Rookie error

Last weekend's 10 k which I commented on in last weeks blog turned out to be a real success.  Out of 2,100 athletes I came 49th and 4th in the UK (out of about 38 runner).  It wasn't a real race in that we were all running different courses, in different countries & different temperatures so comparing times isn't really relevant.  What's important was the focus it gave all the athletes and the fact we felt part of something special.
The organisers of the 10 k came up with a brilliant idea.  Let's do a 6 day virtual staged race.  70 km over 6 days to replicate a staged race such as the one scheduled for August this year in Romania, except it's 250 km.  I spoke with my coach and she put a training plan together to get me ready for Saturday 9th May.
I'm going through a pair of shoes every month and it's a costly affair.  Shoes are so personal, what's right for one runner may be no good for another one.  So with some help from my coach we chose a different brand hoping that they would last longer.  Unfortunately they didn't have my size but I went for a half size smaller as I felt the size I was running in was marginally big.  The shoes arrived the next day and I had 18 k to do so off I went.  The shoes had a 10 mm drop at the heel instead of the 8mm drop I was used to.  They felt great.  More supportive and as I suffer from time to time of plantar fasciitis, my arch felt great.  13 km into the run and I could feel a heat spot on my right big toe.  The remaining 5 km we uncomfortable as I knew what was happening to my big toe. 
Turned out I have a 1 inch blister on the inside of my right big toe and a half inch blister on the outside of my left toe.  Conclusion; squashed toes due to smaller toe box.
Now if we hadn't been in lock down, I would have gone to a specialist sports shop and got my feet measured for the new shoes.  But I went for the half size smaller and paid the price - rookie error.  Changing shoes is such a major decision that it's not to be taken lightly.
Today I had a 14 km run to follow the 18 km run so I went back to my "old faithfuls" and taped my toes up.  They didn't feel as comfy but at least my toes had more space.  The plantar fasciitis didn't feel so great but that's another problem with lock down, I can't visit my sports therapist.
Equipment is so critical to what we do.  Changing socks or shorts can make or break a race with chaffing or blisters and I need to make sure I don't make another rookie error.  Come Saturday I'll have six tough days of training but as it's a race, I'll have a smile on my face.
Another week of lock down is over and these virtual races are keeping me motivated.  If you haven't signed up for one then please do.  It creates a focus that really elevates your training.  Enjoy.