Tuesday, May 3, 2011

On the Subject of : Filling Dad's Shoes.





















































































My dad was a runner. A marathoner. And when he ran, he always ran in New Balance. Period. Swore by them. Training the year before for the '84 New York Marathon(maybe it was Boston), he bought this pair of New Balance. They were a half size too small. Usually, he would fill a ziploc bag with water, stuff one in each shoe and freeze them. (It wasn't uncommon to find a pair of dad's shoes right next to the ice cream.) His trick didn't work on these and although at 8 years old, they were way too big, he gave them to me. I grew into them a few years later and wore them constantly. Twenty-eight years later, they're a little worse for wear but with a few miles left in them.











15 comments:

A Financial Statement said...

this is beyond legit.

Anonymous said...

This is amazing James, and really moving.

Anonymous said...

Great story. A cut above the usual gear watching.

Just shows that mine have got plenty of wear in them yet!

Which model are they?

james said...

no model # on them. Perhaps someone(from New Balance even??) out there may know?

TA said...

All I can say is wow! Amazing story.

prettysolid said...

killer

Chris said...

Nice tribute my friend!

thwany said...

so cool.

Quite Continental said...

What a great story. Thanks for sharing it.

Best,
Mariah

Darren Johnston said...

Awesome post, ties in nicely with the previous 'head to toe' which featured your own pair of New Balance. Good to know that these items have significance for you beyond mere ''style'' . Well done!

enzo the baker said...

wait a second, your father finished a marathon in under 3.30 hrs (unless the time in incorrect in 1 of the photos) and we're talking about his shoes?!! pops could kick!

i've got some sambas from college that have ossified and are about as pliable as peanut brittle. surprised you were able to rock these for so long.

thanks for sharing.

james said...

enzo, my dad was a very serious runner.

Junctioned said...

Not sure if you would want to but I wonder if you sent them to NB if the would spiff'em up for you?

Anonymous said...

Great tribute. Capturing your father's passion so simply is quite wonderful. Thank you.

Sum

Sarah Magid said...

very sweet post James. touched my heart.
xo