The Importance of Foot Health: My Enlightening
First Podiatrist Appointment

Hello, fellow runners and aspiring athletes! Today, I want to share an eye-opening experience that truly revolutionized my perspective on running and foot health. I'm talking about my first podiatrist appointment, and believe me, it's something every serious runner should consider.

Let me kick things off by setting the stage: I'm a barefoot runner. I've been run-logging for 1,592 consecutive days, pounding the pavement (and occasionally the trails) without the cushioning of traditional running trainers. This style of running subjected my feet to greater wear and tear than most, but it also enhances my running form by making poor technique too painful to sustain.

Lately, I've been struggling with recurring blisters. My last two marathons were affected—first in York, where a blister almost derailed my challenge despite clocking a personal best, and then in Loch Ness, where blisters appeared just seven miles in, turning the rest of the race into an agonizing limp. I knew something had to change, so I sought advice from a podiatrist.

When I arrived at the podiatrist's office, I didn't know what to expect. The good news was that, despite the rigorous demands of barefoot running, my feet were generally in good condition. However, there was a lot of hardened skin on the soles, built up to form a natural armor of sorts. Hidden beneath this tough exterior were a couple of problematic corns—small, hardened areas that had begun to grow inward.

Here’s where things got interesting. Although these corns weren't causing me significant pain, they altered my running form. Essentially, my brain perceived them as obstacles—like little stones in my shoes—which subtly changed my landing pattern and created friction in unexpected places, leading to those dreaded blisters.

The podiatrist performed a thorough and remarkable transformation. Using a scalpel, she meticulously shaved away the excess hard skin and removed the corns. Instantly, my feet felt rejuvenated, and running has become significantly more comfortable since the treatment.

Beyond immediate relief, my podiatrist equipped me with a wealth of practical advice. She recommended specific moisturizers to keep my skin flexible and prevent future blistering. Additionally, she introduced me to various taping techniques and silicone sheets for padding to offer my feet additional protection.

We also discussed the need for regular podiatric care. While I get a sports massage every six weeks to protect my muscles and joints, my feet—arguably enduring the most abuse—were neglected. From now on, I’ll be visiting my podiatrist every eight weeks for maintenance and to address any emerging issues before they can affect my performance. She even advised scheduling an appointment two weeks prior to any marathon to ensure my feet are in peak condition.

She didn’t stop there. Apparently, my transverse (metatarsal) arch isn’t as strong as it should be, which also contributes to my issues. She gave me exercises to strengthen this arch, a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of foot health.

This appointment was enlightening, reinforcing the notion that foot health is paramount for runners. We often focus on muscle conditioning, joint health, and cardiovascular fitness, but it's our feet that bear the brunt of our running. They are the foundation that supports our entire athletic endeavor, and neglecting them can undermine all other efforts.

So, whether you're an avid runner or just starting, I highly recommend seeing a podiatrist. You'll gain invaluable insights into your foot health and discover practical strategies to improve your running experience and performance.

If you have any questions or comments, drop me a line—I respond to everyone. And if you believe in my mission of saving lives by attempting the ultimate ultra-marathon of run-vlogging around the world barefoot, please support me by subscribing, sharing, liking, and commenting. The more visibility we get, the more funds we raise, and the more children's lives we can save.

Stay positive, stay happy, and keep those feet healthy. See you again tomorrow!

— Kevin Brittain