breaking in sneakers

I left my gym clothes at the office on Friday since I had plans to go out after work and I still haven't gone back to retrieve them. (I'm working from home today.) I wanted to go for a walk yesterday because it was so nice outside and I decided to break in a new pair of sneakers...a spare pair that I've had in my closet for about a year now. I guess I thought my other sneakers would have fallen apart sooner; I've been using those for about three years now.

I changed into a comfy cotton shirt and gym shorts, put on the shiny new shoes, grabbed my iPod, my cell phone and my keys, and set out for the walk. Per my usual habit, I stayed close to the lake. I really enjoy seeing the blue water and hearing the sounds of the tiny waves. I think I did a good job of breaking in the sneakers. They trekked on asphalt, cement, gravel, grass, sand and dirt.

Together, my sneakers and I went north along the lakefront trail to Belmont Harbor and watched the cute dogs playing in the water at the "dog beach." We continued on the running path to Recreation Drive where people were playing softball on the fields, tennis on the courts and golf on the greens. We continued on to Montrose Harbor where there were hoards of soccer players on the expansive field. We took a brief rest under a shady tree and enjoyed the cool breeze while a couple washed the deck of their boat and a family to our side started up their grill. We headed back south, but taking a different course this time, walking through the bird sanctuary and then back onto the lakefront trail where I could admire the skyline and beautiful water--the wall blocked the view for my sneakers. We eventually merged once more with the running trail, going past Belmont Harbor again, and through the tunnel to the street side area of the greens. At the other end of the tunnel, we were greeted by another family grilling up lunch and kids playing on the jungle gym. We walked the five blocks from there to get home. After the three mile walk, my shoes and I parted ways.