Healthy Girl - Kicks

A few weeks ago, while participating in the Walk to End Epilepsy, I discovered I could barely get around the three plus miles of the Rose Bowl without my back going into a tizzy.  For someone who is physically active on a regular basis, this is upsetting and discouraging.  Furthermore, I pay for acupuncture treatments to maintain this flair up issue, so I do not expect it to increase to this level of pain.  My conclusion…it had to be the shoes.

That evening, my boyfriend and I went to “A Runner’s Circle” on Los Feliz Boulevard in Los Angeles. Within ten minutes I became the owner of a pair of lightweight cross-training shoes - Brooks new release, which appears to be a mix between Nike Frees and the Vibram Five Fingers Shoes.  The next day, I received a thick envelope in the mail regarding a law suit against Reebok, the brand of my previous shoes.  Apparently, I am not the only person with physical ailments resulting from pump up/shape up shoes.  I like the idea of getting a tight derrière just by walking, but not at the expense of lower back pain.  I happily discarded those old shoes. 

There is something comforting in knowing you are not the only one dealing with an issue, and that justice can be had.  I am not suggesting the creators of these shoes did not do their due process in exploring all potential negatives. Then again, isn’t that part of what we are paying for when we buy their products – assurance that we will not get hurt as a result of using their “pumped up kicks?"

I am happy to report that I used my new Brooks shoes in spin class, walk to do my errands, and run on the treadmill, and LOVED the feeling.  Now, I have no excuse not to run on a regular basis.  Instead of the effect the previous shoes had, a bounce with every step, resulting in a jolt of pressure up my legs and up my lower spine, I now feel like I am walking on a cloud.  I also had the reassurance of being able to return the shoes if I found they were not as pleasant as they first seemed.  It has been over a week and they are keepers.

I encourage you to research your products when making your selection, by seeking actual people’s opinions, and viewing product advertisements with an investigative eye.

Until next time, may you shine from the inside out.