Jewelry for Runners

My post about the nugget of earwax that I mined from my ear is a happy meal compared to this guy's toenail necklace.

Ryerse, who estimates he's run more than 50,000 miles, also says ultrarunning gives him a profound sense of well-being. It helps him sleep better and raises his energy.

But, he says, an ultrarunner's body will do some strange things in an ultramarathon. For instance, hands and feet swell to the point where a runner may have to change into larger shoes. And they frequently lose toenails.

"They get black from pounding into the top of your shoes," Ryerse says. "I have a toenail necklace. From a distance it looks kind of nice. It looks like it's made of seashells."

Most ultrarunners will tell you that the shared experience of mentally and physically battling the incomprehensible is by far the biggest draw.

Does this tickle my gag reflex?
Emphatic Yes.

Am I impressed at all?
Lil' bit.