Right on, Ryka

I've noted before that my attempts to exercise seem to be constantly thwarted by children. So unfair. So it was kind of a stretch for me to tell the good people of Parent Bloggers Network that "Yes! I'm an exerciser! Sign me up for them free shoes!" But follow my logic: If I replace my six-year-old (yeah, six) cross-trainers with new, wonderfully comfortable, designed-for-women walking shoes by Ryka, I will be forced to use them.

And I am so proud to say that I have. When the godforsaken alarm goes off, I get up, lace up my MC2 Walks, and hit the road with my dog. It took me a few tries to get the laces adjusted right--my first time out, the shoe was much too tight across my left instep and it really hurt by the time I got home, and my heels slipped in and out of place a bit. But some tweaks with the lacing solved those problems. Now my feet are quite happy in their cushy new kicks. (This was a downside to receiving the shoes by mail; if I'd purchased them in a store, I could have had the salesperson help me adjust the fit.) And if I don't get a chance to change out of them before it's time for kiddie drop-offs, errands, and who knows what else? I don't look like a 2001-shoe-wearing looozer. These shoes have a no-nonsense, minimalist look that I appreciate (also check out the Ryka workout clothes--equally sporty-chic).

I won't say it's now a pleasure to get up an hour earlier than usual to walk. But having the right gear helps, a lot. So does making a commitment: to myself, my dog (she's getting a lot more exercise now, too) and my fellow bloggers. Who's with me? Starting today, Ryka is giving away 50 free pairs of shoes a day (through October). Get yourself a pair and I'll see you on the walking trail. I'll be the one with the bloodshot eyes and the excitable mutt.

P.S. Edited to add: That free-shoes promo is even better than I thought. For every free pair Ryka gives away to the general public, they are also giving a pair to the Women's Sports Foundation. Nice!