Okay, I didn’t really lose my toe. It is fortunately, still firmly attached. But, on my left foot, I did lose my second to the biggest (is that the pointer toe?) toe nail. And I’m ecstatic.
Sure it looks a bit strange and pedicures, if I ever got them on a regular basis, will be awkward for awhile, but I am celebrating this missing toe nail. Before you think I’m totally insane, let me explain.
Since I made the decision to add activity in my life a few years ago, and then slowly began accomplishing some of my fitness goals, one thing has been missing. I don’t look like an athlete. I don’t have the ripped abs and tight buns that are typically associated with athleticism. In fact, there is really nothing that looks even remotely athletic about me. Sure, sometimes I wear cute running clothes, but that’s about it. In fact often when people find out I’ve run half marathons they raise and eyebrow and give me one of those, “you?” looks. It’s true.
And mostly, I’m okay with that.
So back to my toe. For me, this is kind of like a badge of honor. Losing nails is one of the most common running ‘injuries’ for endurance athletes and now I’ve joined that club. Back in July I accomplished my Holy Sh*t goal of completing the Heart of the Rockies Olympic Triathlon. It’s important to note the word ‘Rockies’ as this particular race takes place in the mountains, meaning there were hills, a.k.a MOUNTAINS.
Right at the end of the run portion of the race, is a long, steep decent, coming down from, yup, you guessed it, a mountain. My toe must have been slamming against the front of my shoe because when I finally crossed the finish line, and after I was able to get off the ground, I pulled off my shoes and sure enough…purple nail bed.
Two months later…the badge of honor.
I get how ridiculous this is. But hey…it’s the little things that count right?
Without further ado…my toe. And yes I’m aware of how freakishly large my feet are.
I'm sure it'll grow in soon
