Local, independent running stores are the backbone of Canada’s running community. From product knowledge to community involvement, our local run shops shape running culture across the country. Together, ASICS Canada and Canadian Running are going from coast to coast, exploring Canada’s top running shops and bringing you along for the ride.
Run As You Are: A Community Anchor
In the heart of Vancouver lies a unique running specialty store named Run As You Are. Founded by Rob Smith, this shop transcends the traditional running store model by becoming a true community hub for runners of all levels. Although the name draws a loose inspiration from Nirvana’s ethos, Smith ensures that the focus remains on the elevation of the running community.
“I’ve always been a lifelong runner, but I never took it that seriously—it was always just a hobby,” Smith reflects. His interest in running was sparked early in life, influenced significantly by his father, a paramedic. Witnessing his father’s motivation to lead a healthier lifestyle, Smith found solace in running, transforming it from a childhood activity into a lifelong passion.
Identifying Gaps in the Market
With a desire to combine his entrepreneurial spirit with his love for running, Smith launched his first venture, the Vancouver Running Company, in 2014. However, he soon realized there was a significant gap in the running specialty market. “The run stores that existed felt outdated and uninspired,” he notes. Smith found himself often ordering shoes and apparel from international retailers that offered styles and products unavailable locally.
The initial challenges were substantial, from navigating brand relationships to overcoming an inconvenient store location. “We would get calls from people unsure of how to find us,” recalls Smith. But persistence proved fruitful; he gradually forged collaborations with brands and refined the store’s accessibility, setting the stage for future innovations.
The Birth of Run As You Are
In partnership with a physiotherapist friend, Smith began exploring innovative concepts for reaching new customers and introducing more people to running. This partnership blossomed into the creation of Run As You Are. “We aimed to shake off the traditional focus on serious runners and invite everyone into our fold,” Smith emphasizes. “We wanted to appreciate the diverse reasons people run—from family runners with strollers to those who connect culinary treats with their exercise outings.”
This inclusive approach allowed them to develop identification archetypes of runners, creating personalized events and projects that resonated across various interests. By making running relatable and accessible, Run As You Are established itself as a welcoming establishment that encourages participation from all lifestyle groups.
Integrating Health and Technology
As the brand grew, so did its visionary approach to running. At the forefront of this evolution was the integration of technology, offering a health-centric perspective on running. They introduced the Run Ready brand, which focuses on understanding the biomechanics of running.
“We created a comprehensive assessment framework assessing how much your body can absorb, bounce, and stabilize,” explains Smith. “During these assessments, physiotherapists evaluate individuals and recommend suitable footwear along with tailored exercise prescriptions.” This innovative method merges the retail and health sectors, making the store as much a tech company as a running hub.
Fostering Community Bonds
Despite their significant technological advancements, Smith remains deeply committed to maintaining local roots. Through initiatives like the Flight Crew and Run Club, Run As You Are solidifies its position as a community pillar, hosting weekly runs that foster camaraderie among participants. “Being true to our community and keeping the fun in running is key,” he asserts, emphasizing their approachable yet progressive identity.
A Personal Connection to Running
Beyond the entrepreneurial success, Smith’s heart lies in the simple joys that running brings him. “These days, I don’t care about qualifying for anything. My running has evolved into a personal retreat,” he shares. He finds solace in the trails, often escaping the hustle for quiet moments in nature, highlighting the meditative aspect of running that many enthusiasts share.
For a rich running experience, be sure to visit local shops like Run As You Are, which not only cater to product needs but also nurture community connections within the running culture.
To stay updated with news and events surrounding running in Canada, explore resources like Canadian Running and keep an eye on local running clubs and events that promote an active lifestyle.
