Ryka Runners

My only form of exercise when I was a new mom, besides marathon nursing sessions, involved long walks outdoors. Bumper and I hit the parks and streets right off the bat - as much for our health as for my sanity.

Just look at her over there. Five weeks old and ready to hit the road. We put a lot of mileage on that stroller.

Measuring the distance we covered each day, I discovered we walked seven to ten kilometres per jaunt. Inspired by this number, I downloaded some local running maps and challenged myself to longer walks.

These days, I try to still do it at least twice a week. It's hard to convince Bumper to stay still that long but at least I'm getting some exercise with all the toddler chasing.

There has only been one draw back to all the walking and toddler chasing. I can feel the stress in my shins and back caused by my feet. I'm pretty sure they got bigger post partum (GASP!) and I haven't replaced my runners in over ten years (DOUBLE GASP!).

Thankfully Ryka came along and solved most of my pains. Ryka and The Parent Bloggers Network invited me to try out the MC2 Walk shoe . And can I say I'm in love with a running shoe? Because I am.

The pair fits fits like a dream. The arch support is amazing, lots of room for the toes, and no slippage around the heels. I didn't even get blisters the first time I wore them and that only happened one other time in my athletic shoe buying history when I had a professional assessment (translation: a very expensive shopping trip but the shoes were awesome).

The true test for me was forgetting I had them on. And the very first time worn, I completely forgot I was wearing new shoes. No blisters, no discomfort, nothing but comfy back, shins, and feet.

And have I mentioned how superficial I can be about shoes? Well these are very nice looking - sure they were a bit too shiny white for my liking in the beginning but all new athletic shoes are like that. Now that I've been wearing them on our walks and playground missions for the past month, they are a bit more worn looking but honestly, I didn't mind the look of the shoe.

Ryka shoes cater exclusively to women and carry a full range of styles: running, walking, cross trainers, casual, swim, and studio shoes.

So check the shoes out because you might win a pair. Oh yes, I kid you not, you can win a pair of these walking shoes or two other styles. Ryka is giving away 50 (FIFTY!) shoes a day - go to their site via this link for details. This will be going on now through to October.

AND

On Friday September 14th, Ryka and The Parent Bloggers Network are hosting a blog blast and you might win an entire outfit AND shoes. Check back for details on Friday.

Look how happy motherbumper's feet are with her new walking shoes and enter to get a pair yourself. My feet are very happy with me.

do you like my new pedicure? happy feet get nice rewards
(and yes, that is a really bad sandal tan)