Why Local Running Stores Are the Best Choice

Most of us are tempted to go to our nearest Big 5, Sporting Goods, Kohl's.....even Payless to buy our running shoes. Why is this a good idea? Because they are cheap. Why is this a bad idea? Because you are not going to get the quality that you need as a runner. Cheap shoes are okay. I bought a $40 pair once. But they lasted me only about 2 months and I could immediately tell the difference in quality. However, the shoes I spend $80-$100 on last me 5-6 months. They cost twice as much, but they last more than twice as long. You do the math...its worth the expense.

That being said, I am a strong advocate for local running stores. The employees are almost always highly trained and very experienced runners. They will watch your gait and fit you with the shoe best for your running style. They know so much about the different kinds of shoes and what the differences are between them all. They can help you decide if you want a really light shoe or if you want more cushion. They can help you overcome that "but this shoe is prettier" mentality.

Not only are local running stores good for helping you find the right shoe, they offer a myriad of stuff you won't find at the big name retailers. They will offer things like running clubs,  fun local runs, and running seminars.

My local go-to running store is Runner's Corner. The staff is professional, friendly and so incredibly helpful. Every single employee is a competitive and knowledgeable runner. They know their stuff. I trust them completely to help me find the best shoe for me. I am so impressed with their staff because they aren't salesy or pushy. They aren't there to make you buy the most expensive shoe. They are there to help you find the shoe that is going to make you love running. The employees make you feel cared about as an individual and not just as a customer.

Runner's Corner---Personalized shoe fitting and analysis with an emphasis on prevention, technique, strengthening, and independence... running gear of every imaginable type! www.runnerscornerutah.com

Runner's Corner also has a large running club called the Sojourners. This club is awesome. They have a few different "teams" that allow any level of runner to participate. They have their elite running team that trains like crazy and wins races and they also have their fun running team for anyone who wants to join. Many of the local running stores will have some sort of club or team. The Sojourners is fun because they usually meet at least once a week for group runs. This helps you get to know your area and to discover new runs. You will meet other runners and be motivated. It is fun running with groups and having friends to chat with. Any runner is welcome no matter your skill level. If you are anywhere within 40 minutes of the Sojourners it is definitely worth the effort to make it to their group runs.

The other thing I love about Runner's Corner is their seminars. They invite well known runners, coaches, nutritionists, etc. to speak. The seminars are fun and informative.

Hawk Harper, owner of Runner's Corner is one of the nicest and most generous people I have ever met. He runs his store the same way. You know you can trust them. He gives generously to the running community through his service, time and knowledge. You will not find a more genuine running store owner.



Visit Runner's Corner on Facebook, at their website and in Orem to check out their awesome stuff and amazing staff. 

Check back on the blog tomorrow for a FREE GIVEAWAY of some sweet running gear from Runner's Corner!!