Crocs Are For Runners!
Guess what? I love to run! I started running in 1979 and haven’t stopped since. I’ve run over 150 marathons, 150 ultramarathons, and way too many short distance races to remember. I used to keep a running log but stopped that when the new millennium dawned. Now I just run. I’ve been wearing Crocs around town since they first appeared on the scene but I thought I’d share the story why they’ve also become my favorite, in fact my only, running shoe.
Not much calf muscle in my left leg...
Since 2000 I’ve had a non-functioning Achilles in my left leg. As a result, my left calf muscle has completely atrophied. I have no power, strength, or agility in my lower leg. And without a working Achilles, my heel slams down and causes unbearable pain whenever I run. But that was before Crocs…
I started rather timidly, wearing my Crocs on my daily 3-5 mile evening runs with my dogs. They were so much more comfortable than any running shoe, but, really, how could any self-respecting runner actually be seen running in a pair of Crocs? What would my neighbors think? Not to mention my running friends…
So, rather surreptitiously, I built up to longer and longer runs in my Crocs. Forget what others thought! I quickly realized I wasn’t experiencing any pain in my heel and I was even getting a little spring in my step! But I have to admit I still wasn’t sure how I’d feel stepping up to the start of a race in a pair of brightly colored Crocs…
I quickly rid myself of that silly notion in November 2007 during the Santa Clarita Marathon. I was wearing my running shoes that day and by the 10 mile mark my heel was screaming at me. I had just started to walk to ease the pain when luckily I found myself at the half-marathon turn off, very close to where my car was parked. So I ran to the car and changed into my Crocs. Once I got back on the marathon course in my bright green Crocs I ran the second half of the race pain-free and with a spring in my step!
My Crocs served me well at the Old Goat 50 Mile Trail Run
Since that day in Santa Clarita I have run many more marathons, half marathons, short races, and long ultra-marathons in my Crocs. I run on the roads and on the trails and have completed many exciting adventure runs, all pain-free, thanks to my trusty Crocs. Although I never knew there was a name for it, I have been an unofficial Crocs Ambassador ever since then. Everywhere I go and every race I run I get looks and questions about my footwear of choice. I tell everyone that thanks to Crocs running is still a joy for me and every step is a new adventure.
Do you have a chronic painful condition that keeps you from doing the things you love to do? Maybe your Crocs can become your athletic shoes too! Are you already a Crocs Runner? I’d love to hear your story of how Crocs keep you running strong!
My Box of Crocs
