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!