Emily, Boston, Shannon and Stuff!

Last week we hosted the Olympic Trials Women's Marathon Qualifying team and it was quite a night. We had 150+ folks and raised $4,000 for Emily LeVan's Two Trials quest. We had two corporate matches from Wright Express ($1,000) and Unum (participation match of $50 per runner) and thank YOU!!. Had I known Emily was going to be included in the Women's Trials edition of Runner's World, we would have ordered and rushed a few copies, but a few lucky souls came with their copies to have Emily sign.

Joanie came and showed her support for Emily's cause and the evening was an example of the unbelievable Maine spirit that exists in our running community, as we had folks from as far away as Bridgton and Farmington show up. The Women's team discussed everything from their training-to-their marathon trials expectation-to-how to run a 100+ miles a week raising 4 kids and holding down a full time job. Thanks for all your support and efforts. Good Luck Girls, we'll be cheering you on!

Hey Shannon! We start at 6pm....stated right on the brochure! Alright....you are doing great! keep up the good work.

Shoe Of The Week! Asics Gel 3000 - $115. It has a slightly broader forefoot than the 2130, with a Dynamic Forefoot Cradle for the late stage pronater. It is a shoe that works well with medium to low arch folks that don't need the support of the Brooks Beast/Ariel or New Balance 1011. A great upgrade to the 2130 with maximum support for the lighter to medium framed runner!

I was in Chicago at a Specialty Running Store Trade Association meeting this week and it is obvious there is a new trend of serious business owners in the running specialty trade channel. Maine Running Company, along with Fleet Feet Syracuse, Salt Lake Running Company, Charlotte Running Company, Naperville Running Company, Potomac River Running Company, Runners Depot and Colorado Running Company all met to discuss the state and future of our trade channel. Running Community based businesses, with a sense of purpose, within their market served, is becoming increasingly more important. This includes, customer aqcuisition and retainment, community involvment and activisim and financial skills.... we're excited about the future of this.

See you and Remember....Run Happy!