Pace Yourself Run Company was founded by a group of eleven running enthusiasts and friends who would plan their runs to-and-fro Holly Springs’s breweries and bottle shops. Ryan Monteleone, PYRC president, offers insights on the shop’s mission.
Goal Setting: We wanted to build something the community would be proud of, and make it a destination, not just somewhere to buy stuff, a place to hang out and talk to each other.
Accessible: Many running stores cater to the elite runner. We wanted to be more inclusive, not intimidating. All paces are welcome.
Service and Education: We make sure the tool you are buying is the right one for you. The one that will keep you healthy, and injury free. Sam (Brown) and his team will spend up to 45 minutes with a customer to find the right fit. Customers typically try three to five pairs of shoes in a visit.
Challenges: The store’s grand opening was September 2019, six months before the shut down. We had to pivot to offering shopping by appointment only, launching the ecommerce store and offering local deliveries. The majority of the owners have day jobs, too. In between client appointments, I was delivering shoes.
Serving the Community: During the shutdown, we thought, ‘How can we help everybody else?’ We hosted a virtual beer mile and split the proceeds between Bombshell Beer Company, Carolina Brewing Company and Black Dog Bottle Shop. We organized Frontline Feet, which gave away 120 pairs of shoes to frontline health care workers and about 80 pairs to teachers in the community. We used a percentage of one month’s proceeds to buy gift cards from local businesses in need. We were all trying to help each other. If we focus on the right things, it’ll come back around.
Teamwork: There are 11 owners. Everybody told us don’t do it, but the attorney said he could feel unity in this group. We have had our moments, just like all families, but all of us would drop everything to help each other.
And There’s Beer: There are eight craft beer taps in store, with at least half from N.C. breweries, including Pace Yourself Pilsner, an exclusive collaboration with Carolina Brewing Company.
Pace Yourself Run Company
242 S Main St., Suite 102, Holly Springs
(919) 346-8182
pyrunco.com
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