We sat down with Andrea Lehmkuhler to get some tips for running and see what makes her store so special.
"Point 2 Running Company came to be out of the need to have a locally run, friendly, specialty running store within the community.
There was one open in the area before us that had recently shut down at the time. My father, a recreational runner, saw the opportunity and decided to move forward with it. Six months after opening, I left my job of 10 years in the real estate and rental industry to pursue a new dream by managing the store. I was already spending so much time there on nights and weekends with my husband that it seemed like a natural progression. I’d enjoyed running recreationally for a few years prior to this and so I easily began to absorb all that there was to know. Fast forward to now, the store has been open almost 2 years and has been well received by the community that we serve. It has been a fun adventure"!
What does a new runner need to know before buying gear?
"The most important tool a runner needs to have in terms of gear is the proper footwear. This is what we specialize in! We offer a detailed 3 part process to determine your arch type and pressure points; length, width, and arch length of your foot; as well as video gait analysis to understand your running style and determine the right shoe for you. You want to make sure that you are in the right footwear so that when you start running you aren’t exasperating an issue that is there (such as having weak ankles and over pronating, wearing the wrong size shoe and experiencing blisters, lost toenails, etc) and then getting frustrated from the complications that follow".
What are some tips to stay motivated?
"There are so many and for everyone it’s different. I think a huge one is to remember that you are a runner no matter how fast or slow you go and that you are lapping everyone sitting on the couch! Practically, regularly signing up for races is a great way to stay motivated because you are investing in something that you know you have to train for to be successful. Additionally, buying proper footwear and running technical clothing is another investment that further encourages you to stick with your goals. Having a runner partner, being a part of a running group and logging your miles all help as well".
What are some things every runner should do to avoid injury?
"Progress in your mileage gradually! You really don’t want to be increasing your mileage by more than 10% a week. Also, changing the terrain you are running on is good because it allows your body to grow and strengthen in different ways-repetition is often what can cause injury in the first place. Also, pay attention to how you are feeling and don’t try to run through severe pain. Doing so may lead you to having to take off much longer than you would want to".
What can Point 2 Running Company do to help runners of all ability levels?
"My staff is educated, trained, avid runners that love to help people. So the first way we help is by offering our knowledge to help you meet your goals whether that is through finding the right shoe, trying a new energy gel, or discussing a new place to go on a run. We also offer weekly Saturday runs at one of 4 rotating locations. We bring complimentary Gatorade and water and meet with a large group of runners every week. Currently, we are offering a 5K and Half marathon training program. We like to think of it as offering light accountability because people really get to know each other and enjoy running together".
"At the front of our store, we have a table and rotating stand dedicated to holding local race flyers. We have lots of people that come in to pick up flyers and decide what their next race will be".
"Finally, we offer a Runner’s Injury Clinic once a month. Dr. Mike Satterley of Tidewater Physical Therapy offers a free 10 minute consultation to any runner that is experiencing any type of lingering problems. This has really helped some of our runners who have had varying sorts of frustrating problems".
This store is more than just a place to buy gear, it’s a place to grow and learn in a community of other runners. Take a minute to stop in and see all that Point 2 Running Company has to offer. To take a look at their full fitting process here: http://www.runpoint2.com/fittingpolicy
