“Honey, I need a new pair of shoes,” is a statement that every husband has heard at least 3500 times, which usually results in “whats wrong with the shoes you have?”
My husband, Brett, and I had this ongoing conversation for about three months about my running shoes. I had chosen and bought my shoes at a local fitness store with the recommendation of the saleswoman, and was excited to be “a runner”. However, my feet had other plans. While I was new to running, I had made it up to 6 miles and my feet were paying for my progress. I was constantly whining and complaining about blisters, numbing, or some other problem with my feet. After days of telling Brett to look at and feel pity for my feet, he caved in. I was told to go get new shoes.
I was beyond excited, every girl likes new shoes! After talking with the Valpolife.com exercise guru, Theresa, I was directed to Extra Mile Fitness in Valpo. I went to the store and was in awe with their wall of shoes, and the cute puppy that was just hanging out didn’t hurt either. Heather helped me from start to end, and was great with me. We discussed the issues I was having and the possible causes for them, and then she provided me with a few different shoes to try on. After deciding which shoe was best for me, I was told to hop on the treadmill and run for a minute while I was being videotaped. Heather explained to me the importance of stability while I run and how it appeared the shoe was a good fit for me.
I was even more excited, but due to the awkward dimensions of my feet, I had to order the shoes and wait ‘patiently’ for them. I got a phone call about a week later about the arrival of my God-sent shoes, and I went to pick them up as soon as I could. I put them on, and I could tell 6 miles was going to be no problem. I took it slowly at first, started with 3 miles and have been working my way up. Yesterday, I was able to take my dog out on a 7 mile run (the longest we have ever gone) followed by a 6 mile run this morning, and am happy to say that my feet are not in any way gross or hurting!
It was such a relief to come home and realize that the shoe catastrophe had passed. I am very happy that I went to Extra Mile Fitness, and will be sending everyone I know there. Heather was great, and their selection was awesome. Now, if only I could justify buying those awesome 4 inch leopard print pumps I have been eyeing. Anyone know of upcoming high heel-athons in the area?