COVID Changes Things: A look back on our Fall themed group runs
By Brittany Katz
Usually during the fall, the Terra Van makes trips from Athens, Tennessee to Chatsworth, Georgia timing races. This fall looked very different in the race timing industry due to COVID-19 restrictions, and we knew people were craving some community on their runs. We had the idea a few months ago to fill the fall with socially distant, outdoors, themed group runs. We limited the size of each run with required online preregistration, but each event was free. Masks were required for gathering before and after the run. Participants could run or walk, with the group or on their own, and there was a specific theme each month to participate in. These runs ended up being the highlight of the fall for many of us, and it was exactly the community we have been missing since the spring!
September: Flannel Group Run
We planned the Flannel Group Run on an 80 degree day, but by the time the first day of fall came, flannel wasn’t such a bad idea! It was a cool evening and everyone was encouraged to wear Flannel to celebrate the first day of fall, even during the run! We got some confused looks from those passing by as we ran down Parker Street from people trying to decide if we were runners, scarecrows, or just poorly dressed for a workout. It was a great event and a perfect way to welcome fall!
October: Leftover Group Run
This run was inspired by my day-long task of organizing the leftover race shirts in the basement of our building! From the former Tall Betsy 6k, to the multiple years of Cleveland Half Marathons, to our most recent Spread Hope, Not Germs virtual race, we have leftover race shirts that tell a story of great race memories! For the Leftover Group Run, we limited the number to 25 participants, and they all gave us their preferred shirt size. For many of us, this was the first time running with a group since the spring and it was so. much. fun! We met outside the store on the sidewalk and then ran or walked 2.3 miles together. Upon finishing, everyone got to choose a “leftover” race shirt to take home.
October: Costume Group Run
The Costume Group Run was a super fun celebration of Halloween for adults! Everyone dressed up in their best Halloween costume and we ran through town together dressed up and happy. We had everything from Wonder Women (multiple) to crayons (who matched but didn’t know each other), princesses, cats, and a police officer. Some Halloween costumes are better for working out in than others, but everyone did about 2 miles around town together and it was a blast! We got lots of pictures and enjoyed the bit of daylight left before the time changed!
December: Cookie Run
2018 Cookie Run. Remember a time before social distancing?!
The Cookie Run is a tradition at Terra Running Company, and 2020 will mark our 5th year! This tradition was inspired by my love for cookies and annual desire to be part of a cookie exchange! This year’s Cookie Run will be December 17 at 6pm. Due to COVID-19, this year’s Cookie Run will look slightly different, but we are working hard to make it happen! In the past, we have had up to 75+ people participate, packed them in Bear Brew Coffee and Terra Running Company, and enjoyed hundreds and hundreds of cookies! This year, we will have to limit the number of participants, and we will have servers with masks and gloves serving the cookies to participants. Some cookies will be homemade, so we ask that you avoid those if you aren’t comfortable. We will be running 2-3 miles downtown at 6pm, and then will meet at Terra Running Company afterwards to enjoy the cookies. Strollers, dogs, and kids are welcome, but the roads will be open and it will be dark, so we ask that you dress in reflective and lights and stay on the sidewalks. We all have great memories of the Cookie Run over the years, and we are looking forward to making the event happen again in 2020, even if it has to look a little different! If you are interested I joining, you must register at this link: https://www.terrarunning.com/cookie-run Bring at least 1 dozen cookies per person (individually wrapped is recommended).
Asher's Favorite Things
By Asher Johnson
Terra is at first look a runner’s store, alike to many other running stores all across the world. In Cleveland and the surrounding, however, it is the only one of its kind. Underneath the façade of specialty running and athletic wear, and at its heart, Terra Running Company is much more than a store. It is a player in the substance of society and a building block in Cleveland’s culture. Terra has a love for the people and community it serves. This is my favorite thing about Terra. This underlying purpose, service to the community it loves, guides Terra Running Company’s interactions with customers and lays a solid foundation for any of the endeavors and activities we intend to make.
First and foremost, this is what I love about Terra. Likewise, it offers great products too. Working here gives me the bonus of learning a lot about the qualities of our products. My favorite shoe is the Brooks Levitate 4. I typically run in the Altra Escalante or Altra Vanquish; however, the Brooks Levitate provides a fun boost for an enjoyable speedy 5k. I also really like the Fjallraven Kanken backpacks. They are trendy, but mine has turned out to be pretty durable. I often value style over comfort, but I get both with my Goodr glasses. Without Terra Running Company, I may have never even discovered the brand. Goodrs fit snugly and grip well. I’ve never had one break or become scratched. I really like the circular ones… too bad these sell the fastest.
These three items are some of my favorites, but like I said, the products would be bland without the vision and community of Terra Running Company.
Daylight Savings Tips for Running Safely
By Sue Joyner
The sun is taking longer to rise and our evenings are cut shorter everyday by the early setting sun. Daylight savings is just around the corner, and we all know what that means… the dark days are upon us. Do not fear! Here at Terra Running Company, we offer several different products that will allow you to run at all hours of the day and provide safety while doing so!
Nathan Strobelight
These are lights that attach to your shirt or shorts that allow cars or other runners/walkers to see you while you are running. These lights are small in size, but have two different modes so you can choose to have it flash or shine bright while you run.
Nathan Streak and Vibe Vest
These are two different types of vests you can wear over your shirt that are bright and reflective. The biggest difference between the two is that the vibe is less fabric than the streak.
Nathan Lightspur
These are reflective devices that clip to the heel of your shoe and light up so that you can be seen running down the street.
Reflective Flipbelt
Flip belts are an awesome accessory that will enhance your running experience greatly! Flip Belts sit on your hips and fit similarly to a legging waistband, but they have slots all around the belt that allows you to store items like your phone, keys or nutrition while running. The most recent flip belts have a reflective element included on the fabric, so when light shines on it you’re sure to be spotted.
Sabre Pepper spray
If running in the dark causes any uncertainty try carrying one of our runner friendly pepper spray. These pepper sprays have a quick release that allows you to act quickly in the event you may need it!
Come into Terra Running to explore more options that we have when it comes to reflective wear and accessories!!
Tips to Keep Running Fun
By Brittany Katz
Let’s be honest: sometimes running can get boring. At the same time each day, you grab your same outfit, same shoes, and jog the same route at roughly the same pace. The weather is generally the same each day, and you find yourself listening to the same playlist. No wonder runners get bored! If you aren’t switching it up, you probably have stopped seeing progress physically as well. Changing up your runs will not only get you excited about working out again, but will help kick start your physical progress. If you’re looking for some fun, interesting ways to change it up on your runs, try these:
1. Intervals. Intervals are periods of running hard and fast alternating with periods of recovery. You can run the same distance and get a lot harder of a workout in by simply adding intervals! If you want to be more structured with your intervals, set your Garmin to an interval workout. Start with 30 seconds hard / 1 minutes recovery. If you don’t want to mess with technology, just choose landmarks on your run. For example, run hard from the stop sign to the tree, then recover to the driveway up ahead. If possible, keep running during your rest intervals, no matter how slowly. You’ll burn more calories by adding intervals to a run, as well as work those fasttwitch muscles that aren’t used as often during long, slow distance
Check out the trails at Johnston Woods in McDonald, TN.
2. Change up the route. If you always run out your front door and do the neighborhood clockwise, try it counterclockwise. If you always start at Greenway Park and run the Greenway north, head south instead. If you’ve never done trails, check out Johnston Woods. Changing up your route will get you out of your routine and change the elevation and scenery.
3. Time vs. Distance. If you usually run for time (for example, 30 minutes, or 1 hour) try to run for distance and forget your pace. If you usually run for distance (We see you jogging around the parking lot to get 3 miles exactly!) forget the distance and just run for time! This will challenge you to listen to your body more than your watch.
4. Don’t run. Wait, I thought this was advice for keeping running fun? It is! If it’s becoming a drag to force yourself out the door to run, take a cue from your body and don’t push it. Change up your workout. Walk the dog, do a yoga video, lift weights, or spend time stretching. We all need a break, and running shouldn’t become a chore. Take a few days off and you’ll probably be itching to get out and run again in no time!
Sick of running? Don’t force it! Try something different, like yoga.
Brittany's Favorite Things
By Brittany Katz
Terra Running Company is basically a curated store of all of my favorite things! As the buyer for footwear, apparel, and all of our accessories, I get to stock up on all the running gear I think is the best of the best! That being said, I do have some favorites of my favorites I’d love to share with you.
The Brooks Bedlam 3 is beautiful and functional. My fav!
1. Brooks Bedlam 3: This is my go-to running shoe and has been for a few years. I love the DNA Amp midsole, which is a bit firmer but returns the energy back up to my legs as I run on hard road surfaces. I am obsessed with the knit upper that fits like a sock and it so stylish. It never moves, which is fabulous because nothing is worse than stopping mid-run to fix the tongue on your shoe.
2. Garmin Forerunner 245 Music: Garmin makes the best GPS watches, hands down. The GPS is accurate, the heart rate is always recording and you can watch it live, and the durability is second to none. My current favorite model is the Forerunner 245 Music, which is sporty, not too big for my tiny wrist, and holds up to 500 song files on the watch. I download workout playlists from Spotify right onto my watch and pair it with my Bluetooth headphones, and I’m able to head right out the door without my phone. I love switching the bands from pink silicone for running to brown leather when I dress up.
3. Pro Hair Ties: Me and Sue discovered these hair ties at a running trade show last year, and we were hooked! They’re the only hair ties I use now, even when I’m not running. We have lots of colors to match any outfit, and they look like a bracelet when on your wrist. There is a small plastic hook that you undo to take the hair tie out without having to yank out your hair. It’s brilliant, and makes me wonder every day why I didn’t invent these myself!
4. Stroopwaffles: These waffles are made by Gu, so they have all the properties of running nutrition, but they’re also so tasty I eat one with my morning coffee. If you can’t force down a gel on your run, or need a quick snack after work and before your run, Gu’s Stroopwaffles are the way to go. My favorite flavor is Smores.
Frequently Asked Questions
By Brittany Katz
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we get about the store, the fit process, and what you can expect when you shop at Terra Running Company.
Our location in downtown Cleveland, TN is the one and only!
1. Is Terra a chain?
Nope! Terra Running Company in Cleveland, TN is the only one of it’s kind and we are locally owned.
2. Are your shoes more expensive?
No way! We get all of our shoes straight from the brand, meaning there’s no distributor. The brands set the pricing and hold retailers to it. That means you won’t find any current model for any less expensive anywhere else, even online. Any old model of shoe we have left in stock that is not price protected is discount and we match the retailers website. All that means our shoes are the same as anywhere else, plus you get our 5 star customer service!
3. Do I have to be a runner to shop with you?
Of course not! We sell shoes to walkers, runners, people who stand on their feet all day for work, patients recommended to us by podiatrists all over town, and anyone with feet! You don’t have to be a runner!
4. Do I need an appointment to be fit for shoes? Does it cost money?
You don’t need an appointment to be fit (we were taking appointments only for a short time during COVID shutdowns). Every one of our staff members is trained to fit customers for shoes, so be confident that you’ll be helped by a smart, trained, experienced staff member no matter when you stop in! Our services never cost money. We just want you to love your shoes, so we’re happy to help fit you!
5. Do you work on commission?
None of our staff members work on commission or accept tips. We want you to love your shoes, and our 5 star customer service is part of how we ensure you will!
6. What shoes do you wear?
Just like everyone’s fingerprint is different, every single pair of feet are unique! Your friend may LOVE their Hoka’s, Sue’s favorite are Brooks, but that doesn’t mean either brand will work for you! We carry all the top brands in the running specialty industry and our experienced staff can help you find the best shoes for YOU!
7. What if I don’t like my shoes?
Our return policy is 30 days, no matter how much you’ve worn the shoes. Have we mentioned we want you to love your shoes? Be confident that we stand behind the products we sell.
Sue’s Favorite Things
By Sue Joyner
Here at Terra Running Company, it’s pretty difficult to find something you don’t like. With such a wide variety of shoes, apparel, and accessories I’m always able to find what I need. While all of our items are sure to please in quality, there are a few items that I simply cannot live without. One item in particular is the Women’s Brooks Chaser 5’’ short. I love these shorts because the waistband fits similarly to a legging, not too tight, but feels secure and comfortable. The material is light, extremely breathable and moisture wicking so you’re sure to have an easy breezy run. In the summertime, I live in these shorts, rotating between several pairs, you'll often find me running, working, kayaking or walking my dog in these amazing shorts.
Another item I have fallen in love with this year at Terra Running Company is the Brooks running shoe called the Transcend 7. The Transcend 7 is a stability shoe that has guide rails in the midsole to help my foot from pronating, guiding my foot to have a straighter heel-to-toe motion. The cushion is the perfect balance of plushness with a spring back in every step. Working long hours on my feet most days, as well as being a runner, this shoe has saved me from throbbing or aching feet. When these shoes are paired with the snug, breathable Feetures Light Cushion socks, my runs have never been so comfortable!
Finally, one item that has been a consistent life saver and an absolute necessity is my green Trigger Point Grid foam roller! Foam rolling serves as a deep tissue massage for any muscle groups that may be feeling sore or fatigued. By foam rolling, you are loosening up tight muscles and fascia in areas that you require a high demand of activity. This allows the body to respond by reducing trigger points, or knots, in the overworked muscles, as well as speeding up the recovery process. Those who foam roll often, should see an improvement in their body’s range of motion, muscle soreness and flexibility.
These items have been game changers in regards to my training cycles, and activities of daily living. When I go for a run in my breezy Brooks Chaser 5’’ shorts, plush and springy Transcend 7’s, moisterwicking Light Cushion Feetures, and foam roll afterwards, I feel like my life couldn’t get much better. These have become essential to my running experience and serve me in my daily life. Come see us at Terra Running Company and we would love to introduce you to items you simply can’t live or run without!!!