Tips, Tricks, and Gear at Point 2 Running Company

The Vacation Channel team was looking for some expert advice for running in Coastal Virginia when we found Point 2 Running Company. It is a unique locally owned business in Newport News that offers more than just products and a knowledgeable staff, they offer a community for runners.

We sat down with Andrea Lehmkuhler to get some tips for running and see what makes her store so special.

 

How did your store come to be?

"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

Trail Running in Coastal Virginia

On any given day in the cities throughout Coastal Virginia, you are sure to find runners pounding the pavement and logging their weekly miles. Though we often choose the sidewalks and streets closest to our homes out of convenience, we may be missing the benefits found in other environments.

A great alternative to the paved streets and walkways are nature trails and paths. Studies have shown people who run trails actually have fewer injuries. This comes from a combination of factors. Natural paths are softer and uneven causing less stress on bones and joints and increasing strength in the muscles responsible for stability. Many people find an increase in performance when they introduce trails into their routine.

Now that you know the benefits, where can you find trails in this region? Coastal Virginia is packed with great places to check out. Here is a list The Vacation Channel team put together from around the area.

 

Williamsburg
Matoaka Trails is 10 miles of wooded trails surrounding Lake Matoaka. Located on the William and Mary campus, this trail is great for runners who want to get closer to nature.  It offers fresh streams and a diversity of wildlife

Newport News
Newport News Park offers a 5.3-mile trail that is surrounded bike way (unpaved, multi-use trail). Most of this trail would be conducive to running with jogging strollers or riding bikes.

Nolan Trail is a 5 mile unpaved trail. With 14 wooden bridges, small hills, mile markers, and beautiful scenery, it’s a great place to log some miles.

Hampton
Matteson Trail a 3 mile trail located around The Hamptons Golf Course. This trail is friendly to walkers, runners and rollerbladers. It is a great place to catch some exercise on your lunch break as well.

Sandy Bottom Park trails range from .12 to 3.3 miles in length. The area is host to a lake, marshlands, and wildlife.Great location for a nice jog or scenic walk with the family.
 
Norfolk
Elizabeth River Trail is a 9.49 mile stretch. It is a combination of paved and unpaved trails. If you like to run alone, this is a great place to do so.

Virginia Beach
Stumpy Lake Natural is 1.65 mile loop located in a wooded area by Stumpy Lake.

WestNeck Trails is 2.5 miles of natural trails.This is a nice place for a short run or to take a walk with the family.

First Landing State Park, 20 miles of trails broken down into 10 separate trails that vary in distance and terrain. This park is an exceptional place for families, bikers, runners, and folks that want to bring their dog along.

New Year, New Blog, and a Fantastic Team

2013 is here and The Vacation Channel is off and running ready to have the best year yet. We have a great crew at the channel that are not only hardworking and experienced but fun people as well. That is why we thought a fresh way to kick off the new Blog for the New Year would be to open with a Q &A segment from the team.

The Vacation Channel would also like to thank all of our partnered businesses, hotel and resort community, tourism and hospitality associations, Convention and Visitor Bureau’s, Metro Productions, family and friends for making 2012 such a successful year.  Please don’t go anywhere!  We will need you again in 2013.

Patrick Walsh

What do you do at the Vacation Channel?

I serve as the Manager at The Vacation Channel and oversee all operations.  The best part of my job is that I am involved in every aspect of the Company.  My roles include with sales support, customer relations, video production, social media, marketing, and so on.  I pretty much have to be a jack of all trades and I love that because no two days are alike.

What kind of hobbies do you have?

Before the holidays started, one of my favorite hobbies was working out and running outside at Buckroe Beach and throughout Ghent in Norfolk.  As of late, it has been eating anything my heart desires without feeling any regret.  Other hobbies include spending time with my family, fiancé, her family, and our wonderful friends. I am a die hard Miami Dolphins and Old Dominion Monarchs fan.  So from the months of August to December I am either attending games or glued to the television.  If you notice, I did not include the months of January or February since my Dolphins never make it to the playoffs.

What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?

My favorite thing to do in my spare time is to spend time with the people I care about.  I only wish they could visit me more while I am on the couch. So Skyping is climbing my list.

Where are you from?

I have spent the majority of my life here in Hampton Roads.  I grew up in York County attending school from Kindergarten to High School. I moved to  to Norfolk to attend Old Dominion and, I have never left.

What is something funny that people don’t know about you?
I was a mascot in High School for one game and got into a fight with the opposing team mascot at half time.  I was never a mascot again, but did make the highlight reel. P.S. I won.

Favorite Food?

PIZZA!!!!  I am a bit of an addict.  I started making homemade pizza’s about a year ago.  My favorite toppings are pepperoni, green peppers and pineapple.

Plans for 2013?

I am getting married in August so that is the biggest event I have going on.  I am excited to run the Tough Mudder in Virginia Beach this summer and am hoping to make it to the mountains for some camping.

Favorite Movie ?

Since I have too many, I am going to go with Waterworld. The most underrated movie of all time.

 

Johnathan Davis

What do you do at the Vacation Channel?
I am the Operations Manager for the Channel and work with our partnered properties throughout Coastal Virginia to ensure that the channel is operating correctly. I also manage all of the content featured throughout the channel and am working on a new technology for delivering our content that will provide our viewers and properties with an enhanced edition of the program.

What kind of hobbies do you have?

My hobbies include fishing, anything University of Kentucky Basketball and Football, spending time with my family and dog, photography, and snowboarding. I try to spend time outdoors whenever possible and luckily Coastal Virginia’s moderate climate allows that mostly year round.

What is your favorite thing to do in your free time? In my spare time I’m likely to be pursuing one of my hobbies with my friends or my family. 

Where are you from?

I grew up and attended High School in Williamsburg, left Virginia to attend college at the University of Kentucky, then moved back to the Commonwealth and currently live in Newport News.

What is something funny that people don’t know about you?

I earned the nickname “candy-man” from a friend due to my love of any and all sweets.

Favorite Food?

My favorite type of food is definitely pizza, I like pretty much any brand of pizza whether it be restaurant, homemade, store bought, or even gas station and I’ll eat any topping, except for anchovies.

Plans for 2013?

My plans for 2013 include to quit procrastinating and begin the adventures I’ve always wanted to go on which include traveling, and seeing the amazing things this world has to offer. We’re each given one opportunity to take in as many experiences as possible and I intend on making 2013 the year to start actively crossing some off of my list.

Favorite Movie:

I have way too many favorite movies to select a single one, so if I had to choose, it would be the movie I have seen more times than any other, which is Steven Spielberg’s’ Jaws.

Sarah Sattelberg

What do you do at The Vacation Channel?

My title is Account Executive / Social Media Manager. As an Account Executive my duties include: meeting with potential and existing clients to share our offerings, creating packages that fit the needs of the clients business, assisting with the video production process, and ensuring customer expectations are met and exceeded with the final product.

As a Social Media Manager I research, plan, and implement content across our online platform. Our main objective on all of our social media sites is to provide useful engaging information for both travelers and locals about the Coastal Virginia area. At the end of the day, my role isn’t confined to my job description. I will fill in anywhere needed to help contribute to client satisfaction and the team’s success.

What kinds of hobbies do you have?

I love running, photography, reading, and golf.

What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
I love spending time with my husband and kids

Where are you from?

I am from Twin Falls, Idaho originally. When I joined the Army, I became a traveling resident of the United States. I currently live in Newport News.

What is something funny that people don’t know about you?

I wrestled for a year in 9th grade. I had to wear a bright orange swim cap over my hair so I looked pretty funny, luckily I removed all photographic proof from that awkward time.

Favorite Food?
Italian, Asian, and Ice Cream

Plans for 2013?

I want to learn as much as I can this year. I think it is important to expand your knowledge base during every point in your life, but I would like to make this a year that I really devote to feeding my brain. I also plan on visiting as many of the Virginia State Parks as I can.

Favorite Movie ?

I have many favorites but Roman Holiday and What Dreams May Come would have to be at the top.