Just Me And My Shape Ups

   Okay, I know they are a bit funny looking.  But you know what?  I don't mind.  Funny looking or no, they work...at least for me.  This year, they are taking me on a journey, a long one.  And I know, in the end, we will arrive at our destination together.  As of today, we've traveled 360 miles together this year.  This morning alone, we did 5 miles on the treadmill and another one at the mall.  Why the extra mile?  You know why...I like round numbers.
   This is my second pair of Sketcher Shape-Ups.  I wore the first from April 2010 until Christmas 2010, when my husband gave me a new pair.  The first ones were white.  This time I thought I'd go for a pair that went better with my wardrobe.  I like the black.  You know what they say.  Black is slimming.
   Now, I've worn my share of athletic shoes in my day.  My first were a pair of converse high tops, one of my mom's lucky discount store finds (they were too big, but a little tissue in the toe fixed that).  In the military, from 1981-2003, I tried them all.  I dreamed of a shoe that took away my knee pain and well, maybe helped me run just a bit faster.  I've worn them all...Nike, Reebok, Adidas, New Balance, etc.  When shopping for athletic shoes, one has to do their research.  Once you arrive at the store, you have to keep an open mind.  Are your feet wide or narrow?  Do you overpronate or oversupinate?  (I'm no doctor...I think those are real words)  And the most important question of all...what color/colors do you want?  I'm not kidding.  Our youngest had light up sneakers for years.  They were so cool.  I looked.  I couldn't find them in adult sizes.  The companies that sell shoes would have you buy a new pair every 500 miles.  Well, that's not going to happen.  Maybe if I was still a runner.  Me? I have to make mine last until next Christmas.  I like to stay on budget.  No worries.  They are Shape-Ups.  They are sturdy, build to last.
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/general/pronate.htm

    Today marks the beginning of Start! Walking Day, an effort sponsored by the American Heart Association.  I'm not participating in this, but I felt it was the right thing to do to let you know about it...just in case you want to.  I will announce my charity of choice later in the year...when I am nearer the one thousand mile goal I have undertaken.  Here is the link for Start! Walking Day.
http://www.startwalkingnow.org/about_start_walking_day.jsp

And if you are looking for a good shoe, I recommend Sketchers Shape Ups.  Between last year (I started walking in April 2010) and this, I figure I've already clocked over eleven hundred miles in Shape Ups.  They are definitely my walking shoe of choice.  They help with my posture, force me to balance, and well, they make me at least a couple of inches taller.  : )

http://www.skechers.com/women/styles/fitness?gclid=CNjh1_iniKgCFcPd4Aod03xjsQ#Styles=%2Fshape-ups-originals?cm_mmc=cpc-_-google-_-search-_-09
Summer is coming.  Maybe I'll check out their Shape Ups sandals next.