Your feet are your foundation, and when that foundation is off, it can show up everywhere: back pain, nagging knee issues, or the quiet belief that you’re “just not a runner.” We sit down with Mary Hayes, owner of Go Run by Fleet Feet in Lafayette, Louisiana, for a real-world look at how the right footwear and a thoughtful fitting process can help people move better, whether they are training for a marathon or simply trying to walk without discomfort.

We talk about why most customers in a specialty running store are not runners at all, and how local doctors and chiropractors often send patients in for support. Mary breaks down why asking “What’s the best running shoe?” misses the point, and how tools like a 3D foot scan can reveal arch height, foot volume, and even left-to-right size differences that affect comfort and injury risk. We also get practical about beginner mistakes like doing too much too soon, the role of stretching and strength work, and why running can be such a powerful mental health reset until injury takes it away.

The conversation widens into Lafayette’s running community and local races, including the Zydeco Marathon as a Boston qualifier, plus Mary’s personal stories from living overseas in Nigeria and the UAE. Her experiences with fitness groups, service, and simply helping people get what they need are a reminder that “wellness” is not just training plans, it’s community, access, and follow-through.

If you enjoy honest conversations about running, injury prevention, posture, and building healthy habits that last, subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a nudge to start, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What would it take for you to take your first walk or first run this week?