Her thighs are burning from doing squats, but new running shoes and a burst of enthusiasm have salvaged columnist Jennifer Hume's week.

The Royal Gazette's 100 Day Challenger has kept up with her basketball and even learned about the fine intricacies of running shoes.

Thursday, March 27

We had a much better turnout for basketball tonight. We continued working on layups, shooting and defence. There's no session next week but in the meantime we're supposed to watch some of the March Madness games and observe the techniques of the more seasoned players.

Saturday, March 29

I washed my car today and it looks like a brand new vehicle! It was a good workout, scrubbing off all that dirt and wrestling with the vacuum, trying to get the dog hair out of the upholstery. (Does anyone have any tips for this? That stuff will not come off!) After that I figured I'd started to work up a sweat anyway so I went out for a walk/run. My little exercise halo was shining brightly today!

Monday, March 31

Marathon Melissa and I went for a good walk/run tonight although I think I was driving her a bit nuts. She's trying to get me to keep up a good pace and get my heart rate going but every time we passed someone walking a dog I had to stop and say hello. What can I say? I'm a sucker for the pooches. As punishment I had to do about a thousand squats when we got back to her house. I am sure I will be suffering tomorrow.

Tuesday, April 1

I feel as though I'm walking like a robot today — my thighs are killing me! Squats are evil.

Wednesday, April 2

Marathon Melissa got a new pair of running shoes on Monday. She's gone through quite a few trying to find the pair that provides the best support for her. Apparently the type of shoe you should buy depends on all sorts of factors like what kind of arch you have, whether your feet turn in or out, etc.

I always thought a running shoe was a running shoe but now I'm wondering if my heel and shin issues may have something to do with the fact that I purchase sneakers based purely on colour and cuteness.

A few recommendations led me to Sharon at the Sportseller who was great. She talked to me about what kind of running I was doing, looked at my feet and explained what kind of a feel and fit you want from your shoe. It was really helpful and I left with a new pair of shoes and a renewed enthusiasm to get out and go for a run. Once my thighs are functioning again, that is!