We are calling Episode 4 of the Run Matters Podcast, “The Collaboration Episode” for two reasons. The first collaboration in this episode features Amanda Brooks and Co-host, Neil Schwartz as they talk about his plan to get out and start running. Neil is in the early “walk/run” stage but hopes to get to his goal in two to three months. We heard Neil say” This whole process scares the crap out of me” but he is starting to build new habits.

The next collaboration takes listeners behind the scenes with Kurt Stockbridge, lead product developer for Skechers Performance, and superstar runner, Meb Keflezighi as they reveal the process it took to create a pair of shoes in less than eight weeks that Meb would wear for the NY Marathon. It’s a powerful example of how a product developer and elite athlete work together to create a special shoe and then how this effort translates to shoes that later become available to the general running public.

We then sat down with Ken Sung, co-owner of Gazelle Sports in Central Michigan. Ken discussed how Gazelle used this time during the pandemic to take a step back and look closely at its business and then make the needed changes to get ready for the next three to five years. Ken then went on to talk about his entrepreneurial efforts that include both a farm to table full-service restaurant and a brand-new Gourmet Bagel Shop. Neil is still waiting for the dozen bagels Ken promised him.

We closed the show with the Run to the Finish Segment as Amanda as Mark Sullivan debunk the common myths associated with running.