Head over Heels

I found this over on www.windycitysports.com and it made me laugh, so I had to share. Enjoy!

Head Over Heels

Written by Nicole Adamson

Posted May 05, 2009

Nothing brings more heartache between this runner and her shoes than plantar fasciitis.

Dear Sauconys,

I can’t begin to tell you how much I miss you. I know it’s going to take some time before we can go back to how things were, but I just want to say I'm sorry. Believe me, this is just as painful for me as it is for you.

When we first met, I was sure you were my sole mate. I had just gotten out of a four-year relationship with adidas (four years of my monogamous devotion and suddenly that jerk felt the need for an “upgrade”) and was on the rebound. It took me three blind dates, with three different shoes, before I found you. I’ll admit, you weren’t the hottest shoe on the shelf, but I had heard good things and was willing to give you a chance.

I remember our first date so clearly. I wanted to go somewhere public – to play it safe and keep it clean in case things didn’t work out – so we went to a treadmill at the YMCA. We spent the evening in a cramped room full of sweaty bodies and grimy machines, but being with you made me forget about our surroundings. I felt like I was flying. Five miles later, I knew you were a keeper.

We didn’t waste any time getting to know each other, with seven miles at a 7:16 pace on Monday and a kick-ass speedwork session on Tuesday. On Wednesday, I took you downtown to meet some of my friends, and you made me look great. I was wearing my baby blue track shorts, the ones that match your uppers, and everyone said we were so cute together. And you were comfortable and supportive the whole time. But I was rushing into things too quickly, putting too much pressure on you too early in the relationship.

That Saturday, I totally took advantage of you. I pounded you for 14 miles on pavement, and five hours later, dragged you back onto a gnarly trail for five more. That was the first time we got dirty together …

The next morning, I awoke to excruciating pain in my left heel. I felt like I had stepped on broken glass. I consulted friends, co-workers and online gurus, all of whom made the same diagnosis: plantar fasciitis, the arch-nemesis of distance runners.

At first, I thought you had betrayed me. When you enter a relationship, you expect your partner's support even down rocky roads. But many of my sources said I was the one to blame. Lack of stretching, inadequate recovery time and rapid increases in mileage all contributed to my pain. Meanwhile, you were attuned to my stride all along – you never meant to hurt me.

Now I'm alone in my apartment, staring longingly across the room at you. The past two weeks have been unbearable. I can’t sleep. I can’t concentrate. I break down when I see other couples out on the lakefront. My single friends keep telling me to give it up, to take a break from the running scene. They think a few one-night stands with a pair of platforms or stilettos will take my mind off you. They don’t understand what we had.

I want so badly to take you out and lose myself in your embrace. But while it would feel so good for the moment, I know that afterward I'd only feel worse.

I'm waiting patiently for you to take me back. In the meantime, I'll be icing, stretching, strengthening and giving the ’ol two-wheeler some lovin’.

Solely yours,
Nicole

http://www.windycitysports.com/features/head-over-heels.html

What makes YakTrax so popular?

I am a self-proclaimed klutz. Truly. This is something about myself I once hated and tried to deny, but it was to no avail. This problem only became worse when I moved to a climate with harsh, snowy winters. I had falls resulting in serious injuries two of my first three years here. Just when I was determined to stay shut in my house any time it looked like there was a possibility of snow or ice, my friend shared with me her favorite winter product: Yaktrax.

After using this incredible product, my confidence was renewed. These easy-to use traction devices fit over shoes or boots and are incredibly lightweight. I use the YakTrax Walker every time it snows. The Walker is the original version of Yaktrax and is great for pedestrians, the elderly, business people, or anyone who wants greater stability on ice ice and snow. I have a pair at home and keep another in my car so I always have a set on hand while walking to and from work, school, or even the mailbox.

The Yaktrax Walker is made of an injection molded thermo plastic elastomer designed for easy off and on and the hand-wound coils give 360 degrees of traction on ice and snow. With every step, hundreds of biting edges are in direct contact with the ice beneath my feet, providing forward and backward as well as side to side stability.

My next Yaktrax purchase will be the Yaktrax Pro from MyFashionCorner.com. Similar to the Walker, the Yaktrax Pro provides excellent stability on packed snow and ice with a Velcro strap across the top of the foot to help hold it in place.

If you haven't tried Yaktrax yet, you are missing out. They also make a great gift for your older parents.

How to Clean Sheepskin Boots

Sheepskin boots are a fashion trend that has swept the world, from its origins in the sheep lands of Australia to fashion runways worldwide. Debuting in Australia, Uggs are the original brand of sheepskin footwear but have given rise to less expensive competitors in recent years. If you like the look of Uggs, try Bearpaw Boots or the emerging Brumby boots. Anyone who has worn these boots knows their comfort and warmth is virtually unparalleled, the sheepskin keeps your feet toasty and wicks away moisture for ultimate comfort.

To keep your beautiful boots looking beautiful and new, follow these instructions for cleaning your sheepskin footwear.

1. Using a cold, wet cloth; dampen the entire exterior of the boot, being careful not to soak all the way through to the interior

2. Dilute a gentle cleanser that is safe for wools, such as Woolite, in cold water according to the manufacturer's instructions. For Woolite, use two tablespoons detergent to two cups water.

3. Apply a small amount of cleaner to the outside with a damp sponge and rub in a circular motion to gently remove soil and stains. For harder to reach areas, use a toothbrush. Remember to be gentle to keep from damaging the material.

4. Rinse off cleanser by gently wiping with a cold, damp cloth, rinsing and wringing cloth frequently.

5. Stuff boots with paper towels to keep their shape and allow to air dry in a warm location away from direct heat or sunlight.

6. Once boots have completely dried, brushing the exterior with a suede brush will help restore the natural pile and leave your boots looking brand-new.

7. To deodorize, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons baking soda in thoroughly dry boots, shake them well, and then allow to sit overnight. This should take care of the unpleasant odors.

Following these simple instructions can help keep your boots looking good for a long time to come.

Click here for a video demonstration on cleaning Ugg boots

Reef - Flip Flops that Go Beyond Ordinary

A long time favorite, once reserved only for the beach in heat of summer, the flip flop has become, for many of us, an integral element of our year round wardrobes. Far from the days of uncomfortable shower shoes; today's flip flops are more comfortable and intuitive than ever before. At the forefront of the flip-flop design revolution has been Reef, with their unique design elements putting them head and shoulders above the competition. With styles available for men, women, boys, and girls, there is sure to be something for the whole family.

Most Reef sandals are crafted of EVA foam with anatomically correct arch support and their exclusive contour process, so the footbed feels molded to your foot and comfortably worn-in, from the first time you wear them. For even greater comfort, the Fanning Reef sandal line boasts a full heel airbag enclosed in soft polyurethane, so you can literally walk on air.

Have you ever been at the beach, camping, or the lake and reached for your favorite bottled beverage only to find you had forgotten to bring along bottle opener? If you are wearing Reef sandals from the BYOB, Mick Spackler, or Fanning lines, fear not. The sole has a recessed church key bottle opener, so you can enjoy your favorite "soda" anywhere.

The Reef Stash is ideal for keeping your keys, credit cards, identification or money secure, even when you do not have pockets or do not want to carry a wallet. The sole opens to reveal a hidden stash pocket, so you can carry your valuables easily and out of harm's way at the pool, beach, lake, amusement park, or virtually anywhere else.

Golfers will love the Reef Mulligan, characterized by a footbed that looks like artificial green turf and heel cushion that looks like a golf ball; includes removable tee and ball marker integrated into shoe. The more serious golfer may appreciate the Reef Mick Spackler sandal which boasts a full grain leather upper, removable integrated ball marker, built in Church key bottle opener, and sole with replaceable spikes, ideal for the course.

For those who hate to give up their summer footwear for cooler seasons, the Chewy men's Reef sandal and Snowbird women's Reef sandal offer a padded faux shearling lining to keep feet toasty year round. Worn indoors or out, these cozy styles are sure to be a hit.

Reef also offers a wide range of eco friendly and leather sandals to meet the needs of almost every consumer. So the next time you are in the market for a pair of flip flops for men, women, or kids, check out Reef and discover the pleasant surprise of sandals that are anything but ordinary.