I’ve began working on becoming more fit. One February evening after class I headed over to the park for an evening jog. I did my usual stretches and warm-ups and began my evening run. Nearly half way around the park, I began to experience severe waves of pain up and down my shins. I slowed my pace and the pain seemed to only intensify. I looked to my right and I saw my car off in the distance and I began to cry. How am I gonna make it way over there. I began to walk heel toe, heel toe, as if that would somehow help. I tried walking on the sides of my feet, I tried everything, my legs were on fire!!! I approached the incline and I began to sing the song playing on my Pandora Radio station out loud trying, just to think about something else besides the pain I was feeling. Twelve minutes later, I arrived at my car.
Those seemed like the twelve longest minutes of my life. I immediately kicked off my shoes, slid my seat back and just stretched my legs. Tears streamed down my face as I called a friend to tell them about the pain.
Time to Go Shopping
A few days later, I went to FLEET FEET, a shoe store specializing in proper fitting footwear. I pass this store weekly with my visits to Whole Foods and my regular visit to pick up Aveda products in the same shopping plaza. I just never wandered in. (I wish I’d done this years ago, LITERALLY)
Upon entering the store, I received a warm southern greeting. I knew I was in good company by the surge of positive energy that filled the sales floor.
The salesman who helped me was Greg. He was warm, friendly and quite knowledgeable.
Have A Seat & Remove Your Shoes
As soon as I sat down I began laughing. Who comes to buy running shoes wearing knee high boots??? ME!!! I laughed even harder when I remembered that I stepped in water that morning before work and had to change my sock so I simply grabbed another one not caring that it wasn’t a match to the one I was replacing it with… So here I am in these knee high camel colored boots with mismatch socks on and now having to show them to a complete stranger.
The Evaluation
Greg had me walk for him in a straight line to see my feet in action. (I think) He then measured my feet and discussed different aspects of feet and how our feet operate and absorb friction. We talked about my then current running shoes. I was so embarrassed to admit I’d had the same pair of New Balances for 5 years! (No wonder my shins were on fire).
Did you know you should replace running/walking/training shoes often? As in perhaps 2-3 times a year depending on how many miles you put on them.
Did you know your running/athletic shoes should be the largest size shoe in your closet? No, neither did I!!
Fitting
Greg had me slip on a pair of socks (LOVED THEM). He brought out several pairs of shoes, 2 pair of Brooks, a pair of Nikes and a pair of Asics.
“Trying on shoes is like dating… May have to try a few before you discover the perfect one, or in this case the perfect pair.”
Now I know I was there for the foot health, but I’m still a lady and it was quite important that my shoes are cute! The first pair that I tried on weren’t the cutest, but they felt GREAT! The second pair were the Nikes and they were not only ugly they didn’t feel sexy. (Yes sexy is a feeling) The third pair were nice but I still wasn’t quite feeling them. So Greg went to the stockroom an brought back a pair of Asics. They reminded me of the Mystery Mix Now & Later candies from my childhood, but I was still feeling pretty connected to that first pair I’d tried on.
Sensing my “love affair” with the first pair, Greg encouraged me to try another shoe, and that’s when I landed my ASICS! They had the right fit, nice and light and they were stylish and “sexy”.
The Fleet Feet Guarantee
I was sold on the Asics, so I purchased them along with a “medium-fit” pair of white and heather grey socks. Greg told me to enjoy my new purchase and if I decided that the shoes weren’t the right fit or comfort, I could bring them back and try another pair. (NEVER IN MY LIFE HAS A SHOE SALESMAN SAID THAT, and I have a lot of shoes!) Needless to say, it’s been a few weeks and I love my the fit and comfort of my shoes.
www.fleetfeetbirmingham.com Tell them I sent ya!!!
Upgrading your Fitness!
