I paid $107 for a pair of shoes.

I haven't posted in a few days because Tuesday I was enjoying just spending the night with my husband, relaxing on the bed, watching TV, and just having some quality time together. Neither of us turned on our computers. Last night I just didn't feel like sitting at the computer for long.

I've been getting a lot of advice about what to do about my feet hurting when I work out. I was recommended this store called "The Walking Company" but they carry a whole 6 styles of athletic shoes; it's not really their specialty even though they do custom insoles for the regular shoes they carry. Someone here suggested that I go to a podiatrist to get orthotics, which my insurance should cover--I'm still considering this as a last resort since I don't have much time for doctor's appointments, but if it gets to where nothing else helps, I'll go.

Then I remembered someone saying a long time ago that New Balance will find the shoes that fit you perfect and made for what you need. I found on their website that there was a New Balance store close enough to my office that I could go on my lunch break. So I went! I knew their shoes would be expensive ($80-130) but I am to the point where I am willing to pay for a pair of shoes that will take away the pain that is holding me back from working out harder and longer. I saw some really pretty shoes but the girl said I couldn't have them. Yes, actually said I could not have them. They didn't have the features I need, apparently. So, they brought out some of the ugliest shoes I ever saw but I tried them on, walked around, picked one, and paid. All $107. I can bring them back though within 30 days if I don't like them, no matter what condition they are in.

So even though I'm not thrilled about the style, I was excited to try them out tonight, thinking that all my problems would be solved.

Not so much.

My feet actually ended up hurting MORE than with my other shoes. And not just the balls of my feet like usual, but my entire foot was hurting. Sigh. This was on the bike. For the second day in a row, I got kicked out of the gym by the security guard before I could use the elliptical. Tomorrow I'll do the elliptical FIRST just so I can try out my shoes on it; I'm not too worried if I get too tired and have to skip the bike. One of my coworkers told me today that 6 miles on the bike is equal to 1 mile on the elliptical. That's some surprising, though not shocking, news. He recommended that I focus on the elliptical and just forget about the bike because it's just not as beneficial to my exercise. We'll see what happens when I try it first before any fatigue from the bike. I also told him about my 2 mile walk and he said that's probably the best workout I can do for myself to build up working out on the machines more.

I also plan to try out the shoes walking this weekend; if they fail all 3 tests (bike, elliptical, walking) then I'll exchange them for the other shoes I tried on today. If those don't work, screw it. My other shoes work better right now. Then I'll look in to seeing a podiatrist.