Socks and shoes

One of my Social Media friends asked me “What do I do about these blisters that I got from walking?” That question brought back some painful memories.

In early fall of 2004, I went to Ohio to walk in the Columbus 10K Walk. It is the biggest event for walkers in this part of the world. I just had my picture on the cover of Walk Magazine and was a new expert in the field of completive walking. I had my WALKING STEP SHIRT and walking shoes and bright shorts, and that weird hat I had designed. I finished seventh in my age bracket. I left after the race in intense pain. I was a no show for the photo op and TV interview. I suffered in private and made no comments. The blisters on both feet were awful. I was hurting and embarrassed.

It was worse the next morning and I called a professional marathon pro expecting his understanding and comfort. He gave me the meanest cussing lecture I have had since my drill sergeant in basic training. “You blankety blank. It's those cotton socks, and worse yet, - they sell the rotten cotton socks to old people you blankety blank!” That is the day I changed my way of doing business. Ninety nine percent of being smart is knowing what I am dumb at. From that day I only take advice from those who walk the walk.

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