The human body is full of surprises. Just a month ago I had no idea that you could lose a toenail, other than by being tortured. Then one of my own nails decided to drop off, opening my eyes further to the wonders of our bodies’ capacity for self-repair.

It all started with a 48km walk. My boots were probably a little too snug to begin with, but with the addition of an extra sock layer and feet that are enlarging slightly with age, the result was squashing of the little pinky toe on my biggest foot. Once the pain and blistering eased, I noticed the toenail had come loose, attached only at the rear end.

A quick check in Google revealed that toenails loosening and falling out are not uncommon among serious runners and hikers. In fact many comments in runners forums suggest you’re not a real runner (or hiker) until you’ve lost a nail or two, as if it were an initiation into a higher level. I read of one person who, having lost all his toenails, not only kept them as souvenirs but had a necklace made out of them … with extra toenails donated by others! Despite my tendency to collect things like navel lint and beard clippings, I draw the line at toenails.

Fortunately, when an injured toenail detaches, a new one grows in its place within six months with minimal discomfort. I know its a trivial complaint compared to the medical traumas that so many others suffer, but I still find it a little unsettling that something thats always been there can just loosen and drop off. Unsettling, yet the body’s ability to eject and regrow a damaged part strangely fascinates me. We are well-designed creatures.

Being squeamish, I’ve just had my doomed toenail removed properly by a podiatrist. As I watch it regrow over the coming months I’ll console myself with the thought that my credibility as a hiker may have increased!

If you’re really keen, that toenail necklace can be seen by clicking here.