This post was initially going to be about “treating yourself” to a piece or two of good athletic gear this spring.  Sort of a “you’ve earned it” type approach to upgrading.  I would note that when you ride a great bike, ski on performance skis, or run in some new high-end training shoes, it not only makes you feel faster, it cranks up your whole exercise program.  Too many of us feel that we can get 200 more miles out of those old beat-up running shoes – and of course, we can.  Sore legs might trump $125 these days.

We’re in a recession (duh) and many of us need to tighten our financial belts.  But as we do, perhaps it’s a good time to shed, rather than add, athletic gear.  Not necessarily for tax benefits but rather, to help folks less fortunate than us. 

Most of us have pairs of old running shoes, some rock skis, or a beater bike that we hardly ever use. (As a runner, I tend to hoard shoes, especially old favorites.  I still mourn the loss of a pair of Nike Internationalists – to me one of the best shoes ever – even though they were trashed decades ago.)  What better time, in this season of giving, to donate a little of our athletic largess to folks, either in this country or overseas, who would love a pair of New Balance trainers with only six months on them.

As mentioned, I’m not pushing tax deductions (most of this is not worth much as resale) but rather just an acknowledgement that “exercise has been good to me” and giving back a little, with gratitude for all the toys and special athletic apparel we own.

When I see third world kids and adults wearing cast off NFL T-shirts, it’s a good reminder that yes, we are in a global economy but also, we’re part of a global community.  Why not help our brothers and sisters?  Think spring.

Here are a few options:

This Runner’s World article has a comprehensive listing of ways to recycle your running shoes.

Bicycles For Humanity and Bikes For The World are two examples for cyclists.
World Bicycle Relief provides bikes for $134 apiece.