Remember when I said I was going to work out?

Alright so I said that Fall was my "new year" and I was going to try and start being me again- so step one involves running/yoga. Once upon a time, I could run five miles pretty easily. Not too impressive by any means, but impressive for me, someone who placed second to last at every track meet I was in during middle school (literally- second to last EVERY. SINGLE. MEET). And then life happened, work got busy, I had surgery, excuses, excuses, etc. and suddenly walking up a hill to Publix was challenging. To be fair, we do live on quite the hill, and I'm the only person in Atlanta who would even consider walking to the grocery store instead of driving. Anyway, I think Influenster knew I needed a little kick in the butt, so they sent me a set of Dr. Scholls Active Series inserts (click the link to get a $4 off coupon). 

I have always used inserts in my running shoes, because I have high arches, and also, I'm a wimp. I need some cushioning, ok? 

The best part of the insoles was the sizing. I have midget feet. Literally, my Hunter rain boots are children sized, as are my Jack Rogers sandals. I wear a 5 or a 6 in women's sizes, so when I first pulled out the insoles I laughed. There was NO WAY those things were going to fit in my tiny running shoes. 

But hey! Look at that- the insoles have lines, showing different shoe sizes. You just find your size, and cut along those lines, and bam! You have insoles to fit into your carnie shoes. 

Nothing like a little arts and crafts.

My awesome shoes. I am obsessed with them. My friend Mary Pat won us a VIP experience with Nike Training Club & Nike Women, and we got awesome swag. I look like a person who spends money on their athletic wear thanks to this event- but just kidding. I don't. 

Look! A perfect fit!

Also, note how gross my old inserts were. No thanks. 

Laced up and ready to rock. 

Bears Norts. Win.

So at this point, I actually had to run. That part was awful. I live in a really hilly part of town- Atlanta has a lot more geography than Chicago did. Between dodging cockroaches on the sidewalk and watching the Lululemoned out Midtown athletes all around me, I was basically cursing myself for ever running in the first place.  Until I came home of course, and then I felt great about myself.  Isn't that great how it works? Are there any runners out there who don't hate every second of their runs?

I could not look happier, right? Ew. This is a hideous picture that I should never put on the internet. But no shame, no gain, right? The good news is- my feet felt great when I got home. Normally my arches hurt a bit, and I've had my share of shin splints, but so far so good. I've been running more, and hating it (slightly) less. It's a slow process. But hopefully I can keep it up. What are your must have items for running/exercising? Also- if you're not an Influenster yet- sign up! I have a few invites so let me know in the comments if you want one. There's nothing better than getting free stuff to test out-duh.