When she showed up in a pair of snazzy, silver Sauconys, my running shoe of choice, I knew it was going to be an easy case.
Appearance is half the battle to becoming a bona fide runner.
But about a month ago, when my journalism professor asked me to teach her how to run, I didn't mention the appearance a bit, lest she think I was a vain runner. Besides, I thought I would wait and see if she showed up in a pair of light brown Rockports, a cruel test that would nonetheless severe as a fairly accurate barometer as to how much work lay ahead of me. Instead, she surprised me with her Sauconys and apparel that, while not a medley of guaranteed super sweat wicking, synthetic materials, definitely passed as running gear. I was proud to be her teacher already, and I hadn't even done anything yet. Still, I felt pressure.