Farewell, Grimpies: How My Garden Sneakers Became My First Running Shoes

I heard a very enthusiastic runner on the BBC talk about the joy of running. I became a believer immediately. The next morning, I rummaged through my closet for running shoes. I couldn’t find any except Grimpies—the old canvas sneakers I wore to tend my garden. The first time I shared a photo of them, people were worried for me. “You’re gonna get blisters, man,” someone told me. Grimpies weren’t made for runners. But they had a little comfort. So they didn’t give me blisters in the end.

*Naomi donated a new pair of running shoes to me yesterday. Unfortunately, they didn’t fit because I gave her the wrong size. My partner would use them, and they fit her perfectly.

For me, I found a pair of Nike Pegasus among a heap of hand-me-downs. They’re beaten. But they could hold me for a while before they tire out.

However, I was prepared to run barefoot if I didn’t find any running shoes. Like the way Abebe Bikila did when he won the marathon in Rome. That’s how determined I was. I was tired of giving excuses. I just wanted to do it. One reason why many dreams perish is looking for favourable moments to start. I’ve put such days behind me.

Grimpies helped me through the beginning. And never gave up on me. Today, I say goodbye to this old pair. But I will hold on to them. Probably, they could cost a million when I’m long gone.

*Name has been changed.