#30 I may no longer become a marathoner and here's why

An x-ray of a foot by Andrew Magill (Wikimedia Commons)

    In my previous blog, I started an account of how I began my journey of becoming a future marathoner. I have been doing well. My endurance with running is getting better. My weight has improved, and I have officially completed two 5-kilometer runs. I even completed a half marathon two weeks ago. I am excited and ready physically and mentally to complete my first official half-marathon in about three weeks! But, the story changed significantly about two weeks ago when I started experiencing health problems in my feet that could prevent me from running, including the marathon I am dreaming of completing in November 2023.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is only intended for entertainment and not to provide expert medical information or give advice. If you have symptoms, consult your doctor.

Plantar fasciitis

    I am flat-footed, which sometimes causes my heels to hurt and inflame. A normal foot has curve anatomy. When your foot is flat, the ligament that runs from the toes to the heel is abnormally stretched, causing heel pains. I have had this condition for several years now, and it has almost been resolved because I've been wearing orthotics. I wear this device inside my shoes to restore the normal arc of my feet. However, I have not updated my orthotics during the pandemic and stopped using them. When I started running, I again experienced the symptoms of this condition - stabbing pain in the bottom of my feet and heel pain, so painful I could not step on the floor the next morning I got out of bed. Thank God there are solutions. I just visited my podiatrist or foot doctor and had my feet re-scanned for new orthotics.

Hallux valgus

    The more concerning deformity I have is the formation of a bunion in one of my feet. Although small and not yet profound, it becomes inflamed and excruciating after an extended walk or run. Worst case scenario, I may have surgery to correct the deformity, which will limit using my feet for several months. Thankfully, I don't have to go through that, and there are shoe brands that sell extra wide shoes. When buying shoes, I need to try them to ensure they are wide and spacious enough to accommodate my bunion and the orthotics. The shoes must also be soft not to cause painful pressure on the bunion.

Podagra

    The most concerning foot condition I experienced more recently is gout, specifically the inflammation of my great toe joint, causing severe pain, swelling, warmth, and redness. In my opinion, it's hard to pinpoint the root cause of my flare-ups. Although a high concentration of uric acid in the body can trigger gout, not all people with high uric acid experience gout symptoms. I had a normal uric acid level. I am not overweight or an alcoholic drinker. My guess is due to the foods I eat, like beef, turkey meat, grapes, and crabcakes. Or maybe not because I have eaten these foods before but have not experienced any symptoms. Nevertheless, I am concerned that when I have an upcoming run, say a half-marathon or the big marathon, a gout flare-up will occur, which will stop me from participating. To avoid the onset of gout, I check the purine levels of the foods I eat. I also have prescribed anti-inflammatory and uric acid-lowering pills at hand just in case I experience gout attacks.

    The combination of these foot conditions is a perfect storm to prevent me from running, thus keeping me from achieving the dream of becoming a marathoner. Like in any pursuit, one constantly encounters challenges and obstacles. I hope and pray that I will not experience foot discomfort weeks before big runs, including the marathon.