very common.  It seems like with your current training plan that you are upping your mileage rather quickly.

I would also agree with going and getting new shoes.  I do think otherwise your training plan is pretty good, although you might want to get your mileage during the week up a bit more.  The taper seems okay too.  I don't think it's totally necessary to run the 10 during training, you should be good with 8.  Your excitement will get you through the last 2 miles!

Good luck!

Original Post by anya1229:

I run on gravel (not small rocks either).  I kind of wonder if the gravel might be why my shoes seem to break down fast. 

Small gravel is great to run on.  Large gravel, basically small rocks, is not.  There is a huge difference.  I do not like to run on rocks as large as or larger than a golf ball.  Try running on a different surface, if that is possible.

Proper shoes (and especially proper size) will go a long way toward solving a lot of problems. 

Do you think, that with an entire week off, that running 8 miles for a long run, then 10 miles for a long run...a week of decrease and then the race the following weekend (4 weekends until the race day), that I will be alright?

Yes, you'll be fine.  In fact, that week off may help stave off any more serious injury.  One week is not a significant set-back.

It's also entirely likely that the gravel is killing your shoes as well.  Consider how coarse-grit sandpaper affects a piece of wood as opposed to fine-grit sandpaper.

Thanks!

Well I went and had a gait analysis and new shoes last night.  They said my old shoes were borderline...but correctly sized.  I wound up getting new shoes and insoles, he said more arch support would take pressure off my toes. 

I am going to take tonight off still, and ice my foot through out the day.  Then tomorrow maybe go for a 1 mile or 1.5 mile run in the new shoes and see where I am at. 

Sounds like a plan.  Let us know how it works out!