West Seattle couple gets ready to open specialty-running store

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

As the saying goes, the ink is barely dry on the lease.

Lori and Tim McConnell just signed a deal for second-floor space in Charlestown Center, which has been home to just two businesses – Budget Cuts and Anytime Fitness – for the year-plus since it opened.

Their new business doesn’t have a name yet (in fact, they’re inviting you to offer suggestions, in case the one they’re checking on doesn’t pan out) – but they are very clear on what it will be: West Seattle’s one and only “specialty running” store.

“The closest sporting-good store is Big 5, and you can only get two flavors of GU there!” Tim points out.

If you know what he’s talking about, you’re going to love their store.

GU, we are informed after a sheepish inquiry, is an energy product on which many runners rely.

Lori is the runner in the family. In fact, we featured her on WSB over the holidays, when reporter Keri DeTore bumped into her and her friends during their “1st Annual Holidazzle Run” (that’s Lori on the right):

She’s run 11 marathons, including the vaunted Boston Marathon – twice. “You have to qualify for that!” Tim interjects proudly, as the three of us talk at an Admiral coffee shop.

“I guess I’ve been running since 1998 – did my first half-marathon in ’01, my first marathon in ’02,” she continues. “Just loved it from there.” She and a “big group of friends” meet every Saturday to “go for a long run” – followed by a stop at Bakery Nouveau. They’ve traveled together too, including the East Coast events.

Tim says he used to run, but got hurt and never got back into it. He’s the business cred in the partnership, though, with 20 years in retail sales and a recently awarded degree in business manager; Lori works as a child/teen/family counselor, with an office “right next to The Swinery!”, just blocks from where they will open their store – an idea they’ve had for years.

“Between Lynnwood and Burien, there are only seven specialty-running stores in the entire area,” Tim explains.

So their store will not only carry “the full line of GU” – 12 flavors, plus the gluten-free version – but it will offer shoes, apparel and accessories.

“Having someone fit you in the right shoe for your gait (is important),” Lori explains. Otherwise, “if you have problems, if your foot rolls in and out, you can get an injury.”

They’ll carry the different types of shoes – “depending on how your foot hits the ground, what kind of shoe your foot is supposed to be in,” Tim elaborates. They’ll have a treadmill in the store so that they can see exactly how you run, while working to find the right fit. The brands they plan to carry include ASICS, Saucony, Mizuno, Brooks, and of course Nike (“just spike shoes”).

A specialty-running store, the McConnells say, is not just something you open on a whim – vendors are apparently very discerning about who they will deal with. A friend of theirs owns a store in Lynnwood and has vouched for them, which has given them a foot in the door, so to speak.

So they’re lining up merchandise, finalizing paperwork, all the things you have to go through when opening a business – “no one’s written a book about this, how to do it in Washington,” Tim observes. (We suggested he might consider it.) And of course, there’s the aspect of breaking the news about the new enterprise – they posted it on Facebook for “people who weren’t immediate friends and family,” and they sent us a note.

As part of their deal, they are taking on the “buildout” of their space – 1,600 square feet, with high ceilings (10 to 12 feet) and “a lot of windows facing south.” So they’ll be hard at work on that – Tim notes that he’s worked for Home Depot for quite some time, so he has a bit of expertise in how to do such things.

They’ve been married almost a decade, have been foster parents, and – in keeping with the running theme – have a greyhound “rescued from a dog park.” (A shelter cat, too.) Add all that to a large network of friends and family – plus, did we mention, Tim’s building a bathroom at their home? – and they are plenty busy; but since the store’s a longtime dream, it’s clear it will be a joy. They plan to keep their current careers for now, so they expect to be hiring staff, but they have to be runners – one fulltimer, two or three part-timers.

In the short run, they’ll be spending time tomorrow at a shoe-fitting clinic. And they’re plotting community involvement for the store, too – organize running groups, maybe plot spots in the parking area behind their new store (Charlestown Center has parking in the rear, which is where the door to the second floor is) that will show the distance to and from certain landmarks so people can plot runs. They might have a readerboard in the store, cheering for people who are participating in certain runs, perhaps even sendoff parties, training resources, matches for running partners.

Meanwhile, they really want to hear from potential customers: What do you want to be sure they offer? (“Why shouldn’t we carry what the running community wants?” Tim reasons.) And, got any good names? (They’d like to include “West Seattle.”) Just leave a comment. They are hoping to open in early April. “Nine weeks!” they point out. Not that they’re counting or anything.

(Charlestown Center is kitty-corner from Charlestown Cafe; here’s a map.)

107 Replies to "West Seattle couple gets ready to open specialty-running store"

  • coffee February 5, 2010 (11:33 am)

    Welcome, welcome, welcome! And yes, as a small business owner, there is no “manual” as to what you have to do from a state, county, and city level. Very frustrating!

  • Angelina February 5, 2010 (11:35 am)

    YES! I am tired of going downtown or to Greenlake to get what I need! Good luck to you!

  • joe February 5, 2010 (11:39 am)

    any focus on trail running? or will this be road-centric?

  • ideas February 5, 2010 (11:43 am)

    name ideas:

    – run right over
    – can’t catch us
    – speedy shoe

  • SarahScoot February 5, 2010 (11:48 am)

    There was some commenter on the forums a few months back who was obsessed with managing a running store… this just reminded me of that. These people sound a bit more stable, though.

  • Pamela February 5, 2010 (11:54 am)

    First of all – YAY! When do you open? I need a new pair of trail runners. :) Was just wondering why we don’t have our running store here in West Seattle.
    Second – I love running. I want to help. I’m not creative with names for your store but let me know what else.
    Love it!

  • Aaron February 5, 2010 (11:55 am)

    Good luck. It will be great to have a local running store to patronize. I always felt funny about driving somewhere to get new gear, now I’ll be able to jog in or cycle over!

  • AK February 5, 2010 (11:58 am)

    Please carry Brooks shoes! I’ve been wondering why WS hasn’t had a running store. It’s a great spot for one.

  • mike February 5, 2010 (12:00 pm)

    Yay!! I’ve been running for a little over 2 years now, and would welcome a running store in my neighborhood! Last summer I trained for my first marathon (NYCM) and went through a lot of goo on my training runs. Actually, I prefer the Cliff Shots and Cliff Shot Blocks to the traditional GU. So please add those to your inventory, too!

    As for shoes, I’m happy that you’re going to have Asics (I run in 2140s). Hopefully you’ll have some wide sizes (EE) for us hobbit-footed runners.

    Names…well there’s always the simple and straightforward West Seattle Running (Store/Company/Outlet/etc.) One of my favorite names for a running store, though, is Phidippides. I don’t know the legal issues involved with it since one exists by that name in Atlanta. Maybe you could alter it a little.

    But good luck with your venture! I’m planning on running my second full in Victoria, BC this October. So I’ll be coming in to stock up on shot blocks (and shoes)!

  • Thomas February 5, 2010 (12:00 pm)

    Fabulous, this will be a welcome addition to West Seattle. Can’t wait!

  • iggy February 5, 2010 (12:04 pm)

    YIPEE. I’m tired of the haul to Greenlake to get my Brooks Ariel and Addiction. Don’t see Brooks in your list on the blog article, and I hope you consider carrying their high-end line. The only shoe for women with wide foot, narrow heel, and lots of pronation!

  • Kris February 5, 2010 (12:06 pm)

    There are a few locally owned Phidippides across the country, but do not believe there is one in the NW.

    http://www.phidippides.com/index.php?page=home

  • WSB February 5, 2010 (12:17 pm)

    Iggy – checking my notes (we interviewed them this morning and I turned this around really quickly) – they did mention Brooks – my omission. I’ll add to the article so nobody else wonders…TR

  • Lou February 5, 2010 (12:19 pm)

    I second Mike’s request (clif shot blocks and 2140s). However, I probably prefer Gu – it seems to work best for me. I ran the Seattle RnR last year (first marathon)…I’ve continued to train but not sure what my next race will be.

    Welcome! I will be glad to give you my business.

  • Nic February 5, 2010 (12:36 pm)

    In some fantasy world I own a running shop in West Seattle called Exact Running (obviously in honor of the schooner Exact), feel free to use that name in this here, the real world :-)

  • wundrgrrrl February 5, 2010 (12:38 pm)

    Luna Moons have been really hard to find anywhere and are my preferred gummy energizer. Also nuun electrolytes would be nice :)

    Glad to have you in the ‘hood!

  • mike February 5, 2010 (12:44 pm)

    oh, and Balega socks, too!

  • Bonnie February 5, 2010 (12:48 pm)

    Yay! I just started running and signed up for my first half marathon. Got my first ‘good’ pair of shoes at Road Runner last month and will be happy to stay in West Seattle the next time I need to get shoes. Congratulations!

  • coffee February 5, 2010 (12:49 pm)

    oh, and how about a class for people who want to learn about running? Something like an evening 20.00 and maybe a small discount on purchases that night/day? I would sign right up!

  • d February 5, 2010 (12:56 pm)

    I am just a beginner, but I wouldn’t call what I find myself doing “running”. Bouncy fast walking, maybe. But I plod on in Brooks, and I like knowing I won’t have to make a trip to Greenlake for the next pair.

    Good luck you guys!

  • soosan February 5, 2010 (12:56 pm)

    Welcome! Great to have a running store nearby…and great to have something cool go into that space!

  • Semele February 5, 2010 (12:57 pm)

    I am sooooo excited! I hate having to go downtown or drive all over the city to get new shoes or whatever else is needed. My husband and I lamented awhile back that we didn’t have such a place over here so this is exciting news!

  • DW February 5, 2010 (12:58 pm)

    This sounds awesome! Super Jock and Jill for the Westside crowd!

    Why the 2nd floor I wonder? Not my business but wouldn’t ground floor retail make more sense?

  • Semele February 5, 2010 (12:59 pm)

    oh and for wunndrgirl, QFC now carries Nuun :) granted they only have about 4 flavors but it’s still easier than going across town to ofind it!

  • Shannon February 5, 2010 (1:05 pm)

    I am super excited too! I always have to drive up to Greenlake for my running needs, but hopefully no more. Please carry the Jelly Belly SportBeans! I love those over the GU… especially the extreme flavors with caffeine. Oh and ear warmer running head bands! Good luck.

  • Smitty February 5, 2010 (1:21 pm)

    Good call, guys. This goes on the “why didn’t I think of that” list!

    Something that is sorely missing in West Seattle -you will do great!

    Now, as for names…hmmmmm, let me think for a bit. I’m pretty good at this kind of thing.

  • Tracy D. February 5, 2010 (1:22 pm)

    Awesome!!! Great News. I am a 3 Day “Walker” who always gets my shoes fitted down at Super Jock & Jill on Greenlake…would love to have a place close by for me and my West Seattle teammates to go! I wear only Brooks shoes. I think they are the best. Will you be carrying walking shoes from any of these lines you mentioned – or just running shoes? Welcome to the neighborhood and good luck with the name! What about WestSide Running???

  • TammiWS February 5, 2010 (1:23 pm)

    YIPPEEEEE! So glad we’re getting a store in WS. Please carry shot blocks and jelly beans. And, dont forget the gear – bottles, belts etc…Cant wait to see it open. Good Luck!

  • Pamela February 5, 2010 (1:24 pm)

    Definitely Gu (available to purchase in bulk) and nuun. I also love Banana Blossom cards & tshirts for the everyday athlete. The owner, Maria, is fantastic! Local and environmentally friendly. My fave card: “You vs. the snooze” Inside: “You win some, you lose some.”

  • PeterT February 5, 2010 (1:36 pm)

    I don’t run. I bike. But I can’t resist throwing a name into the pot for consideration:

    Road Scholars
    Runnerds
    Feet Street

    (ahem, yeah, I know, lame…)

    Anyway, Good Luck !

  • Smitty February 5, 2010 (1:40 pm)

    On the run
    Run West
    Runners West
    West Seattle Runners
    Runners of West Seattle

  • charlabob February 5, 2010 (1:42 pm)

    Run On or RunOn

    Once upon a time some friends started a “high end” paper store in Lowell, Ma. (Don’t ask!) We called it “Write On.” We made more selling the name to an upscale store in Brookline than we did at the store.

    So, help yourself to “RunOn” :-)

    Glad to see there’s so much demand. I get (walking!) shoes online and it will be great to sneak into a boards and bricks store and actually get my poor feet measured.

  • me February 5, 2010 (1:47 pm)

    how about:

    Fast Stride
    Easy Run
    Peak Performance
    Runner’s High

    or a combination of those..

  • displacedcoastie February 5, 2010 (1:51 pm)

    Name suggestion…being the amount of work you are putting into the store and dreaming big….”Running Down A Dream”

  • Tim February 5, 2010 (2:17 pm)

    Answers in order of posting.
    Joe, not at this time. Seattle Running Company does a great job with trail shoes.
    sarahscoot – We like to think so!
    Pamela – thanks, we may take you up on that!
    Mike – we do plan on carring Clif products. And good luck!
    wundrgrrrl – haven’t looked into Luna as we will have GU and Clif, but let me do some research.
    Mike – socks wise we will be pretty basic, Wigwam and Wright. (so far)
    coffee – yes, we will have info nights.
    DW – 2nd floor as the space was bigger and we liked the location. Plus, if your gonna run, we assume you don’t mind stairs!
    Shannon – we are still considering Jelly Belly but don’t want to OD on energy suppliments! And we will have cold and wet weather gear, but probably not until fall as we plan on opening in April.
    Tracy D – as of now we are sticking to just running shoes, but we are always open to change. And West Side Running was one of my back-up names!
    Tami WS – we will have Fuel Belt and Amphipod products, so you are covered.
    Pamela – I saw those at Super Jock and Jill, very cute. We may need to investigate!
    And thank you all for the name suggestions! Keep ’em coming, the more the merrier.
    We look forward to meeting you all in the coming months.
    Tim and Lori.

  • wessiderunner February 5, 2010 (2:19 pm)

    Now I don’t have to go to Super Jock n Jill, that’s great (nothing against them, it’s just too far away). Make sure you carry the Nike Zoom Vomero, I’ll be the first to buy a pair from you. I’ve got about two months more life in mine, so you’ll be just in time! Also, it would be great to have a well established marathon training group that leaves from the store (like the ‘Run Chuck It’ group out of Super Jock n Jill)

  • bill February 5, 2010 (2:28 pm)

    There’s a running store in Chicago called “Fleet Feet”. I’ve always liked that name.

  • knm February 5, 2010 (2:34 pm)

    Run West was also something I had thought to suggests.

    Or Run West Seattle, Run!

    I am so excited to hear this news of a runner’s store in WS. I echo all the requests to carry Brooks. It will be so nice not to have to travel to Green Lake to get fitted for running shoes. It’d also be nice to find a good selection of running pants, especially for women (why have I had such trouble finding good choices?).

    Best of luck!

  • knm February 5, 2010 (2:35 pm)

    Oh, and please carry Super Feet!

  • Tim February 5, 2010 (2:39 pm)

    knm – we will have Superfeet.

  • ML February 5, 2010 (2:41 pm)

    Please carry good socks and some techie fabric shirts with your store name, or West Seattle printed on them. Looking forward to your opening!

  • mona February 5, 2010 (2:54 pm)

    Westward Run?

  • KS February 5, 2010 (2:57 pm)

    Good Job.

    Now do as good as a job as, OR BETTER,as RoadRunner Sports with fitting shoes and return policies…and you will be very profitable…

    If you are just going to be an online running shoe store that I can try on shoes…you are wasting my time…

  • Jim Del Ciello February 5, 2010 (3:08 pm)

    What about bubbly toes?

  • kls February 5, 2010 (3:11 pm)

    This being West Seattle…”Runner’s Junction” :) We’ll look forward to becoming customers!

  • Hollywood February 5, 2010 (3:24 pm)

    Any chance of carrying Vibrams?

  • thd3 February 5, 2010 (3:50 pm)

    sounds great – psyched

    Westside Running is basic but tells it like it is…

  • dolly February 5, 2010 (3:51 pm)

    So excited! I was just at Super Jock n Jill wishing I did not have to go so far for the selection. Good luck!!!

  • vjl February 5, 2010 (4:24 pm)

    Will you have apparel for those of us who are, ahem, in the plus size range (but hoping to do something about that)?

  • Ra! Ra! Ra! February 5, 2010 (4:49 pm)

    West Seattle’s a high energy zone and we need more local sportswear. Hope you’ll offer cross-training/step and dance aerobic shoes, too! Names: Local Run, Westward Sport, Off ‘n Running

  • M.D. February 5, 2010 (5:07 pm)

    This is awesome! I’ve been running for 21 years and I can’t even tell you how glad I am to finally have a running store in my hood. Love that it will be so convienent and good choice of shoes! I’m very interested in the running groups as well. Cheers!

  • A February 5, 2010 (5:17 pm)

    Yea! I don’t run but would like to start. I guess I can wait for the opening to get a good pair of shoes. Looking forward to it. I love shopping locally.

  • mary February 5, 2010 (5:19 pm)

    run all ways (instead of walk all ways)

  • Needs to get moving! February 5, 2010 (5:25 pm)

    Ooooh! So happy to hear you’re moving into the space (100 feet from my house).

    I agree with vji – I need to get moving, starting with walking! Will the new store be carrying women’s clothing sizes (and women’s shoe sizes over size 10)?

    To kls – love the “Runner’s Junction” moniker. It’s perfect for West Seattle! And, it doesn’t limit a successful business to any particular neighborhood when they expand!

  • Kelli February 5, 2010 (5:42 pm)

    Carry Nuun! It’s local and AWESOME. I love it for long runs and also when feeling a bit sluggish. They have organic as well. Cool stuff.

  • Lance Carter February 5, 2010 (6:00 pm)

    Congratulations! W. Seattle is a great spot and in need of a running store. We would have loved to open a second store there! We wish you the best of luck!

    Lance Carter
    Everyday Athlete

  • Todd February 5, 2010 (6:42 pm)

    Congrats!! Great idea! My name submission is “Go”. Don’t reject it right away… let it simmer a bit.

  • Admiral Janeway February 5, 2010 (7:07 pm)

    This is fantastic news! This will make a great meeting place for training runs.
    As a person with wide feet, I hope you carry New Balance shoes.

  • lovingws February 5, 2010 (7:20 pm)

    My vote combines some already mentioned great ideas.. WestSide Runners’ Junction

  • LovingWS February 5, 2010 (7:37 pm)

    I, too would like to start running and know what I’m doing. A little intimidated trying to get in on an established group.. would love a starter class and maybe a newbie running group can emerge!

  • kayd February 5, 2010 (8:11 pm)

    Yay! Can’t wait for you guys to open! ! ! Big fan of lovingws’s name suggestion — also would love to see running groups.

  • Colleen February 5, 2010 (8:14 pm)

    Love this! To throw in my two cents, I’d love women’s running clothes/bra options for those of us who run (or like to call it running) but are not a size zero.

  • NamesForFree February 5, 2010 (8:23 pm)

    The Good Run Shop (of WS)
    Running Feats (of West Seattle)
    West Seattle Runners’ Loft  
    WS Starting Line Running Gear
    WS Finish Line Running Gear 

    If you like any of these names, might I get a discount on a first purchase of shoes?  Maybe?
     :D

  • Athena Frederick February 5, 2010 (9:05 pm)

    The Stroller Striding Moms in West Seattle cannot wait!! We are training for the RocknRoll 1/2 and need you close to Alki. Best of luck!

  • Irukandji February 5, 2010 (9:31 pm)

    Ped Schmed

    The Tortoise and The Hare

    Run Away!

    Beat Your Feet

    California Highway

    We Be Feet

    Toe the Line

  • Noelle February 5, 2010 (9:37 pm)

    Yay! Awesome idea! West Seattle needs a store thlike that!

    name ideas

    “Moonsnail Running”

    or

    “Kelp Jog”

  • dave February 5, 2010 (10:39 pm)

    sound coast highway

  • grr February 5, 2010 (11:04 pm)

    well..I think a Chiropractor and/or Orthopedic surgeon should open up in the same building now. Instant business :)

  • grr February 5, 2010 (11:06 pm)

    as far as a name goes..you’ll need some new bumper stickers.

    “really, we actually like running”

    ‘Rollerbladers Smile More”

    “running late. Lost my keys”.

    :)

  • maria February 5, 2010 (11:14 pm)

    Tim — Luna is Clif’s women’s line, so your rep should be able to bundle that. Be sure to check out what energy foods Alki Bike & Board is carrying and try not to overlap another small biz too much. Be curious to see what hydration products you have in mind that aren’t at local grocers.

  • SLS February 5, 2010 (11:51 pm)

    Congratulations! We haven’t officially met, but I see you both on walks with your dog and have said “hello” (I’m the house with the wisteria arbor down the side). A possible store name: Stride or InStride.

  • Leroniusmonkfish February 6, 2010 (12:33 am)

    Run Some Amore

  • West Seattle Art Attack February 6, 2010 (1:54 am)

    I like Mary’s idea. Run All Ways. Very West Seattle and also a bit of a pun on Run Always in addition to the obvious connection to everyone’s favorite (or most hated) intersection. The name lends its self to several nice graphics. Just a thought. A side note: if you do a Google image search for “Walk All Ways” our good friends at WSB pop up several times on the first page. . . .

  • Karen Lyons February 6, 2010 (7:25 am)

    Working through some injuries. I could really use some expert advice on shoes.

  • Lisa February 6, 2010 (8:08 am)

    How exciting! And about time! I agree with Colleen above about clothing options for runners of all sizes. I’m not exactly small, and I’m tall. I hate trying on long sleeve shirts that come half way up to my elbows. Also, (and I didn’t read through all the posts to see if this has already been mentioned) I love being able to go into a running store and find out about smaller local running events that you may not be able to find out about online or in publications. Keep us updated as far as your opening date!

  • miws February 6, 2010 (8:36 am)

    Not a runner, but am a walker.

    .

    As far as name suggestions, I like the Runners Junction theme. Maybe, as suggested, with Westside, or perhaps West Seattle incorporated into that name, which, if expansion happens, the appropriate neighborhood name could be incorporated into the Junction name, and not seem out of place.

    .

    Run All Ways would be my second choice.

    .

    Mike

  • Yolanda February 6, 2010 (8:36 am)

    Best news I’ve heard in awhile! Congratulations

  • Michael February 6, 2010 (9:06 am)

    I tried running but the ice kept falling out of my glass. Good luck anyway – and props for having the cajones to start a business in this economic climate.

  • West Seattle BodyWorks February 6, 2010 (10:10 am)

    WhooHoo! West Seattle BodyWorks welcomes you to the hood! We are very excited to finally be able to refer our clients to a another local, small, West Seattle business that carries great walking/running shoes! Congratulations, Shelly & Michele

  • nmb February 6, 2010 (10:18 am)

    Wow. Running. You need shoes… or actually, all modern analysis of running shoes that the human body runs best with no shoes. You are more likely to injure yourself running landing heel-toe, then landing on the balls of your feet with no shoes on. The running shoe industry, another racket for people with more money than sense.

    Thats just my own snark on the industry of course. Good luck to them, they’ll have plenty of customers I’m sure, especially in WS. I hope they do well.

  • HSG February 6, 2010 (10:23 am)

    Will you carry, or be able to order, kids shoes? My daughter is a runner and I would love to get her shoes properly fit for her gait. Also, Girls on the Run is offered nearby at Hiawatha so there may be potential for a decent amount business.

  • Jim McConnell February 6, 2010 (10:40 am)

    I’m excited for you guys. REALLY EXCITED!! We know you will do well. GOD SPEED!! love, DAD

  • Melissa February 6, 2010 (11:19 am)

    Pampered Peds

  • dolly February 6, 2010 (3:00 pm)

    RE: Comment by Irukandj — California Run-way

  • ArborHeightsMom February 6, 2010 (3:10 pm)

    Just want to echo the excitement. This is awesome news. My vote would be for a good selection of women’s running clothing, too — I don’t really want to drive downtown to Lululemon. Brooks and Moving Comfort would be a great start, as would Asics clothes — selection of shorts, capris and pants. Also, underArmour.

    Run Free
    also like Westside Running, tells you everything you need to know, and Runner’s Loft is a great suggestion too
    Fast Feet
    Westside Run Time
    Runner’s Edge

    Would be cool to see if that plat has a specific name in the historic records and name it after that, too. You can look those up online.

    Good luck! I’ll definitely show up when you open. :-)

  • WS Women's Run Apparel Rep February 6, 2010 (3:22 pm)

    Another WS dream about to be realized, congratulations Tim & Lori.
    And I had the same thought for naming as Tracy D: Westside Runners
    I can help outfit your store with great women’s run apparel- from Seattle-based Oiselle and Handful sport bras to Skirt Sports running skirts! How can I contact you?

  • Brenda February 6, 2010 (4:07 pm)

    Congratulations!! Can’t wait to have a local shop for shoes (Brooks Adrenalines) and fuel! There are some great groups already formed in WS– West Seattle runners and Jet City Tri to name a few. They will be great ways for you to spread the word.

  • miws February 6, 2010 (4:28 pm)

    ArborHeightsMom, King Co. Parcel Viewer list that lot as Plat Name: SPARKMAN & MC LEANS 2ND TO W S.

    .

    Maybe someone more creative than I can work that into a name. ;)

    .

    Mike

  • Matt February 6, 2010 (5:19 pm)

    Great idea, looking forward to a shop closer to home here in WS.

    No preferences for gear, just good prices.
    Agree that Superfeet are essential to carry.

    Name- I’d say “West Seattle Running”; classy and straightforward (like us runners!)…

    Good luck, we’ll be there when you open!

  • jenava February 6, 2010 (6:11 pm)

    Would you consider carrying the new “shoes” for running barefoot (vibram five fingers)? I would love to try them but haven’t had time to go to REI which I think is the nearest place that carries them.

  • Craig February 6, 2010 (6:49 pm)

    Good news! How about compression gear and run gait video analysis?

  • steve f February 6, 2010 (7:37 pm)

    Uh-oh, Seattle Running Co will miss me for things! But welcome! I can’t wait. I have no good suggestion for a name, but if you have a small section of books and DVDs I would like that. Anyway, I will definitely run on in, literally.

  • delilah February 6, 2010 (8:35 pm)

    whoohoo! Please consider posting group runs for experienced runners. The group runs I have found in the neighborhood are for newbies, the pace it too slow or the distance is not long enough – it would be great to find other folks locally who are training for races so that when I run in WS I have people to train with.

  • Keri February 6, 2010 (9:26 pm)

    Hooray! I second (or is it third? – haven’t read them all) Runner’s Junction as a name.

  • ali February 7, 2010 (7:58 am)

    yippeee! triathletes of west seattle are pumped for a good shoe shop! please carry K-T tape! -ali

  • TB February 7, 2010 (9:06 am)

    West Seattle Runners High
    looking forward to checking it out

  • Prole February 7, 2010 (9:35 am)

    This is great news and something long overdue for this area. Congrats!!! Hope to see a great selection of good running shoes. How about just, Runners or Run for a name? Good Luck!

  • westsideJ February 7, 2010 (10:35 am)

    Lots of good name suggestions so far. I like Todd’s “Go”. But to incorporate our ‘hood in the name, my favorite is WestSide Run. Beginners classes and groups would be fantastic! Can’t wait to come in and get analyzed :)

  • Tim February 7, 2010 (12:31 pm)

    We will answer a lot of the questions in a bit, but we are thinking of a few name options based on all the suggestions. We were thinking “West Seattle Runner”, which is who we will focus on and it will look good on a shirt while you are out representing West Seattle! It’s also to the point and incorporates West Seattle in the title. Prole, I thought “run” would be a cool, easy name too, but again, we wanted to have West Seattle in the title which is how we landed on “West Seattle Runner”. Also kicking around the slight variation “West Seattle Running”. Any thoughts? (I am kidding, I KNOW there we be plenty of thoughts, it’s West Seattle!)
    We were originally going to call ourselves Run 26.2. Our business model is our friend Shelbys store in Lynnwood called Run 26. Since we would be the second store, we added the .2, which happens to be the distance of a marathon, 26.2 miles. We may have some difficulty with that name so we needed to have alternatives.
    As a resident of West Seattle since 1992, I know how proud people are to live here. I grew up in a similar town in Nevada, where every business has Incline (Incline Village) in the title. And I also know how much we all hate to cross the bridge to buy things, if I don’t have to leave West Seattle, I don’t. So that was our thought process for the name suggestion, and when we make shirts you can all tell the world what you are and where you’re from. Plus it won’t look like your plugging a store; it will just look like a fact!
    I will say some of you had some great name suggestions, which is how we came to our option. We didn’t want a vague name that left people wondering what we did, especially since we will be on the second floor! And some of you, well, some of you had suggestions that left me a bit puzzled! But we appreciate all the positive feedback and all of the names offered. Without your help, we wouldn’t have had the thought process to lead us to West Seattle Runner.
    Our next need is someone to come up with a design that is simple and will print well. Maybe even just the name in a cool font. We may need to hire a designer, but if someone has a cool one we use, we will try and make it worth your while.
    Thanks again all, we will be answering the questions here shortly. Tim and Lori.

  • Walther February 7, 2010 (1:15 pm)

    Suggestions for the name:

    Run-Ways

    Shoe Designs

    Runway Shoes

  • lonjina February 7, 2010 (1:55 pm)

    I am so excited about your new adventure! My vote for a name is Run West or to include our community, Run West Seattle. I am a local West Seattle runner and a graphic designer and would love to help out with a logo that would work for signage, stationary and t-shirts. Let’s talk!
    Check out my web site: http://www.lonjina.com and contact me if you are interested. Congratulations and we will see you soon!

  • Garden_nymph February 7, 2010 (3:39 pm)

    I agree with SLS on Stride, I also like Westside Stride. I’m not a runner, but who knows, with the right shoes, etc, I may just take it up! Best of luck!

  • mike February 7, 2010 (8:06 pm)

    I have been waiting for this for years!! Having a local place to check out shoes and new products and be able to grab a gel is awesome. There is a real running community in West Seattle just waiting for something like this. A lot of the names that were suggested are good but it definately should have West Seattle Running (Runners).

  • Tim February 8, 2010 (7:59 am)

    We are building our web page but we started a Facebook group, West Seattle Runner. This was a way for us to stay in touch with everyone and keep the WSB from having to host this forum! The web site will be westseattlerunner dot com, but it won’t be up for a few weeks.
    Come check us out on Facebook and we will try to answer any and all questions there.
    Thanks again, Tim and Lori.

  • Dave February 8, 2010 (11:41 am)

    Welcome. Maybe our days of driving to Green Lake for new shoes are nearing an end. Our 40+ members of the West Seattle Runners look forward to your opening. I look forward to chating with you about our local running club and how we can support you. Dave Howard, president West Seattle Runners.

  • Sarah February 8, 2010 (3:49 pm)

    SmartWool products are great for NW weather–socks, caps, shirts, etc. Hope you carry them.

  • D March 1, 2010 (12:20 pm)

    Good Luck you two, your cuz up north, D. Call it “Run With It”.

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