Gosh Darn You Blisters!!

I'm a triathlete.  It's a given that I deal with the occasional blister; most often from running.  I even have my own sort of protocol when it comes to them too.

If I get a minor blister, I take one day off of running and let the skin "reattach" as I call it.  I'll be sure to use some vaseline on the next run.

If I get a major blister, I let it sit for a day without running.  Then I puncture it to let the liquid drain.  Leaving the skin where it is, I'll run on that for a few days.  Once I feel the skin underneath has toughened up a bit, I'll remove the blistered skin layer and expose the new skin.  If I timed it correctly, I can run on the new skin without a worry.  If I did not time it correctly, this is when it gets interesting. 

Thankfully, since I switched over to more of a mid-foot strike, I've avoided the majority of blisters I used to get.  However, on long runs, it becomes more and more likely that I'll end up with s-o-m-e blisters.  And with a 14 mile Friday afternoon run and 7 mile run Saturday morning (21 miles in under 18 hours), I should have known it was coming. 

I got a blister on the outside of both pinky toes.  They were a good size and I could tell there was built up liquid.  I figured with a few days off from running ahead, I'd expose them early and get the worst part over with.  Wrong!  I drained 'em and let 'em sit for a day.  Then on Sunday I exposed them.  Even walking now makes me aware of their presence.

I did 15 mile rides yesterday and Monday which weren't bad.  I can feel them there, but it's easy to ignore.  Running is going to be difficult though.  I really want to test out my new Pear Izumi ISO Transitions though!!  +\  What to do?  What to do?

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Questions

1.  Do you get blisters?  Occasionally?, all the time?, or rarely?
I've got a couple places that get them on my feet, but only on long runs.

2.  What is your most annoying minor injury?  Blisters?, muscle that is continuously sore?, shin splints?, etc.
Blisters are annoying, but black toenails are my least favorite.  They've put me out for weeks at a time before!


Swim fast.  Bike smart.  Run hard.