Runner's Blog: 'No form of running teaches like cross country'

By Ed Griffin

Running is our teacher. So many things in our lives have been accomplished through the lessons we learned by lacing up our shoes and putting one foot in front of the other -- weight lost, hills climbed, pain endured, lifelong friends met, scenic journeys, failure, redemption and a collection of crazy clothes and accessories. We have gained and experienced so many of these things, step by step. 

Maybe no form of running teaches like cross country running. Many young teens start their lifelong affair with running by going out for their school's cross country team. Starting as a blank canvas, young runners get advice from everyone and support from their older teammates and coaches, helping them on their journey.

There is no better way to start the high school cross country season for athletes, coaches and parents than at the annual Fleet Feet Sports Cross Country Carnival, which kicks off at 10 a.m. next Sunday, Aug. 13 at our DeWitt location.

The carnival includes education, fun, snacks, prizes, more education, a coaches meeting, games and of course our Fit Experts helping young athletes get the best footwear and gear to start the season.

New this season is that we have added “fit id” to our fit process, which is 3D scan of each customer’s feet.  With “fit id,” your athletes will be able to better understand what training shoes or competition shoes will work for them. And because each customer can receive a copy of the 3D scan at no additional charge, athletes will be able to track how their feet change over years. We also will maintain scans for future customer reference.

So running school, otherwise known as cross country season, is about to begin. Start it out right at the Fleet Feet Sports Cross Country Carnival this Sunday!