Menopausal Beach Toes

Beach walker here.

Barefoot beach walker.

That is until three years ago when I noticed the sand wearing away the skin on the bottom of my toes.

Yikes!

Those poor toes returned from a beach walk looking like I’d run a marathon on oyster shells. What gives?

The thinning skin of menopause. (Although it took me a year or so to understand this was the culprit). When the estrogen diminishes, the skin suffers. You can read more about it here.

Adaption!

I now wear my clunky walking shoes when beach walking.

Fine on a fall day when you’re sporting shorts and a t-shirt.

But it’s not a great look with a flowy beach cover up.

And talk about a  nerd alert:  Someone shouts from their blanket, “Beach walk!” and you say, “Sure. Just as soon as I put on my socks and shoes.”

I should have appreciated my barefoot beach walks even more than I did in those glorious hours.

I never imagined the upcoming woes of menopausal beach toes.

But, thank heavens, my shoes, socks, toes, and I continue to enjoy wonderful walks very close to the surf.

Like so much else about aging, it’s all about figuring things out and adapting.

My goal: To leave footprints in the sand as long as I can.

What about you?  Any beach walk troubles?

Giveaway Winners!  Congrats to Stephanie, Lisa, and Susan who won Yay! Pie! magnets; Shelley who won the canvas print giveaway; and DIane, who won the Kegeling t-shirt. (Diane, we want to know if you’re brave enough to wear it!)

Photo:  Cliff snapped this photo on East Beach of Bald Head Island, one of my favorite places on Earth.