Stubbed Toe

[wswhiting]

Most of my barefoot running up to this point since the mid 70s has been running on the beach or doing speed work on a golf course. I have noticed (especially on the beach) that I tend to drag my left big toe. This is not a big deal when running on the beach as it felt mostly like a sprain and then went quickly away. However, on cement of asphalt it has resulted in stubbing the underside of the big toe right in front of the nail and taking a good chunk of skin off. It healed only to repeat the same injury one week later.

I have read Sandler's book and Barefoot Ken Bob's book on form. On my last few runs I have really tried to concentrate on landing on my forefoot and have avoided any stubbing, but I am wondering if anyone has experienced this and can tell me what I might be doing. I am up to 2-4 miles on asphalt/cement, carrying my shoes, and finishing either an 8 mile or 6 mile run in Merrell Trail Glove shoes.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Barefoot TJ]

I've stubbed my toe twice in

I've stubbed my toe twice in over 2-1/2 years. Hopefully, it's just a stretch of bad luck for you and not a permanent problem. Don't jinx yourself by thinking it's going to happen again and again. Let's hope it was just a momentary lapse of judgement in proprioception .

 

[dunetraveller]

Could be a body alignment

Could be a body alignment compensation. I have a minor leg length issue and I often stumble when I forget. Most times I can breeze along unaware, but I do stub toes – even when walking. So far I have avoided doing it when running, but I am always mentally repeating the mantra of LIFT! to avoid pushing off so I think I am getting good clearance.

John