Pumped-Up Kicks

I’ve run around the block a few times. I’ve never been noted for my speed or how I’m reminiscent of a gazelle, but I just do it (like the Nike ad tells me to do).  I have been buying running sneakers for years. I recall my first set of Zips back in the 70’s. The fancy Z on them made me feel fast.  Since my husband puts more miles on his shoes than his car, I believe we are single handedly supporting the sneaker industry.  When a box from Road Runners shows up at the doorstep, we have been known to tear into it like eager kids on Christmas morning. The intoxicating smell of chemical and rubber beats out the perennial favorite of many: the new car smell. Our shoes lead us to a runner’s high, leaving one much better off than sniffing glue. Getting shoes to fit me are a challenge.  To spare you the ugly details, I have just that…big, ugly, bony, and wide feet.  Yes, the type of foot the evil step-sisters had in the story Cinderella. A recent trip into DSW proved it once again. My “athletic” (or genetically predisposed big) calf and wide foot that I lament over removes 9 ¾ out of 10 aisles I can shop in.  Usually what I’m left with are a few pair of sneakers and maybe some Merrills or Uggs that I can fit my foot into.  No Cinderella glass slipper would fit on these feet. It’s a good thing my prince would rather me wear running shoes instead. When I finally found the Brook’s Glycerin 8 years back, I felt like I had hit the jackpot and found my sole-mate. My knees rejoiced. The infinite cushioning that the shoes provided could abate my disastrous foot mechanics. I had fallen in love.  All eight editions of the shoe have been just shy of perfect, only losing its A+ grade for its lack of imaginative color. Normally, by the end of the first rainy run, the typical white mesh surround would become muddy grey. The new kicks that came knocking at my door today made me feel fast despite the truth. With a sleek black and silver build, accented in electric blue, I felt like one of the cool kids with the pumped up kicks. These shoes may just be the miracle I need to get this body back in shape.  All this boils down to is that sometimes we just need to be thankful for the little things in life.  Brooks, thanks for bringing on the bling.