Pain-free shoe guide & Wildlife thriving in the burn zone
- Sarah Hays Coomer
- Jul 21
- 4 min read
THANK YOU for your patience as I have taken this spring to get my bearings after my father passed.
I'm excited to be back and will be in your inbox monthly to offer a boost as we move through the year.
My coaching philosophy is that there is no wellness without pleasure, so these newsletters will always combine the two.
Below you will find:
👉 Sneaker brands for specific foot ailments because stress relief calls for movement—and painful feet can get in the way.
👉 Good news on wildlife after the Eaton Canyon fires in CA
👉 Ways to help after last weekend's ICE raids
But first, a quick story and something to ponder about what's next for you...
Last week, I found myself standing outside a new yoga studio, trying to muster the courage to go in. For the past few years, I've been doing my yoga alone at home. Lately though, I've been feeling the urge to push out of my comfort zone and find my people.
At the threshold of the studio door, I had to take a breath and push myself forward. Having already done the heavy lifting—carving out the time, signing up for the restorative class, getting in the car and driving there—I still had a hiccup at the door, but I went in anyway and found myself surrounded by a diverse group of humans... young, old, all races and genders.
It was lovely, and it felt like the start of a new phase for me. The push was inspired by my clients, who consistently try new things and reap the benefits—simply by walking through a door.
In this season of graduations, explosive summer blooms, and political fuckery, when so many of us are stepping through metaphorical doors into new chapters...
What door have you been eyeing?
Stepping through could lead to new adventures, relationships, jobs, fitness routines, travel or volunteer opportunities—or it could lead to a big Hell no! Wrong door!
Consider stepping over the threshold to find out.
You can always step back if you want, but you'll never get to decide whether the new thing suits you if you don't take a peek at what's on the other side.
If it helps to say it out loud, feel free to reach out to me.
Sarah
Image:
The Perfect Pain-Free Shoes
To bust through doors, you'll need proper footwear. Am I right?
To that end, I went to a local running store to try various brands, so I can better answer my clients questions. I thought this info might be useful for you, too.
👉 I get precisely zilch for recommending these brands, so I don't bring any bias to this convo. Just offering leads in case you've been hurting and want to try something new. Many of these brands also make sandals, slides, and such for summer. I'll share my new personal favorite at the end!
Of course, there are sneakers made for all kinds of activities, but this is a list of brands designed with specific foot concerns in mind:
Kuru — Built specifically for heel pain and plantar fasciitis with heel-hugging technology that adapts to your feet. Can be good for high arches, as well.
Hoka — Features max cushioning for people with general foot pain, arthritis, or those who need shock absorption after injury
Brooks — Offers arch support and stability for overpronators and those with flat feet
Altra — Zero-drop platform (heel and toe at same height). Some report this can help with low back pain or Achilles issues.
Topo — Wide toe box design that's great for toe pain, bunions, hammertoes, or anyone who needs room for toe splay
New Balance — Comes in multiple widths (from narrow to extra-wide) for hard-to-fit feet or those who need to insert custom orthotics
Vionic — Built-in orthotic footbeds for people with alignment issues or who need more arch support
The right shoe is as individual as you are—what works for someone else might not work for you—but finding your perfect match really can help propel you forward.
My fav? I have heel pain from a bone spur under my Achilles. I recently got a pair of Kuru ATOM Trail sneakers, and, for real, I do NOT want to take them off. I have high arches and, regardless of brand, am always a fan of the grip on trail runners—even just for walking. The Kurus are not cheap, but they are light-weight and more supportive than any sneakers I've ever had.
I found my match, for now! But that doesn't mean yours is the same.
Falling in love with how a shoe makes you feel can make all the difference in your energy and mood. I highly recommend taking some of these options for a spin if your old pair is worn out.
Wildlife of Eaton Canyon
Animals and vegetation are returning to the Eaton Canyon burn zone in Altadena, California. AP reports UCLA researchers have captured images of deer, coyotes, hawks, and even a mountain lion bringing life back to the area.
Nashville Families Impacted by ICE Raid
On Sunday May 4th, federal ICE agents detained dozens of Nashville residents who were not able to prove immigration status on the spot. Many of these folks were pulled over while commuting home from work or making grocery runs with their kids. They were put on busses and shipped out of state without due process.
If you want to learn more, the Nashville Banner compiled a list of ways to help.
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Past posts can be found here.
