Hey ya' all...I am back from my business trip to Charlotte (where they talk like that!). I am proud to report that I got up at 6:00 both days and worked out in the fitness room for 60 and 45 minutes respectively.  I passed up the cake and donuts both days. But, true confessions... I did sit at the bar Tuesday night with my friends for three hours, so...yes...I lost some ground drinking wine and eating those little snicky snacky thingies they serve up there. But, I would have done that anyway even if I had eaten the donuts and cake, so I fugure I am still ahead.

Picked him up at the bar...cute, huh? 
See what a little exercise can do for you, Debra??
(Just kidding).

OK, so where are we, Pig People?  Are we getting close to being ready for the race weekend which is just a mere 16 days away?  Yikes! I am heading out Saturday with my shot-from-the-cannon friend, Sue Coburn, for a 3-4 mile walk. That will give me some idea of how close I am to P-day readiness. Oh...and if you are looking for a trial walk, Bethany House Services is having their first 5K event this Saturday at 6:00 P.M. followed by a party. For more details, go to their web site http://www.bethanyhouseservices.org/.

Fitness tip
Shoes: Your walking shoes should not be too snug, a tight shoe will contribute to blisters. But they also have to fit well or a too-loose fit can also contribute to blister formation. To choose shoes of the right size, go shoe shopping right after a long walk when your feet are swollen to their largest. When standing in the new shoe, there should be 1/2 inch from the big toe to the end of the toe box and you should be able to wiggle all of your toes comfortably. Then test drive your shoes in the store, going at your fastest pace (don't worry about looking silly, your comfort depends on this!) Your shoes should not slip when you walk in them.

Socks: Experiment with socks, try different brands. Be sure to launder the socks at least once before wearing them to wash out the sizing. Podiatrists recommend not using cotton socks as they retain moisture, which then softens the skin, weakening it and making it easier to tear and form blisters. Instead, CoolMax fabric wicks away the moisture so it is not on the skin to weaken it. Look for socks with modern synthetic fabrics formulated for walking and running. Many recommend two layers of socks - a thin inner pair of wicking fabric such as polypropylene or CoolMax, and a padded outer pair. Tube socks should be avoided since they do not fit well over the heel and ankle. Change socks during the walk, especially if they get sweaty. Some marathoners also change shoes during the event.
Don't end up like this. (P.S.  These are not my feet !)

Wisdom Words
One step at a time is good walking. ~   Chinese Proverb

 

Go walk, my friends. It is good for our bodies and our souls.

Sue