RUN SPECIALIST
ELRICH
PETERSON
TOTALSPORTS TYGERVALLEY , CAPE TOWN
WHAT IS YOUR RUNNING HISTORY ? I started running way back in 2009 when I first started with Totalsports . At first , I did 5km , working up to a 10km , but then the running bug bit and before I knew it , I was running half marathons . Just when I was really getting into it , I discovered I was going to be a dad , so with limited time , running half marathons was perfect for me . I have also expanded to trail running and hiking . When I am pressed for time , I find doing a quick 5km in the mornings is great , as it maintains my fitness .
WHY ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT RUNNING ? I have been mad about sports for as long as I can remember . In high school , I did a lot of sports – athletics , rugby soccer tennis and golf , to name a few . In matric , I had to focus on my studies and my grades , but everyone knew me as Mr Sports , and when I started working at Totalsports , I rediscovered my love for running . It calms my mind and is a stress reliever , it motivates me to be a better person – it starts with you and ends with you . I love the progression , because you start small so you can go bigger , gradually and over time .
HOW ARE YOU QUALIFIED TO BE A RUN SPECIALIST ? When I first started , I was a casual staff member , but when I heard that they were offering specialist training , I worked hard to become a permanent staff member , to qualify to be recommended for training . In 2019 I completed the running specialist programme as well as the Due South training , so I was qualified in both road and trail running . Through my own personal running journey , I have over a decade of running experience , so I have learnt about injury from being injured myself , and how to prevent it , using the technology available . I have also learnt that it ’ s not just about the shoes , it ’ s the little things as well , like knowing when to hydrate and refuel , and what to do after the run , which are so important , too . Also , I have a well-stocked cupboard of arnica ice !
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WITH RUNNERS THAT COME INTO YOUR STORE , I . E . WHAT DO RUNNERS NOT KNOW THAT THEY SHOULD ? With runners who are starting to do longer distances and a lot of mileage , the first thing I often see is their toes coming out their shoes . I often advise them to buy a slightly bigger size , as your feet swell up when you run , and correct sizing is so important . For most customers , they don ’ t understand how their style of running impacts what shoe size they should be running in .
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HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO TALK TO YOU BEFORE BUYING ANY RUNNING PRODUCTS ? In the long run , they are going to save money , as I can pick up problems that they wouldn ’ t otherwise know about .
WHEN STARTING A SESSION WITH A CUSTOMER , WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU ASK ? How far are you going to run , and what shoes have you used before , because if they are a new customer , their needs will be different , but a more experienced customer knows what they want and the brand they want to run in . I make sure to remember my repeat customers , and which shoes they run in , because it ’ s important to shop with someone that knows your history .
IS BEING BASED IN A STORE LIKE TOTALSPORTS AN ADVANTAGE , AS YOU HAVE ACCESS TO ALL THE BRANDS ? A big YES ! I even shop at the store , because we are a one-stop shop . You don ’ t need to go to another store , because we have it all – we even have treadmills online .
HOW DO YOU KEEP UP TO DATE WITH SPORTS TECHNOLOGY , SO YOU CAN RECOMMEND THE BEST PRODUCT MATCH FOR CUSTOMERS ? When the new shoes come in , I do training sessions on the new footwear , studying the shoes in detail , and when the reps come into the store , they give me a lot of information , to make sure I have all aspects covered . I also read the shoe guides in magazines to learn about all the new releases . I make sure to study other products , too , from smart watches to heart rate bands , etc , and I take responsibility to make sure all our staff are well informed and ready to attend to customers ’ needs .
WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR ANYONE GETTING INTO RUNNING ? Take it easy , start slowly with the basics , start with a 5km , and build up slowly , increasing your distance and speed over time , so you don ’ t overstress your body . Buy a decent pair of running shoes , so that if you want to do a 21km in the future , you have the right shoe to do it in .
68 ISSUE 144 AUGUST 2021 / www . modernathlete . co . za