Posts Tagged ‘run’

Yesterday, my fiancé SERIOUSLY asked me if I knew about Imelda Marcos and her shoe collection. Then he told me it must be a Filipino thing. I just looked at him … really? OF COURSE I KNOW IMEDLA MARCOS. We’re Facebook friends, and my parents have been calling me Imelda since the beginning of time!

I love shoes. I have LOTS. But now, I go for comfort AND style. The days of crushing my feet into a size too small — and wearing stilettos for hours are LOOOOONG gone. (No more swollen chicken nugget toes!) I’ve just gotten smarter with my shoe collection … and the shoes I own now are strategic purchases.

Barely heels. I had an ex-boyfriend who was 6′ 5″! When we went out, I swore I looked like his adopted Asian child at 5′ 1″. So I wore ridiculous heels and ran to keep up with his long stride! Of course, I was 24 or so, so my feet could stand the pain.

Comfort brands. I’m all about Privo, Reiker, Keen and anything you can buy at The Walking Company or Benjamin Lovell. They’re more expensive, but they’re worth it. I got into Privos because I used to get pains — pre-stress fractures — in my feet from jumping and plyometrics from teaching kickboxing.

Sports-specific. I invested in good pairs of running shoes from the Princeton Running Company and Haddonfield Running Company. I wear stability shoes — good for most runners, but best for mild to moderate pronators, light or female runners weighing less than 180 pounds and moderate-mileage runners who average about 15-30 miles per week.

Casual always. There’s really no point in getting dressed, right? I wear sneakers as much as I possibly can, and pick sneaks that have a little “give” and aren’t narrow. I love my Sauconys, Asics and Puma.

Good sole. I can’t wear flat flats. I need support! Again, my Privos are the bomb, and I wear them pretty much every day.

My advice is this: Buy what you want, wear what you want … but try not to waste your money on shoes that just “look” good. Get shoes that serve a function and are fashionable! Since you’re standing, walking and exercising, you want to make sure everything — from your nose to your toes — are aligned the way they should be!

Photo by Sarah and Mike …probably.

All the cliches are true: Life is short. You only live once. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

I never knew what a “bucket list” was … I didn’t see the Jack Nicholson/Morgan Freeman movie … but I figured it out. Actually, I say one of the above cliches at least five times a day. That’s what helps me convince other people to come with me on adventures.

I’ve done a lot of things I’ve never thought was possible! Just by living serendipidously (I will blog about that another time), I ran a 10K (yesterday!). This fall I also did a 10K mud run on Maguire Air Force Base. I donated my hair to Locks for Love. I was featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer in an article about self-help books (more about that later). I’ve had articles published in local magazines!

I’m not trying to double pat-pat (private joke) myself on the back or toot my own horn … but seriously, if you’re reading this – just know that you can do ANYTHING!!!

By opening my mind, I’ve become better friends with myself – my friends and my family. I am happier, motivated and energized. Anyway, I’m getting off-topic, sorta.

Here are some things on my bucket list:

1. Run the Broad Street Run – 10 miles – May 2, 2010

2. Take a class at the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts – Introduction to Aerial Dance Harness – December 6, 2009

3. Learn how to (indoor) rock climb

4. Take a roller skate dance class at MasterJay Moves Dance Studios

5. Ride a horse.

6. Set up “shop” and sell crafts at a craft fair.

7. Write a book.

8. Write a children’s book.

9. Make a fitness video/dvd.

10. Create and lead a major fundraiser – Collecting food? books? coats? school supplies?

I know this list will grow and change (so will I) … and I’m already proud of the things I’ve accomplished. But it’s really important to “write it down, make it happen.”

Please leave a comment and let me know what’s on your bucket list – and what you’ve already checked off. I need more ideas! (And, I’ll encourage you to tackle your list!)