Welcome to the Running Club

So about 6 months or so ago, I really started trying to work on my running. Because up until that point, I could only really do short distance sprinting. The sacrifices I knew I would be making to get into running was logging miles on the treadmill, race entry fees, some sore muscles, & my dreaded runs....because I still have not reached that point where I find running enjoyable! I have reached the point where I am able to tolerate running. The only problem is between school, work, & life was sometimes I would be slack, & then I would have to build up my endurance all over again. Well about 2 months or so ago, I signed up for my 1st half marathon, which is in the end of Feb. in FL. So I have really been trying to keep reminding myself of this up coming race lately & trying to cut out being slack. Little did I know when I started running was that I could injure my toes & possibly loose a toenail or two. Omg, does that not sound awful...loosing your toenail. Well the other night after work, I am sitting in the bed getting ready to go to sleep, & I barley touch the side of my toenail (2nd toe) on my left foot. The entire nail just lifts up! Here I am sitting in bed completely horrified at what had just happen!! So the very corner was still attached on one side so I just lay it back down, & put on a sock & attempt to go to sleep. The next day I continue to worry about my toenail, & all the other 9 toenails that appear to be ok still. So I call the doctor, do a google research, & consult with friends. The conclusion is apparently this is a very common running problem. Also I'm told since I have lost my 1st toenail now, that I am officially a runner now. Woohoo, I think. I mean as bad as I want to achieve being a runner, & getting to a point where I even like to run. At what price? Not sure how ok I am about loosing my toenail(s). I mean I have cute little toenail, & now I'm down to 9 healthy nails now. :(. If I had it all to do over again, I'm not sure I would have signed up for a 1/2 marathon, but since I have made it this far I plan on seeing it through. Now, not to completely freak you out here, not ever runner looses toenails & I have been reassured they will grow back. The doctor recommended I wear thicker socks when I run, so I'm trying that now, & just waiting for my nail to completely fall off (as I tried to assist it & it hurt, so I left it alone). However this all being said, I have continued to workout & run since this happened, & luckily my toe doesn't hurt too much!