Every once in awhile, I like to do something really stupid. First, it keeps me humble. Second, it gives me the opportunity to experiment with situations I don't normally encounter in normal training.
What did I do today? I ran three miles. Fast. On hot asphalt.
Without any previous adaptation, I decided to test my limits. The problem- the hot asphalt limited my perception of the development of hot spots and susequent blisters. The result- the heat and friction caused a sizable blood blister to form on my right foot.
It's not a serious issue... it will keep me from running tomorrow and likely force me to wear minimalist shoes for about a week. Blisters usually aren't deal-breakers... you can train through them.
This particular blister was creating significant pressure, which made it difficult to walk. As I usually do in this situation, I decided to drain it. And take pics of the process. Now I'm posting the gory details for your viewing pleasure!
The blister:
The alcohol wipe used for sterilization:
Sterilizing the skin:
Sterilizing the needle:
Popping the blister:
BLOOD!
More popping:
A little squeezing:
One last poke:
...And a band-aid.
The moral of the story: Don't leave pictures of your amateur blister draining on your wife's new camera without telling her.
What a hoot, Jason, I just posted this one:
ReplyDeletehttp://odence.wordpress.com/2010/05/25/heat-on-the-street-under-feet/
I'm feeling better about just being a little sore.
A couple weeks ago, I came up with a small blood blister under similar conditions. Wasn't sure it was the heat.
So what do you think...do the feet adjust by mid-summer?
Barefoot Phil
Ugh. Blisters were my nemesis for a long time...I was too anxious to run after popping them and ended up getting infections. I eventually learned I had to take at least a day off, or wear something minimal for protection. How soon do you run after doing this?
ReplyDeleteBarefoot LaD
I do the same procedure with blisters, but with one exception; have you tried that liquid bandage stuff? You only need the tiniest dab on the pin hole and it's WAY more durable than a regular band aid.
ReplyDeleteYuck......but I looked anyways :)
ReplyDeleteI do the same thing with my blisters, if and when I get them. Its amazing how fast they heal especially after the pressure is removed.
What...no superman band-aid? ;-)
ReplyDeleteOoooo, blood blisters. Thankfully my first scorcher run earlier this week didn't result in blisters. I do however find that just pricking the blisters doesn't drain them sufficiently and I find covering them also slows the healing process (for me at least). Here's what I do.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this. My first blisters were brutal. I ended up bandaging them, putting on socks, and walking around in crocks on my heels for the rest of the day. I was able to walk "normal" the next day, but it was still painful.
ReplyDeleteOh btw, your captcha made me laugh.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Gh81tWfsfIuWRI8mcFKt4Q?feat=directlink
Dude! Thanks for sharing... LOL... We ALL need a does of HUMILITY once in a while, eh?!!?
ReplyDeleteI've been battling a blood blister myself. Hubby said not to pop blood blisters as blood is a great place for bacteria growth, so I didn't. Ran on hot pavement with it not fully healed last night & had to stop after 15 minutes. Am back to minimalist shoes for a bit:(
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