I cleaned out my car and even degreased the engine in hopes of finding a buyer. I was surprised at the low-ball offers that I got from Kelly Blue Book, Carvana, and various dealers despite the need for used cars. Sadly, I can’t even buy a used golf cart for what it’s apparently worth, and I really don’t want to put any more money into it. It’s due for an oil change, insurance premiums will be coming up, and license fees will soon take another bite. If I repaired the oil leaks it would cost another $2,000, so I’m at a stalemate. I can certainly wait until after the holidays to find a buyer, but not too much longer. 

We have newly paved streets in the neighborhood so many of the familiar markers are gone along the route of my daily run. I had become very aware of every pothole, crease, and oil leak along the way. I’ve spent a lot of time staring at the pavement each morning. It’s been nearly two years now of running these streets as I quickly approach the 14-year mark of doing this every single day. I’m very proud of this accomplishment knowing that it could come to a stop any day now. The stiffness and heaviness in my legs makes me dread the first half-mile. Once I get to that point, my aging body begins to loosen up. I envy those that can move freely and pass me like I’m standing still. I just keep putting one foot in front of the other like a machine. 

My car and I have a lot in common – rusted out on the inside and not worth much anymore. I wish I could trade my legs in on a new pair, but at least they still support me. There are too many people my age in wheelchairs, leaning on walkers, or bedridden to feel sorry for myself. I’m lucky to still find the motivation to take that first step every morning regardless of whether I’m home or not. These legs have carried me across frozen streets, blazing hot asphalt, up or down stairs, rutted trails, over cobblestones, fighting a fever, post-surgery, up never-ending hills, climbed mountainsides, around islands, through mud puddles, down dirt paths, on ship decks, busy highways, junk yards, crowded sidewalks, treadmills, and sandy beaches all over the world. I’ve run through airports, tunnels, malls, hallways, parking garages, grassy parks, football fields, and baseball stadiums. I’ve used indoor and outdoor tracks, worn rainsuits and snow gear, crampons for traction, braved a hurricane, gone barefoot, and even donned my street shoes when I forgot to pack my Brooks. There’s not much that can stop me, but I’ve also been lucky to avoid injury and serious sickness. Today was the 5,107th consecutive. Hopefully, there’s tomorrow.