the Day in the Life of a Trailblazer's Shoes

Oh if only my running shoes could talk. What great stories of our adventures together could be told.

Being Jackie's running shoes is no easy task. I've traveled and seen many places, but I wouldn't trade my journeys with her for the world...

The closet light turns on. It's time to do our thing! As she reaches for me, I glimpse over at her nice new pair of replacements for me.
I'm getting old. I know my days are numbered with you.
(Laughter) Come on now. You are not old. You will do just fine.
But I'm tattered and torn. With all my miles, I am afraid I will be worn out soon.
You are just getting worn in. I think you are just right.
And faithfully she pulls me out of the closet instead of the new "me's".

There's never a dull moment with the two of us. I'm always a bit anxious wondering what type of trouble we are going to get into. I'm always up for a good adventure, but one that errs on the side of caution.

We encounter all kinds of obstacles on our runs and today was no different. In a matter of minutes we reach the first one.
Uh oh here we go! (Screaming) No! You can't cross that!
Just relax. We've got this.

And she chuckles as she makes a giant leap over a creek bed. I hold my breath. We barely make it over. Not without a mishap though. Mud and water come oozing through.
Ah! This will certainly stop her.
A rest?! No??
And she continues on despite that I've turned into cinder blocks on her feet.

I've seen all kinds of incidents with this girl. I've seen her where her legs are covered in scratches made by passing branches and briars, or crossing fences and where we've both been covered in sand, mud, and completely drenched in water. Muddy, bloody, wet and all. No creek, river, ocean, mud or sand pit has stopped us. Come hell or high water we will finish the run. Let nothing stand in our way!

Then when I think it's smooth sailing, her wanderlust kicks into high gear.
Wrong way! You don't want to go there! You'll get us lost!
(Smiling) But adventures are our specialty!

She continues on without blinking an eye.
Let's go explore down this way!
Ugh! I know it's no use.
And she continues to make her way off the path.

We venture further and further down into the woods.
Uh oh! You've done it now, Where in the world are we?
Off the beaten path of course. I know we will find our way back eventually.

Focused and determined to finish, we push on.
Aren't you done yet? Do we really have to keep going? Can't we just take it easy and walk a while?
Just one more mile. We've got this! We can't stop now.

Off in the distance I can see the finish line. She kicks up our pace a notch or two for the home stretch. Finally we make it!
Yes! I survived! Alleluia!
See that wasn't so bad.
​
She unlaces me and slips me off her feet. The closet light goes off. Mission complete. Finally I get to rest, but with dreams of our next adventure together. I become a little nervous. Not for long though, I'm calmed by hearing the words, "Relax, we will persevere. Together will make the best of whatever is thrown our way."

In life, we are all thrown many obstacles, but it's learning to overcome them without fear. It's about moving forward and choosing the path less traveled.