My Red Waffle Racer

I recently found a picture online and it brought back such emotion.  Yes, it was such a simple thing: a running shoe.  But back in 1981... this shoe was my holy grail!  My "shoe addiction" goes all the way back to high school when I became a "runner".  A brief history (1979 - 1982):

First was the Nike Cortez.  Simple.  Red, white & blue. My first Swoosh. 

Then came the Waffle Trainer!  Can you say minimalist?  And beautiful.

Then the LDV, which, of course, stood for Long Distance Victory!  My penchant for bright gaudy colors can be traced back to this bright yellow piece of art.  

... and still one of my all time faves... The Internationalist!

 I remember trying to convince my parents that $30 for a pair of running shoes was SO worth it.  

"Please, I cannot run in those sneakers from Sears!"

This was long before the internet.  You purchased what was in the local running store.  Then came one of the greatest finds of all time.  I cannot remember exactly where I got them.  But I do remember opening the box and ... (insert shining light emitting from shoe box & 2001 Space Odyssey theme music)... I found the greatest shoe...ever.   The RED WAFFLE RACER!  

OMG!  My school colors were red & white and I wore red & white striped Dolfin shorts (they were very cool back then, thank you).  I LOVED those shoes.  I wore them for cross-country and track.  They were perfect. Godspeed red Waffle Racer. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Run Smart. Train Hard. Race Fast. 

Listen to Coach Kevin each week as he co-hosts Pure Fit Radio. Listen online at www.PureFitRadio.com and subscribe for free at iTunes!  He also writes the "MEMPHIS FIT" blog for the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce.