Rockin' Along

Ok, the doctor told me that I NEED to do more walking. It wasn't a mere suggestion as it has been in the past. This time it really is a matter of life or breath. So since we have so mercifully been able to reduce my arsenal of meds by one very expensive one, it became clear that new walking shoes were in order.

I have seen the commercials on TV about the new rocker ones that promise to give you more of a workout as you're walking along. Figured it wouldn't hurt to add some extra burn since I'll already be inclined to get out of my recliner anyway. Besides the commercials show these little girls with pert little butts - hey, why not? Ok, you can stop spitting your coffee out - I get it (you too Steve). So my butt will never look like that but I'm really more concerned with my lungs these days anyway. ; )

So off we went to Kohl's and I tried on a few pair until I found the perfect ones. No rubbing, no pinching, no hurting - shoes I could actually walk in and they look snazzy to boot. On sale with an extra 20% off coupon, can't beat that, so I got them. I have to admit that they are not your grandma's gym shoes. Nope, these take some getting used to.

One is that once you've put them on, you're adding about two inches to your height. Two inches can give you a completely different perspective on everyday activities. Amazing how many more items I can reach in the cabinets with my walking shoes on. Also it's a lot farther stretch to pick something up off the floor, so I have to be extra careful not to drop anything, and getting in and out of chairs can be awkward at best.

The first day I wore them I was smart. I took them for a test run at Walmart where I could hold on to the cart for dear life. By the second time around the store, I was feeling brave and let go of the cart and went and got the cream cheese all by myself - without incident. My exercise esteem was growing. Then I got to the produce department and tried to step backwards to let someone else through. Good thing the cart was there and there wasn't an officer around asking me to walk a straight line. Not sure I could have passed that test. But practice does make perfect, well almost.

Outside of manuevering stairs, I've become quite proficient with them. I can now master backing up and stopping short without flailing my arms like I'm taking off or looking like I just came out of happy hour at the local bar. I have that heel, roll, toe, thing down pat... can't help but to have it down, that's how the shoes roll. To try and walk differently is flirting with the possibilty of having to add a neck brace to your wardrobe.

I'm not ready for any marathons and I don't think I'll be taking up speed walking anytime soon, but at least I have a bit more spring in my step and can go farther than I could before I got the shoes. I feel the burn in my legs and yes, even in my butt - although the size of that remains the same for now. Darn those commercials with their skinny little models and hopes of getting your own pert little butts.... lol.

I'm making progress, one bouncy, little. rocking step at a time and I love it. I even love the bonus of being able to put the groceries away without having to enlist the help of taller people around me. It's amazing how two inches of height can give you a whole other view of the world and I like it. Of course, I also like walking around in bare feet but if I have to put shoes on, these are definitely the way to go. So be careful if you see me coming up behind you, because I'll probably just be passing you by and going on about my day... and try hard not to dwell on whether these shoes are helping my butt. It may not look like it on the outside but I feel it on the inside - and that's what matters... lol.

And I promise, I won't be asking any of you anytime soon about how my butt looks in these jeans... but maybe six months from now... LOL. well, I better get rockin' along. These shoes were made for walking and that's just what I'll do... Rock on and have a great day! I am.