Superlative Customer Service - Runner's Roost

Tuesday, July 10, 2012
You know how I said the other day that I feel like I've been angry for a lot of the last year? Yeah. I'm going to try and turn over a new leaf, now that I have an awesome new job. And part of that is using this space to point out some good shit once in a while instead of bitching like a bitter old woman all the time.

So today's good shit comes from my experience over at Runner's Roost, a Colorado running store. I went over to the Aurora location yesterday to try and find some running shoes that would provide some support to my rickety knee.

And what do you know, I had a great experience!

The young man (whose name I can't remember, because I suck) was knowledgeable and conscientious as he guided me through the fitting process, and helped to identify the source of my right knee pain. Evidently I roll my foot to the inside when I'm pushing off. He recommended a pair of shoes that offered both additional support on the inside of the foot to force my foot to stay level with the ground and also significant arch support to address my plantar fasciitis. He didn't try to sell me the most expensive pair of shoes in the store in spite of my neophyte status - I bumped the shoe up to the next level by wanting additional gel support in the ball of the foot because I run on concrete.

Today was my first run with the new shoes, since Tuesday is my "long run" day. I ran for 60 minutes without stopping, and while my legs are tired, I have no dull ache in my knee. Hopefully that will be the case tomorrow, as well. 

So the fact that I'm apparently incapable of purchasing shoes that could even remotely be considered "reasonably priced" is going to be a big fat win with me if I can do this without pain.

I'm not one to wear athletic shoes while doing anything other than working out, but I'll be wearing these only while running, and I'll wear my cross trainers for my other fitness activities. In spite of that, I know I'll be replacing them on a regular basis - and I'll be doing so at Runner's Roost. Giving my business to local stores who take care of their customers is a Good Thing.

6 comments:

Carol Elaine said...

Even though I'm not a runner by any means, I've discovered a good running store is the best place to get most things athletic. Run With Us has seen my patronage since 2005 and I won't buy athletic shoes anywhere else. A big part of that is the time and care that they take to make sure you have the right shoes for you.

mom in northern said...

Nice...didn't they come in purple?

Anne C. said...

I really like Runner's Roost. My last pair of running shoes (that really really need to be replaced) are from there. Good choice on your vendor selection.

The Mechanicky Gal said...

We have Runners World out here, and they are great. They will video you on a treadmill to make sure they address your stride correctly. Stability model FTW!

The Mechanicky Gal said...

Oop's no, Road Runner Sports. Eh, whatever. Apparently the name of the store went away with the name of your Helpful Salesman.

Random Michelle K said...

My brother (who is nauseatingly fit) swears that shoes that address your over- or under-pronation make a huge difference.

Me? I have other issues with my feet, and I'm glad to find what shoes I have that don't make my feet (or ankle) hurt.