Fleet Feet Aptos

December 2009

2009-11-28T19:22:00.000-08:00

Hi Folks!

In some of my previous emails I mentioned that I've lived a scattered, yet interesting life so far. Not since my high school days have I spent more than three years in one place. When I came to Aptos I arrived with everything I owned in a VW van. I slowly acquired furniture and a perfect place to live. I put down roots for the first time in my life. It felt good.

During my short time in Aptos my staff and I have managed to fend off all the economic negativity heard on the news. In fact, we beat the odds and grew the business by more than 50% in less than two years. We wholeheartedly believe that our business is about connecting with people. I don't think it's a fluke that this philosophy has successfully led our charge through the looming recession.

Fleet Feet is a national franchise of 91 stores. It's still got a "mom and pop" feel because we refuse to allow size get in the way of service. The guys in corporate take care of franchisees like family. The CEO of Fleet Feet, Tom Raynor, called me on my second day in Aptos and sent me home. Literally. It was 1:00 am and I was burning the midnight oil but he told me he wanted to hear the door close behind me. He said that we need to make sure we take care of people. Ourselves included. Aptos' commitment to people stems from the top. It's how we live and how we work. In that order.

Last month I was presented with an opportunity. I was asked to be a part of a training team that will attempt to bottle all the good things I did in Aptos and translate it franchise-wide. It would require me to relinquish my ownership in Aptos and move cross-country. The offer was a huge compliment to my staff and an honor to me. It validated all my long hours and sleepless nights. But it meant change. And I thought I was done with that.

As proud as I am of what I've done in Aptos, and as comfortable as the community has made me feel, I am still the same guy who has bounced around the world always trying to make a positive impact wherever I landed. Having a chance to work nationwide with a variety of stores in different markets makes this sort of lifestyle a lucrative career path. At this point in my professional and personal life it made sense. I accepted the offer.

My departure will be bittersweet. I've made some wonderful, lifelong friends and have had an opportunity to feel the embrace of an entire community. I will be back occasionally but in a different capacity. Aptos will always be the place I chose, for the first time in my life, to stay. But as it ends up, I wasn't meant to stay here forever.

My friend and store manager, Jon Knapp will be the new owner of Fleet Feet Aptos as of January 1, 2010. Jon and I have worked a lot together and run a lot of miles together. He, his wife, his son and a baby on the way are embracing their new opportunity as I am mine. I leave you in good hands.

Words cannot express how thankful I am for you all. There are so many things I'll miss - the beach, the redwoods, great weather and great people. But most of all I'll miss welcoming you as you come into my store. It's Jon's turn to do that now.

Happy holidays to you and your families.

To Your Health,

Tom Griffen
tagriffen@yahoo.com

November 2009

2009-11-05T17:37:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

As most of you know, we have a weekly Saturday Run. Compared to our other store events, this one is tough to nail down. One week we'll have five or six folks show up and the following weekend we'll have one. When the weather's nice we have less folks than when it's pouring rain. A holiday weekend may bring extra runners one weekend but none show at the next. I'm left scratching my head as I try to figure out how to make this run a valuable community resource.

I think I may have just figured it out. Our one-and-only regular Saturday runner, Keith, enlightened me.

I can always count on Keith to show up for our Saturday Run. All too often he's the only attendee. But this doesn't deter him. He still comes, religiously, and helps me brainstorm how to get the word out about the run. Though we enjoy each other's company we also would like to include others on the list of Saturday "regulars".

During a run a few week back, Keith mentioned a way he and his wife help raise money in their church. Coincidentally, at this same time I had been thinking about how to do something similar in the Fleet Feet community. Keith's idea was exactly what I needed to hear. Serendipity. With his permission I decided to steal it.

I want Fleet Feet to be an integral part in the local community of giving. So we're challenging our entire customer database, some 7500 folks, to identify someone they know who would benefit from a financial gift of some sort. Giving just to give. It feels good and it is good.

Now for the challenge...

Fleet Feet is giving five customers $50 cash with the challenge to turn it into $500 for their recipient. We hope that this initial $50 gets the ball rolling and multiplies over the next two months. But there's a catch! If you accept the challenge, you MUST tell us how you did it and for whom you did it. We can't wait to read those stories!

We call ourselves a community. Well, now's the time for us to act like one.

Thanks Keith for making me see the value (and potential value) in our Saturday Run. And thanks to you ALL for considering this challenge in any capacity. See below if you are interested.

I toast you all at my Thanksgiving table!

To Your Health,

tom

October 2009

2009-10-23T07:42:00.000-07:00

October 2009

Hi Everyone,

When I was a teacher I told my students that they should make it a point to better themselves each day. Of course my lessons for them coincided with this goal. Each day as they left my classroom I reminded them that they are, "better today than they were yesterday." I always felt that they walked away with an answer to the generic parental question, "So...what did you learn at school today?"

I've never stopped believing in the on-going process of life. When I hear people refer to their lives as stagnant, sedentary, or stuck in a rut I encourage change as a means to get things sparked again. I live by this rule too. Each day I try to figure out a way to better myself and I encourage my staff to do the same. We hold ourselves to high standards, both personally and professionally. We feed on personal growth. I liken us to sharks. If we stop moving we die.

Last month I sent one of our staffers, Jon, to a training for potential (future) Fleet Feet franchisees. This month staffer Michelle is headed to Washington for three days to learn advanced foot anatomy/pathology at the Superfeet headquarters. Also this month I am closing the store for a day so that my entire staff can be a part of an intensive customer service workshop being held in Davis.

Many of you have asked, often reluctantly, how our business is doing. It always makes me proud to share with you that since January 2008 our monthly growth percentages are very strong. We attribute our success to our dedicated customers and to our commitment to excellence. We really try to stay one step ahead of your expectations so that each and every time you visit us you feel special.

So next Tuesday if you happen to stop by the store only to find it closed, please know that we're doing it for you. Improving your experience and constantly rededicating ourselves to exemplary service is important enough to sacrifice a day's worth of business. You are worth it. Totally.

To Your Health!

tom

Iroquois 100 Race Report 2009

2009-10-01T19:17:00.000-07:00

Photo from Steve Gallow

IROQUOIS TRAIL 100
SEPTEMBER 19-20, 2009
VIRGIL, NY

The first week of September I was in Los Angeles running portions of the Angeles Crest trail as I inhaled gobs of smoke from the growing Station Fire. The fire was in its infancy but I knew deep down that it would impose itself on the AC100 ( http://www.ac100.com/ ) race scheduled for 2 weeks later. Though I enjoyed my training runs, I knew that figuring out a plan B was in order. Upon my return home to Santa Cruz, I received an email from the AC race directors. Even two weeks out they knew that there was no way the race could go on. Unphased, I jumped on http://www.run100s.com/ to look for a different 100-miler to do.

The Iroquois Trail 100 caught my eye as it was in upstate New York and only two hours from my family whom I hadn’t visited in two years. I contacted the race director Ian Golden and explained my situation. He welcomed my registration and I began my last minute plans to visit family and some old friends.

All I knew of this race was what I read in various race reports from their inaugural year (2008). All in all things were pretty vague – which coupled with my lack of familiarity with the terrain of central New York piqued my curiosity. I was most intrigued by the elevation change stated on the website. 18,000 feet of climbing. It sure seemed like a lot for New York. Most definitely my ignorance to the local geography kept me from respecting the difficulty level until it was too late. But I’ll get to this later.

Three days with family in Rochester then off to Virgil I drove. Folks in upstate New York drive pretty slow compared to the California speeders I was familiar with – and the New York State Troopers all wear Smokey the Bear hats. This strangely intimidated me and I opted to drive my rental Ford Focus as close to the speed limit as possible. It seemed like it took forever to drive two hours. There’s some irony here when comparing this to the actual race.

As I took the exit into Cortland I stopped to consult my map. When finally I oriented myself I turned onto the main drag heading into Virgil and nearly sideswiped the only other car on the road. He honked and gave me the finger as I shook my head, wondering why I didn’t see him coming. I was tired, but not that tired. Not yet. Then I drove to the start of the race – The Gatherings – and imagined how it would look the following morning. I’d have to return later that afternoon to pick up my bib number but decided to find a hotel room in the interim. I returned to the scene of the near-wreck and rented a room at the Days Inn. I was happy they had wireless.

After checking in and relaxing a bit it was finally time to return to The Gatherings for the pre-race briefing. Ian had organized a delicious pasta meal. I sat with some new friends, Scott and Garth, both from New York City, and we awaited the briefing. Ian’s briefing was rather confusing for those of us who had no experience on the Finger Lakes Trails. After Ian the author of Born to Run, Chris McDougall was introduced. Under other circumstances his presentation would have been great – but I’m pretty sure the entire room of folks was as ready as I was to hit the hay for the night. Unfortunately Chris seemed to drone on and on. I had originally planned to have him sign the copy of his book I lugged from California but changed my mind on the spot. As he wrapped I was out of there and with a quickness. I needed sleep.

I dozed off watching Ultimate Fighting and woke up many times with a sore back. I grew worried about this as morning got closer and tried unsuccessfully to will it away. 3:30 am arrived and I was up and ready to go in a flash. The plan was to arrive at the start early enough to get a good parking place near the finish line. I wanted to use my vehicle as a place to stash my aid. My preparation paid off and I got a prime spot. It was a cool morning. After checking in I sat in the comfort of a heated car. A few minutes before the gun I headed towards the slowly growing group of silhouettes at the start line. And just as Ian had promised, the race started on time.

In my first loop I managed to link up with a few local runners. No sooner had they warned me about the gopher holes on the newly mowed downhill off the ski hill (Greek Peak) that I stumbled in one and rolled my left ankle. It didn’t tweak it too badly, or so it seemed, but for the next 94 miles or so I felt it getting tighter and tighter. Enough so that I chose to not change my socks nor my shoes out of fear that relieving the pressure might allow swelling. I was somewhat pleased by this as I really didn’t want to change shoes anyhow – no matter how wet my feet were going to get.

At about the 25 mile mark I hit a low point per usual. The course was taxing me and I started thinking too much about the overall distance. When one’s only consolation is the idea of having “only 75 miles to go” there may be a sudden rush of anxiety that makes the next few miles a bit tough. As a friend in Aptos says, I was forced to “suck it up” and have an out-loud conversation with myself. Actually it was more of a scolding. I ripped myself a new one and got over the hump. Then for the next 10 miles or so some amazing classic punk rock songs filled my head. Namely some angst-filled tunes by Suicidal Tendencies.

As my body began to cooperate I also wondered about the random musical selection my brain was unconsciously making. The punk riffs were replaced with other, more relaxing genres. I realized that each song’s tempo perfectly matched my pace. It goes without saying that when the mental music shifted from Suicidal’s “I’m Not Crazy” to Whitney Houston’s “The Greatest Love of All” I’ve probably started to slow down. No matter how much I tried to impose faster songs into my mental radio, all that was coming out was slow jams. When Lionel Ritchie’s “Running With the Night” came on I wanted to turn off the damn thing.

The most challenging aspect of that first 50-miles was the footing. I most certainly was not used to the rooted single tracks, nor was I familiar with having to look up for trail markers. Combining these two conflicting actions together only made me misstep over and over again. My ankle begged for mercy and I grew concerned that the second loop, in the dark, would be tough going. Nonetheless, I managed to complete the first 50-mile loop in about 9:30. I realized the time was respectable but also felt as if it might have been too fast. I was very impressed with the aid along the way and the general support of the spectators. Apparently the access points were very easy to get to – and the crews and volunteers made sure we each arrived at the stations with a fanfare.

The second go of the Greek Peak loop was much more enjoyable than the morning loop in the dark. I managed to negotiate the loop without stepping into any holes. It was also during this loop that I finally met up with a runner who’d been trading places with me all day long - Chris Luberecki from Tahoe City, California. I’d seen his name on the runner’s roster and even did a pre-race search on http://www.zinsli.com/ to compare our finish times. He and I ran races at similar paces so it was relieving to see that we had done the first 50 within minutes of each other.

Upon my arrival at mile 57, Ian connected me with my pacer who was then standing grill-side learning how to cook quesadillas. We introduced ourselves and since I didn’t feel in need of a pacer at that time, nor was it dark yet, I told him to continue with his cooking and meet up with me at the Pipeline aid station nearly 10 miles away. I was happy to knock out this section while there was still ample sunlight. I also had decided to put on my glasses and realized that maybe the footing problem I’d been having was more of a vision problem! Suddenly the stretch seemed easier and I kept a pretty solid clip until the Pipeline aid station when I picked up my pacer.

At Pipeline I quickly learned that my pacer had never run more than 26.2 miles (and on road no less). Plus, he’d never paced anyone and hadn’t the foggiest idea what his role was. Fortunately I was coherent from this point until the race’s finish. Most certainly I learned the hard way about the risk that comes with being assigned a pacer, sight-unseen.

My pacer talked non-stop even after I explained that at this point in the race I’m usually not too chatty. He just said he’d fill the empty space with noise and that’s exactly what he did. His banter made it difficult to focus as I was compelled to remain engaged with him in conversation. I didn’t want to be rude. But eventually it was too much to deal with and I contemplated asking him to drop at the next aid. However, I knew that he knew the trails and I was worried about missing a marker without him in the lead. In hindsight I’d have probably been fine – but under the gun I felt a sense of relief with a local leading the way. I could tell he was frustrated by my slowly declining pace and soon felt a strange sense of guilt for “dragging” him along with me. Quickly I got over this and maintained the best pace I could – a.k.a. “very slow”.

At some point the clock struck midnight. And since September 20th was my pacer’s birthday I wished him a good one and thanked him for sharing part of it with me.

The sky was so clear and the stars seemed frighteningly close. Each time I looked up I felt dizzy and overwhelmed. I tried to keep my eyes from glancing up as I feared I’d be pushed over by the view.

My 11 minute miles quickly turned to 13 and soon to brisk 15 minute walks per mile. The last 20 miles of the race were all walked miles and I found myself growing more and more worried about my time goal. Originally I had wanted to break 22 hours, but soon after the sun went down I altered these plans and figured sub-24 would be more realistic. As I was walking I became concerned about this and expressed my concerns to my pacer. “Yeah, I don’t think we’ll make the cutoff,” was his response. Talk about a buzz kill! He also then went on to ask me what a pacer should do. I didn’t really feel like going into it at mile 85 but I did anyhow to kill time. It really didn’t make a difference though. I only had finishing on my mind.

I have to send three cheers the folks at the Daisy Hollow Road aid station as they fed me perogies (spelling?) for the first time in my life. Though I was craving Dunkin Donuts I settled for this pasta potato concoction. Absolutely delicious! Thanks Daisy Hollow!

Had my wheels still been turning from this point I just may have hit my original time goal. But the best I could do was a brisk walk at best. The last 15 miles took me nearly 5 hours. Ugh. Yes, it was as horrendous as it sounds.

The final 2-mile hill down to Tone Road was a test of fortitude. Knowing that the finish was just ahead put a smile on my face but certainly didn’t speed things up. My finish made it look like I still had something left in the tank but I really didn’t. As I crossed the line I saw Ian and a small group of amazing volunteers cheering me in. As I crossed the finish line I announced, “Now THAT was a character builder!” I shook Ian’s hand, thanked him for a kick-ass race, and within seconds I was shivering uncontrollably and had to escape to the warmth of my rental Ford Focus. My pacer needed a ride to his car so I drove him – then fought sleep for the next 20 minutes as I drove back to my hotel for a shower.

Back at the Days Inn I defiled the towels by wiping off my legs and made the decision to abandon my funky shoes in this New York motel. I took a 90-minute nap and woke up to shower and pack. Slowly. En route back to the start line, I stopped at Dunkin Donuts and grabbed a dozen assorted, eating three within the next 5 minutes. Back at The Gatherings I watched a few more folks come in before seeing my parents pull into the parking lot. We ate breakfast together then went to the awards ceremony. Apparently too many runners finished sub-24 since Ian ran out of buckles!

All in all my experience at the Iroquois Trail 100 was a good one. This course is much more difficult than I expected and I encourage any future participants to respect the surprisingly difficult terrain. I’m glad it was a suffer-fest because it forced me to challenge my limits. Such challenges make me a better runner, and a better person. I appreciate the lesson in self-improvement, Ian!

Next time I do this I’ll go sub-21.

See you all in a few years. Thanks Ian for putting on a great race. And thanks to my pacer for dealing with my sleep-deprived attitude. Maybe someday we’ll see those belt buckles.

Tom Griffen, Aptos, CA, 23:15

September 2009

2009-10-01T19:15:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

September? Already? Last week we counted the days until Christmas and we're down to like 110 days or so. This year is totally flying by.

I'd like to share two important things with you that happened to me last month. They really don't have much to do with the store, nor do they have anything to do with our fitness community. But they are things I'm thinking a lot about lately and, per usual, I'd like to share.

Last month my best friend Kent visited me from Southern California. He and I have done a fair bit of travelling together and to rather exotic places. Our last trip was to Mongolia because it was the biggest blank space on a globe. Anyhow, Kent is a professioinal photo-journalist and is getting ready to embark on a walk across America. The purpose of his Aptos trip was to collectively determine some logistics of the crossing, namely how to lug enough water for the desert stretches. I'm not sure if we completely did this, but we certainly figured out that a pack full of water will not be fun to carry very far. More than likely Kent will be either pushing a baby jogger (sans baby) or pull something constructed from the parts of a baby jogger. Either way, I'm very excited for him to start out on this journey. I've always wished to do the same sort of trek. Someday... If you like amazing photos, check out his website at www.kenttreptow.com.

And also in the spirit of endurance-type adventures...

Some of you may remember that nine months ago (or so) I was starting my return to running after 18 months of injury. Like many of you I needed an event to keep me honest. So I registered for the Angeles Crest 100 and have been putting in some serious miles in Nisene Marks since then. As August wrapped up I ventured to Los Angeles to get a feel for the final 25 miles of the course (everyone I spoke to said it was the toughest section). While the trails were tough and I spent a good portion of the day picking ticks off my legs and dodging rattlesnakes, what I remember most is how close the fires were to the trails and how congested my lungs were from breathing smoke (and smog) all day. Two days after I returned, the race was cancelled. I figured it would be. But just like any obstacle, I saw it as an opportunity. So I signed up for a newer 100-miler called the Iroquois Trail 100 near Ithaca, NY. Most of my family is in NY and I haven't seen them in years. Both the race and the family visit are a long time a'coming.

I hope you all are enjoying your own journey.

And don't forget, it's not too early to start holiday shopping! Ugh!

To Your Health,

tom

August 2009

2009-10-01T19:13:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks!

For two consecutive weekends Fleet Feet has been honored to sponsor amazing local events - The Wharf to Wharf race and the Sandman Triathlon. Of course there are countless equally-amazing events in the area to satisfy all our active needs, but these two races happening back to back infused me with thoughts about why Fleet Feet exists in the first place.

Sure, you need shoes and the typical gear. You also need a place to get advice on where to run and maybe even common injuries or training strategies. But ultimately Fleet Feet doesn't need to exist for you to get this stuff.

When I came to Aptos I knew exactly what I wanted. My goal was to make Fleet Feet an extension of my living room. I wanted you to feel like you were walking into my home when you passed through the doors. Shoot, if I could have a couch and fireplace in the middle of the store I'd do it! Yes, of course we wanted to fulfill your active needs, but more importantly we wanted to build relationships and celebrate your accomplishments. Life's too short to miss out on these opportunities. Gear wears out. Friendships last forever.

Race sponsorship makes for a very long day. Usually the booth is set up hours before the participants arrive and stays up after the final participant leaves. But working a vendor booth is a rush! It gives me an opportunity to cheer on customers while meeting some new folks too.
Events encapsulate all that drove me to make a career out of this business in the first place. The positive energy is palatable, athletes revel in their achievements, and people share a passion to complete the task at hand. Watching this happen gives me chills. The unspoken bond still exists long after the event as two folks pass each other in the grocery store, both wearing the finisher's t-shirt. It's kind of like a secret handshake. Both think, "they did it too..." One word sums up what's at play here - community. It should happen more often.

Hope to see you in the living room soon.

Thanks for being part of our Fleet Feet community. We appreciate you.

To Your Health!

tom

July 2009

2009-10-01T19:12:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks!

What do the movies Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Field of Dreams have in common? No, Kevin Costner was not in both, but that's a good guess. In both of these movies, the lead character is driven by voices in his head to accomplish a goal. The guy in Close Encounters obsessively builds a volcano-like thing that eventually resembles the setting of his climactic alien encounter. The lead man in Field of Dreams (yes, this WAS Kevin Costner) is driven by whispers to transform a cornfield into a baseball diamond. He believes that such lunacy will draw spirits of baseball's past to play a final ghostly inning in his backyard.

Both men are connected by a crazy vision that drives them to action. And when they start building on that vision, things start happening.

Rewind real life to 1973 in Santa Cruz. Feel the summer heat and the ocean breeze. Imagine a jog along the coast in shorty shorts and flat shoes. There's music in the air. Guys have big mustaches. Women wear long socks. Santa Cruz was an active destination even then. For some reason a local runner had an idea to start an organized run along the coast with a group of fellow ground-pounders. Somehow this idea evolved into the Wharf to Wharf Race. Who knew?

Way back when in the summer of 1973, the building began. They built it and the people came. And they still do. En masse.

Recently I've started thinking a lot about this concept. To quite Kevin Costner's character, "If you build it, they will come." I'm starting to wholeheartedly believe that if you want something bad enough, and you put a healthy amount of thought and action into it, you'll one day find it materializing before your eyes. Positive energy is magnetic and we have more power than we realize to be the source of it.

I tell my staff that when the store is slow we need to become bustling magnets that create and share positive energy. It draws people in. I know, I know, it sounds so "Santa Cruz". But go figure. It works.

Wharf to Wharf started with a few dozen locals who shared a great idea. They built it and people came.

Every day at Fleet Feet we try to build it too. We'd like to thank you for continuing to come. We plan to be here a while.

To Your Health!

tom

June 2009

2009-06-02T16:21:00.000-07:00

June 2009

Hi Folks!

What do you think of when you hear the word "simplify"? Being an extremist, I am immediately transported to a vagabond-type existence where all I need I am carrying on my back. My sort of vagabonding wouldn't be the just-dropped-out-of-society type with which we, as Santa Cruz County folk, are all too familiar. I'd have a plan. I'd take showers. Even the dog I'd partner up with would be shampooed regularly. In a perfect world, this is how I'd like to pass my years.

But I am a realist and understand that such extreme simplification is probably not logical. Not now anyhow. Nonetheless, I am constantly driven by a need to meet it in the middle. And as with anything, compromise is meant to be challenging. So where's my balance? What do I do? Well, I run.

I take a run for the same reasons you go on vacation. Except, my run is significantly shorter than a trip to Europe. And cheaper. The point is that my run recharges my batteries and readies me for real life, just around the bend. I think my best thoughts on a run. Come up with my best ideas. Compose newsletter articles or letters to friends. I may even spend the time reflecting on random memories as I crank out the miles.

In fact, on a recent long run in Nisene Marks an otherwise forgotten memory popped into my mind for an unknown reason. While backpacking on an island in southern Baja California, I awoke earlier than usual to the morning sun burning my face. It was my birthday. I think I was turning 26 or so. I sat up in my sleeping bag and rubbed my eyes. I noticed a large conch shell sitting to the side of my bedroll. I picked it up to check it out. It was white and pink and covered in red barnacles. As I felt its weight in my hands, my best friend came over the lip of a sand dune and wished me a happy birthday. Apparently he'd found the shell in the surf that morning.

Simplification removes the clutter from our lives and makes room for an appreciation of the moment - sometimes a moment from our past. Make sure you are doing this. Our days aren't disposable.

I may never embark on a walk across America. But I may get a dog one day anyhow.

To Your Health!

tom

May 2009

2009-06-02T16:18:00.000-07:00

Hi All.

I've just finished reading a great "retro" running book titled Dr. Sheehan On Running by author Dr. George Sheehan. Honestly I'm not sure if it's still in print, but I'll tell you what, it ought to be.

Dr. Sheehan wrote this book in 1975 when running as a sport was still quite raw. Runners in that era ran hundreds of miles per week for no particular reason. They ran in cut-off blue jeans and didn't worry about chafing. When their shoes bottomed out they re-lined them with cardboard and built up the tread with shoe goo and duct tape. Electrolytes may have been spoken of in medical journals but water stops consisted of a warm water swig from a neighbor's hose or a palm-full of creek water.

Running was simple. You just threw on your shoes and went. You ran on roads or on trails. It didn't matter. You did it because you enjoyed it. In fact, you loved it. And you loved the people who did it with you.

Dr. Sheehan speaks of a time when being pelted by things thrown from passing cars was normal. A time when people looked at you as if you were crazy for running in the first place. Running wasn't widely accepted, in fact it was seen as going against the grain. Breaking the rules of society. Anarchy afoot!

Runners back then battled in the trenches together. They bled for the opportunity to get a good 10-miler in before work. They nodded to each other under the brims of their caps with the silent understanding that they were bonded, not merely as people but as runners. Back then it was a secret club without a membership. They were as obscure as their strange sport.

I can't say that anyone's ever hurled fruit at me out a car window, or cussed at me for striding through their neighborhood. Nobody's ever singled me out and made me feel uncomfortable for getting a good workout in as the day begins. If anything, I get occasional whistles and honks which effect me like generic applause does during a race. It motivates me.

Honestly, the only attitudes I encounter while running are from fellow runners. I tend to wave or say hi to folks as we run past each other. I know they hear me, yet sometimes I get shined and wonder why my benign greeting went unacknowledged. Are they so wrapped up in their training that they can't return my gesture? I don't get it. Where's the love that founded this sport in the first place?

We certainly have come a long way since 1975, that's for sure. But I'm left to wonder if Dr. Sheehan would be happy with the results. Most certainly he'd laugh at how serious the sport has become even to us hobbyists. Too serious for a wave? Now that's just plain silly.

It takes a second to share a moment. Make sure you take one. I promise it won't ruin your upcoming race.

To Your Health!

tom

April 2009

2009-04-06T00:32:00.001-07:00

As a kid I used to tool around the neighborhood on my Big Wheel. For some reason I took it upon myself to clean out the gutters in the street and put the trash in the mini "trunk" attached to the back of the Big Wheel. My mom didn't like the fact that I was messing with gutter gunk but I didn't stop.

As I got older, my propensity to pick up trash didn't go away. As a result I was constantly finding money on the ground. I remember once as I was leaving nursery school I found a $20 bill. I bought a 6-Million Dollar Man doll, his rocket ship, and a Walton's Family figurine for my (then) girlfriend. But I digress.

This habit of mine continued as a teenager and whenever I'd visit my grandparents in Kelseyville I'd find arrowheads. My college major was Anthropology and I, like most young men, thought that being an Archaeologist would be similar to the life of Indiana Jones. Not so much. I loved finding things, but the reality and tedium of true archaeology didn't float my boat.

I still find things pretty regularly. ID's, credit cards and collectible coins are common treasures on my walks and I'm always shocked that others didn't find them first.

Now I'm training again for a pretty long run, thus my training miles are long too. I do most of my running on trails and have been getting pretty upset by the amount of trash I find as I run on the higher-up trails. Last week I decided to collect trash during my back to back long runs.

I've never understood how folks can blatantly toss their trash on the ground, or, assuming that much trash gets there accidentally, how they can step over it as they pass by.

Ironically, as I picked up some trash from Sand Point in Nisene Marks, I came across a trashed sticker that bluntly expresses my opinion on littering in the first place.

Let's keep our trails clean. And if you happen to see someone else's junk making the trail unsightly, pick it up. Odds are nobody else is going to do it.

Keep on keepin' on.

tom

March 2009

2009-04-06T00:30:00.000-07:00

It's nearing that time of year when folks start considering events for which to train. Some may be on the hunt for a 5k or 10k to walk or run. Others find ways to effectively prepare for a half or full marathon. And a few others out there see the spring and summer as a perfect time to knock out a few ultra-marathons. No matter what floats your boat, you need a vision, a plan, and a support system to put it all together. We want to help you do this.

I recently came across a photo from my first marathon and was shocked that anyone let me leave the house let alone run a race. I was living in Germany and ordered all my gear from a cheesy catalog. Apparently day-glow was still "in", or so I thought, and bright pink was going to make me run faster. Yikes - I cringe when I look at the photos. Thankfully only one snapshot exists and it's sitting at the bottom of my junk drawer at home. Nothing on You-Tube to keep me from running for mayor someday!

Anyhow, I truly had no idea what I was doing. My training consisted of a 5-mile run, which I did two or three times prior to the 26.2 mile event. Also I dressed for fashion (well...kind of), not function. And nutrition was merely a chapter in that book about running which collected dust on my shelf. But hey - I was going to run a marathon! Watch out!

I chalk up my ability to barely finish to the resilience of foolish youth - but needless to say it was a rough go at best. In the years to come I ran marathons while attending the school of hard knocks. Sure I crossed the finish line, but at the expense of using up all my sick days as I lay prone and bed-ridden while my muscles healed. Magazine articles only got me so far. It wasn't until I signed up for a training program that I started realizing how to dial it all in. I owe a lot to those folks who spoon-fed me some basic guidelines.

Now I have an opportunity to give back. Fleet Feet Sports is happy to announce the addition of two training groups this spring. One will prepare you for a 5k and the other for a 10k. We're not trying to make anyone super-speedy here, in fact we'd rather start with a group of folks who look at us like we're crazy while wondering what the heck they're doing in the first place. Our goal is to grow a community of active people. If you know someone who would benefit from such a goal then send them our way (maybe that's you!).

And remember...your pink shoes needn't match your shirt (nor your gloves, or tights, or...).

Keep on keepin' on,

tom

February 2009

2009-04-06T00:28:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks!

In January I spent a week in Dallas, Texas at the annual Fleet Feet Winter Conference. It's a great time to come together and share creative ideas with some of my professional peers. It's also an amazing opportunity for me to learn about the new products soon to hit the marketplace. It's fun, exciting, and completely exhausting all at once. But most of all it further validates my decision to be a part of the Fleet Feet family.

Fleet Feet Sports was first opened in 1976 by amazing athlete and ground-breaking business woman, Sally Edwards. She had a vision about her passion and broke through the boundaries of the time to make her dream a reality. Running was still in its "obscure" phase and the idea of a woman opening a store for "joggers" was far-fetched. Nonetheless, she pulled it off. Now, some 32 years later, Fleet Feet exists in 90 locations throughout the country. Relatively speaking, it's a small franchise, but good things come in small packages and this is no exception.

At the end of my first week of business back in January 2008, the store phone rang as I was working late into the night. I was surprised that someone would be calling after 11:00 pm but picked up the phone as if it were midday. I knew the southern twang on the other end. It was the CEO of Fleet Feet Sports, Tom Raynor. Mr. Raynor was calling from the Fleet Feet headquarters in North Carolina to congratulate me on my first week of business. I had barely said thank-you when he quickly asked why I was still in the store. I figured the answer was obvious but he interrupted my verbal stumbling and told me, bluntly, to go home. He said that if I planned to be in Aptos any length of time that I needed to work smart and enjoy the ride. In less than a minute the conversation was over and as his words reverberated in my head I realized that I was a part of something. A community. Mr. Raynor's message that night became a mission statement for my business.

Just last week one of my staffers, Michelle, was freestyle-running in Nisene Marks when she came across a plaque hung beneath a bridge. It's not posted where one can read it when casually walking across. Instead it's most noticeable when navigating beneath it. Its inscription reminded me of what Mr. Raynor said to me last year. And honestly the words came (again) at a perfect moment - a time when I was getting too caught up with work and losing sight of what's truly important. Funny how things happen that way. It said:

"I come to run the race, not to finish, but to enjoy the
renewed friendships and to participate in life."
-John Lewis, Distance Runner

Enjoy yourselves. And don't lose sight of what's most important to you.

Keep on keepin' on.

Tom Griffen

January 2009

2009-04-06T00:25:00.000-07:00

(written on New Year's Eve)

Hi Folks!

Exactly one year ago tonight I was both anxious and afraid of what the next day would bring. Change does this to a person. But change is exactly the ingredient that makes life fresh, exciting, and meaningful. Last year I went to bed early on New Year's Eve, knowing darn well that the following day's change-of-possession inventory would make for a very long day. This year I plan to stay up a bit later to celebrate the passing of 2008 and the ringing in of 2009. After all, my Fleet Feet family (that's YOU) and I have a one-year anniversary to celebrate! Cheers!

I have high hopes for 2009 - and not just for Fleet Feet. I also have high hopes for our resilient community. Collectively we have a choice. We can either allow the news and media to continue to scare us deeper into a recession-depression or we can take action. I opt for the latter.

So let's put our energy where it is useful. A good attitude is contagious so I encourage everyone to "take the high road" and share a nugget of hope with someone in the community. If we collectively rise above the down-trodden media we'll be doing our part in the fixing of things. Get that chin up and stay optimistic. Others will follow suit. Together we can start making things happen!

In 2009 be on the lookout for more free monthly events at Fleet Feet Sports including a Speaker Series featuring local heroes and occasional Movie Nights. We'll continue to sponsor races while we plan to partner up for new ones. Expect a 12-week training for Wharf to Wharf and regular strength and conditioning workshops at the store. There will be more group runs and walks and even monthly 12-hour "fun runs" starting in June. We've got an amazing year planned alongside our unmatched commitment to you, our customer. All info can be found on our website with more to come.

I wish you all happiness and success in the year to come.

Keep on keepin' on.

tom

December 2008

2009-04-06T00:23:00.000-07:00

Exactly one year ago I had a yard sale at my then apartment in Sacramento. I sold nearly everything I owned and was left with a few boxes that fit nicely into my Vanagon. The next day I left cow-town and a few hours later I was driving blindly though Aptos, wondering how it would feel to call this new place home.

The new adventure I was embarking upon came on the tail end of a string of unrelated professions. The past 15 years found me mostly working as a school teacher but I also dabbled in the computer industry. For a couple years I drove a forklift at a winery while doing seasonal stints unloading fishing boats. I also worked part time jobs at recreation centers and at the Fleet Feet in Sacramento. Finally, in the same year during which I decided to pursue a Master's degree in creative writing, the opportunity came up to acquire the Fleet Feet in Aptos. I jumped on it.

A scattered resume like mine makes me look transient. So I view it in a more positive light. I like to instead think of myself as "well-rounded". When I found out last year that I would be the new operator of Fleet Feet Aptos I figured my diverse past would only help me. And maybe it did. Even though I wasn't tasting wine on the clock.

Regardless, for the next 30 days I'm still officially, a rookie. Not a Michael Jordan-type rookie but a greenhorn nonetheless. I doubt that after my first anniversary anything will drastically change but there's something amazing about the daily lessons I learned this year about business, the community and myself that will (hopefully) help me improve personally and professionally. Thank you giving me this opportunity.

On my first day of business back on January 3rd someone peeked in the door, looked around inquisitively and said, "Hey...you the new guy?" I said yes. He replied, "I heard there was a new guy. Welcome to town." At that moment Aptos became my new home.

We've got a lot of great plans for 2009 and most of them are already mentioned on our website. So check it out when you get a chance (www.fleetfeetaptos.com).

Happy holidays to you and your families. May the season bring you peace and less traffic than I remember there being on 41st Avenue last year.

Keep on Keepin' On.

Tom
December 2008

November 2008

2008-11-24T18:59:00.000-08:00

Hi Folks,

After over a year of merely wishing I could run, I've finally rehabilitated my injured feet enough to start putting some solid miles on them, pain-free. It's been a long, humbling experience and I hope that the knowledge gained as a result proves to be to my future benefit. I have to say that most of my so-called "wisdom" has come directly from others and usually when I needed it the most. I can think of three times when I encountered a "running guru" of sorts who passed onto me valuable nuggets of information applicable to both my life as a runner and as a regular guy. They are all worthy to share with you. Call it a pre-holiday gift of sorts!

The first one came as I hit the brakes on a downhill portion of the American River 50-Miler in 2005. A seasoned ultra veteran sized me up and said, "Hey buddy, if you're running downhill, don't stop."

The second revelation came as I walked wearily along the route of my first trail race. I think I was looking for a rock to crawl under. A middle-aged woman trotted up beside me, asked if I was ok, then announced, "You know, if you keep moving forward, you'll get to the finish."

The third and final bit of wisdom came while training for Western States. During a 30-mile training run, another old-timer said, "Tom, if you want to go fast, you need to train slow."

So now, in regards to training and life in general, I'm taking my time, allowing momentum to carry me through tough moments and accepting the fact that the hardest work never has an immediate payoff. As I apply this to the store I feel more embedded and dedicated to what I do. I cherish the wisdom that these three random individuals shared with me as I struggled to learn the ropes. I hope that someday I can pass such words onto someone who, like me, is ready to hear it. Words our powerful and sometimes can be life-altering. You never know when you are the source of a crystallizing moment for someone else. Good stuff.

Keep on keepin' on.

Tom Griffen
November 2008

October 2008

2008-10-03T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks!

My newsletter this month comes a few days late as I’ve been helping a friend open a Fleet Feet Store in Menlo Park. My staff has been holding down the fort in such a way that I sometimes wonder if I need to be here at all! Props to them! And on that note, make sure you stop soon we are bringing in some new staffers. The store is getting busy and, simply put, we need help. They are amazing people and they look forward to helping you all.

This month I’d like to thank you all for your on-going feedback. Running a business is something new to me and each and every one of your constructive nuggets of information has served as a guide in some way or another.

A few months back I sent out an on-line customer satisfaction survey. Many of you took the time to fill it out and some even added an addendum of detailed comments. Recently I received the results of this survey. I read every one of them. Some made me proud while others made me cringe. The quantifiable data was very interesting and will likely play a large as we move forward. Your results opened my eyes to some things that were sitting right under my nose. Sending that survey was one of the most productive things I’ve done all year. Thanks for taking the time to respond to it.

The big message here is communication and feedback. As a middle school teacher I found that the more informed my students were, the more comfortable they were as students and as people in the world. I can’t imagine leading any other way. During interviews I tell candidates that I have a tendency to over-communicate. I also encourage them to interview me. As human beings we have the right to direct answers. Yet with this year being election year we’re witnessing the opposite. It is what it is. But I digress.

Fleet Feet wants your feedback. We need your feedback to grow and become a more integral part of this community. So don’t wait for the next survey to give us your two cents. Say what you have to say right now. Good or bad. We can take it. In fact, we’ll thank you for it!

Keep on Keepin’ On!

Tom
October 2008

September 2008 Newsletter

2008-09-11T20:57:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Seventeen years ago I ran my first marathon in Frankfurt, Germany. Two weeks before the event I registered for it and assumed I'd be ready. I figured I was already in good shape (I was in the Army after all) and just needed to adjust my diet a little before undertaking 26.2 miles (which basically meant drinking less beer). I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into. It was a suffer fest. I find it amazing that I ever considered running another one. And go figure, I ran the same event the following year with just as little preparation. Some folks need to take two punches before they remember to keep their hands up. Now as I watch people finish races of all distances I often see reflections of myself in Frankfurt. So many folks obviously don't put the time and energy into effective training. They desperately wail down the home stretch with a painful grimace and that all-too-familiar limping sprint to the freedom of the finish line. I feel their pain and cringe. Hopefully they, like me, learn the hard way. This month we are happy to feature in our store two ends of the training spectrum. We're bringing you epitome of training in the form of an Olympic athlete (Blake Russell), and the humble beginnings of training for folks less accustomed to an active lifestyle regiment (No Boundaries). Believe it or not, these two share a common denominator: A personal commitment to "doing something". Commitments mean time, and usually a lot of it. They also may require sacrifice. Some commitments cost us a lot while some force us to reevaluate our expenditures. In a nutshell, whether we're running the marathon in Beijing or mustering up the courage to get off the couch, we need a plan and we need someone to cheer for us. We all respond the same to these things. After all, we're only human. I challenge you all to take a second to think about that "thing" on your to-do list that you've refrained from doing. Make a commitment to (finally) do it and you're half-way there. Need a cheerleader? Well, give me a call and I'll hoot and holler for you over the phone.
I promise. After running myself into the ground two times in Frankfurt I decided to train properly. I'm still no expert, but now I can actually enjoy the anonymous crowd's cheers as I lean into the last turn and roll down the home stretch. If you do it right you win, no matter whether you finish in first or last place. Plus, you're not so sore the next day. That's always nice. Apply it to anything. And have a great month. TomSeptember 2008

August 2008 Newsletter

2008-09-11T20:56:00.002-07:00

Hi Folks!

Before I say anything else, I'd like to send out an enormous CONGRATULATIONS to all of you who, in any way, participated in the Wharf to Wharf Race. I send a special thanks to my amazing staff and volunteer crew who helped with the day. Great people make for great events!

This month I've made an interesting discovery. I'm realizing that people are not used to good customer service. Something happened in the last few decades that allows poor service to be acceptable in our society. I too am a shopper and have grown jaded by little to no customer service out there. It's a sad fact.

When I was in the military in Washington D.C. I took a part time job as a gas station attendant. The owner was a retired Colonel who gave all his employees the title of "Window Washer". He required that we wear the silly uniform shirt, keep our hair short (this was easy since we were all servicemen), and wash the windows of every car that stopped for gas. If our shirt tail was untucked he'd point at it and say, "Wash your windows, son!" If our hair had grown over our ears he'd tug at his crew cut and remind us to "keep the windows washed." Then of course, as a car rolled onto his island he'd holler at us to literally wash their windows. Quickly and with a smile on our face. It's no surprise that the Colonel had the busiest station in town. We all loved being a part of it because we truly enjoyed (figuratively) "washing windows".

Fast forward to what seems like a lifetime later and the Colonel's words still ring in my head. When I think of what it means to be a leader, I think of him. When I think of what it means to take care of a customer, I think of him. He taught me the importance of washing people's windows.

Fitting you is what we do. But we'll wash your windows too.

Keep on Keepin' on.

tom

July 2008 Newsletter

2008-09-11T20:56:00.001-07:00

Hi Folks!

It's a small world, so we all ought to work together.
In the past ten days I've traveled through five different states. Now to some of you this may sound like no big deal, but for a guy trying to run a business such as Fleet Feet, leaving for longer than a day requires significantly more than just an airline ticket and a toothbrush. Trust in all its forms is a necessary intangible. I trusted my staff to run the store while I was away. They did - and they did it with flying colors. I feel like a proud father. I want to share these feelings with my Fleet Feet family.
My first major stop was Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, for Fleet Feet Sports' annual conference. The main purpose of our gathering was to reconnect with other franchisees from across the nation and determine ways to better service our customers (that's YOU!). Per usual, it was an enlightening week to say the least. I left with a ton of new ideas. I also had a chance to review the results of the customer satisfaction survey I emailed to you all a couple months ago. Your comments and suggestions formed the topics of a full-day seminar. Some of you graciously pointed out the glaringly obvious while others helped us see the forest from the trees. All of your comments will help make us better at what we do. For this I thank you.
After Wisconsin I flew to Eugene, Oregon for the Track and Field Olympic Trials. Let's just say that you needn't be a fan of the sport to feel the emotional tug of the games. I repeatedly found myself covered in goose bumps while witnessing the efforts of the athletes. Something primal rises to the surface when one watches such competition. To some it inspires the rebirth of a dormant desire within themselves. To others, joyful tears reflect the moment. Though I've never been a track and field guy myself, watching the Trials always seems to be a celebration of the human spirit. We could use more of this these days.
Needless to say, as I watched sprinter Tyson Gay cross the finish line of the 100m dash in world record time (9.68 seconds), I became a part of Hayward Field's thunderous celebration. My entire section was ecstatic and repeatedly high-fived while hooting and hollering. All that mattered was that moment. Then later, as it grew quieter in Track Town, I remembered the cheers and couldn't help but smile. It seemed that everyone I walked by in downtown Eugene was thinking the same thing. As individuals we are amazing. As people connected by spirit we are nothing short of spectacular.

Upon my arrival home I bumped into a customer who, due to the fires, had been evacuated from her home. I think her exact words were, "I feel blessed Tom. It only got the garage." These few words taught me a lot. I'd like to thank her for this.
So...anyone want to meet up for a walk or run? Connect with us at one of our weekly events.
Keep on Keepin' on.

Tom

July 2008

June 2008 Newsletter

2008-09-11T20:55:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone!I found out this past month that my parents are uprooting from their lovely home in Huntington Beach to start anew in, of all places, Rochester, New York. Why did they do such a thing? It was a better Fit for them. I decided this week not to pursue a partnership with a particular vendor whose claim to fame is nutritional gel sucked through a tube from a reservoir affixed to your hat. Why didn't I sign them on? I believe their product was a bad Fit in our store. This week (and every week) my staff paid close attention to the needs of countless customers and made footwear recommendations based on each individual's specific requirements. Why do they go through this process? They are searching for the best Fit. It's funny how this word "Fit" works perfectly into three rather unrelated scenarios. This is exactly why we throw it around so readily at Fleet Feet. Our philosophy of Fit (or better, our FITLOSOPHY) goes something like this: WE BELIEVE THAT WHEN THE BEST FIT IS ACHIEVED, PERFORMANCE FOLLOWS. Apply this to your life. Have you achieved your best Fit? If not, how will you find it? I met an amazing man in Burma while traveling. As a young boy he had learned to speak English by interacting with British aristocrats. Years later he was one of the few people in his village who could communicate with foreigners. His friends all revered his skills and stood around with mouths agape as he muttered a foreign tongue to weary backpackers. When I met him he stood, without shoes, ankle-deep in a muddy puddle. His smile was contagious. Infectious even. And though he spoke English to me with perfect inflections and annunciation, I understood nothing. Not a word. Why? He only spoke in clichés. I asked him how to find a local hostel and received, in return, something like this (and with a British accent no less): "Oh! A fish out of water! Isn't that the cat's pajamas! You got to strike while the iron's hot! So clear the decks and cool your jets! You look nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs! Gather ye rosebuds while ye may. You've bigger fish to fry in the twinkling of an eye!" (wink!) For a second I stood and wondered what had just happened. He had rattled off a mouthful of perfectly (sounding) English and all his buddies stood waiting for my response. Rather than look at him dumbfounded I played along. "Thank you!" I said as I shook his hand. As I walked away, still rather lost, I could hear his friends chattering accolades about their amazing friend who speaks brilliantly to foreigners. He Fit. And my guess is that he still does. Maybe this is a reach, but you get the idea. The Fit makes all the difference. Make it happen in your life. Today. Keep on Keepin' On! TomJune 2008

May 2008 Newsletter

2008-09-11T20:54:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I came across an old saying and I want to share it with you. It goes something like this, "economic forecasters were invented to make meteorologists look accurate". This cracked me up. But I suppose that in our neck of the woods we really don't have much of a need for meteorologists anyhow. No offense to the weather people.

It seems to me that everywhere I turn I find myself inundated by an ugly word: recession. Gives me chills. It's a word that's tossed around like a hot potato. In March a couple big-wigs in the world of national finance said that the economic crisis of 2008 is likely to be judged as the worst since the end of World War II. Most of us weren't around in that era so we only have our grade school memories to rely on. I remember reading about poverty, food lines, and joblessness. The black and white photos of dirty, sullen faces made things look even more bleak. My grandparents occasionally mentioned these tough times at Thanksgiving dinner and now here we are (supposedly) in the midst our own. Hey wait a minute, wasn't it supposed to rain last weekend?

Recently I had the humbled pleasure of running with someone whose talent far exceeds what mine will ever be. I'm sure she slowed down so we (namely, I) could actually carry on a conversation. We spoke of business, training, relationships and who-knows-what else. I found it ironic that every topic blended with the next. Somewhere in our hour of chit-chat she recalled a day when stormy weather made it difficult to get motivated for a training session. I'm sure you can relate! She knew the cold air outside far surpassed the chill she already felt inside. She also knew that in a matter of minutes she's be soaked to the bone and dodging puddles for hours on end. Certainly she could think of much better things to do! But instead she opted to suck it up and get out there. Just as she expected, within minutes she was freezing cold, wet, and muddy. The worst part was that she'd only just begun. And yet somewhere in her workout came a revelation that would always separate her from the competition. She was out there. How many others could say the same? That, my friends, is a powerful feeling.

So maybe we are in the thick of an economic recession. And maybe also I'm simplifying the problem. But just like words spread like a virus across our media channels, so can we spread good thoughts and ideas on an individual level. If we accept that times are bad, then times will certainly be bad. But if we truly evaluate our own situations and make decisions that work for us, then we're all the better as a result.

Weathering the storm makes us stronger people. Weathering it together makes us a stronger community. The ominous clouds may be trying to find their way into our slice of paradise and so be it. I predict sunny days ahead. Let's get there together.

Keep on Keepin' On!

Tom Griffen
May 2008

April 2008 Newsletter

2008-09-11T20:53:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

I'm not sure where I heard it, or who said it for that matter, but I distinctly recall the moment when I was gifted a nugget of wisdom I carry with me to this day. Someone, somewhere, told me that, "everything you'll ever need to know you already know." Now don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to be profound here. But for me it applies to an injury that found its way into my foot about a year ago. An injury that came as a result of doing what I love. Running. Sometimes love hurts.

My injury showed its face until when some typical post-race soreness subsided. To deal with the pain I tweaked my over the counter footbeds and found some relief (it's amazing what one can do with duct tape and neoprene). A friend saw my handiwork and shook his finger. "You can't do that! See a doctor!" So I did.

"It's a neuroma!" the doc said as he gave me some metatarsal pads. They didn't work. And you know why? Because it wasn't a neuroma. I then took the problem to my chiropractor who named it "bursitis". Hundreds of dollars later my pain persisted. Because it wasn't bursitis either. In the meantime I was in the midst of increasing mileage through technical terrain. I grew gimpy and yet I continued with my intense training. I'm stubborn, and there was no way I was going to allow a little foot pain slow me down. My homemade footbeds collected more dust as I wondered if a little rest might help. But the doctors never mentioned "rest", so I kept on.

I visited a podiatrist. He made me some custom orthotics. Fancy. He called the problem "plantar fasciitis" with a chance of some "posterior tibial tendonitis". It sounded like a weather report (and we know how accurate they are). Nothing changed. Next stop, the local witch doctor. Some called him a physical therapist, some called him a somatic practitioner. He had a sadistic reputation and laughed at pain. My pain in this case. He called my problem a "severe navicular drop". He ordered me to chuck my $500 customs then bent my body in unnatural ways. I desperately wanted these treatments to work, but they didn't. I tried yoga and increased my flexibility. And the pain and the pain along with it. A visit to the acupuncturist identified a "chi blockage". Fair enough. But no dice. It seemed hopeless.

Defeated, I remembered those homemade footbeds. I guiltily dusted them off and slipped them in my trainers. I ran. And ran. And ran some more. Sure, there was still some pain. But it was manageable. And as I more and more miles slipped beneath my feet, so did the pain. My world opened up. The answer had been sitting on my shelf the whole time. Right in front of my face.

So the lesson here has nothing to do with doctors or diagnoses or injuries for that matter. It has to do with the perception of what we deem problematic. In my case I intuitively knew what I needed to do and yet I refrained from doing it. Had I listened to my gut, a lot of money, time, and peace of mind would have been salvaged. Three things we all could use more of!

So while you're out there training or keeping fit, for crying out loud listen to your body! When it says stop, then STOP! When it says go, well have at it! Following your intuition will give you access to your life. I followed mine and have a healing foot (finally) and a fantastic store in an equally wonderful community. My intuition led me to you and I couldn't be happier.
Keep on keepin' on!

Tom Griffen
April 2008

March 2008 Newsletter

2008-09-11T20:52:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Years ago I spent some time working in the fishing industry in Homer, Alaska. Besides the exhaustive labor and the fact that many of my co-workers were criminals on the lam, what I remember most about the experience is the overwhelming sense of community I felt each day. People worked with each other to maintain a collective feeling of happiness. Since those days in Alaska I've been hard-pressed to find a place that functioned in a similar fashion. That is, until I came to the Aptos area in December.

In Aptos the welcome wagon doesn't just roll by and deliver a fleeting wave and smile. It hitches to the door post and becomes an integral part of how one develops relationships and grows a business. I joke with customers that it took me a whole two minutes to fall in love with the local and surrounding community. But it's absolutely true. You could take away the beach and the trees and all the beauty - but the fact remains that the community is what keeps this area so magnetic. I feel fortunate to be a part of it.

Scroll below to check out some nuggets of fun for the month of March. And if you stop by the store please let me know you're here. I truly enjoy meeting the folks who are part of me being able to do what I love!

And I almost forgot - Happy St. Patty's Day!
Keep on keepin' on!

Tom Griffen
March 2008

February 2008 Newsletter

2008-09-11T20:51:00.000-07:00

Hey Folks!
First of all let me send out a big ol' THANKS to all of you! I'm honored to be part of a store that's already deeply rooted in such a wonderful community. You've made me feel right at home and I promise to do whatever I can to keep you all well-fit for many years to come!
This month we've got a bunch of exciting things going on. New operating hours, our first ever Full Moon Frolic, and a special "code-word" sale. See below for details on all three...along with other stuff too.

And don't forget that Special Someone on Valentine's Day! Flowers and chocolate are so old school! Show them (and their feet) an abundance of love with a pair of Balega socks! It's like candy for their feet! You can't go wrong!

Keep on keepin' on!

Tom Griffen
February 2008

January 2008 Newsletter

2008-09-11T20:49:00.000-07:00

NOTE FROM THE NEW GUY!

First of all, I'd like to send heartfelt THANKS for the warm welcome you have all extended to me as begin to put down roots in Aptos. I have always enjoyed being in this neck of the woods and you folks are making it easy for me to now call it "home". I feel fortunate that Paula and Ralph Hall decided to sell me their store. I promised them I'd take care of it and of you all too. For now, this means that you all get to help me celebrate my Birthday ALL WEEKEND LONG by saving some of your hard-earned cash!

STARTING ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, ALL WINTER APPAREL AND SELECT FOOTWEAR WILL BE ON SALE FOR AT LEAST 20% OFF! On Sunday the discount will increase to at least 30%. And yes, you guessed it, on Monday you'll save 40% and possibly a little more! All purchases will go towards your Personal Rewards voucher which equates to an additional 10% off! You can't go wrong!

So come on in and meet the new guy (that's me!) and help celebrate the amazing active community we have here in the Aptos area. And oh yeah, don't forget it's my Birthday too (and coincidentally, staff members Chris and Matt are also blowing out candles this month). Here here!

I can't wait to meet you all! Stay FIT!

-tom griffen

Nine months in and still going strong!

2008-09-11T20:36:00.000-07:00

Hi all. Tom here from Fleet Feet in Aptos, California. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the geography of California's central coast, Aptos sits at the top of Monterey bay, just south of Santa Cruz. Aptos claims a whopping two exits off the famous and scenic Highway 1. 100 miles to our north is San Francisco, and we're less than 100 miles from Big Sur to our south.

As a business owner in Aptos, and still relatively new to the area, it's easy to see why this place is so appealing to visitors and so loved by its residents. There's a different kind of energy here. A good energy. People don't just rant about living a "green" life, they actually do it. Go figure. In my 9 months here I've served nearly 5000 customers. I can count on two hands how many times these customers have accepted a plastic bag with their purchase. Seriously. Nobody wants a bag, and in fact, most will ask me to recycle their shoebox. I do it happily. It's also easy to tell when we're in the midst of a holiday weekend because when stores start closing and the cars leave the parking lot it's full of trash. Peek outside at the same time on a "normal" weekend and it's a whole different scene. Green isn't trendy here, it's what we do all the time because we should.

That said, I've been looking for a way to publish my monthly newsletters in a different forum. This seems to be a good place to do so. The posts above will be my way of archiving my business and the messages that my community inspire me to write. Thanks for checking it out.

tom