At my yearly physical, our family doctor told me I need to make sure to get at least 30 minutes of some kind of exercise each day. Knowing all my past orthopedic injuries, he suggested walking. Hard to get hurt just walking.
My response was, “Do you mean 30 minutes of continuous walking or could it be spread throughout the entire day? Like going from the recliner to the refrigerator and back again 30 times?” From the expression on his face, I could tell he wasn’t amused.
After leaving the doctor’s office, my next stop was obvious: the local clothing store. Even though I’ve been walking for years, if I’m gonna walk outside and be seen by the public, I’ve gotta at least look like I know what I’m doing. And what better way to put my best foot forward than with a new pair of tennis shoes?
Unfortunately, a lot has changed in the footwear department since the time we spent growing up at 110 Flamingo Street.
Knowing exactly what shoe I wanted, I went straight to the back after entering the store and was greeted by one of the five shoeologists. I kid you not — helpers in some shoe departments are now called shoeologists.
I must admit the youngster was extremely knowledgeable. I spent the next 10 minutes listening to all the latest and greatest advancements in footwear. From water-wicking yet breathable fabric to force-rebounding heel technology – it all was explained with painstaking details.
He even stated the inserts that came with the shoes really weren’t that good for a walker. If I was going to walk, I just had to have the super expensive formfitting inserts. Who am I to argue? He had a degree in shoes.
Finally, when he took a breath, I asked, “Do you have something in white, like high-top PF Flyers?” The collective gasp from the other shoeologists almost sucked all the air out from the room.
They had no white tennis shoes for walking, but they did have five different brands in white for playing tennis. Doc didn’t tell me to play tennis; he told me to walk. So I walked away from the footwear department with a pair of electric blue tennis shoes that were ironically good for walking, but not playing tennis. Next stop was the clothing department.
Long gone are the days of working out in simple cotton shorts and white t-shirt. If I was gonna take getting into shape seriously, and Doc said that I was, then I had to wear the right clothing. Skintight shirts and shorts made of breathable yet water-wicking fabric were a must buy.
Guess the clothing is skintight to reduce wind resistance as I walk the feverish pace of a quarter mile an hour. Add three pairs of ultra-low cut socks made from bamboo, and I was ready to start walking … right up the cashier to pay for all of it.
That’s when I almost had a heart attack. Staying in shape is really expensive and cost more than four doctor visits.
Three weeks later and 10 pounds lighter, I guess it was all worth it because I feel better. Although I do still miss those white high-top PF Flyers, I’ve found my new shoes also have a safety feature. They’re so bright they glow in the dark.
To kinda quote Elvis, the King of Rock and Roll, “If you see me out there walking, don’t step on my electric blue tennis shoes.”
[Rick Ryckeley, who lives in Senoia, served as a firefighter for more than two decades and has been a weekly columnist since 2001. His email is storiesbyrick@gmail.com. His books are available at www.RickRyckeley.com.]
