Windsor Half Marathon: A Journey from flip-flops to running shoes
In July 2024, I was running with Naba Poudel (one of my relatives), who visited us from Australia. Seeing me wearing Puma trainers, he asked me to buy a proper pair of running shoes. Puma did the job of visiting JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) – see Sparkling Puma and Birth of a Range Rover. However, I was unsure if Puma could make my run complete the Windsor Half Marathon. I genuinely believe that Puma SE makes good sports shoes, at least for running. In the running shoes, I was looking for cushions, tox boxes and heel counters.
Proper! What exactly are the proper shoes?
The term ‘proper’ may have been apparent to many who may also have understood the meaning well. However, the meaning of ‘proper’ is still unclear to me. If Puma are not the proper shoes, which ones they could be – brand or type? I should have asked Naba this question. I could not think about it when he was here. It looks a little too late to ask now.
Naba’s polite but firm comment took me back to my childhood – my childhood of the 1970s. The remembered childhood. Most of the people used to walk barefoot in my village. Very rarely, you could see locally made leather shoes often worn by the rich. For many, flip-flops were the synonym of shoes. We used to call them Chappal. Chappals used to be glamorous things in the village and a dream for many. My father had leather shoes. I was lucky to have chappal. I used to wear them for various activities, such as walking, running, jumping and even climbing trees. Perhaps many people cannot imagine people climbing trees with chappals.
Chappal for climbing trees! Isn’t it a risky thing?
While reflecting on activities, I can say those activities were risky. I could have fallen off those tall trees and broken my leg, hand, skull or spine. I would have been a different person just because I did not wear the proper gear – gear for climbing trees, gear for running, and so on. I don’t know whether I was fortunate or was good at wearing them carefully. Of course, I had a few bumps but no big trips or falls. Puma is a glamorous thing if compared with flip-flops. My experience and ego of not having proper shoes in my childhood made me not take the advice.
Running for a marathon! What truly matters?
21 km could mean a lot for occasional runners or non-runners. I am one of them who finds it long. The shoes on one side became muddy after running and walking on them for some time. On the other hand, my confidence in completing a half marathon also faded due to the lack of practice. I started doubting my stamina, energy, heart condition and blood pressure.
I participated in the Windsor Half Marathon. I used a few tricks – saved energy for the uphill while running in the flat and downhill; tilted forwards and pushed with my heel while running the uphill; minimised the pressure on my heart; maintained flow and pace where possible. Finally, I completed the run and got the award. Upon completion, I looked down at my feet and saw Puma.
People need stamina for running, whether it is short or long. Shoes can help them achieve their goals.