Running to the rescue.

I went down to the Athlete’s House (don’t let the name lead you to assume ANYTHING) @ Belmont to buy some new running shoes. I’m an Asics Gel man, myself. Well, the reason I went there instead of some Giganto-we-have-it-all-in-stock Store was because the owner first talks me through where, why and how I run, then has me slip the shoe on, with the required arch support insole, and talks me through how it all should feel. That, and she gave me some kick-ass insight on stretching and the I.T. Band. I digress.

I had Ella with me, which made this all quite a process. While I tried on shoes, Ella used a rock she picked up outside to roll down the foot ramp on the funny stools they use to lace up a customer’s shoes. Unique to most stores, the owner sends me outside to walk/jog/run in the shoes. So, out we went – Ella and her rock, me and my potential new running shoes.

I stood her on the sidewalk and coached her on what was about to happen. I would run away from her, down the sidewalk for a block, and then run back as fast as I could. Before I allowed for questions and discussion, I darted off, expecting surprise to be the best tactic in this case. I ran down a block, watching her stand there and curiously observe my actions. I stopped short of a block, turned around and waved. She smiled, and I sprinted back, grabbing her as I ran by. This brought a BIG case of the giggles.

“Again!” This went on for 5 or 6 more times, with her finally not able to stand and wait. After a few turns, she'd give up and run at me as I came towards her. After 10 minutes, I was sure they’d called the cops looking for a rather expensive pair of running shoes on a shaggy guy with a sweet little girl.
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I just returned from taking out the trash with my daughter in tow, wearing my new running shoes at her request. After dropping the cans on the street, she further suggested that she wait for me to run and run back.

It seems like there’s something wonderful, frightening, and exciting about risk and love. Swooping in and also swooped towards. We could have done that all afternoon. But, geez, I’m tired.