Retired

Dear Running Shoes,
We have run many miles together, approx. 800+ to be exact.
We have run in four different states.
We have trained for and been through a full marathon together.
We have run with a dog pulling us along.
We have run through rain, wind, blizzards, blazing hot sun, fog, light and dark.
We have run inside and out.
We have run through 1 and 1/2 pregnancies.
We have run with stomach aches, side aches, leg aches, foot aches, head aches, gallbladder aches, and so on....
We have had gorgeous, peaceful, energized, wonderful runs.
We have been through, torturous, exhausting, painful, and difficult runs.
You have molded perfectly to my feet, we go so well together.
I am afraid however, that I have run you ragged.
Your spring is now a thud.
Your soft comfortable cushion is now a rock hard lump.
Your cute and fun colors are now stained and torn.
You have done well my friends. You life was well spent.
You have stayed there with me through thick and thin.
You have earned your place on the Maynard wall of fame, in the garage. (right next to Ben's retired snow skis and your mentor...my previous running shoes)
There you can hang with pride and dignity, the marathon medal hanging around your neck, a constant reminder of hard work, discipline, perservenance, reward, achievement and great satisfaction.
Maybe someday, another pair of shoes will hang just under you, and the legacy will live on.