Barefoot with a black tip

Mile 8 – slip, slip, slip

My toe runs into my shoe

As I run

Soreness but elation

I’m not done

When I unlace there’s ugliness to face

The nail bed is purple-blue

The next day is black

I take a day off and it changes to white

I buy some rubber toe protectors

Thinking I’ll be alright

But the toenail still hurts

I go to the running store

The man sells me new shoes and toe socks

Time for more

I put them on and run – over the bridge, railroad tracks, and rocks

The toe quiets down

Somehow it’s bliss

Running this town

I get home and unlace

Two toenails are bruised but hanging on

Not ready to loose

Keeping pace

With me

Training for a half marathon