I recently wrote a post entitled, “What Cat Litter Can Teach Us About Running Injury Mangement,” which highlighted the importance of screening your running shoes for foreign objects that may result in unnecessary injury. After writing this piece, I got the sense that some of my viewers felt that I was starting to lose my mind. My father even phoned me after reading the post and exclaimed, “You are getting in to some weird stuff in New York.” While it may sound strange to consider cat litter, coins, and other foreign objects as potential causes of injury among runners, the story below reminds us that it is critical to always screen your equipment (feet included) before you head out for a run.
Meb Keflezighi, winner of the 2009 ING New York City Marathon, recently learned this after incurring a foot injury during the 2011 New York City Marathon. He apparently forgot to remove a breathe right strip from his left shoe before starting the race. It wasn’t until he completed mile one that he realized the breathe right strip was not on his nose, but rather, in his shoe. Meb not only scraped his foot raw, but also developed an infection, which sidelined him from training for the ensuing weeks. This foot injury raised obvious concern among Meb’s camp given the impending US Olympic Marathon Trials. Fortunately, Meb enjoyed a timely recovery and not only took part in the trials (held last weekend in Houston, TX), but also won the race.
So what can we learn from this situation? First off, I AM NOT CRAZY! If this can happen to Meb, it can happen to anyone. Secondly, sometimes an injury can be a blessing in disguise. While it may seem that time away from training would compromise one’s performance, oftentimes, it affords much needed rest. Based on Meb’s performance during the trials, his body obvious benefitted from this rest period. So before you head out for your next run, take the time to screen your shoes, socks, and feet. In the event that you sustain an injury, do not sweat time away from training! Understand that your body has a natural affinity to heal itself, and you will often come back stronger than before.
WISHING YOU HAPPY, HEALTH, & STRONG TRAINING!
