Moving On: Saying goobye to a faithful pair of Trail Shoes

It was with a touch of sadness that I retired my Brooks Pure Grit trail shoes from active duty yesterday. It was time. They had faithfully served me through many miles along the trail. Purchased in the fall of last year, they were with me for my first 100K at Weymouth Woods. They hung in there with me at the Uwharrie Mountain 40 miler and several other 50K's in the spring and summer of this year. They had been baptised through many a creek crossing, endured mud baths and withstood sharp rocked jeep and fire roads in multiple states. I never once had gotten a blister when wearing them, even when they began showing signs of breaking down.
     So I found myself driving to the Fleet Feet Running store yesterday, ready to pick up a new pair of Pure Grit. It was when I had slipped on the new pair that I realized just how worn down my old pair was. I knew I had made the right decision, but there was a brief moment of sadness, much like when you have to ask grandpa for the keys to the car, knowing he still wants to drive, but it's just not safe anymore.
 I left the store, drove straight to Umstead State Park and christened the new Grits with an eight mile run. Upon returning home, I set the old pair out on the side porch, their tangy aroma reminding me of all the miles we shared. Since I can't stand to part with them, they will be relegated to light yard work duty. (low drop lawn maintenance)

And so it goes, the circle of life continues! Thanks to my old Pure Grits for all the good times we shared and here's to many more happy miles ahead with Pure Grit Mach two!!

Out with the old.

In with the new!