Evening Lace Drill

A thick pair of running sneakers was sitting unlaced on the lower tier of the entryway shoe rack, with one heavy white shoelace trailing loose onto the floor mat. Loose gear invites stumbles before tomorrow's run even begins. I climbed up the wooden slat, squared my shoulders, and gripped the stiff braided lace with both hands. I pulled the cord taut through the top plastic eyelet, crossed the thick ends with firm pressure, and cinched down a neat, locked loop. Gear is prepped and primed for the next stride.