some questions about walking

ok so i havent had surgery. i'm trying to lose some weight by exercising because my intake doesnt seem to be my problem most of the time.

so i have been walking every day for about 5 days now early in the morning with my two dogs. i go at around 5-6am and walk for 30-60 minutes, depending on the speed i maintain and the distance i go and route i take. i generally go from my house (point a) to a specific point B, but i mix up how i get there, turning different corners to try and get a longer walk or different scenery or whatever.

i use a pedometer so i know my steps and calories and distances are just approximations. i'm not so much after numbers as i am after feeling better.

but anyway, i have a few questions.

is it better for me to eat before i go for my walk or after? 

does anyone know specifically what causes someone's heel to slide up and out of your sneaker and back down into it with each step, even when the rest of the sneaker is tight around the rest of the foot?

Does you shoe have a tab on the back? With hiking and mountain shoes/boots we tie our laces around the shoe to stop this from happening.

 Here's a link to how you can tie your shoes to stop heal slip:walking.about.com/od/shoes/ss/shoelacingtofit.htm


I also recommend going to a running store (not a chain) and getting properly fitted for shoes, you will save yourself a world of hurt.  As for accurate distances you can always use Mapmyrun, to track what you've done for a more accurate account of mileage.

I agree with the other poster about going to a running shoe store and being fitted with proper shoes. My heels used to slide out of my shoes (due to my foot shape I guess), but the running shoes I have now keep them firmly in place. Mizuno brand specifically has a "heel cup" and that's the kind that fit me best.

You can eat before or after the walk, but the optimum thing to do based on my research is to eat within 30 minutes after exercise. Something that has a good bit of protein plus a few carbs.

 ive had the heel slippage problem all my life with just about every type of shoe i wear. every single sneaker, every snow shoe, boot, anything that is NOT an open back shoe.

how do i find a running store? i did a google search and all that is coming up is road runner sports, the running company, and modells. 

Your heels are narrower than the ball of your foot. More than likely a shoe salesperson/fitter will guide you to a padded heel counter. You can also purchase slip in heel counters that may help and there is a lacing trick I learned when working for a tennis shoe company. After pulling up the laces taught and before tying the bow, lace the laces back through the opposite eyelets, pull tight and complete bow as usual. This may help to get you through to the point when you can buy a new pair....and when you are ready for a new pair, get a fit by an athletic store.