In previous blogs, you have heard from our Doctors along with myself discuss proper foot care, shoe gear, biomechanics and pretty much everything to do with your feet.

So we decided it is time to change things up a bit. I am inviting you along with friends and family to take a journey. Each week I will be updating you on the trials and tribulations associated with a “task” we elected to do for the next 11 or so months. The task is completing our first full ironman distance race to be held on May 21, 2011 at the inaugural Texas Ironman.

It is our hope as you read this blog you think about not only your feet but to also think about what you can do to live the healthiest life. We hope to inspire you as well as have a few laughs along the way. Alas, the journey begins!

The Journey to a Texas Ironman…..
by:Janet Dixon

So Dr. Crane pops over to my desk last Thursday and with a smile says “Guess what you are doing for us tomorrow morning?” I reply back to her “What am I doing for us tomorrow morning?” She replies “You are enrolling us in the Texas Ironman”. I freeze and again try to understand how the human stomach can literally fall all the way down your leg and wind up in your big toe. I am sure I looked at her with a get out of town look. I sat at my desk bewildered. How I am going to complete a 2.4 mile open water swim, 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run all in the same day?

For the rest of the day and night, in the back of my head questions of can I do this or will I be strong enough to go a total of 140.6 miles or really…Me?? After much discussion with previous Ironman finishers, a lengthy conversation with my triathalon coach and my family the air began to clear. The race date is May 21, 2011 which is just under a year from now. Sure I can finish….gulp!

I wake up Friday morning nervous actually it was more like scared straight. Of the folks I am to enroll online which includes myself I receive text messages and notes not to be late – I have to be online ready to enroll at 8:00am. So here I am sitting at my desk – READY! I attempt online registration with an immediate response to try again later. Thinking this was an obvious sign, I soon realized the registration opens at 10:00am pacific and that would be noon central time zone. Jeez, the group is so wound up no one realized the correct time to enroll including myself. ;)

Eventually the noon hour strikes and once again I am online. After filling in online forms, we are registered for the 2011 Inaugural Texas Ironman! Whoo-hoo! Word spreads like wildfire and folks are either in complete support or believe we have lost a majority of our gray matter.

It’s going to be okay……right? Next week we start reporting on our training, I already have a few "incidents" just from this weekend. Stay tuned! ;)

Ah, now it’s the shoes that can rid you of body fat….……

Lately, you may have seen an influx of advertisements regarding shoes to help you lose weight, tone and firm. So much for the magic pill to achieve perfect thighs, abs of steel or that healthy glow. Now the rage is a pair of shoes. Really?

Many people may think if the product is advertised in fitness magazines or blasted on every channel that this just might be the answer to lose unwanted pounds. Well folks, it does not. If you are looking to lose weight or tone up, your diet and activity level are what you need to focus on and not a pair of shoes.

What the shoe manufactures have done is taken the rocker bottom sole that has been around for ages and are spinning them as the weight loss answer. Rocker bottom soles purpose is to offload areas of pressure. Here are a couple of rocker bottom examples and the intended use:

Forefoot Rocker Sole:

In this style, the foot is propelled from the metatarsal head forward. It is utilized to reduce pressure on the ball of the foot along with forefoot joint issues such as bunions.

Heel to Toe Rocker Bottom Sole:

A heel to toe rocker bottom sole limits ankle and midfoot motion. This style can be particularly helpful if you have ankle arthritis or midfoot arthritis.

So where do you find rocker bottom shoes? Consider the Dansko line of shoes. They are available in stores and online. Also, many shoe repair shops can add a rocker bottom to your existing shoes.

Brands currently pushing the weight loss and toning are MBT, Sketchers and now New Balance. You may wish to try all the brands listed to see if the shoes do assist you in relieving pressure areas however look past the fancy marketing of shaping and toning.

So remember, to lose weight you need to stick with the basics. Eat right, exercise regularly and get plenty of rest. That is what your body really needs.

Healthy Steps…..for your feet…..for your life!