Keds are only for short walks and the airplane

I read a recent article about how to write successful blogs.  One tip that stayed with me is that one must record both the good as well as the bad.  Readers want reality.  Truth.  No hiding and pretending I am a superhero mother runner who saves the world (though in my mind...).


I just got back from a 9 day holiday in Buenos Aires.  I accompanied my husband and his team (+ spouses/guests).  There was a lot of small talk as we all got to know one another.  Of course, I talked about running.  There were many runners in the group so it was an easy bonding topic.  At one dinner we discussed the difference between being 'driven' and being 'competitive'.  Being driven one wants to do one's best.  Being competitive means others must fail so that you succeed.  Interesting.

I ran once outside for about 5 km with a colleague of my husband's.  I was told not to run alone (the doorman said it would be fine but it depends "how fast can you run?").  By the way, not totally true.  I went out for coffee one morning, got slightly lost and was fine.  After spending all day in the plane and all the next day walking around, touring in my black Keds, my Achilles felt very tight.  I was glad after 30 min, my running partner and I had found our way back home.  It was an interesting run because instead of taking the time to look around, I was always watching 3 feet in front of me.  The sidewalks were so uneven and torn up.  I really was concerned that I may twist my ankle.

I ran again a few days later but on the treadmill in the gym.  I felt great, was listening to my music and feeling strong.  But once again, my achilles would not loosen up and I decided instead of running 45 min-60, I had better strop at 30.  I was happy that I ran 5 km in 27 min easily.  Great timing but I had to go back to my room and roll a cold water bottle from our bar fridge up and down my leg.

It is so disappointing when your body says stop but you're having fun, listening to music and you want to keep going.  I hate having to stop before I am tired.  It is the worst let down.  When that happens, I really have to talk myself into the accomplishment of the run so that I don't feel the frustration of the let down.

I kept touring the city in both my Keds as well as ballet flats.  This was a huge mistake.  By the end of our trip everything was hurting: shins, achilles, and especially arches!

So many people in Buenos Aires look fashionable.  There are shoe stores on every corner selling fancy flats, heels, wedges and boots but there I was walking around on the last day in my white New Balance Runners.  I felt much better.

I decided, on that last day, that I liked my sporty look and might even get a pair of runners in black to wear during the day but in Toronto.

Lesson learned--- Keds are cute and perfect for the airplane but not for touring a city where you are walking all day.