Way to go. I wish I could run for 15 minutes non-stop. Heck, I’d even take the distress and frustration!

As for the blister…prepare yourself, because this is gonna get a bit gross.

You have two options. One is to leave it to heal on it’s own, which is most certainly will do. However, if the nasty little thing is causing pain you might want to take matters in your to own hands. Of course, that involves draining it. Icky.

You can do what I do and pinch the skin between your nails until it breaks, then push the liquid out, or you lessen the risk of infection by doing it the right way. That way goes a little something like this:

1. Clean the blister with rubbing alcohol or antibacterial soap.
2. Sterilize a straight or safety pin by using pliers to hold it over a flame until the pin glows red and then allowing it to cool.
3. Using the pin, puncture a small hole in the base of the blister.
4. Using GENTLE pressure, drain the blister.
5. Apply an antibiotic ointment to the area like Bacitracin and Polymyxin B – triple antibiotic ointment. Avoid products containing neomycin as this is more likely to cause an allergic reaction.
6. Cover the area with an absorbent, non-stick bandage and change it daily. You may need to change it more often if it becomes wet, dirty, or loose.

I stole that from some fancy looking medical blog. Honestly, though, I’ve never gone to the effort. I’m really rough with blisters. As I said, I just pinch a hole in the skin, get rid of the liquid inside, then rip the skin off, leaving a painless little circle that’s open to infection until it scabs over. Ew.

Good luck with the blister!

Oh, and when it comes to running, a couple of sites suggest that hydrating before running often solves the problem, but if you’re more comfortable taking water, but there are loads of things that you can buy if you wanted to splurge on something new, including water belts. You might even be able to make your own. I used a treadmill, so I just use the water bottle holder thing. Ha.

If you are getting a blister I would look into your shoe insoles. Most people over look them and only 40% of feet actually conform to factory shoe inserts. I personally alternate between superfeet and RRS Cush Runner Insoles.
Fuel belts are best way to carry hydration with you on long runs. Since you are running in high heat (Over 25 °C) you might want to look into getting a good running cap. It is amazing what they can do for moisture control.

I heard on some tv show recently that to avoid blisters after a run you should take off your socks and slap the bottom of your feet a couple of times. It is suppose to increase circulation and keep blisters from forming later. I’ve never done it on my feet but it seems to work on my hands after a rough bike ride. I realize that it’s not going to help with the blister that you have now, but I’m too grossed out by the first response to discuss it.
-Good luck

@Melissah: I’m so glad someone had the courage to say “pop it,” because I was just looking for an excuse. It’s much better now, thanks to your advice.

@Erik: Actually, the blister came before I even bought the running shoes – I got it from a pair of flip-flops. The running is just making it worse. In any case the blister is a lot better now, so I guess I need to avoid those flip-flops for the time being.

Will a running cap help me if I’m not in the sun? I run before the sun comes up, but even so the overnight low was 27 last night.

Can you recommend a belt so I can carry my water? Is there a particular one you like?

@randall: well, I’m going to try the slapping thing, then, because it can’t hurt and it might help, right? We may never know if it really works, but as long as we don’t get blisters, who cares?