Fueling Advice from an Ultra Marathoner
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Toe Socks Aren't Weird
The first time you saw Injinji’s toe socks, your stomach probably turned a little. Five little fabric sausages, each one hugging a sweaty toe like a tiny wet glove. Ew. Why would anyone put that on their feet? But here’s the grosser truth: your regular socks are already a swamp. Five toes mashed together in one damp pocket, rubbing skin on skin for mile after mile, mustering up blisters, hot spots, and that smell you pretend isn’t coming from your shoes.
Those weird toe gloves might be the cleanest thing you ever do for your feet, and they may improve your running more than you’d expect.
So why was Injinji made? Injinji was founded in 1999 in Southern California around one simple idea: your toes shouldn't be fighting each other inside your shoe. A traditional sock stuffs all five toes into one pocket, where they rub skin-on-skin for every single mile. Injinji gives each toe its own sleeve, letting your toes spread out naturally and cutting out the friction that causes blisters and hot spots. What started as a sock for runners now covers road, trail, ultra, hiking, and everyday wear.
Why do people love it? Once runners try them, most never go back. The individual toe sleeves pull sweat away from between the toes, which is exactly where blisters love to start, and that is a big deal in a humid Texas summer. The left/right specific fit and arch band keep the sock from sliding around, and the heel tab protects your Achilles from rubbing on the shoe. Injinji has become close to standard gear in the ultramarathon and trail running world, where one blister can end your race.
Why might Injinji not be for you? They take some getting used to. Putting them on takes a few extra seconds since every toe has to find its own sleeve, and they feel a little strange for the first few runs. If your shoe has a narrow or tight toe box, a thicker model like the Ultra Run can feel crowded, so pair it with a shoe that has a bit more room up front or pick a sock with a lightweight feel from Injinji. They also cost more than a basic multipack, at about $15 to $20 a pair. Finally, sizing matters more than with normal socks. Toe sleeves that are too long or too short get uncomfortable fast, so check the size chart before you buy. The last issue would be that your old socks won’t feel as good anymore. Maybe that one isn’t a negative anymore.
Some good ole'toe socks may just revolutionize your running, walking, working, and life experience!
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Becoming the Best Version of Yourself Starts Wi
I often get the response that is similar to the following when I talk to people about running: "Oh well you're skinny" "Oh well you used to run in a high school" "Oh well you own a running shoe store, so you have to like running". None of these things are the truth.
I cannot count on my fingers how many times I get told this. I am sure many more think this.
Here is the reality, I never was a runner. I didn't run in high school. I didn't run in college. Running was pure punishment for me growing up. I was a football player at heart. Did that include some running? YES!
But if I am being honest with you, that was never enjoyable. When every single rep is a max effort sprint to see who the fastest person in the school is, that is not just the most enjoyable activity in the world.
My fitness journey did not take shape until after high school and more specifically on December 14th of 2021.
I sat in the waiting room moments away from my jaw surgery which would correct my bite, open my collapsed airway, and more and thought about the next 5-6 months of recovery. 1 month of liquids. 1 month of soft foods. 1 month of a bit tougher food. 1 month of semi-normal food. 1 month of the majority of normal food. 6 months before my first steak or apple.
What was I going to do? The Doctor told me that for the 1st month I should not do anything but try to survive on liquids.
Working out or anything strenuous would cause everything to separate from my surgery.
Day 1 - "I'm hurting so bad"
Day 2 - "I don't know how I can do this"
Day 3 - Sydney says, "Let's try to walk to the end of the street and back" - I made it there and came back and was so exhausted I went to bed for 4 more hours, and it was noon in December.
Day 14 - Doctor says, "Good news ... starting on day 32 you can resume LIGHT activity like running slowly, swimming or biking"
Again, I was never any of these things. My worst nightmare.
I began to pick up running, biking, and swimming.
Well ... how do you even begin to do any of that? I did what every smart person would do. I went right outside, laced up my shoes with no warmup and took off running. I am sure I was sprinting and made it about half a mile and almost died. Let's try that again I thought …
I bought running shoes. I looked up online 'best running shoes for beginners'. I bought supplements from my favorite influencer.
Even with all of this, it was still torture for me. It was still a chore. It was a hassle. I didn't want to run or bike or swim. I hate all of these things with a burning passion or so I thought. I hated these things in high school for a fact. Maybe adulthood is the same.
But then I had a crazy idea ... let's go run an Ironman. I can't complete an Ironman without knowing how to properly train. I ordered Be Iron Fit, started reading, ordered a Timex watch, started swimming, bought a bike, started biking, and began my official training cycle from a PDF document I found on the internet.
You would think as deep into this process that I was, that I would enjoy it. Nope! I hated every second of the training. This is not who I am, I thought.
I completed the 70.3 Lubbock Ironman in June of 2022. I looked at Sydney and said "I will never do this again".
I knew I needed a goal or something to train for or else I would end up not working out at all. I researched and found a trail run in Warda, Texas called Wild Hare Ultra.
I signed up without hesitation. I had to do it now that I have paid for it.
Sold the bike.
Stopped swimming.
Started running.
Maybe I didn't hate running. Maybe I just hated the way I was running.
I researched how to run. I studied the sport. I studied the game. Read about my shoes. Read about my training. Read about it all.
As I took the trails that November 2022, I was ready. Even still my ankles screamed at me as they winced in pain during the entire day (because I was wearing the wrong shoe). I crossed the finish line just before 8pm that night with something new.
That was the first time I realized: maybe I didn't hate running. Maybe I hated running because I didn't know how to run. Maybe I hated running because I didn't have a reason to run.
Discipline matters. Consistency matters. But they aren't the starting point.
I had to find something I enjoyed. I needed something I was capable of improving at. I needed something that gave me a reason to keep showing up.
I found my Bigger Than Me!
That's a huge part of why Rhodes Run Lab exists. I don't want someone walking through our doors thinking they have to become a “runner.” I want them to find something they enjoy. Maybe that's running. Maybe it's walking. Maybe it's training for their first 5K.
Maybe it's simply getting healthier so they can keep up with their kids.
Whatever it is, I want to help everyone figure out how to do it in a way that doesn't make them miserable.
Because I've been there.
I wasn't a runner. I didn't grow up loving this. I didn't wake up one day with incredible discipline.
I just found a reason that was Bigger Than Me.
If you want me to help you take those next steps at no cost to you, simply reach out to me by emailing our main store line at info@rhodesrunlab.com.
