Our feet get bigger as we get older

It took me some years, and some pairs of too-small new running shoes, to realize that our feet get bigger as we get older.

Fortunately, when I was at Sport Chek, I had my foot measured. I take size 10 and 1/2. It used to be 8 and 1/2.

So, have your feet measured as you start to get older.

In the past, I didn’t get my feet measured. I guessed: “I must be 9 and 1/2 now. No, I must be 10.” I didn’t know until a Sport Chek sales person named Maria said to me, “Here, let’s measure your foot. Put your left foot here and let’s see.”

So now that I have a new pair of New Balance running shoes, that are the right size, I’m back to regular running, with three times a week at 30 or 40 minutes. I go by the research regarding such matters. A Nov. 20, 2014 Science Daily article regarding this topic is entitled: “Jogging keeps you young: Seniors who run regularly can walk as efficiently as 20-somethings.”

Running and strength training

For three days per week, I’ve scheduled running in the morning and strength training (essential for maintenance of muscle mass as we get older) in the afternoon.

As with all matters of this nature, I take it easy when I run. At times I run hard, but I do not overdo it. I’ve also bought Saucony waterproof running shoes for running on rainy and snowy days.

By way of an update: After reading a Dec. 14, 2014 Globe and Mail article, which mentions a recent report based on the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study, I’ve added a 10-minute run for the other days of the week as well, aside from the three days a week when I do longer runs.

Driving

Well, I can share another thought. I’m very attentive when I drive. I see the “zone” of what’s happening ahead of me and at the sides and back. Before I adopted that routine, I wasn’t thinking so much about the zone. My thoughts were on my destination, on the past, on the future. Now, after a few serious wakeup calls, fortunately quite some time ago now, my attention is on the road ahead. When I get too tired, I do not drive. A word to the unwary: Attend to what’s ahead of you.