Column

Jarlath Regan: The onion of nonsense that contains the answer to my sneaker addiction has many layers and begins with Michael Jordan

I used to collect every pair of runners that I couldn’t afford as a kid. But at least these days I actually wear them, after a recommendation by my running coach, Sonia O’Sullivan

Michael Jordan: it is this athletic superstar’s fault that Jarlath Regan spent all his money on sneakers and then did not wear them at all, for much of his adult life

I had my sneaker addiction under control until Sonia O’Sullivan encouraged me to take up running. Those dark days were behind me. The days of hiding shoe boxes in the boot of my car. The days of wearing a brand-new pair and acting like they were an old relic my wife had failed to notice until now. “Oh, these old things? I’ve had these for years,” I’d say while drowning in the guilt and shame ...