Dear Running Shoes,

You have been me with the best of times, and the worst of times. You have carried me through all the elements. You have been by my side through the blistering heat and the bitter cold, you have endured rain, snow, and sleet, you have dodged cars and angry dogs. You have been with me through victories and through sorrows. You have prevented me from falling, but also pushed me down a few times... You have been the wind beneath my wings (feet).

Thank you for all those long, grueling training miles you have endured for me. Thank you for carrying me across many finish lines, but especially my first half marathon. You were there for my first mile without stopping, but also the first time I ran 13 miles under two hours.

Thank you for carrying me to victory in my races. Thank you for all the PR's and speed work. Thank you for all the medals you helped me win.

You have carried me through the miles on days I was distraught, on days I felt worthless. You made me forget those feelings. You were by my side through the vigorous pavement pounding to run away from my problems. You helped me take my anger out on life.

You ran through the worst of storms with me, literally and figuratively. You endured 12 miles in a blizzard, because I just had to get my training run in. You waited patiently in my closet while I was off and trying to strengthen myself for nearly a year. When it was finally time to jump back in, you carried me to victory again. You made me keep going, through exhaustion and denial of myself and my ability.

You have been through the hardest and best days of my life. You helped me through high school, you made me successful, you brought me shear happiness.

You helped me meet friends, the best of friends. You conformed to their style and speed of running. You never let me down.

Without you, I would not be the person I am today. I would not have the passion and dedication to life I have today.

Thank you, running shoes.

Love,

Your proud running shoe-wearer