Tempo and long run: revival of an old enemy

(Thu) Bad run. 7miles @8.59min/mile.

(Sat) Bad run. 10.17miles @9.59min/mile

I cut short both runs last week due to an old foot problem—my right foot went numb while running.

I had this problem while training in 2007 as well, and it is due in part to different leg lengths as well as different arches on my feet. What happens is that a nerve in my right leg gets irritated, leading to numbness in my right foot. To fix this, I had consulted a podiatrist, who had given a customized orthotic insert to wear.

The problem briefly appeared in a tempo run a few weeks back at mile 3. On Thu, it was the same story—at mile 3.55, I could feel the numbness. I stopped to tie my shoe laces stronger, but it did not help. At mile 4.5, my foot had gone almost numb, so I removed my shoe and had to adjust my orthotics. I survived the rest of the run, but decided to play it safe and stopped at 7miles instead of the prescribed 8.

By itself, the numbness is harmless—there is no pain. I have never let my foot go fully numb, if it did, I would imagine that my control over gait would be diminished. I especially don’t want to aggravate my shins or ITB, both of which have been very cooperative so far.

But Sat was worse. I have never had trouble with the numbness at anything slower than 9min/mile. But on Sat, at mile 4.5, I felt the onset of numbness. I tested various paces, none of which made a difference. I readjusted my shoes, trying to shore up the orthotic insert so that it remained under the arch of my foot.

Finally, at mile 6.5, I managed to wedge the orthotics relatively firmly inside my shoe. From that point onwards, it gave me very little trouble—at mile 10, I was near home. Rather than take a further 2 mile loop as I was supposed to, I stopped at that point in deference to a 4mile hike I had done that morning.

There are several potential reasons why the problems reappeared now—we will figure out the real one(s) when I visit a podiatrist on Mar 12 (earliest possible appointment). By then, I want to be sure about exactly which circumstances cause this problem.

One reason may be the shoes, rather the amount of cushioning that complements the orthotics. When I got the orthotics, I had a Mizuno Wave Rider. I replaced them twice for other Wave Riders, but the third time around, I got a Brooks T5 racer and a Nike Free shoes to replace them. I found out that the T5s, while incredibly light, are not recommended for more than half marathon distances. It is too bad—I loved running in them. The last few runs have therefore been in my Nike Free shoes.

Both the T5 and the Nike Free have little to no cushioning, unlike the Wave Rider. I feel very good in them thanks to their minimal design, and I think I am faster in them than in the Wave Rider. That is, till the foot numbness started reappearing.

A second reason is related to shoes, but more indirectly. The height correction for asymmetric leg lengths may no longer be working with the new shoes—the heel may not be firm enough. That can be fixed easily—I have variable inserts, but I don’t want to try this before I get a green light from a doctor.

Lastly, it may be that the orthotics have reached the end of their lives as well, and need to be replaced.

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