APRIL 2024: 10 YEARS OF MEMORIES, AND GROWING

This past weekend I had the privilege of running the Helderberg to Hudson half marathon near Albany, NY. Growing up, I was not a "sporty" kid and particularly disliked running.

This attitude remained until college when I met a group of friends that changed my perspective on running from punishment to enjoyment. We caught the running itch and encouraged each other through training plans and celebrated our accomplishments together.

I am so grateful for where running has taken me. Our goals and paces have changed, we live miles away from each other, but we continue to cheer on and support each other. And I'm fortunate to say, my circle of support has grown, and I still love to run.

10 years ago we opened iRun LOCAL. Anthony and I daydreamed about our running store becoming part of the cornerstone of the Saratoga running community, creating a place where anyone could come and fit in. We had a vision for a place where people could feel
comfortable, no matter where they are on their fitness journey. We wanted a store that gave people the advice and product offering they wanted and needed and all the tools to be successful. We wanted to do good for the whole community, not just runners and athletes. We started small with grass-roots fun runs and Scavenger Runs to engage the local community. We became members of the Saratoga Stryders and quickly realized the runners in Saratoga were unique and awesome. They are dedicated, hardworking and passionate about spreading thelove of running and walking to anyone wanting to join in. iRun LOCAL grew and eventually moved to the heart of Saratoga Springs - Broadway - giving us the chance to reach and meet even more people.

Over these past 10 years, the thread that sticks out the most for me are the friends we've made and the support we've received. I had no idea how rich life could be through the bonds of fitness. Each day my team and I get to engage with people from all walks of life. I'm incredibly grateful for the people that have shopped LOCAL and helped make this milestone possible. We owe our success to people that choose to keep their dollars local and support local businesses. We've made some lifelong friends - 2 of whom I had the honor of crossing last weekend's finish line with. These friends and the countless others are why iRun LOCAL is my dream job and I'll keep doing it as long as I can.

With gratitude,
Jamie