Whether it’s running, walking, biking or working out, we often are faced with struggles that prevent us from reaching our fitness goals.

Here are FIVE of mine.  They all relate to a goal of working out:

1.Access

I do not own a treadmill or any exercise equipment besides a stationary bike.

I could, of course, join a gym or subscribe to Peleton.

Both cost $$$.  Affordable but sometimes we need to make choices on how to spend our salary.

2.Time

I work from 8-4.  Sometimes I have to travel which means even more hours spent at work.

Again, I could get up earlier or skip after work social activities.

It’s a matter of priorities (as in $$) – sleep/friends vs fitness

3.Partner

I’m pretty sure that if I had a partner in crime, I would go to a gym.

For some things I just need that extra push of a friend doing it too.

4.Too Many Options

• A gym?  Which one: Planet Fitness, YMCA, etc?
• App Subscriptions? Which one: Peleton, Les Mills, etc?
• Free Online Videos?
• Do your own thing?

5.A Reason

As they say “If it ain’t broke…”

IOW, I only run and yet I do not have any aches or pains or injuries. (knock on wood.)

Happy Running! Which struggles do you face, if any? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

1.Staying Healthy

I really believe that running outside 4x a week (so matter what) has kept all those sicknesses (COVID, RSV, Flu, Cold, etc.) away!

-7 with the wind chill… I survived!

2. My Friends

As often as possible, I try enlist the company of a friend or two on my runs.  Running alone is no fun!! And you cannot procrastinate if someone is waiting for you!!

3.Food

I admit it.  Food is my reward after any hike, run or race.

4.Races

I enjoy racing.  But if I have a race on my schedule, I will NOT skip a run or cut short a long run.  I want to run well in a race but more importantly, I want to remain injury-fee.

12 miles in preparation for an upcoming race

5.Blogging.

I post 3x a week. If I don’t run, I feel like a phony since I schedule my upcoming runs or races on Sunday’s blog post and then recap them the Sunday after.

Happy Running! So what motivates YOU? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

When I first started running, I went to Fleet Feet and bought shoes that they recommended. They also told me that I needed to buy insoles.  As a new runner, I did what I was told.  I didn’t want to ruin my feet.

As I proceeded to order shoes though the years, I moved my pink Super Feet insoles to the new shoes. I even replaced the insoles.

Once I switched to Topos because they have a wider toe box, my insoles didn’t fit right so I just used the existing insoles. And I have continued to buy Topos and not replace the insoles with more expensive ones.

Until recently.

One of my running friends was suffering from PF and bought insoles which she said helped greatly.

That got me thinking about my neuroma.  It doesn’t hurt most of the time but by the end of a long race I can still feel it.

And I so I put insoles in my shoes…

The verdict is still out but my foot did not hurt during my last half marathon (but it could have been numb from the cold. LOL)

5 Benefits of wearing Insoles:

1. Reduce strain on and stabilize your feet (and ankle).

2. Experience relief from foot, heel and arch pain, including pain from plantar fasciitis and neuromas.

3. Energize your runs by providing comfort and support to your feet.

4. Improve overall gait and pronation.

5. Help prevent common running related issues.

5 Insoles recommended for runners:

1.Super Feet

“Clinically proven to increase comfort, minimize repetitive stress and prevent injuries, the proprietary Superfeet shape cradles your heels and hugs your arches to deliver just the right amount of targeted support…”

They come in different colors depending your arch type and if you use them for comfort or pain relief. (cost~$50)

2. CURREX RunPRO Insole

“These insoles use a deep heel cup, dynamic arch support and high-rebound cushioning to keep your feet feeling fresh, mile after mile…”

There are three different arch profiles to choose from (Low, Medium, and High) (Cost~$50)

3.Powerstep PULSE Maxx Insoles

“These insoles have a firm but flexible shell with built-in arch support and a heel cradle to keep your feet secure and supported while you take an evening stroll or train for your next 5k…” (cost=$50)

4. Sole Active Insoles

Unlike other insoles that have a relatively quick break-in period, the SOLE Active insoles have a roughly 3 day break-in period (per their published data).  Cost ~ $55

5. Cadence Insoles

These Insoles are designed by a Physical Therapist, with the goal of providing semi-rigid orthotic support while also providing shock absorption. (cost~$45)

5 more things to consider re: insoles:

1.Google Insoles for runners and you will find so many options. There are cheaper ones than the ones listed above but you get what you pay for, right?

‘2.Talk to your podiatrist for recommendations. You may need custom orthotics and your insurance may cover the cost.

3.You should break in new running shoes before adding insoles.

4.Insoles are not a miracle cure for a an injury. See a doctor first…

5.Lastly, while your foot mechanics are important in running so are posture, cadence, and stride length, etc.

 Happy Running! Do you use insoles in your running shoes?  If so, which ones? Please share.

It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

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