LOLZLetter Edition 18| How to Get the Most Out of Your Run Specialty Store
Welcome Back or Welcome!
Wow, last week was the most shared newsletter yet. How awesome is that? I appreciate anyone who shares whether you share with one person or 1000. As of this morning, the newsletter is up to nearly 800 subscribers.
As most people know, this week has been sad with the passing of Gave Grunewald, and I wanted to take a moment to think about her family and friends.
“Being brave for me, means not giving up on things that make me feel alive”
-Gabe Grunewald
I usually ask on either Instagram or Twitter what people are most interested in reading about for the week. This week many people wanted to know how to get the most out of your local run specialty store. Many people also wanted to know what I’m up too in my own running.
This newsletter is meant to share more of the running industry and my blog shares more personal life. In summary, I’m currently training for the Big Cottonwood Marathon. A week ago, I won the She Power Half in Indianapolis, and this week, I collided with another runner in a 5k and ran a personal worst. It’s always a new adventure.
Anyway, many runners know a run specialty store is what you get fit for shoes. There is so much more your local running store offers!
Usually, when you are new to running, you need new shoes but don’t know where to start. You go to your local running specialty store, get fitted, and now have a brand new pair of shoes. You're ready to run!
Success, you’ve used the most well-known resource of your running specialty store: getting fitted for a proper pair of footwear to run and not be in pain!
Here Are a Few Things You Might Not Know About Your Local Running Store:
Most people are intimidated to come into a running store. There is a mindset that everyone is a professional, fast runner. People also assume that only “fast” runners go to the running store. I can assure you that is not the case!
In fact, we rarely see elite runners because the nature of the sport is elites know what works for them. Plus, many are given free shoes every 100 miles.
Comparatively running isn’t an expensive sport. The most important and costly item you need are good shoes.
Good shoes means shoes that work for your particular gait, stride, and feet. Good shoes for me does not mean good shoes for you. Similar to marriage, there is a different, healthy shoe for every single runner.
So How do You Get the Most out of Your Running Store Visit?
First, tell us all the aches and pains you have when running.
Sore feet?
Sore knees?
Bum butt?
Shin splints? Does one leg hurt more than the other?
Did you lose half of your toenails?
Do you have orthotics? Bring them. It’s next to impossible to fit someone for shoes without seeing a custom orthotic. Some orthotics are thick, or thin, or half orthotics, or maybe they are just part of the problem. Always remember, feet change. Age, pregnancy, weight loss, or gain, all can play a factor.
Don’t feel like you are rambling, the more you can tell us about your running history, the easier it is to narrow down shoes.
Please, if your feet are gross, we don’t want to see them. Do you want to see this giant blister on my foot? No, not really I get the idea of the blister.
Second, Trust Us.
Running specialty store employees go through a lot of training. While it may seem weird that only a few shoes out of a dozen are the best fit for you…it’s what we are here for. I’ve fit hundreds of people; I know exactly what to look for with gait as well as the shape of the foot.
We have looked, studied, and helped dozens of people with shoes. Trust that when we pull a neutral shoe, you don’t need that high-end stability option despite a shoe being better for a friend.
Running store staff isn't going to pull the most expensive shoe, just because it's there. Most people don’t need the most expensive, high-end option. More support might actually cause more problems.
Third Ask Questions:
Most running stores are a wealth of training information.
This could be anything from training to local races. Online resources tell you a lot but aren’t always specialized to your area. Information relevant to Florida will not be as relevant to New Jersey. Dozens of race flyers get dropped off at local running stores that don't have any internet presence.
A local running store can tell you the best places to carb load or the best running trails around your area. It can cut down from sifting through thousands of websites to a 2-minute explanation.
Find New Friends:
Moving to a new area is hard. Making adult friends is equally as hard. Most running stores also have group runs and activities to bring the running community together. Running can be as social or solitary as you want.
The running store I work at has four different group runs, all free and all open to anyone who wants to come. It’s an easy way to meet people. We also manage a 4000 person local facebook running group for the area. Your running store might do the same thing and open the door to opportunities you didn’t know existed!
Sometimes the free group runs have brand reps (like Brooks or Asics or Hoka or Saucony) that come, and you can even test out a pair of shoes. The brand rep wants you to try them on a run because if you like them, you’ll consider them for your next pair!
Sometimes races will come and try and promote their race and give out coupon codes or even raffle off a race entry. You never know!
In summary, a running specialty store is a great resource well past shoes. You can find out information about gear, training and local events.
Gabe Grunewald June 25, 1986- June 11, 2019
In light of recent events with Gabe Grunewald, I’ve been reading and listening to several podcasts with her.
Ali on the Run with Gabe Grunewald
In memory of Gabe from C Tolle Run (This is 3 minutes long and had me sobbing)
New York Times: In the Running World and Beyond, Being #BraveLikeGabe
Gabe Grunewald’s Coach Saw a Tenacious Athlete—And a Love Story Unfolding
Gabe’s First Interview with Chris Chavez
Giveaway Winner:
Finally, maybe my favorite part of the newsletter because I like giving back to the readers and those who are enough to share!
Last weeks giveaway had over 80 entries. Thank you to everyone who shared the newsletter as it means a lot and helps it grow. My goal is to get to 1000 subscribers by the end of August, so any shares do help.
Last weeks giveaway winner for the Aftershokz headphones is @brooklynmclaury who shared via instagram.
In light of starting long runs in the heat, this week I’m giving out a mixed bag of Tailwind Endurance Fuel. I’ve started using Tailwind after long runs and I believe I recover faster. All you have to do to enter is share the newsletter. Here is the internet link if that makes it easier.
Finally, I appreciate every single email back and try to respond to each email. Any feedback good or bad is always helpful. Is there a specific topic you want to see more about? Don’t be a stranger and let me know!
You can email me at FueledbyLOLZ@gmail.com. All feedback is helpful, good or bad.
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