Hey guys, hope everyone’s trucking along through their Monday!

I’m back to continue with my weekend recap:

Saturday Workout

Saturday morning, I rolled out of bed around 9am and headed to the Y.  I subbed for Kickboxing at 10 (taught 45 minutes of Kix and 15 minutes of PUSH) and then covered a floor shift for about 3 hours.  Class was awesome — packed with lots of energy, and I really enjoyed the playlist I used.  I think everyone else did too?  Plus my mom and sister were in attendance.

Saturday Errand

After class, I headed over to Marathon Sports for a gait analysis.  Insert huge loser alert here for the amount of excitement I had for finally getting to experience Marathon Sports “Right Fit” process.  Seriously, it’s kinda pathetic.

As you guys know, I’ve had countless foot problems throughout my life:  a bunion (which my friends refer to as “Paul” – think about it), Achilles tendonitis, arch pain, etc.  Yes, I am a 90-year-old woman.  I’ve been to the doctor’s office so many times for these issues and during my last appointment the doctor recommended getting a gait analysis done at Marathon Sports.  Why not?  It’s free of charge and appointments aren’t necessary, so I thought I might as well.  At this point, I’m open to anything that might help reduce my foot pain flare ups!

Here’s a little summary of what goes down during this little gait analysis:

Each customer, regardless of their personal experience or activity level, receives a personal consultation with one of our highly trained staff to determine how the foot bears the body’s weight during the gait cycle.  Through this observation – and bearing in mind any past or present injuries or concerns; orthotic use; and training level – an accurate shoe recommendation can be made.  During this unique fitting process, the staff member will educate the consumer about their foot structure and biomechanics, and how or, more importantly why, a particular shoe recommendation is the right choice.  After observing the user in action, in the recommended footwear, similarly constructed footwear will be shown to help the consumer choose for themselves the most appropriate fit.

I immediately felt the difference, especially in the toe box.  So roomy!  I didn’t feel like my poor little bunion was rubbing against the side of my shoe.

They then took me outside and had me run up and down the street in the sneakers to take a look at my gait.  Apparently I have a slight pronation on my right foot only, but not enough to opt for a sneaker that adjusts anything medially, laterally, or what not.

So!  Where did that leave me?

We tried on a few more sneakers (The New Balance Minimus and the Brooks Green Silence) just to get a feel for some different options out there.  They then told me I could buy a sneaker to try them out for indoor use at the gym, see if I like them, and if not I can return them.  If I end up liking them, I can obviously keep them for times Idoend up running.  They also recommended I go to some other stores that carry cross trainers, tell them I’ve had success with the running sneaker, and then ask for a similar style cross trainer instead.

Great idea!

I ended up bringing the Nike Pegasus home, and will be trying them out this week.  Stay tuned for sneaker updated as I continue my search for the perfect fit!  And seriously, HUGE props to Marathon Sports for having THE most friendly, helpful, and patient employees that helped me out.  Especially since there wasn’t even promise of me buying a running sneaker!  I’ve had nothing but bad experiences at other foot apparel stores before with sales associates that don’t care AT all about what they tell their customers.

Has anyone else had their gait analyzed before – at Marathon Sports or elsewhere?  Any recommendations for a good cross training sneaker for someone with a bunion and a slight pronation?  I’m open to any ideas or suggestions!

P.S.  To my fellow fitness instructors — Marathon Sports offers a 10% discount if you teach fitness classes!!  Score!  🙂