On both a personal and professional level, 2025 was one of the biggest roller-coaster years since we opened Run Moore.
The ripple effects of tariffs on our industry were real. Wholesale prices increased across the board, which meant higher prices at the register for customers. That affected what shoes we were able to bring in, product availability, and how people spent their money. On top of that, the government shutdown had a trickle-down impact on small businesses everywhere, especially here in Maryland, where so many people work in government or government-adjacent roles.
Outside the store, I traveled to France to see firsthand the production and innovation behind a new brand that will be joining our wall in 2026. It was an incredible experience to talk directly with shoe designers, see products being made, and hear from the people behind the scenes. We’re excited to share more soon and believe this brand will find a great home at Run Moore. We’re proud to be early partners.
This fall, I also had the opportunity to attend and speak on a panel at a running conference in Amsterdam. It was a fun and eye-opening chance to see retail outside the United States and discuss what makes American running stores different from their European counterparts.
On a personal note, I spent much of the summer taking business classes at Johns Hopkins through the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. I attended in-person classes every week, eight hours at a time. Going back to school was a shock to the system at first, but without exaggeration, it was one of the best things I’ve ever done. Like many small business owners, I started this store out of passion and belief in serving my community. I don’t have a formal business background, so learning how to improve systems and think more intentionally about the next chapter of the store was invaluable.
As for running — not my best year.
I missed the first three months due to a lingering Achilles injury from the fall of 2024, eventually losing five months of running, the longest stretch of my life. I spent the summer building back from zero and headed into the fall averaging over 50 miles a week, with several long runs of 18 miles or more. I had planned a triumphant return at the Baltimore Marathon, the site of last year’s injury. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury just two weeks before the race sidelined me again for another six weeks.
Now, in mid-December, I’m back to pain-free running, though it’s hard not to look back and feel like it was a lost year, with only a single July 4th 5K to show for it.
I hope your 2025 treated you well. Whatever your goals are for 2026, we hope Run Moore can play a small part in helping you achieve them.
