For most people, before they begin their running journey they have some sort of desire to actually run. First, they decide they want to “get into running,” and then they might do some research. One might find a good cardio workout for beginners and find shoes that will best benefit them. This is great and typically a beautiful progress to becoming an avid runner. This is not my story.

When I got hired at Terra Running Company, I was not a runner and had no intentions of becoming one. Therefore, training was a little more difficult. I had to start from scratch, so I started with Skratch, and I will say their cookie mix is delicious. On a serious note, I tried on roughly 26 pairs of running shoes, becoming hyper-aware of every detail and feeling. I’ll be honest, this made my everyday shoes feel a little less comfortable. I needed to know what each shoe felt like in order to sell them. Although I was not going to run in them, other people would, so I needed to have knowledge even without much experience. 

As I continued to learn about shoes, I learned about the importance and benefits of nutrition, socks, accessories, and running in general. I now spend many hours a week talking to runners about what suits them best, mostly pertaining to shoes but also their likes and dislikes surrounding all things running. 

Since starting at TRC, I have loved getting to know my coworkers, regulars, and new customers. I have seen the joy people get from putting on a good shoe after so long without one. I have seen the excitement people get when running with their friends. And I have seen the satisfaction received by finishing a race. This has been inspiring and encouraging. Mary Lou Kownacki has a quote that states, “There isn’t anyone you couldn’t love once you’ve heard their story. ” I often think about this quote when dealing with others, but uniquely this has been true for me pertaining to running. I learned so much about running and runners that I have started to run myself. I used to make the joke that if you saw me running you should run too, because there would most likely be something chasing me. Now, I will quote some Terra gear and say, “Run for your life,” and I will do so happily. For now, I’m off to jog on the Greenway…

His doctor called him fat and told him he better start walking to lose weight or die...

Faced with the shame and stigma many people in larger bodies face, Martinus made the choice to stand up for himself. “Screw walking,” he said. “I’ll run a marathon.” He left the doctor’s office and bought running shoes that same day.

It's been ten years since that fateful doctor's visit and Martinus has not only run hundreds of races -- including over 8 marathons -- he has been on the cover of Runner's World, a spokesperson for Adidas, a Boston Marathon finisher and is the founder of the Slow AF Run Club which has over 25,000 members. 

The Slow AF Run Club mission is to empower every person on this planet to become a runner in the body they have right now. 

In line with that mission, Martinus has written his first book, Slow AF Run Club: the ultimate guide for anyone who wants to run.*

Packed with real (and hilarious) cautionary tales from his life, training plans, nutrition advice, clothing choices, shoes, cross-training, mental fortitude, and everything in-between, Martinus Evans brand new book is perfect for anyone who wantsactually helpful information on how to get up and get out there right now. 

Terra Running Company is proud to be carrying Martinus's book -- which releases June 6th, 2023 --as a resource for our running and walking community! 

To celebrate and support the mission of empowering every person to become a runner in the body they have right now, we are thrilled to announce our "New Runner Starter Pack" which we will be giving away free to new runners who come and buy their first pair of shoes with us!**

What is it? 

Each starter pack will include some essential to help get you going on your running journey:

• A brand new copy of Slow AF Run Club by Martinus Evans, "The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run"

• A Klean Freak body wipe

• Nuun hydration sample

• Body Glide (you'll need it, we promise!)

• A pair of Balega running socks

• A Terra Girls Podcast sticker (our podcast to keep you entertained during your workouts — check out our bonus episode where we interview Martinus, releasing June 5th!)

• 10% off an entry into our Cleveland Half-Marathon or 5k on October 21st, 2023.

Have more questions? Come by and talk to us! We would be happy to help.

*P.S. You might be wondering why Martinus' book is called "Slow AF?" It comes from an experience he had while running a marathon where he was being heckled by a spectator who was calling him... you guessed it... "Slow AF" (but not the clean version). That being said, the language in Martinus' book is not for everyone! While some people will feel seen and encouraged by his matter of fact writing style, do proceed with caution if you are sensitive to language or thinking about giving the book to a younger reader.

**While supplies last; customer must be fit for shoes by a member of the Terra staff.