Ann Arbor Running Company | Vendor Spotlight

Get to know Nicholas Stanko, co-owner of the Ann Arbor Running Company. We are excited that Nick and the Ann Arbor Running Company will be joining MOVE and other local vendors for our annual community event, Wine and Wellness on August 9th.

Hometown
Wyandotte, MI

Favorite hobby
Spending time with family, running and cycling

Go-to healthy meal
Pizza if that counts:)

Favorite exercise
Running and cycling

Job title
Ann Arbor Running Co. co-owner

What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness to me is being in balance both physically and mentally. I think for most of us that is a constant thing we need to work on. Life these days is pulling us in every direction possible. Setting some time aside to actively move and clear your mind is important to keep that balance in life.

Tell us about your business
Ann Arbor Running Co. is a running speciality store with two locations in Ann Arbor. We specialize in making sure runners and walkers get in the correct shoe and gear based on their foot structure, running history and various other factors. In addition to our retail store we have training groups for runners, support local races, and put on various community events.

What inspired you to get started in this industry?
I started working in a running store in high school and worked at one in college off and on. After college I taught and coached at a high school. I have always enjoyed being part of the running/endurance community and when the opportunity presented itself to open a running store, my business partner Ian Forsyth and I kind of just “ran” with the idea and here we are today.

What do you love about your industry?
I enjoy working with people who have goals to get better and who enjoy working hard to reach their goals.

How do you feel about the business environment here?
The business environment like anywhere else is extremely competitive. People have so many options when it comes to getting their running and fitness gear. We are very thankful for our loyal customers who continue to shop with us and who help spread the word about what we do at AARC. It really does take a village to raise a running store!

What are your business’s values?
Our business values are based on supporting our customers so they can achieve their goals.

Why is it important to you to engage with the local community?
It is important for Ann Arbor Running Co. to engage with the local community because a healthy community is a happy community.

What do you love about Ann Arbor?
A good amount of people in Ann Arbor see the benefits of being healthy and active. It also helps that a lot of people in Ann Arbor prefer to support a locally owned business.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Ann Arbor (or surrounding cities).
I enjoy being outdoors and exploring. Ann Arbor and the surrounding areas have some amazing trails and roads for hiking, running and cycling. The Huron River is great for kayaking and canoeing.

What inspires you every day?
I’d have to say my family (wife, daughter, parents, sibling, close friends, etc.) all keep me going. Without them I wouldn’t be in the position I am today.

How do you stay healthy?
I try to stay busy but not too busy. I come from the competitive side of sports and that kind of training isn’t always the healthiest because you are typically on the edge of pushing your body beyond what it can handle. I still like to compete and push myself but I don’t go to the extremes that I did when I was younger. I just take it a day at a time and get out of myself what is there on that day. I am also very lucky that my wife is an amazing cook and eats healthy. I still have some work to do on making sure I eat my fruits and veggies, but she keeps on me about that. No one’s perfect right:)

By the end of the year, what do you hope to accomplish?
I want to get better at not putting too much on my plate. Wish me luck!

What are you looking forward to at Wine & Wellness?
AARC enjoys attending MOVE’s Wine & Wellness because we get to meet other like-minded people. It’s great to have the opportunity to be surrounded by people who enjoy being active and healthy.

Join the Ann Arbor Running Company, MOVE Wellness, and other local vendors for Wine and Wellness on August 9th from 5:30-8:30. CLICK HERE to RSVP.