He is 13, Hispanic, and does pretty well at the junior high running the mile. His first week running he came in 5th place. He might have done better but his feet hurt. The only shoes he has are a pair his mother bought him for every day use. They look fine but they are not running shoes. There is no arch support, just flat bottom insides. The next week he borrowed a pair of more typical athletic shoes from a friend and moved up to 3rd place behind two ninth graders. The shoes were better but they were not as good as they could be. Saturday we were at a service project doing yard work for one of the older members of our Hispanic congregation. I asked how the running was progressing and after getting a full report suggested we visit Famous Footwear and look at their selection. He has never tried on any Nikes or Brooks. The Nikes felt good and a pair looked really 'cool', but he saw a pair of Asics on display for $94.00. I suggested he try them on as he was reluctant. "Wow", he says, "like walking on air."
This week he runs again and I think he will run on air -- maybe first place.
