On some Saturday mornings, you can find me at ‘Canadian Tire’

Several times a year, I have a calendar item that says “Canadian Tire.” I’m not off to the hardware shop; it’s a wink to a funny story I heard from the woman who keeps my feet in check.

In late January 2020, I broke my right leg when I slipped on ice. I also smashed up my ankle. The COVID-19 pandemic soon followed, which meant I was late getting to physiotherapy. As the months ticked by, my foot was, well, a bit of a mess.

Martha, my kind wife, gave me a certificate for a foot treatment at the downtown St. John’s salon that has been looking after her for years.

I chuckled when learning that a pedicure for men has a name all of its own: a sports pedicure. That’s much more dignified!

And so I met Lisa, the woman who did such a great job on my toes and feet that I’ve been a regular client since.

And, yep, we share a chortle over the “sports pedicure” bit. Whatever works.

Some time back, Lisa told me the story from where “Canadian Tire” comes from. I’m no doubt taking some liberties in relaying the yarn.

It was earlier in her career and she was at another business. As she explained, she was working away at a guy she described as macho, a guy’s guy, and hoped I would not be offended by the comparison. (I was not.) Anyway, the guy was reclining while she cleansed, trimmed and buffed, and his phone rang.

“What are you at?” he said to the other party. “Me? I’m at … ummm … [makes eye contact with Lisa] …. Canadian Tire.”

Good save. But then a wrinkle.

“No, no, no … don’t, I’ll come to you! I’ll be …” [An imploring look to Lisa, who mouths she needs, say, another 10 minutes.]

“Ten minutes … and then I’ll drive to you.” They settle on a coffee shop across town, no doubt closer to the downtown salon where his feet are getting some covert TLC.

And thus a joke between us. To this day, when I rebook an appointment, I tap that Saturday morning ritual in as Canadian Tire.

So, yes, the sports pedicure name is a bit funny. But what’s not so funny is the mess our feet can get in. Guys, get over the name, and look after your feet — if only to take care of the toenails that might be ripping into your skin and giving you tons of discomfort. If you’re a runner or hit the gym or are active, your feet need attention, for maintenance and prevention. And, as I’ve learned from my mother, it’s important to keep an eye on foot care as we grow older.

Have a Canadian Tire moment for yourself. As my wife calls out when I leave, “have fun having your tires changed.”