Since I started hitting the gym (semi-)regularly a few years ago, I knew it made me feel good. Sounds simple, I know, but that's the only way to put it. I could breathe more deeply and easily. I have more energy during the day, and I sleep better. After working out, I just plain feel better about myself -- physically and psychologically.

Exercise has been a natural energy shot with a nice, easy decrescendo, and I like it. Which is why I'm not surprised to learn that a new study has linked the physical act of exercising with improved self-image.

The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Florida (woot!), determined that people who exercise regularly are generally satisfied with their body images. Whether a person looks like big Oprah, little Oprah, Forrest Griffin or Turtle from "Entourage", working out makes a person feel like a million bucks.

I've felt the benefits of my weekend warrior gym attendance, and now my alma mater is backing me up. I don't foresee having a problem with my current gym policy.

The right shoes to go the distance (Pt. 2)

As a pronator (someone who steps more on the inside of my foot), I've experienced the pains and problems associated with over-pronating. More importantly, I've adapted to them. The problem is that excessive pronating can flatten your feet, loosen previously stable joints and cause you to tire out more quickly.

I've run with heel pain, knee pain, arch pain and shin splints. God knows I've been running with flat feet. I have yet to have the pleasure of enduring bunions or hammer toes, but as I get older I'm sure they'll come my way, too.

The most important step to take in fighting these annoyances, which may lead to injury, is to buy the right shoes. My feet have always felt best in Asics or Brooks running shoes with a stiff support for the inside of my feet and a softer cushioning for the outside of my feet. This helps to balance my foot by propping up the inside of my arch, which tends to lean inward. (Side note: Yes, the shoes can be expensive, but I'm pretty sure my comfort and well-being outweighs the higher price. Also, I've been happy with other shoe brands, but these two have served me best for years.)

I've been pretty picky about my shoes for a few years now, and I've had success in maintaining a pretty consistent running schedule. Shin splints are long gone and so is the pain in the arch of my feet. I'm still battling the tendonitis in my right knee, but I rest it appropriately.

If your problems differ from mine, then you may tend to step along the outside of your footprint. This is known as supination. It erodes the soles of your shoes starting from the outside and comes with its own set of side effects.

In the next -- and last -- installment of my footwear trilogy, I will go over the problems related to supination.

The right shoes to go the distance (Pt. 1)

To some, shoes are a nothing more than a foot's fashion statement. To runners, shoes are the gateway to a happy existence. Finding the right shoe isn't always easy: They can be ugly, or expensive, or both.

When it comes down to it, it doesn't matter if the shoe looks like it was made for Ronald McDonald. What really matters is that your shoes aim to protect you feet, ankles, knees, hips and back. They are all connected, and you need them all to run comfortably.

To kick off your shoe-shopping experience (forgive the pun, it was unintentional), you need to assess your step.

Do you walk on the insides of your feet? Do you tend to strike the ground with your heel first? Are you flat-footed? If you do any of the above -- and if you are guilty of one, you probably do them all -- then you're a pronator. You need shoes that support the inside of your feet. (Personally, I fall into this category, and my running life has changed since switching to the only brands I trust, Brooks and Asics).

Coming up in Part Two, I'll address the problems associated with pronation, and introduce its antithesis, supination.

A Caffeine-Induced Coma

I'm ending my love affair with coffee. It has been four good years, but, unfortunately, we've just grown apart.

I'm getting older (for the University of Florida campus, not for the earth), and I'm starting to feel the negative effects of coffee -- and caffeine in general -- more and more. Instead of jolting me back to life while I'm at the library, that late-afternoon latte only knocks me out. I might as well have a bottle of wine.

Let me be clear: There isn't someone new. Though some energy drinks are tasty, I don't want to sacrifice my well-being and my future for a fleeting pick-me-up.

The past few weeks I had been feeling increasingly on edge. Jittery. To remedy my situation, I decided to cut back my caffeine intake. My plan started slowly. But, as one morning stretched all the way into two weeks, I could feel myself taking deeper, fuller breaths and I was able to get through my early classes without a fight.

Since then, I've given in to the Starbucks temptation a handful of times, but I haven't bought any compulsive caffeine in almost a month. I've also managed to save a couple of bucks.

I hope coffee understands. It has plenty of other suitors and suitor-ettes, so I'm sure it will be fine without me.