Running with My Hokas—Even After Surgery
Running with my Hokas after surgery takes a lot of soul. In the race of life—wherever it leads—it's a quiet victory just to know you're still in it: always a runner, still helping others find their way.
(Originally written as a letter to the Hoka team—shared here because healing, like running, sometimes takes creative shoes and good stories.)
Hi Hoka Team—and Everyone Else,
As a longtime Hoka fan, I wanted to share a lighthearted story about how my Bondis helped me recover from recent foot surgery.
I came home with the usual big, clunky post-op boot. But before long, I found myself dreaming of wearing my Hokas again. So I MacGyvered a solution: an X-Acto knife, a few strips of Velcro I found in a basement corner—right next to a couple of retired spiders—and a little runner’s ingenuity.
I’ve run eight marathons and many more miles on the roads of life. And while it’s sinking in that those days may be behind me, I still wanted the world to know: I’m still a runner. These photos—snapped by my wife while I was resting after surgery—add to that story.
I’m truly grateful for the innovation and comfort you’ve built into your shoes. They didn’t just help me recover—they helped me remember who I still am.
I may not be running or walking along the shores of Lake Bomoseen near my home in Vermont for a while, but every time I make a quick dash to the bathroom, I feel like I just beat the odds—something you can see in the photo I took from my private throne.
My Hokas have been a big part of that victory—physically, emotionally, and practically (no extra laundry for my wife!).
By the way, I will be posting this email on my blog, The Light of Invisibility (marccecil.com). I’m sure my readers would love to see your response—but even if there is none, what matters most is telling a story others can relate to. That means not just the parts we celebrate, but also the messy ones we usually try to hide.
I think that's the story of Hoka, too—helping us through the ups and downs of this race we call life.
So here’s to all of you in Hoka-land—and to anyone else still finding their stride: Raise a foot with me in victory. Keep innovating, laughing, and helping people move forward—wherever their path may lead.
We’re all in this race together!
L’Chaim—Hokas to life!
Marc
Comments or questions? Email me at mcecilvt@aol.com. Feel free to share these words—and this blog—with anyone you hold, or long to be held by, in the light of invisibility.
Dr. Cecil is a licensed psychologist, certified AEDP supervisor, approved EMDR consultant, and senior CSRT consultant. He specializes in treating complex relational, developmental, and transgenerational trauma, bringing therapy to life through heartfelt stories and images of connection and healing that emerge from the light of invisibility.