The Journey to a Texas Ironman

Shiny Disco balls.....

And a day it was for the 6th annual Disco Sprint Triathlon at Lake Ray Roberts. I absolutely love this race. We had a nice challenge today and that was the heat. Whew! The song in my head throughout the course was Burn Baby Burn...Disco Inferno!

Originally the teen of our household and her friend were to come along and cheer however when they realized they would have to be up before noon, cheering was no longer appealing. I sort of wanted to stay in the cool house myself then again it was Disco and ya just gotta be there!

Prepping for a sprint is a snap. The night before, I have all of my race day items layed out in strategic order. I find what I am missing and what I really don’t need for this distance. I thought I was done then it dawned on me, I guess cycling shoes would be nice to have for the bike portion of the race.

Race morning was perfect. The lake was so calm and beautiful. I took a moment to enjoy the peace when suddenly to my left was a racer in all out 70’s gear. So much for the calm moments, life now became Disco.

I love watching the age groups hit the open water one coordinated cap color at a time. The lake's water temperature was like bath water and calm. Typically I stay in the back of the pack however this year I thought I would move up a bit. Glad I did –swim time improved and I learned to deal with flying legs and arms propelling toward my face.

Transition was pretty good and I really had fun on the bike. I can tell hill training is paying off as much as I detest hills on a bike in 100+ heat. During the run, I was in Ms. Social mode just talking away. I met a participant who is racing for the first time after dealing with thyroid cancer. We jogged a bit together to the first water stop. I was in awe and tipped my visor to him. I then met a lot of local runners in the area I had not seen in awhile. After many "hello" and "nice to see you" comments, I figured I better stop goofing off and finish the event.

After the race I met some more folks and joked with a friend who seems to receive awards at every race. I told Jim I would need to find a race with two ladies in my age group to ever place as I have never won any races. We laughed and I move on to pack up and walk Celeste (that’s my bike’s name) to the car with my husband.

Heading to the parking lot after the race I receive a phone call. My friend Diesel tells me to stop what I am doing and he has my plaque. I told him to stop goofing off then he tells me he won first place in his age division. I am elated for him! After waiting a few minutes, he rolls up and hands me an award with all smiles. Guess what? I finally got that 1st place.

The next race is a half ironman in September. It is the Inaugural Branson 70.3 in Branson Mo. So here we go to prepare for Branson! Talk to you next week!

Janet

The Journey to a Texas Ironman

Knowing you make a positive impact on other people’s lives I think is one of the greatest things we can do for each other. Many of our patients have commented to us over the years on our display of medals on the practice walls for half and full marathons. The walls then gained new medals for triathlon sprint, olympic and now half ironman distances. Hearing frequent visitors stop in and say, I was looking at all of the medals on the wall so I:
worked out for the first time in months.
am training for my first 5k.
took my dog for a walk.
eat healthier.
bought new workout shoes.
The comments go on and on.

This past week, a lot of folks were stopping in not only to say hello but to express how proud they were that we are going for the full Iron distance. I was in awe to hear such comments then I caught myself. At one point in my life, I was one of those in awe everytime I met someone who ran a half marathon or full marathon. I thought IronMan athletes were….well…nuts. Fast forward a few years and we became a part of those “nuts”.

The multisport lifestyle changes you. I remember a lifestyle of sleeping in late, with little focus on workouts. Now, I am lucky to sleep past 6:00am on the weekends and could not even think of missing a workout. The body and mind are greatly strengthened by this lifestyle and for that, I am indebited to this group of “nuts”.

This past weeks schedule of workouts was hampered a bit by much needed rain and indoor lap pool closures for various annoying reasons. Considering we can’t change the weather, I finally gave in and let my running shoes get wet in the rain…I know..such a girl.

Hopefully next week we will be back on track weather permitting. Next Sunday is the Disco Triathlon. This is one tri that I enroll in each year mostly because it is so darn fun and entertaining. Can’t wait to tell you all about it…now I have to go find my 70’s wig and get ready to Disco!

Talk to you next week!
Janet

Dr. Scholl's Inserts...Deal or Dud?

So is the kiosk in Walmart touting “revolutionary footmapping technology” really a good product? According to their advertising, this technology identifies unique foot pressure points and arch type, then suggests a “Custom Fit Orthotic”.

Where do we begin! Let’s start with the “revolutionary footmapping technology” part. This machine has you step on a computer mat and senses high pressure areas. But it doesn’t know if those high arch feet when standing still collapse like a pancake when walking. So the fancy machine suggests an insert with a high, firm arch. Once that patient starts walking with the large rock like thing in their shoe, and their arch collapses against it with every step, what pain they had before is then replaced with a brand new one!

Let’s move on to the “Custom Fit Orthotic” part. There is nothing “custom fit” about this process. A custom fit would require not only dispensing an orthotic made directly from a mold or 3D impression of both feet, but also a biomechanical exam including gait analysis. This is what allows a patient to wear an orthotic that is made specifically for their foot type AND gait pattern.

There are people who will find these type of OTC inserts comfortable and can have pain relief. But the majority end up in our office with more pain then when they started.

At Healthy Steps, we offer the same footmapping technology, but also combine that with the expert advice from our certified pedorthotist, Janet Dixon. We make sure you are getting the best product for your foot and your lifestyle.

Soapbox...no. Wanting the best possible for our patients...yes.

The Journey to a Texas IronMan

So we are over the shock of enrolling for the race, now it’s time to get down to business.

During one of our training rides, someone who shall remain nameless for now…and it was not me, started the cycling out great. At one point, I checked to see we are still in a group and notice we are down one. Turning around, we head back and low and behold only twenty minutes into the ride, we have a flat tire. Puzzled we stare at each other and think jeez – we have not dealt with this in any race or ride. So who knows how to change a tire? We did not.

Naturally we turn to the male rider of the group and stare which in turn he stares back hinting he is not about to change the tire and we are going to have to change this tire ourselves. Better yet, it’s not my bike so I immediately offer to hold the bike while the tire is changed. I am a smart one I tell you.

After all is said and done, we have one person with more grease on the hands and legs than on the bike and one successful tire change.

Toward the end of our three hour ride, we encountered grasshoppers on the road. I don’t know how this happened and I am sure the grasshopper is still trying to figure this out but the little guy flew at me landing through the air vent of my helmet and on to my head. So I found out the brakes on my bike work quite well and I have definetly improved my helmet removal time which ought to cut time in transition. After flicking the little guy out of my hair, the helmet was back on and off we go to finish the ride.

The rest of the week was typical for training. One morning of open water swimming equaling just over a mile, two evenings of indoor pool workouts, and mix in some running and cycling. I typically have one day off a week from training and that day is Friday.

As far as dietary changes, I gave up soda over a month ago and drink –A LOT- of water. I am trying to make small improvements in my diet over time rather than a shock and awe campain. I even gave up chocolate…I mourned that loss for a good week or so.

So that’s it for this week. By the way….check out this pic – Dr. Crane changed the tire….grease and all.

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!

Where you receive your therapeutic shoe gear matters.

Each year, thousands of people receive shoes and inserts via the therapeutic shoe bill. Medicare patients with part B coverage who are under the care of a Physician for Type I or Type II Diabetes and have one or more of the required conditions can receive approved diabetic footwear and inserts each calendar year.

While this benefit is available, there are unfortunately suppliers whom improperly bill or provide less than adequate shoe gear. So who do you trust your feet or your loved ones feet to offer appropriately fitting shoes and inserts? Here are a few tips to guide you:

Consult your Physician or Podiatrist for a resource. Many Podiatrists have shoes onsite or can offer you a referal along with a perscription for obtaining shoes and inserts.

Avoid mail order programs. The final fit is crucial to ensure an appropriate fit. Both feet need to be measured along with a review of each foot in consideration of accomodations for appropiate support. The shoes must be issued by a Certified Pedorthist, Orthotist or Podiatrist.

Patients living in skilled nursing facilities may have a person who will fit patients in the facility. Ask who is completing the fitting? Are they certified? Who will check to make sure the fit of the shoes and inserts are appropriate?

More and more you will see Podiatrists and Certified Pedorthists working together to solutionize your shoe gear needs. The medical expertise of your Podiatrist along with the fitting expertise of a Certified Pedorthist are proving to offer patients a safe and proper fit of protective inserts and shoes.

If you are referred to a therapeutic store location, facilities are now required to complete an accreditation process in order to bill Medicare for therapeutic shoes and inserts. This process must be completed every three years to ensure compliance. The accreditation requires standards that are grouped into categories and include topics such as:

organizational process
patient care
performance management
product safety
facility safety and supplier compliance

Each of these categories contains multiple standards unique to the specific type of accreditation an organization is seeking. For more information on accreditation, access www.abcop.org.

Accreditation is a privilege and can be revoked at any time. Once a location has been revoked, the location has sixty days to correct inadequacies then be reinspected. During this time, the facility will not be permitted to dispense therapeutic shoes and inserts and bill Medicare.

So the next time you or someone you know are in need of therapeutic shoes and inserts, do yourself a favor and ask questions. You have two feet – protect them!