Retirement Run (for my shoes)

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Today, I am retiring a pair of running shoes that have been with me for seven years. It's almost surreal to think about it. These shoes have seen many stages of my progression, and today, with their recorded distance at exactly 666km, it feels like the right moment to let them go. A bit ominous, isn’t it? Although, I’m sure I’ve walked plenty more in them that didn’t get recorded. These shoes were there for my first official running event back in 2022. Let me tell you the story of these loyal companions.

I still remember the day I bought them. It was one of those decisions that start with "This is it, I’m going to get fit!" And for a while, I did run in them. But, like many good intentions, the motivation fizzled out after a few months. The shoes got relegated to the back of my closet, only making occasional appearances.

Then came the pandemic, and working from home replaced commuting. Having a lot of time on my hands, running became my escape. It was a way to get out of the house, clear my mind, and feel a sense of accomplishment amidst all the uncertainty. Slowly but surely, running became a regular part of my routine.

By 2022, I was committed to running my first official event. I still remember the day of the race vividly. There I was, standing in the starting area, nervous and excited. These shoes carried me through every step of that race. They were my silent cheerleaders, giving me the comfort and support I needed to keep going. They were—quite literally—there with me every step of the way.

A little while after that event, I got another pair of running shoes, the ones I wore for both of my half-marathons. They have already crossed the 500km mark as well. The wear and tear are starting to show on them too, but I hope they’ve still got a few hundred kilometers left in them.

As I retire my old shoes today, I can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and pride.

So, here’s to my trusty old running shoes. Thank you for all the kilometers, the memories, and the motivation. You’ve done your job well. Now, it’s time for some well-deserved rest. And as for me, well, I am already looking up the next destinations for running. Palermo, anyone?



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