The Scars of the Trail - Accepting the Worn Feet of Ultra Running
The feet do not appear attractive. In fact, they often look very rough. Black toenails along with calluses that resemble those on a blacksmith's hand show on the feet of an ultra runner; they prove the distances, the high ground as well as the simple courage it takes to complete these long paths. They are the scars from the trail - they will not win any beauty contests, but they narrate a tale, a tale of toughness, resolve in addition to the constant chase of a goal.
People do not try to get worn feet. But for ultra runners, they often result from the activity. The repeated hits, the rubbing from footwear, and the constant contact with natural elements all take a toll. Blisters appear, toenails darken and come off, and calluses grow as the body protects itself - it is not fancy, but it is real.
But the roughness holds a certain appeal. Every blister, every dark toenail along with every callus tells a tale. They recall the difficulties surpassed, the distances covered, and the mental and physical struggles fought and won; they stand as a sign of commitment, a proof of the hours spent on the paths, pushing past perceived boundaries. They are a sign of respect, earned through effort, sadness as well as much courage.
And while runners try to avoid these foot troubles with proper footwear, socks in addition to foot care, sometimes they just happen as part of the activity - they serve as a reminder that ultra running is not always neat, and that it is a sport which asks for sacrifice and endurance. But it is also a sport that gives pleasant experiences, striking views next to a deep feeling of completion. The worn feet are a small cost for the happiness and satisfaction that come from finishing the paths.
Therefore, accept your worn feet. They represent your endurance, your dedication along with your affection for the paths; they recall the distances you have run, the high ground you have moved up, and the difficulties you have met. They form a part of your background, a part of what makes you an ultra runner. And in their own manner, they appear good.
