Hi Cat,

Are you wearing your normal show size in your running trainers? I had problems with toenails until I went for my first proper shoe fitting and gait analysis at a shop. I never realized you need a size up from you usual shoe size for running shoes. I've now had the bigger size for 4 months and my toenails are nearly back to normal, no pain at all.

You might already know this but worth asking because I ran for years in the wrong size without anyone telling me.

Karen

I was worried about wearing bigger shoes too, cat! Purely from a vanity point of view.....I'm already a size 7 and only 5ft 4in so the thought of going up a size to 8 made me think I'd look like a clown running along lol! Swallowed my pride though and beautiful toenails are starting to reappear, I might even be able to go for a pedicure soon!

Wouldn't worry too much about that Karen, winter's-a-coming and you'll have a red nose to match the shoes:-) 

About 3 weeks ago I did a 12 mile run. It was my first biggie for a long time.   At the end, i could feel the tips of all my toes ache.   When i arrived home i took off my trainers and socks and noticed the middle toe of my right foot was a bit purple under the nail.   48 hours later and my toes were feeling better but said nail had turned black !
Today I competed in a half marathon.  As part of my pre-race preparation this morning I clipped my toe nails. (Not relevant but I thought I'd share it anyway)
The 13.3mile course was just like running ithru a 13.3 mile stream. It lashed down all the way round and needless to say that by the end everybody was drenched through to the skin.
When I got back to the changing tent, (having thoughtfully packed a spare pair of socks) I took off my very wet trainers and soggy socks and to my horror my black toe nail had gone..... My nail was still fully intact and attached to my toe but it was no longer black !!  Anybody explain ???
(and yes I do shower regularly)

Hmmm.. I did wonder whether that might be the most probable explanation Martin. But wasn't sure
Oh well, I'll have to do a few more long ones and maybe I'll regain my 'badge of honour' ;o)