New Year, New Kicks, New Hopes that My Aches Won't Be Severe, and New Year for a Returned Reality...I Am Definitely Pushing 50. Hello, 2021

I am a loyalist to a flaw. I am also a bit of a sneaker historian...well, when it comes to my own kicks. I started running in 1988 when bought my first pair of Saucony's. A few months later, I bought my second. I still have both pairs. Sneakers tell stories. They are with us through our journeys, our stories, our achievements, and our failures. I hate getting rid of them, and although I've sent many pairs to HoopsAfrica, I keep the more memorable ones at my side. This, however, is currently under scrutiny as the kid at home is anti-clutter and against hoarding. "It's junky to have so many sneakers lying around."

So, here we are with pair #60 or so. Yes, I keep telling Saucony that they should hire me as a marketing tool. They continue to be my favorite sneakers...well, brand for sneakers. I continue to love running in them.

I set out yesterday, January 1st, after a season of increasing walking mileage and lessening running. I've needed parts of my body to heal, and when the running got in the way of simply being able to walk around the house, I knew I needed to let up some.

But I miss it. I miss the adrenaline, the push, the mindfulness, and the therapy. I get it from walking (and definitely from hiking), but nothing beats the runner's path. It's a rush that doesn't come from other exercise. Ah, but I can't glide like I used to and it just makes me feel old; alas, it also helps me to feel defeated because (a) I'm from the land of Big People, (b) I'm aging, and (c) I can't do the miles or the pace like I used to so, (d) it's all very depressing. 

Still, I try. And I'm trying again in 2021. I continually channel my 20s when I'd go for 12 mile-pleasure runs for fun. Now, I simply want to maintain 5K, not to have a record time, but to finish without stopping in pain. Such has the last year been.

My first day of a new year was spent running a 5K, then walking a 10K with Glamis and Chitunga. I also got obsessed with a puzzle and started an overhaul on my bedroom. I've decided it's time to grow up, to get rid of all my extra sneakers (and stuffed animals) and settle into a mature man's den. I'll keep my family photos, my awards, and most of my hats. I did, however, manage to get rid of many pillows and old comforters. Funny how they add up over the years.

Today is January 2nd. It's a great day to move: run, dance, do Yoga, walk, stretch, and simply be alive. That's what I'm aiming for. 

It's also a great year to purge the things in our home that we really don't need (even if you're saving it because you know someday you'll find a use for it). 

Let it go. Emancipation is a good thing.