Bickel Blog

I was talking with my running store partner, Dave Welsh, this evening about the fact that business so far this year is up - and seems to be getting better each month as compared to last year. We were down Jan. 09 to Jan. 08. By March we were up over 20%. So far in April we are up even more! I am wondering if running shoes might be a way for people to partake in inconspicuous consumption? As I have discussed before, the vast majority of the population that is still earning what they have been earning the past several years. But it is not cool to shop and spend excessively. Hummers are out, Saks Fifth Avenue sales are down 25%+, but buying a nice pair of running shoes is not viewed as excessive. And maybe people want to get more natural - driving less, taking more walks and trying to get in shape by doing some running. I have no idea if this theory is right, but we sure hope it keeps up!

The Moorestown Distance crew had an outstanding workout this Saturday. Probably the best one we have ever had - and we are only one week into the season! The reason we are able to run so well is the ton of long slow distance so many of the guys did this winter. We had over a dozen guys running at least 40 miles per week! The target was 2 or 3 times one mile - with each one being a faster time. We had several guys set personal records on their second and third miles (even after a hard first mile). The three stooges had a simply awesome workout - starting at 5:20, then dropping under 5:00 for the next two. It was fun to watch everyone cheer them on the last two laps! Ryan had the breakout performance of the day, and has established himself as a serious runner after a great winter of 50 mile weeks. He will definitely be challenging for one of the very difficult Top 7 spots in the coming cross country season. Matt also ran a great workout by himself the day before due to a trip this ...