Run Matters artwork

Run Matters

21 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 20 ratings

Since the start of the pandemic, more people than ever are lacing up and hitting the street. Between race cancellations, running store closures, and group run cancellations, we’re witnessing a pivotal shift in the running industry. The Run Matters podcast was created to bring together industry professionals, elite runners, coaches, and everyday athletes to navigate the challenges ahead and stay connected.

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Episodes

The Connections Episode

March 29, 2021 15:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MB

We are calling episode 6 of the Run Matters Podcast, Powered by Skechers Performance the “Connection Episode”.  From the opening subject du jour lightning round right to the “Run to the Finish” segment, we talked about how the specialty running channel is at the heart of most connections, whether it’s between brands and retailers or retailers and their local community.  Our first conversation features Keith Shelton, the Director of Merchandising and Product Development for the Skechers Perfo...

Retail Matters: Greg Koch, 605 Running Company

March 26, 2021 08:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MB

In Episode 6 of the Retail Matters edition of the Run Matters Podcast, Mark and I learn how a former bakery owner made the pivot to become an owner of one of the hottest running stores in the running rich state of South Dakota. 605 Running Company’s Greg Koch shares his story in this episode of the Retail Edition of The Run Matters Podcast powered by Skechers performance. Koch’s recipe relies heavily on community Involvement and an extensive coaching program, led by former collegiate all-A...

Retail Matters: Greg Koch, 605 Running Company

March 26, 2021 08:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MB

In Episode 6 of the Retail Matters edition of the Run Matters Podcast, Mark and I learn how a former bakery owner made the pivot to become an owner of one of the hottest running stores in the running rich state of South Dakota. 605 Running Company’s Greg Koch shares his story in this episode of the Retail Edition of The Run Matters Podcast powered by Skechers performance. Koch’s recipe relies heavily on community Involvement and an extensive coaching program, led by former collegiate all-A...

Retail Matters: Ashlee Anderson of Shoes and Brews

February 23, 2021 13:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MB

This episode of the Retail Matters Podcast features Shoes and Brews in Longmont, CO.           Mark and Neil had a fun discussion with store owner/manager and mom, Ashlee Anderson as she explained how the five owners put this concept together and what it has meant for the local community.  Shoes and Brews has been able to tap into the younger, family-oriented demographic to make themselves an important part of this community and create a new type of running retail experience at the same tim...

The Disruption Episode

February 23, 2021 13:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MB

If there was any one word that describes the past 12 months, it is disruption.  But disruption is not always a bad thing.  In fact, for many in the running community, it has been a chance to make lemonade from a giant bowl of lemons.  S01E05 of The Run Matters Podcast begins with a discussion between lead product developer at Skechers Performance, Kurt Stockbridge and one of running’s up and coming stars, Edward Cheserek.  “Ches” has been using the time during the pandemic to train for some ...

Retail Matters: Ken Sung of Gazelle Sports

February 01, 2021 17:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MB

We then sat down with Ken Sung, co-owner of Gazelle Sports in Central Michigan. Ken discussed how Gazelle used this time during the pandemic to take a step back and look closely at its business and then make the needed changes to get ready for the next three to five years. Ken then went on to talk about his entrepreneurial efforts that include both a farm to table full-service restaurant and a brand-new Gourmet Bagel Shop. Neil is still waiting for the dozen bagels Ken promised him.

The Collaboration Episode

January 28, 2021 16:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MB

We are calling Episode 4 of the Run Matters Podcast, “The Collaboration Episode” for two reasons. The first collaboration in this episode features Amanda Brooks and Co-host, Neil Schwartz as they talk about his plan to get out and start running. Neil is in the early “walk/run” stage but hopes to get to his goal in two to three months. We heard Neil say” This whole process scares the crap out of me” but he is starting to build new habits. The next collaboration takes listeners behind the sce...

Retail Matters: Colin Peddie of Marathon Sports

December 21, 2020 11:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MB

We sit down for a candid, sometimes emotional, conversation with Colin Peddie, owner of Marathon Sports. Marathon has 18 stores, across three different names throughout the New England Area.  Colin talks about how he grew his business from one to 18 stores without borrowing a dollar and shares the business philosophy and strategy that allowed him to accomplish this amazing feat. He also shares his harrowing first-hand experience from the day of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, which took...

Retail Matters: Colin Peddie of Marathon Sports

December 21, 2020 11:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MB

We sit down for a candid, sometimes emotional, conversation with Colin Peddie, owner of Marathon Sports. Marathon has 18 stores, across three different names throughout the New England Area.  Colin talks about how he grew his business from one to 18 stores without borrowing a dollar and shares the business philosophy and strategy that allowed him to accomplish this amazing feat. He also shares his harrowing first-hand experience from the day of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, which took...

The Inspiration Episode

December 15, 2020 11:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MB

After listening to the 3 interviews that are included in Episode 03 of the Run Matters Podcast, you will understand why we call this the “Inspiration Episode”. From the first segment that features running coach, Amanda Brooks, to the last segment with Colin Peddie from Marathon Sports in New England, we focused on what inspires you and how we can all be better in 2021.  Hang in for the end of the segment with Amanda as she agrees to take on a project in 2021 and inspire Neil to get out runni...

Retail Matters: Justin Craig of RUNdetroit

November 23, 2020 05:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MB

Justin Craig is the co-owner of RUNdetroit in Midtown Detroit, Michigan.  Justin originally comes from Seattle where he worked in Orthopedics including spine specialty and later, foot & ankle. Justin has a vast knowledge in the biomechanics of running and foot & ankle injuries.  He and his business partner Alia Polsgrove opened RUNdetorit in 2013 as the first running specialty store in the City of Detroit. Their store offers solutions for a variety of running and walking needs including; sho...

The Motivation Episode, featuring Edward Cheserek

November 19, 2020 05:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

In episode 2 of the Run Matters Podcast, we don’t waste any time getting into one of the most important topics that every runner faces on a daily basis. In our Run to the Finish segment with Amanda Brooks, we talk about motivation and how runners can handle getting their head in the right place before they lace up their shoes and hit the street or trail.  Amanda has something she calls “the five-minute rule” that every runner encounters on those days when they just don’t feel like getting ou...

Retail Matters: Chris Farley of Pacers Running

October 16, 2020 19:00 - 23 minutes - 15.8 MB

Each episode will feature an in-depth interview of a leading run specialty retailer conducted by Running Insight Editor at large Mark Sullivan and industry data guy Neil Schwartz.  Farley talks about managing his team through the pandemic, doubling down on bricks and mortar and his optimism for the future of the channel as well as his new store in Georgetown.  Chris Farley is the owner and President of Pacers Running//Chief Running Enthusiast A lifelong runner, Chris has been in the runni...

Retail Matters: Chris Farley of Pacers Running

October 16, 2020 19:00 - 23 minutes - 15.8 MB

Each episode will feature an in-depth interview of a leading run specialty retailer conducted by Running Insight Editor at large Mark Sullivan and industry data guy Neil Schwartz.  Farley talks about managing his team through the pandemic, doubling down on bricks and mortar and his optimism for the future of the channel as well as his new store in Georgetown.  Chris Farley is the owner and President of Pacers Running//Chief Running Enthusiast A lifelong runner, Chris has been in the runni...

Retail Edition, Chris Farley

October 16, 2020 19:00 - 23 minutes - 15.8 MB

Each episode will feature an in-depth interview of a leading run specialty retailer conducted by Running Insight Editor at large Mark Sullivan and industry data guy Neil Schwartz.  Farley talks about managing his team through the pandemic, doubling down on bricks and mortar and his optimism for the future of the channel as well as his new store in Georgetown.  Chris Farley is the owner and President of Pacers Running//Chief Running Enthusiast A lifelong runner, Chris has been in the runni...

Chris Farley, Pacers Running

October 15, 2020 15:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MB

Episode 1 of the Run Matters Podcast presented by Skechers Performance kicks off with a lively list of regular features and special guests, including a timely segment on running safety in the Run to the Finish segment featuring Social Media sensation Amanda Brooks. Hosts Mark Sullivan and Neil Schwartz then speak to our featured retailer, Chris Farley from Pacers Running in the DC area.  Run Matters then spends some quality time with “The Michael Jordan of Running,” Meb Keflezighi. There is ...

The Mebisode featuring Meb Keflezighi

October 15, 2020 15:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MB

Episode 1 of the Run Matters Podcast presented by Skechers Performance kicks off with a lively list of regular features and special guests, including a timely segment on running safety in the Run to the Finish segment featuring Social Media sensation Amanda Brooks. Hosts Mark Sullivan and Neil Schwartz then speak to our featured retailer, Chris Farley from Pacers Running in the DC area.  Run Matters then spends some quality time with “The Michael Jordan of Running,” Meb Keflezighi. There is ...

The Mebisode, featuring Meb Keflezighi

October 15, 2020 15:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MB

Episode 1 of the Run Matters Podcast presented by Skechers Performance kicks off with a lively list of regular features and special guests, including a timely segment on running safety in the Run to the Finish segment featuring Social Media sensation Amanda Brooks. Hosts Mark Sullivan and Neil Schwartz then speak to our featured retailer, Chris Farley from Pacers Running in the DC area.  Run Matters then spends some quality time with “The Michael Jordan of Running,” Meb Keflezighi. There is ...

The Mebisode, featuring Meb Keflezighi

October 15, 2020 15:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MB

Episode 1 of the Run Matters Podcast presented by Skechers Performance kicks off with a lively list of regular features and special guests, including a timely segment on running safety in the Run to the Finish segment featuring Social Media sensation Amanda Brooks. Hosts Mark Sullivan and Neil Schwartz then speak to our featured retailer, Chris Farley from Pacers Running in the DC area.  Run Matters then spends some quality time with “The Michael Jordan of Running,” Meb Keflezighi. There is ...

Chris Farley, Pacers Running

October 15, 2020 10:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MB

Episode 1 of the Run Matters Podcast presented by Skechers Performance kicks off with a lively list of regular features and special guests, including a timely segment on running safety in the Run to the Finish segment featuring Social Media sensation Amanda Brooks. Hosts Mark Sullivan and Neil Schwartz then speak to our featured retailer, Chris Farley from Pacers Running in the DC area.  Run Matters then spends some quality time with “The Michael Jordan of Running,” Meb Keflezighi. There is ...

Trailer: Run Matters Podcast Presented by Skechers

October 13, 2020 13:00 - 2 minutes - 1.4 MB

Run Matters is a podcast powered by Skechers Performance™ created to help runners navigate the challenges of change and stay connected with runners of all levels. Hosts Mark Sullivan and Neil Schwartz will be joined on a regular basis by writer and run coach, Amanda Brooks, the mind behind the Run To the Finish blog along with Kurt Stockbridge, the lead product designer for Skechers Performance.  Each show will feature conversations with elite runners Meb Keflezighi and Edward Cheserek alon...