Thursday, September 2, 2021

Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously

Am I an apologist for zero-drop running shoes? You might think so, based on the many times I've waxed eloquent about how wonderful they are. 

Here's the deal. Just run how you like to run. If it works, good. If it doesn't, change something. 

I run in Altras and I love them. My feet never hurt like they used to in my New Balance 880s. Honestly, one of the reasons I chose a more "traditional" shoe like the 880s is that they "look" like running shoes. The Altra Lone Peaks I use now are, to put it plainly, ugly. I do love them, however, and live in fear every day that Altra will stop making them. Such a great shoe. It has totally changed my form for the better. 

I know, some people call regular running shoes "foot coffins." Oh my. I wear Altras simply because I enjoy the unique running experience I get from them. But no type of running shoe is a magic pill that will cure all problems and turn you into an elite runner. Using Altras allows me to feel and connect with the ground. But I'm not an apologist for them. 

It's like one of the many beginning Greek grammars that just came out. It has many positive qualities, but I could never use it, not least because it introduces vocabulary in the chapter preceding the one that actually covers those words. That's okay. You do you, and I'll do me. I am not opposed to the proliferation of Greek grammars. I am not opposed to allowing faculty members to use the grammar of their choice. (At one school I taught at for years, they required everyone to use my beginning grammar. Terrible idea!) I am not opposed to the same publishing house offering competing beginning grammars. I AM opposed to there being only one way of doing things -- usually MY way. 

Whether you're a runner or a Greek student, find what works for you and stick with it. Here are some suggestions for any Greek students out there. In the meantime, I think we would do well to lighten up a bit. As one of my seminary profs put it, "Don't take yourself too seriously. Nobody else does."