This was the best run in a long time as it was the first run that was (nearly) free of pinky toe pain.

Details

• Distance (mi): 6.96
• Time: 01:14:06

Notes

• Was less and less inclined to run in KSOs due to pinky toe pain.
  • Pain mostly in right pinky toe, but also presented in left pinky toe
• Suspected that pinky toe pain was due to toe pocket hitting toe nail so I decided to perform the Morton’s Toe mod on the pinky toe pocket
  • For testing purposes, I only stretched the toe pocket on the right shoe so that it would be easier to determine if there was noticeable difference after performing the mod.
  • Clamped the pinky toe pocket in a bench vise, and used a heat gun to heat the rubber sole at the base of the toe pocket while simultaneously stretching the shoe by pulling on the heel with my other hand.
  • Wasn’t sure if I making any difference, but after heating and stretching for a while, I turned off the heat gun and continued to stretch the shoe until it cooled down a bit
  • Comparing with the left shoe, the pinky toe pocket was 0.125-0.25in longer on the right (stretched) shoe.
  • Clamped toe pocket, applied heat, and stretched once more.
  • Was not sure if it had been stretched enough but decided to test and see by going on a run.
• The Run
  • Right pinky toe was pain free!
  • Left pinky toe did experience some discomfort as usual
  • Results
    • Very enjoyable run
    • Lots of energy throughout
    • Did not feel like stopping
    • Basically: just like old times
• Next
  • Stretch right pinky toe pocket a bit more (for additional clearance)
  • Stretch left pinky toe pocket
  • Test walking after mod (pinky toe pain usually increased due to different gait while walking).