A Garmin Less Run in the Misty Rain

Typically I am not a running in the rain guy. Yesterday I headed out, and it was a cloudy, misty day. I actually liked it. The trail I was on was relatively quiet. I heard the birds doing a lot of chirping.  I think rain can sometimes make the trees and the plants look greener, and trust me, everything looked very green yesterday.

The run itself was a pretty good one. I did about 3.1 miles. I left the Garmin at home, and was glad I did. It's easy to be a slave to the Garmin while running. What was nice was I really got to rely on my my running and sense of pace to guide me through the run. It was pretty freeing.

I have often that we need runs where the watch stays home. Just focus on the run, and not the time. We get too hung up on miles and pace, and not enough on how our body feels as we move through the space. I recommend a watchless run.

This was a good solid run. I felt good this morning, and know I could do another run tomorrow.

Charlie

Watching the Marathon

It was a bright, cold morning on Saturday in Carmel, Indiana. I headed out to cheer for friends at the Carmel Marathon and Half Marathon. My initial thoughts this morning were what would the race be like, since we are still raw from what happened at last week's marathon. I have cheered people on at this race for three years now, but this one was different.

For starters, there were more people out viewing this race, at least in my spot. Usually it's me, a few co-workers, and whoever drops by. This morning, there were family and loved ones of runners, neighborhood folks, and just people interested(like me), and it seemed like more people came out.
Of course people came out to support their runners, but I also believe people came out because of the tragic events of last week in Boston.

As I watched to really fast, and the really not so fast, I thought, "Why would someone want to not only disrupt an event like this, but how could you hurt people who are just going out for a run?" When I run, it's my chance to get out, be in the world, forget about troubles, and just be. How could someone deny that opportunity to someone?

The people watching were full of smiles, cheers and cowbells. Ok....I had the cowbell. One little boy asked why I had it. I told him, because at some point a runner would come by and ask for "more cowbell." Moments later that is exactly what happened, and the boy laughed.

I always make a point of thank the police for being out on the course, but I could tell as the runners did that on Saturday, it took a much deeper meaning. Spectators were also thanking the officer near us. These men and women do something I could not do, and I think it's important to thank them for being out there.

This wonderful feeling was marred later in my store, when I spoke to a man who came in. We are selling shirts with proceeds going to The One Fund http://onefundboston.org . As he made his purchase, he told me how angry he was about the bombings at the marathon. It's what he said next that bothered me. "We need to go out and kill all of them, before they kill us."

No my friend, we don't. Terrorists want to change our lives. Yes, we want to fight terrorism, but we don't go after people on our own and kill people. We are then no better than they are. I looked at him, point blank and said, "Sir I just sell shoes." That was my way of letting him know, I can't have that discussion with him.

I didn't let his words diminish the wonderful experience I had that morning. In fact, I felt energized to go for a run....now if I could just find the time.

Charlie

Thoughts on a Tragedy

A marathon is many things. First of all it's an endurance event. The race serves as a test of what the human body can do. Second, it's a communal event. Runners from all over gather for the not-so-simple task of running 26.2 miles. We may all have our own plan to complete the race, but we share a common bond.

If you have never been in a marathon, or another distance race, it has a very communal feel. People are smiling, laughing, talking. I have talked to strangers at a start line, and all we can do is beam and talk about how excited we are to be running.

Sometimes we run with our friends. My fond memories of last year's Monumental Half Marathon, running with my friend Bob(a.k.a Pennsy) still bring a smile to my face. Sometimes we are competing, but know that it is a friendly competition, be it against fellow runners, or the course.

Major marathons are where the world comes together for the simple act of running. There are few races out there which demonstrate the camaraderie, community and love for running as the Boston Marathon.  That feeling changed around 3pm yesterday afternoon.

Someone, or some people, had to invade the feeling of goodwill, support and love, for what I can assume is a hateful reason.

As I watched the scene unfold via internet yesterday, I was reminded of a day twelve years ago, when the world changed. I lived in the Washington, D.C. area on 9/11. I was on my way to work, and saw the plane coming in, which would hit the Pentagon moments later. I remember the shock and fear I felt that day. I also remember how eerily quiet the city was in the days that followed. It changed that city.

The people of Boston are changed now.

As we learn more about the people who died, or were severely injured, we have to summon up the good feelings that races like this promote, and use those feelings to fight back the hate that wants to invade our lives. We can't let the darkness of this event define us. Yes, the people of Boston will change with this, but they can also remain vigilant in keeping their marathon, and their way of life strong in the sense of community.

My heart is broken over this tragedy. I know there are many things people are doing to show their support to the people of Boston and the running community. Wearing a race shirt or medal is a visible way to do this. I am dedicating my next run to survivors, and those who died.

I am grateful my friends there weren't harmed.

Today is a day to reflect and pray. Tomorrow we begin to move forward.

Charlie

F.U.(Mature Audience Post)

Yes, the title is not my usual title. To those who are offended, move along, nothing to see here(Hint: there will be profanity)......

I have posted lately how tired I am of people not seeing me as a runner. Everyday, I work with people who actually feel scared to come into a running store, because they don't "look" like a runner. I spend a good deal of time building people, so they will feel confident to go outside and run.

Look around you at races. Does everyone there fit the ideal of the runner look? No! There are as many shapes and sizes of runners that you can imagine. They are all ages. They are men and they are women. Sometimes, they're in a wheelchair.

Yeah I get I am 200+ lbs. I get I am 5'5" and not tall and lanky. I get I am 50. Did you know I am considered a master and all I had to do was get older?

I have taken a big hit on my self esteem over the last few months at work....and I promise I won't go on about this. As I was running today, I came up with a response to those people who look down on me, or label me that I am somehow less than what they imagine a runner to be. It isn't polite. You may be offended, but I will tell you this mantra got me pushing hard during my run.

So to those folks who are stunned I run, look down on me because I don't fit a look, don't like me offering advice on how to run a marathon, or anything else negative in an effort to make me feel bad - Fuck You!

Charlie
...feeling like he needs to kick some butt...

I Know What I Am Talking About

Yes, this is a rare double entry for a day, but it needs to be said. I know what I am talking about, when I talk about running and shoes. I understand I don't "look" like a runner - whatever that means. I understand I have not run Boston. I have run races ranging from 5K to marathon. I have been running since 2005, and have been in running specialty since 2006. I know quite a bit, and I also am aware of what I don't know.

You may ask why the rant? Well, every now and then, I get someone who doesn't think I am a runner. That person usually asks, "Are you a runner?" When I say yes, they look shocked. Yeah, I'm used to it. Then I get the people who ask something like this...."Are you sure this is right for me? Are you sure you know what you are talking about/"

I shouldn't take it personally, but I do. When I worked for the airline, I used to get mad when a customer would accuse me of lying. At Macy's if I wasn't able to give a discount, I would get mad if someone accused me of cheating them. I take my job very seriously, and have studied very hard to know what I know. So yes, I do in fact know what I am talking about.

Rant over.

Charlie

Following My Runs

Most bloggers know you can check statistics of your blog. You can check things like: how many pageviews, hits, what kind of OS, and what part of the world. The last one I find the most interesting. I have a fairly international audience on this blog. Here is the ranking of pageviews by countries:

1) United States
2) Russia
3) Japan
4) Indonesia
5) Australia
6) Canada
7) United Kingdom
8) Germany
9) Vietnam
10) Belgium

Of course I am appreciative of people reading my blog. When I started writing, I didn't think anyone would really read what I had to say. You all do, and sometimes you respond to my posts on this blog, or via email, or personally.

When I run, I am aware that a good many of you follow me. It's like you are all my support crew cheering me on, and I am thankful for it. I'm only sorry I don't know any Russian, Japanese, German, Vietnamese, or Flemish, or I would write at least a few words for you language. Just know I am glad you are all with me on this journey.

Charlie

Three Miles With My Thoughts

Today I headed out for a 3 mile run. I haven't done 3 miles since January. I felt no matter what I accomplished today, this would be the one MUST DO. With my iPod filled with Pitbull's music, off I went.

One of the things I have written about over the years, is that a run allows you time with your thoughts. While the Miami-thumping music played, I thought a lot about the last few months. Nothing has been easy. To say I have had stress in my life is an understatement. My initial thoughts were negative.

I thought about how I had let myself down weight wise, emotional wise, work wise, and any other wise I could think of. Once I got past the halfway point, things changed. My goal was 3 miles. So I decided that for the rest of the run, I was done with the negative thoughts. I was going to think about the things I do well.

One thing I do well is push ahead. I thought back to the 2010 Portland Marathon(the 8-hour challenge), and how I kept on going, no matter how much I may have wanted to give up. I thought about the races where my mind wanted to shut down, but I pushed back, and kept on moving. There is nothing as motivating as remembering that you can, in fact succeed, and push forward and achieve success. This was how I got to mile 3 today.

I pushed back the weight gain and how disappointed I am. I pushed back the difficulties at work. I pushed back the negative things which have poisoned me. I pushed ahead, and remembered I am a stronger person and can do things.

So while this was not a zippy 3 mile run, it was an important one for my head.

Charlie

The Eyes of Wonder

One of my favorite things to do in my job is to talk to someone who is getting ready for their first marathon. I ask them various questions about what made them decide to do a particular race, how will they be training, how was training been going to this point, etc. There is one question I always ask, "What are you looking forward to the most?"

When I ask this, I find runners begin to open up and tell me their marathon hopes and dreams. They smile and talk about how they want to see the people, or how much they are looking forward to the challenge. Sometimes they tell me that they are looking forward to seeing their families at the end. What all of these answers surround is they are looking forward to the experience.

You can run any race, but I say, without question, the marathon experience is unique. You train so hard and long for it, and then the day arrives, and your anticipation is at an all time high. You are about to embark on an adventure, and you have no idea what will happen over the course of 26.2 miles.

All of my marathons have had their own story. There has been nothing the same about any of them. I take that back, there is one common thing - you run 26.2 miles. Other than that, you have no idea what will happen. You may see amazing things, or people. You may experience pure joy, or horrible heartache. Still there is a thrill of wondering what the unknown will be like on that particular day.

As people tell me what they are looking forward to, I see smiles. I see wonder. I see a runner getting ready to go for something they haven't done before. It makes my job all that more special.

Charlie

78 Days Later.....

It's been 78 days since I last put on these shoes for a run.  Those 78 days have been pretty friction miserable. On the morning of January 13 I woke up, took a step off my bed, and a nasty shooting pain between big toe and second toe on the left foot began. I swear that is all that happened. 

I didn't want to run until I had been pain free for at least 7 days. Well it's been 10 days(I was extra careful). So this afternoon I headed out for a 2 mile run. I laced up ------------------------->

then I headed on the Monon Trail and ran.

My first few steps I could feel my feet asking me what the HELL was going on. I did not push myself at all. I just went at a slow steady pace. I ran an interval. Instead of my usual, I ran for 3 minutes, and walked for about 1 minute. 

It was sunny and in the 50s, so it felt great. There were plenty of people out on this Easter Sunday. One gentleman on a bike went past me twice. Each time he waved at me and said, "Keep it up man!" I thought, "Ok, who told his guy I needed that?" 

This run won't go down as my fastest, or my best. In my log it looks like 2.08 miles 31:28. It will go down as an important run. It's important for my body and my soul that I get back on the road and run. Today I did it.....and I am feeling good.

Charlie

Time to Ease Back

I have gone relatively pain free in my left foot for a week now. Let me be clear, I am not feeling the stabbing pain, and it feels better, but I am also feeling just a general ache - I call that arthritis. So my goal is to do some walking and short running next week.

The Soldier Field 10 Mile is at the end of May. Will I run it as I would like? Doubtful, but I want to be able to run. How I would like to run is going to take a back seat.

What about my fall marathon? I am still planning on that. I need to get started running though. I feel achy, but like I said, I think that is the arthritis talking to me.

Happy to talk me running again....crossing fingers.

Charlie

No Magic Pill

Interesting encounter with a runner who has suffered from the dreaded plantar fascism(as I call it), who asked me if there was anything that was 100% at curing his ailment. Nope. Well, that's the short answer. He didn't like that answer.

We talked about various things to do, or products he could buy which would help him get over it, but no. He has suffered for months. Won't do what the physical therapist suggested, but he couldn't assure him it was 100% effective. He didn't want to do massage therapy, because there is no 100% certainty. He didn't want to try any products I suggested, because I could not assure him he would be cured.

Finally I told him that none of these things do what you want to do, but if you do a series of them, and continue to work on it, it can go away. That wasn't good enough. No to arch supports, Strasbourg Socks, supportive shoes. He finally said it, "I just want the magic pill."

Folks there is no magic pill to curing any physical ailment. There is also no one thing responsible for the ailment(most of the time). Go ahead and blame the shoes, because they don't talk back. Nothing happens in a vacuum though. Chances are you have plantar fascism because of a combination of things.

Because a combination of things brought you to this point, there will be a combination of things which will get you out of it. Just know there is no 100% of any of it - alone.

Charlie

What Should You Run?

As I work with runners, I am frequently asked if they should run such and such distance. There is no easy answer for this. If you have never run, and you have a marathon on your "bucket list" I advise people not to do that right away. I stress the importance of building up your running to a marathon distance.

First of all, you need to determine if you like running. As I have said many times, how do you train for a 26.2 mile race if you don't know if you like running? Figure for now what is manageable for you. Maybe you need to focus on the 5K.  Nothing wrong with 5Ks.

Maybe you want the challenge of the half marathon? This is actually my favorite distance to run. It's challenging, but without the intense training. Most of our bodies can take a half marathon.

I never think anyone should run just one distance, or focus on one distance. Running gets stale if that is all you do. Mix it up! Throw in a 10K for giggles. Do a 5K for a speed workout. Run a half and get the medal. Marathons are always going to be there. They will always require a lot of work. Before jumping in, figure out what you want, what you are capable of, and how much time you want to dedicate to it.

Charlie

Depressed

For those who regularly read this blog, you may know that when I am down, I tend not to write here. Well, I am more than down, I am down right depressed. I haven't run since January, and today I was signed up to run a marathon, which I had to back out of. I hate not running. I also hate complaining that I'm not running, but I'm going to do that here.

I have gained weight. I feel gross. I haven't been able to run, or get time in to see a doctor to see why I can't run. On top of this, I have races coming, that I will have to back out of. Did I mention I hate that?

Originally the pain was the left foot between the big and second toes. That is lessened, but both feet are sore all the time. I know some of it is from the weight I have gained. I can't be active though.

I am also dealing with stresses in my non-running life, at work, and non-work. As an emotional eater, you know what has happened. I know things will get better, because they have to. The problem is, they aren't, and that bothers me, because of my impatience.

Tomorrow, my first goal is to see when I can see a doctor. I have tried this before, but things get in the way. I am hoping by posting this here, I will be committed to calling the doctor.

So, yes, I am dumping today. Yes, I need some bucking up. Sorry to be so needy today.

Charlie

Every Now and Then

In my job, every now and then, I hear something from someone which takes me a back for the moment, but once I have thought it through, it reminds me why I love what I do. This spring I am coaching folks for their spring half marathons. I know the people who I help train appreciate what I do. Still it's nice when someone makes a point of telling you.

Yesterday I received a call from one of the participants. He ran a 10K yesterday, and he wanted me to know how he did. I asked him, as I usually do, if he won. He laughed and said no, but, "I was told I could run with the Kenyans." I told him we can all run with them, we just can't pass them. He laughed.

What he really wanted to tell me is how much he appreciates everything my co-coach and I are doing. This is a guy who comes in, or calls me with any question about running and racing. He thinks he is keeping me from doing something "important." I tell him that talking to him and answering his questions is important, and I am happy to do it. 

He is "blaming" me for his next move. After the Mini, he is going to train for his first marathon. He has been asking advice on which one to do, how to train, what to expect. I am happy to pass along anything I learned in my running life. This is what we do, or should do.

When someone comes to running, excited, I think we have an obligation to share that joy with them, help them along the way, and answer any and all questions they may have. Maybe I'm not a running coach, maybe I am more of a running mentor/advisor? Either way, it brings a big smile to my face to know that I have helped someone achieve their goals.

So while I am temporarily awkward when the thank you comes, I know it's genuine, and I love and appreciate they think kindly of me to thank me.

Charlie

Throwing Under the Bus

Every now and then I will talk to a runner who feels the person who sold them their shoes got everything wrong, or they will feel a shoe brand is wrong for them, and they will ask, "Don't you think they got it wrong?" I will never throw a person or a brand under the bus. Nope. I won't do it.

Here is the thing about gait analysis, what I see at that moment is what I see. Now, a runner could come to me, and they have plantar fascitis, and what I see is them running making adjustments, and I think they need a stable shoe. They could come in a month later not hurting, and I might see they need a neutral shoe. Was I wrong in my initial assessment? Not at the time. I might re-think based on what is in front of me.

Also, gait analysis is not an exact science. We all know what to look for in the business, but there is so much to take in, and yes, sometimes we get it wrong. I won't though tell a runner so and so really goofed.

I also won't bash a brand to a runner. Yes....I hear all the time about that demon - Nike. Here's the thing, Nike makes some outstanding shoes. Nike makes some less than outstanding shoes, but so does every brand. I have yet to find consistency in a brand, because they are trying to reach a broad audience.

The truth is I sell a lot of Nike's so someone likes them. I sell a lot of Brooks, so someone likes them. All I can do is talk about the benefits of a shoes, and why I think it might work for them.

Mostly I think it is poor taste to throw a fellow associate or businessman under the bus. I also think bashing a brand is equally as bad.

Charlie

It's Also Mental

As we train for long distance races, we tend to focus on the accumulating of miles, focusing on our form, how we breathe. We tend to forget that a race is two parts. Yes it's half physical, but it's also half mental.

How do you mentally get through long runs and distances? Everyone has their own way to do it. My way is part game playing and depending on support. The game playing is "easy." As you fatigue mentally, you have to make challenges for yourself to get you through a stretch of road. Let's say it's mile 17, you know you are achy. This is the point the brain begins to tell you to stop, or as I call it, this is the point where the wheels can come off.

I get it, you have miles to go, your body is aching, and you want to stop, but you can't. Do some mind games. Fix a point, and tell yourself to jog to that point, and if you succeed, you can walk a bit. Of course the trick is, once you get to the point, try to move beyond it, as a way to show the brain you can keep going. I find this works for a time. Of course at some point the brain catches on, and you have to come up with a new challenge.

If game playing and challenges aren't working, I depend on support. Support usually means I race call. You've never heard of race calling? I bet you've heard of drunk dialing or texting - same concept. Take your cell phone with you, and when you really need to get through a particular mile, call someone. Make sure the person(s) you call know you may be calling them. This way they can answer the phone and talk to you.

The usual victim of my calls is my sister. She has talked me through many a race. Of course I am usually an emotional mess, so I may not appreciate her words at the moment, but the brain hears them, and it helps me keep going.

Does anyone out there have other ideas?

Charlie

Chicago Marathon Registration Debacle

As you know I don't have a great history with the Chicago Marathon(2007). I do love the race, and I think it is an outstanding marathon. I don't always agree with what organizers do, and their recent problems with registration and the outcome have me really scratching my head.

Quick history lesson.....earlier this month registration for the fall marathon went live. Technical problems ensued, and many people were charged multiple times for registering(at $175) a pop. The marathon shut down registration, and determined 25,000 registered that day. So the question is what to do with the remaining 15,000 slots?

The easy answer is fix the bugs and open up registration. That's not what they did though.

Yesterday organizers announced a lottery system for the remaining 15,000 slots. Starting March 5, going through March 7, you can enter the lottery for an entry. The lottery is free. If they choose your name, you will have two days to decide if you will enter. If you choose not to enter, that entry will not go to the next person in line. It will be vacant. They will not award that entry to anyone else.

To be honest, this makes no sense to me. Now you have created a rift. There will be those who followed the rules and entered just like normal. Now, though you will have a random drawing for the rest. Why not just open registration up again and let the chips fall where they may.

Carey Pinkowski has made an error in my mind. He is now setting up a different system for runners, which I don't think is fair. Why not work more with Active.com to fix whatever the issues are? I understand the system was overwhelmed, but in this day and age, can't that be anticipated?

I give the Chicago Marathon a big BOO on this one. They blew it.

Charlie

Tipping Point

Recently I read an article about the decline in participation in marathons and half marathons. The author of the story did little to indicate why this may be, other than a glut of races. I will say, it's possible the glut of races out there may be a factor. I offer another  - cost.

Let's take a look at the cost of some races:

One America 500 Festival Mini Marathon - $75
Chicago Marathon $175
NYC Marathon $250
Disney Half or Full Marathon $190 for each
Community First Fox Cities Marathon $60

Clearly the bigger the event, the higher the cost. This does not include travel expenses for these races. Then there is the training programs, shoes, gear, etc.. The economy has been stagnant for a while, and while races have seen a boom in participation, there is a tipping point where it begins to decline, and I suspect that is starting now.

Note, the 500 Festival Mini Marathon, as of this writing, has not sold out. Typically it would have sold out after Thanksgiving. Are people not willing to pay the higher prices? Are they finding cheaper races? In Carmel, IN, they will have a marathon and half marathon a few weeks before the Mini. The marathon costs $75 and the half is $60. The Geist Half Marathon is after the Mini and the fee is $75, so roughly the cost of the Mini, but fewer people.

Now let's add the gear into the mix. Shoes two years ago averaged $100 a pair, now they are $110 a pair. Apparel has also gone up. The costs of racing now is higher once you factor the other items into it.

Of course I have no data, but more and more people are talking to me about lower priced shoes. Yes, there are still plenty of people willing to pay $150 a pair, but I am having more and more conversations about price. People are watching their wallets.

The costs of a race include a lot of goodies for runners. Ok, I still want my medal, but maybe adding a fee for the shirt, and making it an option might help. I know a large part of race costs go to the city for fire, police and street maintenance, can these be negotiated?

I have no answers. I am just putting out there that maybe race organizers, instead of making races bigger and better, need to focus on putting out quality, and working harder to make the races more affordable.

Charlie

This n That

I'm sorry for the absence from the blog. Part of the reason is lack of time, another part is lack of internet. Still I have a lot to say, and I am going to tackle a few subjects in this....

My Running -

I haven't run in over a month. The reason is some incredible left foot pain. It has felt like a huge stick being dug into my foot, between the first and second toe. I have gotten all kinds of advice on what it could be. Eventually a doctor will be seen. I don't want to get too hung up in Google diagnosing myself. Is it a neuroma? Could be. I will say today the pain feels like it is fading, but I have learned that is a cruel trick sometimes.

I miss running. I miss being part of the being outside and part of the world. I hope to be back to running soon.

Oscar Pistorius -

No story has captured the attention of runners like the sad story coming out of South Africa. As you may know,  double amputee runner, Oscar Pistorius allegedly killed his girlfriend on Valentine's Day. The Prosecution is saying this was premeditated. Pistorius is saying it was an accident. Either way, this is a tragedy on many levels.

I have admired this young man for a long time, and was so happy when he ran in last summer's Olympic Games in London. A friend of mine told me that this is another reason why we can't have athletes be role models. I agree and disagree.

We need to really think what it is about the the athlete we admire. Is it what they've accomplished, and how they did it? If so, Pistorius is a model for determination. The problem is we think we know these people because of what they do athletically, and what their press agents feed us. The truth is we don't know these people.

We didn't know Tiger Woods like we thought. We suspected Lance Armstrong. We want to believe our athletes are good hearted, brave and honest. The problem is we forget these people are human. They get angry. They get depressed. They have issues. If you want your children to use them as role models, make sure you are being clear with them why they are to be admired. When athletes fall though, it's important we talk with our children about what happened, and to remind them they are humans.

Parents -

The trials and tribulations of working with high school athletes is really in working with their parents sometimes. SOME parents I should say.  For the last month I have worked some angry parents. They seem to fly off the handle if we don't have a size 13 immediately in stock, and their son needs it today(when they should have looked about a month earlier). They get mad if the spikes don't have what they think is enough spike holes(I know that throws me too). Anger really comes up if a Nike is not in stock.

Remember what I said about role models? Throwing a hissy fit in a running store in front of your children is not the way to teach your children.

The parents who are wonderful and have wonderful kids are a joy to work with. Those are the folks who make my day. The good news is they are the majority of parents I work with.

So there you have it three different topics. Foot is maybe on the mend? I'l keep you all updated.

Charlie

Buy Local

I talked about this on an online running forum, but I would like to expand on this here. Quite often I hear people say they get their initial shoes at a local running store, but will go online for other purchases because:

The store doesn't have the color I want
The store doesn't have the size I want
The shoe is cheaper online
The shoe will come to me faster

Ironically these are some of the people who believe in shopping locally. I'm going to be a bit harsh here for a moment....you don't believe in shopping locally if you are shopping online as opposed to your local store on a regular basis.

Here are some things you need to understand.

Shoes in general make up for 70%-75% of a running store's business.

When you place a special order with a running store for shoes, the store makes virtually no money on those shoes, because they are not buying them from a vendor at an optimal discount(almost no discount). The vendor is charging the store the shipping, and most if not all running stores DO NOT pass these costs on to you, out of a sense of customer service.

Approximately 75% of shoes which are special ordered are never purchased. Why? You found the color you want now at Dick's, or you went home online, because you didn't want to wait 7 days for your shoes.

Running stores can't have every size in stock. What they sell are the most common sizes. Yes, they will have some unusual sizes in stock, but not a regular stock of them. They can't, because shoes in a stock room is money not being made. Shoes = money to a running store.

At a running store, you aren't just buying shoes. You are paying for the expertise of the person who is selling the shoes, making sure they fit properly, and will advise you how to use and not use the shoes.
All of that is built into your $110 pair of shoes.

If all you do is buy accessories at the running store, they are making less than they should, because your shoes are being bought elsewhere.

I freely admit, I have a vested interest in this. I work in running specialty. I want to continue to work. I want running stores to succeed, because they are also more than stores, they are running community centers. The staff in those stores offer advice, training tips, injury screenings with local PTs or doctors, work with medical professionals to make sure their patients are getting good shoes for their needs.

Online is....online. Online won't tell you the difference between an Asics 2170 and an Asics GT-2000(there is a BIG difference).

The sales associate in the store will take an hour or more to make sure you are 100% satisfied with your shoes. That is a live person giving you individual attention for YOU. Let me know know when Zappos does that.

If I have made you think about buying locally more....good. I think there is an advantage to online. I would just make sure if you are dedicated to buying locally, it's a bit more than buying a packet of Gu.

Charlie