Hello, Friends! I hope this finds you well…
Last year at this time, I muted the greetings at the onset of each of my messages. My correspondence often commenced with drab introductions, as I replaced my traditional usage of exclamation points with commas and periods. I was also incredibly to-the-point (for me, anyway…), without wanting to offend anyone with a spirit of optimism and/or a feeble attempt at outdated normalcy. Sadly, too much around us still too closely resembles the same, as we now slog through recent announcements of virus variants, hospitalization concerns, and transmission statistics.
At the same time, I have now transitioned to transparency which encourages me to more fully be myself. On some days, it is maybe even a slightly better version than yesterday… And wonderfully enough, I’ve now realized this intentional mindfulness can exist without reducing or concealing my own uncertainty, my empathy for others, or my occasional worries. Here’s my truth: Inherently, I’m enthusiastic and optimistic. And my care, compassion, and sympathy for those most adversely affected by current events are genuine. The exclamation point at the beginning of this note is, simply, reflective of my excitement to compose this note for you… and the perfunctory “I hope this finds you well” has never been more legitimate. I’m sure I’ve not struck the correct balance… but like all of you, if there is anything we’re getting used to doing, it is living off-balance!
Firstly, as an update on our store operations, we remain open at all locations for what we’ve long constituted as “normal business hours.” Nonetheless, after a brief period of not requiring our Guest Advocates (Team Members) to wear a mask, we are now returning to this practice to best protect our Guests and Staff, as well as acknowledge the recent CDC guidance and assessment of each county where we do business as a “Substantial” or “High” level of community transmission. For our Guests, it remains our preference that you, too, follow CDC guidelines (but it is not required). We also continue to offer curbside pick-up, and an increasingly enhanced shop online option (including the option to purchase online and pick-up at the location of your choice). We have an easy 1-touch way to view much of the actual inventory at your most convenient Big Peach location from the store-specific menu at the top of our website. And not surprisingly, we would always welcome a call or message to info@bigpeachrunningco.com to answer queries, find products for you, or learn what’s on your mind!
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Even more noteworthy, I am THRILLED to comment on the early assessments of our new concept, Big Peach Ride + Run, now housed in our Town Brookhaven location and officially opened on July 30th! To ensure complete clarity, this location maintains the same (if not more!) complement of running shoes and gear it has always had available… Simply, you must see for yourself how we’ve configured the store to make that wholly true – – AND still add 150+ bikes from leading brands, a service department, and all the gear for bicycling that you could possibly imagine. Road bikes, mountain bikes, city bikes, commuter bikes, kids’ bikes, E-bikes… It’s all there! We have also hired new Guest Advocates to complement this new part of our business and have brought one of the industry’s leading experts to Atlanta to join our Leadership Team and direct these efforts. In short, it’s a bold pursuit of passion, an extension of our Guest Promise in a relevant manner, and an interior design and merchandising marvel!
Yes, our primary concept, Big Peach Running Co., remains unaltered in all other locations.
It would also be unlike me to miss an opportunity to “invite you over” for some upcoming – – and truly special – – special events!
- The last traditional Summer holiday will be here before we know it! That means the same for our opportunity to come together safely with the return of Big Peach Sizzler 5k & 10k… This Labor Day tradition has something for everyone, is a phenomenally fun way to kick-off your salute to the American worker AND is perfect for family and friends to do something together to support a worthy cause (as all proceeds go to Miles For Cystic Fibrosis).
To make it as easy as a downhill finish with a tailwind, you can register here!
- My wife oversees a microbusiness in beautiful Blue Ridge, Georgia that reflects our personal interest in permaculture. One of the annual highlights on my calendar is when we get to have our running, walking, and hiking friends with us at Charlie Creek Farm for our “Farm-to-Trail” Trail Run. Our friends from Dirty Spokes Productions do all the heavy lifting to make this a first-class production in a world-class setting! With both 7-mile and 19-mile options on October 30th, there are plenty of reasons (including peak Fall foliage!) to make the 100-mile trip from Atlanta for the day or for Halloween weekend!
Like the simplicity of carefree miles on a country road, you can register here!
As a final note for those who are aware of how my year started, my son is doing really well… Seriously. Thank you for those continued well-wishes, prayers, positive vibes, and reminders of what is most precious!
You matter to us. And you’re so very much appreciated! Stay healthy, be active and give it your best shot, y’all!
May your best miles be just up ahead!
-Mike
