New Year's Day 2011 Fun Run and Store Hours!

Just a reminder we are getting the New Year off to a great start with a Fun Run leaving from the University City store around 10:00 a.m. New Year's Day. We will have 3, 5 and 10 mile groups of varying paces to help you (and us) get 2011 off on the right (and left) foot! We will have Starbucks coffee and healthy treats for after the run. Bring your family, bring your dogs and come run with us! We'll be open New Year's Day at both St. Louis locations from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. Call us at the U City store for additional details - 314-727-4786!

Holiday Hours

Happy Holidays from your friends at Ghisallo Running and Marathon Sports. If you still need some last minute gift items, we are open today from 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and tomorrow, our two St. Louis stores will be open bright and early at 8:00 a.m. We'll be around until 3:00 on Friday!

Vibram Five Fingers have arrived

We have replenished our stock of Bikila's, KSO's, Trek's and Trek Sports. We even have some new colors! Come in early for the best selection. We will now have Bikila's at our Chesterfield location (Marathon Sports) by Wednesday morning!

Snowball Series Race #2 Results

Check out the results of Sunday's Snowball Series Race #2. Thanks to everyone for such a great race! Runners are the best folks! See you on January 2nd for the third race. HERE are the results.

Thanks to EVERYONE for another GREAT Reindeer Run! What an awesome group of runners and volunteers. The overall results are HERE, the age group results are HERE.

December Newsletter

Our December newsletter has arrived. Lots of new and exciting stuff - we've got a New Year's Day fun run, a sale on Mizuno shirts and jackets, upcoming races, video gait analysis and more! Check it out HERE!

Snowball Series #1 Race Results

The race results from Gateway Athletic's Snowball Series is now available! Just click on THIS link for the results. Next race is Sunday, Dec. 19th - leaves from our Chesterfield store (Marathon Sports). Individual races are $5.00 each.

New Year's Day Run 2011

We want to start the New Year off on the right foot (followed by the left foot). What better way than to run with friends! At 10:00 a.m. New Year's Day at our U City store, we are planning to run with anyone who wants to join us - varying paces and distances depending on the group. We will be serving some healthy and tasty snacks and Starbucks coffee after the run. Check back here or on our Facebook page for updates. Let us know if you are interested in joining us - give us a call, let us know on Facebook or email us at ghisallorunning@gmail.com.

Congratulations to Mike Aitken!

He, along with several Ghisallo folks, had a fine day at the running of the Alton River Road race this past Saturday. Mike finished first overall, followed closely by Zac Freudenburg. Sean Birren was 4th, followed closely by Sam Yount (in for the holidays from Colorado). Jason Holroyd and Bruce Nie ran step for step until the finish, with Jason nosing out Bruce by a second. Bruce did capture first place overall male masters! Check out the link to all the results HERE.

It was 100 miles!!!! All at once, not accumulated over a period of days or weeks. If you check out the link below, you will notice several familiar St. Louis area runners who participated in this LOOOOONG race on Nov. 14 in Catoosa, OK. Dr. Tom Whalen shattered the course record, completing the course in 15 hours and 34 minutes. Other St. Louis area runners finishing in the top 20 Men's included Eric Buckley (6th), David Pokorny (7th), Matt Raterman (8th), John Pollihan (11th) and Jeff Neuman (18th). Top St. Louis area women finishers included Barb Gruener (3rd) and Suzanne Kenyon (24th). Congratulations to all! Mother Road 100 race results

Thanksgiving Day Sale! Save 15% Thankgiving Day at our U City location*!

Our University City location will be open Thanksgiving Day from 12 - 4. You can gobble up some might fine savings at 15% off storewide. Doug and Anthony will be serving the finest in Starbucks coffee and will have some tasty treats too! Stop by to say hi to the boys and to get in on some holiday shopping savings! *Sale does not include electronics, Vibrams or previously discounted merchandise and cannot be combined with other discounts.

Third Annual Reindeer Run Dec. 18!

It's our third annual Reindeer Run in lovely Tower Grove Park! The run will occur on Saturday, Dec. 18, beginning at 9:00 a.m. We will also have our fun 1/2 mile run for kids starting at 10:00 a.m. All 5K runners receive a New Balance Endurance Drawstring Sack Pack and a $10.00 certificate good for any New Balance purchase at our stores. Fun Run participants receive a candy cane! What a great way to break up the holidays and get in a race before the end of the year. You can find the registration form HERE, you can stop by the stores and pick one up or you can register on line at active.com. Hope to see you there.

Video Gait Analysis Coming Soon to our Marathon Sports Location!!!

Following the tremendous response to our video gait analysis service from our customers at our Cape Girardeau location, Ghisallo Running will be offering this same service at our Marathon Sports location in Chesterfield (141 and Olive). We are currently in the process of setting up the treadmill, camera and TV monitor. Once all is complete, we will be able to analyze your gait and foot strike while you are on the treadmill. The video feedback will let you see what we see and show you how different shoes work for you. Check back on our blog or our Facebook page for updates on our progress.

We've got NEW Treadmills!!!

at both our University City and Marathon Sports locations! Just delivered today. Both are TRUE PS100's and are ready for you to use to try out your next pair of running shoes!

Daylight Savings Time ends this weekend!

We have just what you need to remain visible on your early morning or evening runs. Come by to see the vests, jackets, hats and other reflective gear and items we have that will make your runs safer!

There's a new member of the running community!

Congratulations to the Freudenburg's - Zac, Wieke and Liam - on the arrival of the newest member of the household - Menno, who was born yesterday afternoon. Mom and son are doing great!

We have a winner!

Congratulations to Jenny Walker - winner of the Ghisallo Running/Marathon Sports raffle for the Nike convertible running jacket at today's Gumbo Flats Pumpkin Run. Thanks to everyone who came out and ran on such a gorgeous (but a tad bit windy) morning.

Gateway Athletics Snowball Series 2010

Gateway Athletics presents the 2010 Snowball Series - event information and registration form can be found HERE.

Summer Apparel is 40% off for a limited time!

To make way for all our great new winter apparel, ALL in stock Summer Apparel is now 40% off retail. Stop by the University City location before Oct. 31 to take advantage of the sale! Stock up for next summer or for this winter's indoor workouts.

Timex Ironman Global Trainer

We have the new Timex Global Ironman Trainer!

Get pace, speed, distance, and more on your wrist. The most current and accurate GPS technology allows you to train more efficiently by recording your performance across several dimensions, providing real-time data on a customizable screen. The Global Trainer is also water-resistant to 50m, so it's a great tool for triathletes. Supplies are limited.

Another shipment of Bikila's has arrived at our U City store!

The University City store just got another shipment of Vibrams - men's and women's Bikila's and men's KSO's in black/orange and palm/gray!!! And don't forget to check out our summer clothing - ALL summer clothing is 25% off retail price!

Not one but two of Ghisallo Running's team members finished in the TOP 10 at this weekend's Forest Park XC race. Mike Aitken finished 4th and Billy Leighton, from our Cape store (who is only 15) finished 7th. Congratulations Mike and Billy!

Free Seminar - Proper and effective use of your foam roller!

Do you have a foam roller but just aren't quite sure how to use it properly or what techniques work best for which part that ails you? If so, attend one of two foam roller seminars being given next week at both our University City store (Ghisallo Running) and our Chesterfield store (Marathon Sports).

The Ghisallo seminar is next Wednesday, 9-15-10 at 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. - taught by Dr. Kristen Milanos. Marathon's seminar is Thursday 9-16-10 from 6:30 - 7:30 - taught by Dr. Matt Lytle. Both seminars are free and you should have a foam roller for class as this will be a demonstration class. If you do not have a foam roller, you can purchase one either night at a discount prior to class. Email us at ghisallorunning@gmail.com if you would like to attend - just let us know which night you prefer. Call either store with any questions!

We're OPEN Labor Day

We are open Labor Day, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at both Ghisallo Running - University City and Marathon Sports - Chesterfield. Have a great holiday!

Check out our latest newsletter HERE - includes an awesome sale on summer apparel and two upcoming free seminars on proper use of your foam roller!

Ghisallo Running and Marathon Sports are NOT closing!!!

Ghisallo Sports, the BICYCLE Store, located next to Kaldi's on Airport Road, is closing. GHISALLO RUNNING and MARATHON SPORTS are NOT closing and are not affected in any way by the closing of Ghisallo Sports. There is a liquidation sale occurring at Ghisallo Sports until the final day, on Sept. 10, 2010. You can reach them at 636-725-1511. Thanks.

Cross Country Pricing at Ghisallo Running and Marathon Sports

Cross Country time is here. Ghisallo Running and Marathon Sports offer discounts to all high school and college cross country team members. Come in for all your training needs! Coaches - we can schedule a team night for you at either of our locations -just email your preferred date and time to ghisallorunning@gmail.com or call either our U City store (314- 727-4786) or Marathon Sports - Chesterfield (313-434-9577) to set up your Team Night.

Ghisallo Running Named Newton Running Retailer of the Year!

Ghisallo Running was named Newton Running Retailer of the Year at a special awards ceremony at the Newton Running Summit in Boulder, CO on Aug. 9!. Presenting the award was Jerry Lee - President and Danny Abshire - co founder and Chief Design Guru of Newton Running. Jim Hixson and Doug Pohlman accepted the award on behalf of Ghisallo. Previously that day, both had the opportunity to meet Craig Alexander and Zola Budd. Craig won Hawaii Ironman in 2008 and repeated this victory in 2009 - running in Newtons! Zola, former South African Olympian, is a strong proponent of natural/mimimalist running. Jim and Doug enjoyed the sights of Boulder as well as the perfect running weather and trails that Boulder has to offer. They also had the chance to run in the new Newton trail shoe. These shoes are designed for off road running. They will be available in mid-September and will continue in the Newton tradition of noticeable colors.

Scorcher Four Photos!

Ty Kanoya has, once again, captured GREAT race photos of the Scorcher Four last Saturday. You can find them all at Scorcher Four Photos. Thanks again Ty for the wonderful pictures!!!

Scorcher Four 2010 Results!

Proving that die hard runners CAN run when the humidity is over 100%, over 200 folks braved the steamy conditions today to run in the third annual Scorcher Four. Thanks to everyone who turned out. Here are the RESULTS.

Scorcher Four Weekend Sale!!!

This weekend is our third annual Scorcher Four race and SALE weekend. All clothing and shoes are 20% off retail (excluding Vibrams) Saturday and Sunday at both Ghisallo Running University City and Marathon Sports.
Its not too late to register for the race on Saturday (details on registration found on the post below). This year, in addition to the usual post race bananas and plenty of hydration, runners will be treated to an ice cold popsicle and complimentary Michelob Ultra to all 21+ runners. See you this weekend!

EARLY BIRD Scorcher Four Pricing 'till Aug. 7th!

One more week to sign up for the Scorcher Four for the EARLY BIRD pricing. Only $18.00 if registered by Saturday, Aug. 7th. We have plenty of prizes, popsicles at the end and a film crew will be present tracking the Michelob Ultra runners! We will have on site complimentary massages and physical therapy, give aways from CEP compression and the air conditioning at the store will be cranking! Registration form is HERE or go to active.com for on line registration. Call us at 314-727-4786 with any questions.

MIZUNO'S Precision Fit Van at Marathon Sports Monday, Aug. 2, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

On Monday, August 2, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. the Mizuno Precision Fit van will make its way to Marathon Sports for a three hour visit. This is an entire mobile running lab which provides a customized biomechanical running analysis from Mizuno's expert staff. Utilizing state of the art equipment, you will receive innovative and thorough analysis of your foot type and running needs. You can then go out for a test ride in any Mizuno shoe. Appointments are available - just email us at info@ghisallorunning.com if you would like a preferred time slot, although reservations are not required. Not interested in a full analysis? No problem, you can still drop in for a run in any Mizuno shoe or to take advantage of the 20% off all Mizuno clothing and footwear sale! All runners participating in the event will receive a free Mizuno Dryscience technical T-shirt. Come join us from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. for this unique (and free!) event. Plenty of cool refreshments will be available.

Missouri River 8K Race Results HERE!

MS10K Photos are up!! Thanks to Tyson Kanoya for taking photos last Saturday. The link to the race photos can be found HERE.

Marathon Sports Grand Opening Celebration!!! All this week, July 5 - 11. 20% off all clothing and footwear (Marathon Sports location only). Stop by to see our newest location, you might even win one of the great give-aways we have from Balega, Nike, Mizuno, Pearl Izumi and Saucony. The Celebration culminates this coming Sunday with the 34th Annual Missouri River 8K at 7:00 a.m. from our new location. Yurbuds will be raffling off three pairs of their fine ear buds to race participants. It's not too late to sign up, the race flyer can be found HERE.

Ghisallo Running's University City Store is open July 4th from 12:00 until 4:00.

Marathon Sports is open July 4th from 12:00 - 2:00

Ghisallo Running - Cape Girardeau is closed July 4th

Have a great holiday!

MS 10K race results are HERE! Thanks to EVERYONE for such a great race!!!

PACKET PICKUP - MS 10K Packet Pickup and registration this Thursday and Friday at Ghisallo Running - University City and race morning at St. Louis Community College. Race begins at 7:00 a.m. Call us with any questions - 314-727-4786.

Upcoming Race Information

MS10K Saturday, July 3rd, 7:00 a.m. Begin/End at St. Louis Community College Meramec Registration information can be found HERE, on line registration HERE. Course map is HERE.

34th Annual Missouri River 8K, Sunday, July 11 at 7:00 a.m.: Begin and end at our new location for Marathon Sports, race and registration information can be found HERE.

If you have any questions about the races, just give us a call at 314-727-4786.

And then there were Three....

WE HAVE A NEW STORE!!! After 35 years in the St. Louis area running community, Marathon Sports owners, Jerry and Karen Kokesh, have retired from running (no pun intended) the oldest specialty running store in St. Louis. Ghisallo Running is pleased to have been given the opportunity to become the new owners of Marathon Sports. Marathon Sports will retain its name, however, in a month or so, we will move the store to a new location at 13393 Olive Blvd., just east of 141, about 1/4 mile from where the store is currently located. In the meantime, you can still visit the store at its current location. Dedicated Marathon Sports customers will still be seeing long time Marathon Sports Manager Greg Reecht at the store as well as some new and familiar faces from our University City store. Details on our Grand Opening will be coming soon. We will be continuing the Marathon Sports races, including the Missouri 8K (July 11) and the Snowball Series.

As the outdoor training season gets into full gear, consider what would happen if you were injured and unable to provide pertinent information to emergency personnel. Road ID provides a fool proof way to carry your emergency information with you. You can opt for a small ID that fastens to your shoe, a wrist band, an ankle band or dog tags. Check out all their products HERE, we have samples at the store.

It's that time of year again...the 36th Annual U City Memorial Day run is this coming MONDAY. Check out all the information on registration, race packet pickup, start times, etc. HERE. Additional information, including a race map, can be found HERE. This is one of the oldest runs in the St. Louis area and has become a tradition for so many runners! The weather forecast looks great! If you need further information, feel free to give us a call.

Speaking of Memorial Day, we are open Monday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

It's that time again - the Scorcher Four will take place this year on Saturday, August 14th, 7:30 a.m from the University City store! Join us again this year for a great four mile run followed by plenty of cold drinks, food and frivolity. Check out the flyer HERE or register on line at active.com Race map coming soon. Hope you can join us.

running seminar

The Running Seminar

Presented by

Arik Poremba, PT, DPT

Sean Birren, AFAA CPT

Friday May 21, 2010

6:00pm to 8:30pm

(Other Dates to follow)

Ghisallo Running Store (606 North and South, University City)

Early Bird Registration Fee: $40

Registration at the Door: $50.00

Who Should Attend:

PTs, PTAs, ATCs, personal trainers, coaches and everyone who has an interest in running

Topics Include:

Running overview; Running gait; Top running injuries, treatment and prevention; Training the competitive runner; Strengthening and conditioning; Running shoes

About the Speakers:

Arik Poremba, a licensed Physical Therapist, has extensive experience treating patients with orthopedic and sports injuries. In addition to his long-time engagement with the St. Louis running community, Arik has also been working with elite athletes to help them maximize their performance level. Arik earned a B.S. and Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy at Maryville University in St. Louis and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Institute of Health Professions in Boston.

Sean Birren, a certified personal trainer, has extensive experience in coaching endurance runners. As a college coach, Sean coached many athletes to national qualifying standards as well as All American awards in events ranging from cross-country to marathons including high jump qualifiers. As an athlete, Sean has been named All American six times and won two marathon Championships with personal bests of 2:24:03, 1:06:52, 30:34, and 14:18 (distances from Marathon to 5k).

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION:

ARIK: (314) 398-7320 arik@effectuspt.com

SEAN: (314) 651-6670 birren03@yahoo.com

Katy Dog, world class runner, biking and hiking companion, left her home in Buena Vista, CO on April 22 to chase rabbits in the sky. Her friends in St. Louis will miss her, as will the two people who will miss her most, Judy Blythe and Jim Butler. Our condolences at the loss of this most magical of dogs.

Congratulations to Sean Birren for taking first place today at the Law Day Run in Belleville! Sean, who runs for Michelob Ultra /Ghisallo Running and is the Team Coach, was presented his trophy by Jackie Joyner Kersee! Congratulations also to Mich Ultra runners Alisa Artioli, Mary Naeger, Jan Decker, James Marino and Ron Golan for taking first place in their respective age groups!

Ghisallo Running is teaming up with the Gateway Chapter of the MS Society to present the First Annual MS 10K this July 3! The run will start and end at St. Louis Community College at Meramec and will be run entirely in the fine City of Kirkwood, MO. You can find more details HERE on our race flyer or sign up at active.com. You can create your own fund raising page for the race at the Gateway MS Society page HERE. Course map HERE!

Natural Running Paradise

Two revolutionary shoes will be released in the next two weeks to selected specialty running stores: The Terra Plana EVO and the Vibram FiveFingers Bikila. As one of the leading "natural running" stores in the country, we will have both, the EVO appearing at the end of this week and the Bikila in two weeks. Both shoes are extremely light and flexible with no difference in the heights of the heel and forefoot, true minimalist shoes. In addition we continue to carry two other great shoes for allowing runners to stop landing on their heels by allowing the foot to strike naturally on the midfoot: Newton Running shoes and the Nike Free 3.0. Check out information on this site that explains the benefits of running the way you were built: http://canute1.wordpress.com/the-mechanics-of-efficent-running/

GO! St. Louis Week is here!

It's GO! St. Louis week! Stop in for any last minute items you may need for this coming weekend. You can also visit us at the GO! St. Louis EXPO this coming Friday and Saturday to see the lastest from Newton and Pearl Izumi, get your last minute race items or just stop by and say hi when you are picking up your race packet! For those running the Full, we are at Mile 18.5 and the store will be open early Sunday morning if you need a quick pit stop! Look for our bright yellow tent!

Easter Sunday - Closed

Both Ghisallo Running locations will be closed Easter Sunday, April 4th. We'll be back Monday morning at 10:00 a.m!!!

Race Results and Request to turn in your chips!

Thanks to everyone who participated in our Second Annual U City 10 Miler race this slightly rainy morning! HERE are the full race results.

If you did not get to race today, you need to return your chip to Ghisallo Running. Thanks!

Disposable Rain Ponchos

Everyone who has participated in races knows the feeling of lining up at the start while being cold and soaking wet. We don't want to wear one our nice jackets, since it will soon make us hot and can't be thrown away, and a black trash bag with holes cut out for our arms and head seems so, well, sad. The big races sometimes have disposable ponchos, but they often cost $20, even though they can't be that expensive to make. We have solved this problem by making these same ponchos available at Ghisallo Running for $5. Even if you don't have a specific race in mind, it helps to be prepared!

Thanks to everyone for participating in this year's Celebrate Fitness! HERE are the race results.

SATURDAY MORNNG RUNS STARTING FEB. 27!

One of the missing pieces in the Ghisallo experience has been the lack of a Saturday morning long run from the store. To fill that void, we will begin having long runs starting Saturday, Feb. 27. The runs begin at 7:30 a.m. Each run will be 10 - 12 miles in length, with a changing route each week. Our first runs will be at the 8:15 - 8:30 pace, but as more runners join the group, chances increase that we will have multiple pace groups. The runs will begin and end behind the store and there will be access to the bathroom and water. Contact us if you need more details, hope you can join us.

Missed out on GO! Half?
Check out our 10 Miler on March 28th!!!

GO St. Louis Half is FULL at 12,500 spots. The additional 2,500 spots opened on Friday have all been taken. If you are looking for a longer run and did not get into the GO! St. Louis Half, we have a 10 Mile race on Sunday, March 28th! Information on the race can be found HERE or check out the links on the right side of our blog. Registration is also available ONLINE. The race map is HERE. Call us with any questions!

GO St. Louis Half Adding 2500 Additional Spots!

GO St Louis Half Marathon is adding 2,500 additional spots starting THIS FRIDAY, Feb. 19th. Registration for these additional spots is only available on line at www.active.com. More information can be found at www.gostlouis.org With an initial sellout of the Half so early, undoubtedly these additional spots will also sell out, so log on fast and grab a spot for yourself!

FROSTY FIVE RACE RESULTS

A HUGE thanks to all the runners who turned out this morning for our Third Annual Frosty Five Miler!!! We had a great time, and hope you did too! Thanks also go out to our VOLUNTEERS without whom we could not have our races. You all are the best. Way to go Steve and Chris, another stellar performance by our Race Directors. Overall race results are HERE, age group results are HERE.

Upcoming Ghisallo Running Races!

No need to run alone, not with THREE Ghisallo Running races coming up. This coming Saturday, what better way to get your Valentine's Day weekend off to a great start than to take part in the Third Annual Frosty Five.

Register before Feb. 15th to get the Early Runner Special on the upcoming U City 10 Mile/2 Mile run.

And, if you happen to live in or around Cape Girardeau, MO, take part in our Grand Opening Celebration 5K on Sunday, Feb. 28th. Each runner receives a $20.00 gift certificate good at our Cape store for Grand Opening week.

Details on all the races are found on the right side of this blog, in the side bar.

Hope you can join us!

Ghisallo Running Cape Girardeau 5K Run Sunday, Feb. 28th, Cape Girardeau, MO

In celebration of the opening of our second store, in Cape Girardeau, MO, we are having a 5K/1M Fun Run on Sunday, Feb. 28th. Details in the attached flyer HERE. You can also sign up on active.com. Each registered runner will receive a gift certificate for $20.00 redeemable Feb. 27th and 28th at Ghisallo Running - Cape. We hope you can join us!

New Store News!! Ghisallo Running will be opening it's second store in Cape Girardeau, MO with a grand opening on Feb. 27th. We plan on celebrating the opening with a fun 5K in Cape. We are excited about the opportunity to be involved with the Southern Missouri/Illinois/Kentucky running community! We are also pleased to announce that Delbert Marriott has agreed to manage our new store! Brooke Marriott will be working with Delbert to bring the best running store to the Cape Girardeau area running community. More details to follow!

Upcoming Races! Three Time Olympian Suzy Favor Hamilton is coming to Ghisallo Running!!!

We're putting on our THIRD annual Frosty Five Miler on Sat. Feb. 13th. The race starts and ends at the store, with plenty of good food, beverages and fun. You can register on line at active.com or download a race application HERE. A map of the run can be found HERE.

And don't forget the Second Annual U City 10 miler/2 miler on Sunday, March 28th. This year's race will be preceded by a fine pasta dinner on Saturday, March 27th, and our weekend guest of honor will be Suzy Favor-Hamilton, a THREE TIME Olympian!!! Read more about Suzy and her accomplishments on her website at www.suzyfavorhamilton.com. She will be at the store on Saturday, March 27th, will be the featured guest speaker at the pre-race pasta dinner and will be our honorary race starter, along with Ronald McDonald, the morning of the race. Full details can be found HERE, on our race flyer. You can register for the race on line at active.com. Race map coming soon. Tickets to the pasta dinner, limited to the first 150, are available through the store.

Call us with any questions at 314-727-4786.