Thursday, October 22, 2009

Toenails Optional (NY Times)


The NY Times ran an article today called "One Ultrarunning Problem Solved for Good", interviewing a few hardcore ultrarunners who have had their toenails permanently removed. If the above bald toes aren't enough eye candy for ya, be sure to check out Dr. Lisa Bliss' step-by-step pictures of having hers removed. Sooo gnarly. But if you do this, you can't make your own toenail necklace. Why miss out on the fun?

One of my favorite quotes:

“You know any sport has gone off the rails when you have to remove body parts to do it,” said Christopher McDougall.

Well said, my man.

SD

11 comments:

  1. That is pretty insane. Not sure if I would ever be committed enough to do that.

    It does make sense though.

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  2. I've got some pretty scary toenails right now. But those pictures on Lisa Bliss's site - wow. And that was just one nail...

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  3. Sounds like we went through the same thought process:

    [read article]

    Hmmm, I sure could go for not dealing with losing toenails all the time.

    [view Lisa's photos]

    Uh, yeah. Screw that!

    SD

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  4. sweeeeet brah!
    i had the biggest pain in my ultra ass removed months ago. but no need for a podiatrist in my case, just the nolo guide to divorce, which i highly recommend, aieeeeee...

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  5. I don't understand this whole toe nail thing... I've never had an issue of any sort, and certainly never a black toe nail. I don't get blisters either. But... I'll gladly trade some of you all if you'll take my stinkin' high arches.

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  6. I've never had to deal with losing a toe nail, so I'm probably not a good one to ask, but that really does seam a bit over-the-top to me.

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  7. Oh wow...I don't think I could part with my toenails so easily...no matter how messed up they are.

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  8. Haven't had a problem with losing a toenail or black toenails yet.

    Only had a couple of blisters, before finding Drymax socks to wear.

    So far, clipping the nails each week and wearing a shoe 1 size larger than my normal shoe has helped me avoid any issues. But who knows what the future holds.

    I don't even have to look at the pictures to know that if I needed to remove toenails like that I would just find another sport.

    More power to these folks for their commitment to do whatever it takes to pursue their passion.

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  9. I don't have any problems with my toe nails so far, and I rack some hard and wet runs. But I have to keep them trimed down. But I would do what ever I had to tear up trails.

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  10. Insane! You could use those final nails as the centerpiece of your ultra toe nail necklace!

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  11. I read about the toenail necklace and saw a picture of it. I think it is probably an acquired taste in jewelry. I am playing a blog scavenger hunt, created by sharkbytes at myqualityday.blogspot.com and I was looking for toenails. Thank you

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