Journey's end...

[sTrongFuse]

They've been through a lot. Since I first laced them up on 11 March 2019 and set out on my Couch to 5k adventure, to their final 10k tonight; covering every distance from that first one minute "jog" all the way through to a half-marathon. In total we've shared a shade over 500 miles/800km together, but now their race is run.

We've had a lot of good times up to this point, and a few not so good ones, but they've always got me safely to the end of whatever run I've been on with them. The cushioning may be a distant memory and my big toe has rather assertively made its presence known through the top of the tight toe-box but I think it's fair to say that they owe me absolutely nothing and can now enjoy what time they have left as those trainers I use for pottering around in the garden.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

At least they won’t go in the bin just yet, they really have served you well

[Timotea Graduate10]

Funny how sentimental we get about a pair of smelly shoes! I think it’s because they have shared so much pain, gain and joy. I can’t bring myself to chuck my worn out Nike where my little toe area has worn through. They ran my first 5k and then 10 k something I never ever thought I would do...look forward to seeing the new ones!

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

They certainly look like they’ve see life strongfuse. I hope the next pair do as well for you.

[CBDB Graduate10]

Ode to the running shoe

By ktange3 (2014)

O running shoes, infamous retrievers of my sanity

Conveyors of my downtrodden soul

....

Achieving great feats, you stamp “triumph” into the impressionable brown mud

Oh beloved running shoes!

Your mesh structure beams in satisfaction

As you cross the finish line

Verbose distances you have covered to retrieve what was lost of mine—lucidity

Intact and well again,

I thank you for your service

powerpoetry.org/poems/ode-r...

[Cantstopmenow Graduate10]

I hope they enjoy their well-earned retirement 👍

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

They’ve been faithful friends SF, and deserve a gentler life in the garden. Turn them away when you put on their replacements and head out for a run. Too painful! 😩

[sTrongFuse Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I don't think they mind too much; they've already outlived a pair of Brooks Ghost road shoes that did fewer miles and were fit only for the recycling bin when I "retired" them back at the end of Miles for Mind in May.

Looks like I'll be sticking to pavements until I choose a new pair of trails

[Oldgirlruns Graduate10]

Every trainer deserves a happy retirement TF!

[sTrongFuse Graduate10 in reply to Oldgirlruns]

These ones have more than earned theirs