This is a Disaster

Image by Hugh TurveyMy new job no longer allows me to wear denim to work. None. Not even a tailored jean jacket over trousers or a skirt. Certainly none of the cute skinny jeans that are out there, or my preferred uniform of jeans stuffed into chic boots with a great sweater or cropped blazer. What's a girl to do? How does one remain hip without jeans these days? Luckily, shoes can always be worn regardless of the dress code. Shoes always make one feel taller, walk prouder, strut their stuff, and stick it to the world. Not just shoes - high heels. They're pretty, girlie, feminine, sexy, and above all, envious-attention-getting. It seems everyone appreciate the high heel, and they are my favorite part of getting dressed these days.

Now, I have a new wrench in the proceedings that really must not be overlooked.

Today, I wore some of my favorite high heels which I'd bought on extreme discount at a sample sale long ago. Although rather high (4 inches or so,) they're really very comfortable, as is the case with well-made, expensive shoes. Yes, in theory their better design creates better engineering, which allows the shoes to be better balanced and supportive where it counts. That's the theory anyway, and I generally find this to be true with my more expensive footwear. But then there are the days when it goes a little bit off.

Late in the day today I noticed that my right foot was hurting - not just hurting, it was in pain. Yes, just across the top of the foot at the base of the toes. It was also sore on the bottom, at the ball of the foot. It hurt. By the time I got off of the bus I was nearly limping. (I pride myself on never being the kind of fashionista who looks foolish in high heels. If you don't know how to walk in them, you shouldn't be wearing them, sweets. Rock the heels and rock them well, or leave them in the closet.) I kick off the shoes and immediately change into run gear for my Team In Training track practice, and notice that despite the snuggly support of my super-comfy New Balance runners, my foot still hurt. It hurt during my warm up laps, and it hurt during drills. Finally I talk to my coach Rhian about the pain. After explaining where it hurt and how it felt, she immediately asked:

"So, what kind of shoes were you wearing today?"

Me: "Heels."

The moment the word escaped my mouth I knew I should have lied. She began to shake her head...

Rhian: "You can't wear your heels any more. Not until after the race. It will make all the difference in the world."

Here's where I start to laugh. Wokka-wokka - is she fucking kidding?

No. No she's not.

As I continued to carry on with questions like: "What am I supposed to wear?" and clever, witty retorts like: "Do you know who I am? Do you know where I work?", Rhian began to get more and more serious. Moving very slowly and very quietly, she looked me dead in the face. Her pale blue eyes had lost their mirth and were now cold and steady.

Rhian: "No more heels. I'm serious. Stop wearing them." Okay. Wow. I'm actually a little scared of the coach - that hasn't happened since high school.

But still - Rhian, you know I love you girl, I think you're wonderful, but I have to tell you that you're on your own with that crack habit you're dealing with. Are you completely nuts? Believe me, I would run out and buy cute ballerinas in a million colors if I could possibly afford them (especially those cute Gucci ones...) but practicality must intervene. I have hundreds, nay, probably close to thousands of dollars in high heels sitting in my closet. Shoes that I've accumulated over years of collecting and careful shopping. Now, just because I'm doing a triathlon I'm not supposed to wear them at all? It's bad enough I can't wear jeans, now I can't feel the feminine prettiness inherent in high heels?

Yup. The lady don't lie, and you don't blow off your coach - she's in her job for a reason, and clearly she knows a bit more about it than I do. How am I possibly going to weather this latest tragic turn? I left Rhian with the warning: "I'm blogging you lady..." and she replied with "You go ahead, you blog me. You'll see I'm right." There I go, trying to be tough again, when all I really want to do is burst into tears!

Help P&Cers - surely you understand! Hello? Is there anyone feeling my pain - the physical AND emotional AND psychological? Anyone?

Comments

[Meg]

Annie- I think your coach might be right. I've had a lot of athlete friends who've developed foot problems from wearing heels and had to switch to flats (for at least most of the time). Why not save the high heels for nights when you're going out and then go to DSW or Payless and pick up 5 pairs of cheap but cute flats for work? You'll notice a huge difference in comfort and you won't waste much money. Flats are everywhere this season and you'll definitely find plenty that are (nearly) as attractive as your high heels for reasonable prices. Sorry!!

ps:doesn't your training end in just a few months? after that you're free to wear all the heels you want!

[Pam]

Annie: I live a perfectly happy and fulfilling life without heels. It can be done. Just find a good substitute, like start drinking more.

[Genevieve]

It's true, it's true. Heels can really hurt your body. Viv had to make the high-heel downgrade for her job, even though those pointy stilettos looked so damn good in her spiffy work outfits. She went to a foot doc and guess what? Her feet had shrunk by half a size? She was given the song about heels being bad for your back, joints, all that... and made the switch. As for me, I don't have the stomach for them as much as I'd like to. My limit is 2.5", 3" tops. Flats, flat boots, classic and perhaps boring. Practical? Oh yes. You'll be fine lady, believe me.