“Running in Crocs”

Dear Teacher,  
 

While schools around the nation are banning Crocs for being a tripping hazard, Kevin Leimkuhler had a different view of the inexpensive, rubber, garden shoe.  Instead of seeing the slip-ons as a limitation, he saw the potential and took on the challenge.  Confident in his running ability from completing four prior marathons, he wondered if Crocs could be useful for his fifth. Thus, instead of choosing so-called "super shoes," fancier, pricier, solidly-backed sneaks of other pro-racers, he started preparing.  It was slow-going at first, finding the right size of Croc and carefully fitting the strap into "sport mode."  However 40 miles of training ensured that he had the right fit.  Equipped with regular sports socks and anti-chafe lubricant, as he always did, Kevin set out to complete the New York City Marathon last Saturday, November 3, 2024.

And then he RAN.  26.6 miles through the burrows and buildings of New York, stopping only to hug his sister cheering on the sidelines.  His bright orange Crocs hit the pavement time and time again in reliability and durability, allowing him to finish 13 minutes faster than his own personal best, and break the Guinness world record for running a marathon in foam shoes! Because Kevin saw the potential, his Crocs finished the race in 2:51:27, without a lost toenail or blister.  With him in those soles, they took huge strides to success!

And you, Teacher, there in your classroom see potential, too.  Sure, not all students are gifted with high marks and higher GPAs.  Not all proceed with the sure-footedness of solid upbringing and resiliency.  So what do you do?  You PREPARE.  You test them.  You train with them.  And then you go with confidence, knowing that potential can turn into powerful.  With you in their soul, students take huge strides to success!

Sighting potential, too,

Mindy
Christian Educator & School Counselor