As diabetics we need to concern ourselves with the parts of our bodies we use the most--our feet. Keeping your eye on them for small cuts and blisters should be a routine for us. The toe nails should be carefully trimmed so to not put pressure against the front of the shoe. We should be careful not to run in damp shoes following a long sweaty run the day before or following a rain. For that reason I have two pair of the same make and model and I alternate days with them. Our socks should of a soft seam-less variety. Our shoes should fit well. The point is, there are days I would really love to get off the pavement and hit the trails. I would love to just be able to run the soft shoulder of some of the roads my courses take me, but I'm not sure it is worth the risk of small stones that invariably get into my shoes during off-road runs. With the onset of neuropathy in my feet, the doctor has warned me to be very careful to not get cuts or blisters. I have lost just enough sensitivity in my feet that I'm afraid I may not notice a small stone which could cause a cut. There is an upcoming race in September just a few minutes from my house where 40% of the race is on trails. Boy, would I love that...and I may just take the risk this time! 20 years ago, there was a system of trails near where we once lived in the Adirondak Mountains of NY. My buddies and I would leave our watches home and run those trails a couple of times each week. The terrain was rugged but those runs were absolutely satisfying. Oh, how I long for some trail running again!

Somthing that I think is quite cool on this site is the logging of our shoes!! I keep two pair active for running and another two pair going for my romantic walks with my wife. By recording our shoe info the log automatically keeps a running toll of their mileage. The typical shoe is shot after 500 miles on the typical foot. Unfortunately, as diabetics, we don't typical feet so I feel compelled to replace much earlier. Also, don't let mileage alone determine when to discard--inspect those soles for unusual wear that could exaspirate over-use injuries.

oh how I love trail running! really bummed I have to do so much street running at our new house. Also take good care of your toenails. had to sit out 2 weeks after a ingrown toenail got infected and the doc had to cut it out.