5. Change Your Shoes

If you’re like me, you’re wearing the wrong size of athletic shoes. On my last day at the program, Dallas podiatrist Allan Sherman checked my shoes and broke the news. “You should have about a thumb’s distance between your toe and the end of the shoe,” Dr. Sherman says. Who knew? I always thought blisters were just part of exercise. Shop for new shoes at the end of the day when feet are swollen, Dr. Sherman recommends. For optimum comfort, visit a shoe store dedicated to athletic shoes to find out if you need a neutral, stability, or motion-control shoe. (Because of my low arch, I need a stability shoe.) I’m trying to get over the fact that now I must buy tennis shoes in double-digit sizes that make me feel like Shaquille O’Neal.

Next6. Explore Your Options