Athletic shoes aren’t actually fancy, although one might
expect them to be, based on their price tags. For runners, fit and function are
far more important than aesthetics. Sure, we like to pick pretty colors and
patterns, if possible.
But the most
important features of running shoes are fit and function.
When we’re training for upcoming events, we might pick trail
shoes, hiking shoes, track shoes, or basic running shoes. We talk about
pronation, heel lifts, and toe-box widths. We bend new sneakers back and forth in
our hands to examine their flexibility.
Then we look at the
price stickers and gasp like first-time marathoners reaching the finish line.
But we ante up anyway. Because finding the best fitting
running shoe is sort of like stumbling onto the Holy Grail. Then we buy two
pairs, if we can possibly afford them.
Why?
We double up because one of the cardinal rules of running is
that a sport shoe company is likely to discontinue designs at whim. We don’t want to
start all over in the shoe search, once we’ve logged a few hundred miles in our
new favorites.
Step right up. Here’s today’s “Running Quotes by Non-Runners”
pick.
“If God sends
us on strong paths, we are provided strong shoes.” Corrie ten Boom (1892-1983)
Corrie ten Boom was not a runner, and she most definitely never
had spiffy sneakers. In fact, the Dutch watchmaker’s daughter was arrested and
imprisoned by the Nazis in a concentration camp. The family had sheltered Jewish
people from capture in a secret spot in their home. Her story is told in The Hiding Place (1971 book and 1975 movie).
She definitely walked a strong path, even if she wore tattered Nazi-issued
prisoner shoes.
Today’s quote is
totally taken out of context.
But the gist of it rings true, particularly for those who
pursue extra difficult races, trails, obstacle courses, endurance events, or
other challenges.
Images:
Title image created by this user with
public domain art.
Quotation Graphic created by this user
with public domain photo.
Feel free to follow on GooglePlus and Twitter. Please visit my Amazon author page as well. And I am happy to share my RUNDERDOG ambassador code for 10% off on
Bondi Band Athletic
Headbands, Accessories, and Fashions. (Simply enter the code at online
checkout.).
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