Support Your Local Running Stores during Small Business Saturday

It’s Black Friday and there’s no doubt about it ....the holiday shopping season has arrived. Crowds mob the aisles and parking lots of national retailers to score deals on merchandise.

If you’ve got a runner on your gift list, consider spending your dollars with a locally-owned business. American Express launched Small Business Saturday last year to encourage shoppers to include small businesses on their holiday shopping list.

Here in Atlanta, we’ve got plenty of local running stores to choose from. Do your part to help support businesses that in turn support our communities.

Big Peach Running Co.
With six locations in the metro Atlanta area, Big Peach Running Co. is a local chain that delivers a neighborhood experience. I like the fact that my neighborhood store in Decatur hosts group runs on Tuesday and Thursday evenings along with Saturday mornings. Store hours on Saturday are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fleet Feet
Fleet Feet is a nationwide chain, but its stores are individually owned and operated by local small business owners. Fleet Feet Decatur's owners, Clay and Karen Scarborough, live in walking distance to their store -- you don't get more local than that. They’ll gladly welcome your business on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

One Step At A Time
Charles Cope opened his running store in the neighborhood where he grew up. One Step At A Time has called the Oakhurst neighborhood of Decatur home for 10 years. The Oakhurst Running Club meets at the store for its Wednesday night and Saturday morning runs. Store hours on Saturday are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Phidippides
Atlanta’s Olympic great, Jeff Galloway, started Phidippides in the 70’s. A true visionary, Jeff recognized the need to offer both novice and experienced runners a shopping experience where they could get advice from staff trained in the science of shoe fitting. Phidippides’ two Atlanta locations are opened on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

West Stride
West Stride’s owner, Genie Beaver, hosts some of the best training runs I’ve joined. Genie greets runners with a warm welcome, beverages along with running routes and a great post-run spread of breakfast treats. Genie’s also a big supporter of Girls On The Run, on of my favorite youth programs. West Stride is open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Get Local with Holiday Gifts for Runners

Still shopping for Christmas gifts? Me too. Instead of searching online for the perfect gift, visit your neighborhood running store. You’ll find staff that are passionate about running and can offer good advice on a variety of gift choices. Here in Decatur, we’ve got three terrific options for running gear – One Step at a Time, Fleet Feet and Big Peach Running Company.

I recently stopped by Big Peach Running to get a few recommendations. Here are a few suggestions that were offered:

• Amphipod Xinglet Pocket Reflective Gear – An improvement on the standard reflective vest, the Xinglet provides a better fit and stronger reflectivity. Plus, it features a zipper pocket for i.d., keys or money. My friend Kevin recently bought one and really likes it.
• Black Diamond Sprinter Head Lamp – Safety is always a great consideration for runners’ gifts. This head lamp features lights on both the back and front so cars can see runners in either direction.
• Saucony Epic Run Vest – For the most part, winters tend to be mild in Atlanta. This light-weight vest offers a comfortable alternative to a wind breaker. It also features reflective striping on the front to help keep runners visible to cars.
• Saucony DryLete Ponytail Skull Cap – For those of us with long hair, the ponytail cap is a great gift! It keeps your head warm without having to stuff your hair inside the cap or wear a ponytail at the nap of your neck.

Is your runner already well equipped with gear? Consider these options:

• Sports Massage - Pass on a little pampering to your runner with a gift certificate for a massage. It makes a great gift after a marathon or half-marathon race. Both Massage Envy and Natural Body have locations throughout Atlanta.
• Pedicure - Feet can take a beating from running. Hang nails, ingrown toe nails and black toe are just a few of the problems runners can develop. Stuff your runner’s stocking with a gift certificate to a local nail salon.
• Paid Entry for 2011 Race – Does your runner love to participate in big races? Pre-pay their fee for a running event. Registration is open for the Publix Georgia Marathon and Half-Marathon in March.

Happy holidays and happy running!

Yeah, it's Hot. But There are Summer Races to Run in Atlanta

The temperature is raising but that’s no reason to skip out on lots of neighborhood races around town. Here are a few to check out:

Magnolia Run – June 12
In its 27th year, this race raises awareness and funds for the Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia. Conveniently located at the Perimeter Mall, the race includes 4-mile and 1-mile fun run. Registration is available online at active.com or at Fleet Feet stores in Sandy Springs and Duluth.

Run4Dad 5K – June 19
During Father’s Day weekend why not run a race in honor of dads? This Sandy Springs event includes a 5K race and 1-mile walk. Proceeds benefit prostate cancer and local support groups of the Men’s Health & Wellness Center.

Beltline 5K – June 26
Help celebrate the opening of the Beltline trail in Southwest Atlanta. An added bonus – this is a free race. The run starts at Rose Circle Park and ends at Kipp Strive Academy. Registration is available at active.com.


Peachtree Road Race – July 4
Registration for the mother of all Atlanta races closed months ago. If you’re not running it, you can still join the celebration by cheering on the 55,000+ people racing. Hit Piedmont Park afterwards to party with the race participants.

AIDS Faith Walk + 5K Run – July 5
Didn’t register in time for the Peachtree? Here’s a local event in South Atlanta that aims to raise awareness, hope and funds for AIDS. Changing A Generation Full Gospel Baptist Church hosts the event. This is a race that’s sure to uplift your spirit. Register at the event site.

Clyde’s Run – July 17
People organize road races to support a variety of causes. Clyde’s Run honors the memory of Clyde Mays, who suffered from a rare genetic condition. The race takes place at Mountain Park, GA, located near Roswell. Proceeds benefit the Prader-Willi Syndrome Foundation. Registration information is available at the race site.

More than Just a Race: Save Our Skin 5K

There are hundreds of races dedicated to breast cancer awareness, yet skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in America. In fact, it accounts for more than 50% of all cancers combined.

Spring and summer brings more exposure to the sun’s rays for runners. It’s easy for runners to forget the sunscreen when they head out the door. Yet unlike a lot of other cancers, skin cancer is highly preventable. Simple steps like sunscreen, hats, and avoiding long-term exposure to sun can make a big difference.

The 4th annual Save Our Skin 5K takes place at Perimeter Place in Dunwoody on Saturday, May 29th. One of the unique benefits to this race is the complimentary spot skin checks from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. In the past, doctors have found participants with melanoma and pre-cancerous cells.

You can register online or at several local running stores, including Big Peach Running, Fleet Feet, Phidippides and West Stride. The race course is available at the event site.

Stay safe and smart - protect your skin.

Easy Gift Ideas for Runners

Completed your holiday shopping yet? Me neither.

The thought of traffic and mall crowds doesn't necessarily put me in the holiday spirit. If you've got a runner on your gift list, here are a few stocking stuffers that don't require a stop at the mall.

• Pedicure: Taking proper care of the feet is essential for runners. Hang nails, black toe and other common problems can make running a painful experience. Add a gift certificate for a pedicure to your runner's stocking.
• Sports Massage: Does your runner need more pampering? Consider a gift certificate for a massage. Natural Body has neighborhood locations throughout Atlanta.
• Socks: A great pair of socks keep feet comfortable and dry. Avoid the crowds by heading to a local running store. Big Peach Running Co., Fleet Feet, One Step At A Time and West Stride have knowledgeable staff and convenient neighborhood locations.
• Reflective Vest: Keep your runner visible and safe. The local running stores mentioned above can offer lots of options for reflective gear.
• Race Registration: Is your runner training for the ING Georgia or another big event? Race fees often go up after December 31. Pay for their registration online and place the confirmation print-out in their stocking.

Happy gifting!

This week’s running route comes from the Oakhurst Running Club. A map of the course is available at the club's site.