After my last less-than-stellar experience at Running Room on Saturday, I went to visit a couple other running stores yesterday. I wanted to check out my other water bottle options, but I wasn’t committed to buying anything.

First I went to the St. Paul Run N Fun location, at Randolph and Victoria. As I was browsing I overheard the sales people helping folks with their shoes, and they sounded like they knew their stuff, so I ended up trying some shoes on and walked out with a new pair (Saucony Omni Grid 5). I have a brand that I like (Asics Gel 1100), but I’ve been meaning to try something different, just to see. Okay, and I got a pair of Michigan socks, too. Go blue!

Since I was already in St. Paul, I also went over to Runner’s Edge, at Grand and Avon. I had gone in there last fall, since I had a coupon from my marathon packet (I ran the TC10 last fall). I didn’t have the greatest experience there. The sales person wasn’t really helpful with shoe selections, and they gave me some hassle about a return. I went back yesterday because I’ve had a pair of shoes sitting in my trunk for nine months that I figured I could at least exchange for a shirt or some shorts or something. They had some winter clearance items and a sale on shoes and apparel, so I scored some heavier-duty tights for winter and a pair of shorts (and two Clif bars). Good sale, but I’m still not wowed.

I realize that the kinds of events and information a running store has is just as important as the gear they stock. I’ve been trying to think of questions I can ask based on something other than shoes, so I can see what kind of advice I get. Based on that, I still don’t have a favorite. I haven’t gone into any one store enough, aside from Running Room, to get a handle on that aspect.

Since Marathon Sports and Gear are kind of nearby each other, I’ll swing by those two on my next outing. I’m still on the lookout for water bottles, and I could use a hat, too….

Related posts:

1. I’m over the Running Room
2. My St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
3. Marathon Weekend
4. Twin Cities Marathon Sunday
5. TC10