Events at any destination, even cities as beautiful and inviting as Stockholm, can bring disappointments, some of the traveler’s own making.
This was doubly true for my visit. The first disappointment came a month or two before departure when I took a detailed look at my itinerary. My “eureka” cry upon noticing that we would be arriving in port the morning of the Stockholm Marathon, was squelched when I hopped over to the marathon’s website.
In large, blaring type were the two words no runner wants to see: REGISTRATION CLOSED.
On this Stockholm Sunday, my closest connection to their marathon came as I sat with other travelers, caught up in traffic that wasn’t moving, straining to see the mass of runners several blocks ahead while listening to fellow passengers complain about the inconvenient delay caused by these crazy marathon runners.
The second disappointment of the day came on a grassy lane, looking at a recently dug archeological site somewhere between Vellentuna and Täby.
As we walked on wet grass and soil, I felt an unfamiliar flop underfoot. The sole of the my left shoe had parted ways with the upper. This was no ordinary shoe.
I was looking at the disintegration of my favorite travel shoe purchased roughly ten years ago at the Plum Bottom. I have worn them on many a journey, walking miles a day over cobblestone, broken pavement and city thoroughfares in comfort.
This shoe was made by Stonefly. I don’t see the model on their current website (10 years is a long time in fashion years). I’m sure I paid a princely sum at purchase, but amortized over years worn, they are a bargain. This is a shoe that is waterproof, sophisticated enough for the city, can make the leap from sightseeing to a dressy lunch and have the comfort of a sports shoe.
With weeks of travel to go, I was relegated to walking my way through European cities in my Brooks Ravenna,
a model I chose for travel because it does a double duty for light trail running and road running. It is not my preference in the city.
My damaged Stonefly’s are back home and sitting on the shelf. I’ve avoided taking them to my shoe repair, not wanting to hear that they are beyond help. Maybe next week.
And, maybe a new model Stonefly for the next 10 years of travel.
Wishing you a good Fitness Friday with your soles intact.
Still a Runner 
I’ll be in Stockholm in August–no races though–and the most worrisome thing on my list is “what shoes to bring.” Good luck replacing your Stoneflys.
Excellent that you are visiting Stockholm. Absolutely take your running shoes. Lots of excellent parks etc for running, but you will want something a step-up from the casual for other activities. Some of your wardrobe creations will be great to take along. Museum tip: Don’t miss the Vasa. It was stunning. http://www.vasamuseet.se/en/
I trust Stockholm compensated for those two disappointments?
Stockholm more than compensated. More posts forthcoming. I could have used another day or two in this beautiful city.
I’ll have to check out that shoe company…I have yet to find a really comfortable shoe…other than my hiking shoes for travel!
Interesting. I have the opposite situation. My hiking boots are uncomfortable, but I haven’t taken the time to find a better fitting model. I tend to rely on my trail running shoes, which again I wouldn’t use for walking around European cities.