Running Fit

This store is where I went when I first started running.
Even though I don’t live in Michigan anymore, it’s still my favorite place to buy shoes and gear, get in conversation about running and find out about great races and stuff in the area. Randy made these stores real hubs in the Michigan running community and man, do I miss that where am I now.

Maybe Unilocalers are not big runners? Who knows. I stopped by to check out the store and consider a new pair of running shoes (because, you know, I will run better with new shoes). It was pretty hectic because of the first sunny day in Michigan, and the weekly run was starting in 20 minutes. I didn’t learn this until I asked around, because I was a little confused because both the group runners and the employees were wearing the same thing. I mean if you look like your customers, how are we supposed to find you?
Anyway, I decided to buy a running magazine instead, and was reading while I waited at the counter for someone to ring me up. A lady came up and asked if the shoes were mine (someone had left a box there), and I said no, and she ignored me to help someone else. When I mentioned that I was waiting to buy the magazine, she stared at me. She eventually rang me up and brusquely dismissed my interest in the running club. Perhaps there was no one in the store to help me?
OK…I guess the moral of the story is don’t go right before a big event. I definitely felt unwelcomed: /​
But, I gotta go somewhere, right?

I’ve been overdue for a new pair of running shoes for some time and a long run over the weekend let me know I needed to find some sooner rather than later. Realizing it was less than an hour to close, I called ahead and spoke with Charlie — I think (sorry!) — who said he thought they could get me fitted in the time they had left.
Though I was the only customer in the place at 8:30, they stayed and patiently went through the full assessment, brought out numerous pairs (twice), answered my questions, and let me test out my top picks on the treadmill. I never felt rushed, but of course that meant that when we were done it was 20 minutes past closing! Bad shopper! (And I’ve worked retail at closing too… I should have paid better attention to the time.) But the guys were great and even though the color I ultimately chose wasn’t in stock in my size, they offered to call the other locations tomorrow and either have it in store in a couple of days or special order for me.
I took a quick look around while they were entering my customer info and saw they had a good selection of endurance nutrition (I bought several packs of clif bloks) as well as a selection of the compression socks and palm-​held water bottles I’ve been considering from an online retailer. I plan to buy both when I come back into the store for my shoes.
Clearly if they took the time with me that they did tonight, they really prioritize customer service. I’d say my experience is on par with my purchases at Hill Country Running back in Austin.
A few extra notes — I know from their website that they have both a running club and a number of training programs (the latter for a price), but neither of the guys brought them up. I was relieved not to feel pressured, and even though I’m curious about the club, we definitely didn’t have time to get into that tonight. I appreciate that they read me correctly and stuck to helping me find some shoes. Also, if you belong to a local gym, Running Fit gives you a 10% discount off your purchases. I don’t remember seeing that anywhere online, but it’s good to know. Lastly, as long as the shoes have no outdoor wear on them — meaning you do your first couple of runs on a treadmill — they’ll exchange them for you if you decide they’re not quite the right fit. I think that’s a good compromise between a full ‘no-​questions asked’ return policy and a ‘no returns after wear’ policy, especially for a local shop.

Running Fit is, in a nutshell, a purveyor of fine running gear and good free advice. They also sponsor a variety of running races throughout the season that are top notch in every way.
If you’re a beginning runner, stop by any Running Fit before your first step. They will help get you outfitted with proper shoes and socks. Those are by far the most important items you’ll need.
Last but not least, they offer training for new and experienced runners. 5k or marathon, they’ve got you covered.