Allow Me to Introduce Myself

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Tom and I am the "shoe" portion of this blog. Here's what you need to know about me.

I'm addicted to running (thus "shoe"). I currently run about 25 miles a week, and plan to increase that to 35 miles a week by mid February. It's a delightful way to get outside and spend time with friends. Running on a treadmill doesn't count, because it's too easy to quit at any time. When you run outside, and you're miles and miles from home when it starts to rain, you have no choice but to continue on with your planned run. Living in New England, cold weather and snow is not an excuse but a challenge to be overcome. I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment, and have a drawer full of race T-shirts to show for it.

However, most of my days are spent in a cubicle writing software. It makes for a delightful dichotomy in life. When I'm not outdoors in all sorts of weather playing redneck runner, I'm completely sedentary in a building that is exactly 70 degrees each and every day. I am amused by coworkers who complain bitterly when the temperature drops to 68 degrees.

I also have the usual male fascination with cars, of which there will be much more in future posts. For now, just know that the most fun I've ever had with a car was with a Chevette I bought for $500. This was largely due to it having skinny tires with no traction whatsoever. Stab the brakes at a modest speed and flick the wheel and you're driving sideways. Then floor the gas and it had just enough power to keep the back end out. Not fast, but fun. And who cares if you're abusing a car that's all worn out anyway? Safety? There really wasn't enough power to hurt yourself seriously, just mind the big trucks.