Hi there! Once again it’s time for Tuesday Topics, and this week’s prompt is: It’s Earth Week. How do you stay active outdoors responsibly?
I have to admit that this question stumped me a little. When I’m on a trail, of course I follow the rule of leaving nothing behind. But that’s setting the bar pretty low- I hope it goes without saying that I’m not throwing trash around.
Sometimes the trails I run on will get overgrown, and then a few weeks later they’re magically cleared. Who does this? Is it the job of the city? Or is it… volunteers?
Every once in a while a race director will reach out to the ultra community and send an email announcing an upcoming trail clean up day… but it’s always been a trail far enough away from me that it seems like a job for Other People. What I’m realizing is, I’ve been pretty lame. Trails do not maintain themselves! I’ll find out who’s responsible for clearing the trails in my area.
Abruptly changing the subject- let’s talk a little about shoes! I took myself to DSW on Sunday to browse around and I found the perfect pair for the wedding:
Okay, seriously. WHO wears shoes like that? Who CAN wear shoes like that? On the other end of the spectrum, I liked these:
I just need something in between these two shoes. I am thinking of going back and getting those flip flops, just for everyday life. They really were comfortable!
Link Up With Tuesday Topics
Welcome back to Tuesday Topics, as Jenny, from Runners Fly joins Jenn at Runs With Pugs to co-host this link-up! Please join us every week for a new topic! Write on our weekly prompt or choose your own topic! Make sure to add your post to the link up, link back to your hosts, and comment on the other shared posts!
Have you ever participated in a trail or beach cleanup?- We did a beach cleanup once when the kids were little.
Have you ever worn super high heels?- Absolutely not.
28 Responses
I totally fell for the picture of the high heels! I was just like “what is Jenny doing to her poor feet?????” and then I was very relieved to see it was a joke. Here’s hoping the the inbetween the two extremes will come your way soon.
I like the idea of volunteering to clean up the trails. I’m putting it on my list for potential volunteer projects for…the future. I don’t have any firm plans, but my idea was to start by not volunteering for anything for at least the first year of retirement because I suspected that I would end up creating an unpaid full time work schedule for myself. But eventually I’m going to want to do something besides traveling, and that’s when the volunteering will start.
Haha… I couldn’t even try those shoes on “for fun”… I would immediately sprain an ankle.
You got me with the high heels too! Those are for 22 year olds I think, with really good balance. I would break my neck.
I might break every bone in my body. Even when I was 22 I didn’t wear shoes like that!
I also fell for the shoes! I immediately thought, how will she run after wearing those?!? I gave up wearing high heels (and really even low heels) long, long ago. It is flats only for me. I love the idea of helping to clear trails! I can’t imagine what has to happen for some of those ultramarathons to work! Hope you have a great week!
Wait. How did so many people think I was serious with those shoes????? It would be suicidal.
Yes, there’s a tremendous about of work involved for the race directors in these ultras. That’s another thing I would like to do- volunteer to work some of them. It just hasn’t worked out for me logistically yet.
Oh, those shoes! LOL! My shoes for my son’s wedding had a one-inch block heel, which is about as high as I could tolerate.
One inch block heel sounds just about right, Melissa! Or, that might me one inch too high, lol.
I can’t imagine wearing that sandle and walk! hahaha… although I used to.
I just bought two pairs of flat and they are so comfortable to walk.
Did you really wear heels THAT HIGH, Coco??? HOW did you do it?
I like the flip flops! Call them sandals ( or thongs) instead. Buy them and you can wear them to the wedding if you can’t find something else! I think they’d go good with the dress, comfortable, and they’re gold(ish)!
Actually, I’d have trouble wearing the flat sandals – I can’t keep flip flops on my feet and they leave me aching anyhow. Good luck on your shoe quest!
I will definitely have an alternate pair of shoes for the reception, if my feet are hurting- and it could be these flip flops.
I used to heal heels but not that high.
I did for photos first my stepson’s wedding. Then changed into flats.
Hope you find something in between.
I have not participated in a clean up. I know I should. I appreciate those who do.
Somethingin between definitely exists- I’ll keep looking. There may be a shoe change in the middle of the day, that’s a good idea.
I do not wear heels anymore. They are just too hard on my feet. I wear flats with a pointy toe that look stylish and don’t hurt my feet. I wore a small kitten for our wedding. I wants a little lift but didn’t want to be taller than Phil and I wanted to be able to walk without pain. I also had a flip flop similar to that 2nd shoe that I changed into during the reception to be extra comfy.
It’s been a long time since I’ve done an earth day clean up but I have done them in the past. I should do it with the kids next year!
Yes, it’s definitely a fun thing to do with kids. And- I’m seriously considering those flip flops to change into for the reception.
I often pick up trash while out on my walks, and you also reminded me that my husband and I volunteer with the VeloPigs to pick up trash along our designated section of one of the gravel roads we often ride on. 🙂
Both shoes would be perfect! The first pair for the wedding and early reception festivities like mother/son dance and dinner – of course, a slightly lower heeled version might suit your style (and runner’s feet) better. The flip flops would be perfect to change into for dancing the night away!
Ha ha… there would be no “dancing” in that first pair of shoes. I would end up breaking every bone in my lower body. But… the flip flops might be perfect for later in the night.
Lol, yes, something in between those two would be a good wedding shoe!
Yes, I’m pretty sure an in between shoe exists..
I have been a sweeper for a few ultras so I’ve been responsible for picking up trash and course markings along the trail, but I’ve also come across cleanup volunteers while I’ve been out on long runs and I want to figure out how to get involved with that!
I haven’t worn heels in a long time, and I’m definitely planning to look for flat sandals for my sister’s wedding! I want to be comfortable and it’s an outdoor wedding in the pines so I need something I won’t worry about tripping in. Hopefully you can find a shoe that will work for you!
Flats are absolutely the thing for an outdoor wedding! The reception for my son’s wedding will be outside, which is why I feel I can change into just about anything I want at that point. I definitely need flats or a very low heel for the ceremony.
It would be fun to be a sweeper! I want to do that someday. The problem is, most races are kind of far for me (like at least a few hours) so it’s hard for me to take a Saturday off work, and possibly stay overnight in a hotel, if I’m just volunteering. Someday I’ll do it though.
What about a strappy gold sandal? Lands End has a Pasadena Braided sandal that’s cute. Or Tom’s Kira sandal? They’re dressy and look nice and should be comfortable. It’s not a flip flip, but not a giant heel!
Oh, also, I keep forgetting. You absolutely NEED a pedicure. I don’t know who these people are who say people aren’t looking at your feet. Treat yourself and get a pedi. I mean, I’d really advocate for a mani/pedi AND someone to do your hair and makeup, but THE MINIMUM is a pedicure.
Both those shoes are really cute and look very comfortable!!! I wish I could try them on, but I’ll probably just have to order them and then return whatever I don’t like. And don’t worry… I’ll get a pedicure. : )
YES!! That is how we shoe shop in 2026. I just ordered $500 worth of cross trainers from Zappos and sent back all but one pair. You order, try on in the comfort of your own home, and then return. There isn’t a shoe store within 30 miles of my house!
JENNY! I was going to DIE if those were the shoes you bought for the wedding. I don’t know how women handle heels like those. They are just so uncomfortable! maybe a wedge heel could work? Depending if you want a heel that wouldn’t be TOO dramatic. Or a strappy sandal like Engie said would work.
No, there’s no way in the world I could take one step in those shoes. I actually really like both shoes Engie recommended! They would definitely work.