(815) 788-9755 owner@therunningdepot.com
Pam Andrews

Pam Andrews

Owner

Pam started running when she was six years old successfully competing in many Amateur Athletic Union meets throughout the United States. For many years Pam worked in the banking industry. During this time she noticed the need for a specialty running store in the area and voila! The Running Depot was born!

When Pam is not at work, she enjoys being with her family. They are an active family, always on the go to a game or event. Pam and her family have lived in McHenry County for over 17 years and plan to continue to make it their home for some time to come. She LOVES trail running and is always ready for a trail run!

Pam’s focus is to make sure her customers are 110% satisfied with every purchase. She is also an RRCA Certified Running Coach.

Our History

The seed was planted for The Running Depot when owner Pam Andrews read an article in Runner’s World magazine about runners turning their passion for the sport they love into a business. After a few years of research, a business plan in place, and the help and support of her family, Pam opened The Running Depot on April 1, 2002. The name signifies it is a stop for all your running needs plus it is close to the train station in Downtown Crystal Lake. Crystal Lake was the ideal location as it had several running clubs and fitness centers in town and fit the overall needs and feel for a specialty running and walking store. It is a close knit community with a passion for fitness and promoting overall health. The Historic Downtown Crystal Lake is comprised of many family owned specialty shops and businesses. It is close to Prairie Path and Veteran’s Acres Park. The perfect places to go for a run with Fun Run friends.

With the help of dedicated family and staff, the store has evolved over the years. In addition to the latest running and walking gear, The Running Depot offers free informational clinics, group and individual running coaching. Pam and her staff believe it is important to support our home community of McHenry County. The Running Depot helps sponsor over 20 races a year that benefits local charitable organizations including events for individuals in need. 
 
Running was a big part of Pam’s childhood. She belonged to an AAU Track Club called the Prairie State Striders and traveled across the United States competing in state, regional and national meets. Pam’s four sisters also ran it was a way of life for her family. As an adult Pam has competed in many races, anywhere from a 5K to a 50K. She enjoys trail running and traveling to the different events. She also is thankful for all the people she has met through running and the store. There is nothing like a long run with a group of your peers.

About Us

The Running Depot is your specialty running and walking store located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois at the Brink Street Market Plaza. 

For over 17 years, Pam and her staff have been providing superior product knowledge offering top quality footwear (including kid shoes and spikes), apparel, and accessories at competitive prices to meet all your running and walking needs.

The Running Depot is a proud sponsor of many of the area’s local races to help celebrate our community’s commitment to fitness.

At the Running Depot we know running and walking is your passion. We are committed to providing excellent customer service, educational resources, and supporting the running community of McHenry County.

100% satisfaction guaranteed!

Fitting Icon

Fittings

The Running Depot Fit

In order to determine the shoe right for you, we will take you through our The Running Depot fit. Just like your physician, the staff at The Running Depot follows a 4 step assessment process known as SOAP in order to help find the best shoe. This stands for SUBJECTIVE (history), OBJECTIVE (physical exam and supporting tests), ASSESSMENT (diagnosis) and PLAN (treatment and test).

(1) Subjective = History

Our staff will ask questions to assess your specific foot’s requirements. What type of exercise you do? What are your training goals? What is your injury history? What have you worn in the past? Your biomechanics, training goals, distance you run, and the running surface? These all influence your footwear needs.

(2) Objective = exam of gait and supporting tests

Our staff will start by accurately measuring foot length and width as well as arch type.

Our Digital Foot Analysis will show precisely how the pressure is distributed throughout your feet. If you have a history of injuries, or problems such as bunions, sensitive areas, etc., or you wear custom orthotics, it will affect your specific needs. All of these factors will be taken into consideration.

Our staff has been trained to recognize subtle changes in gait that allow us to assess your degree of pronation. This is a key factor in determining the amount of stability or motion control your shoes need to offer. We also have certified coaches on staff that use slow motion video technology to analyze your running gait to help you become more efficient and potentially decrease your risk of injury.

(3) Assessment = Diagnosis

Based on your biomechanics, history, and tests, our staff will determine your specific footwear requirements.

(4) Plan = Take them for a spin

Based on the information gathered, we will develop your footwear plan. We bring out shoes that will best meet your needs. Yet, all of the analysis and technology takes a back seat to how the shoe feels and if they make your feet happy! You will take the shoes for a spin on our treadmill or runway and give us your feedback. Based on your feedback and mechanics, we will get the perfect pair for you!

If you change, your shoe requirements may change!

Depending on your fitness goals, age, weight, and injury history, your shoe requirements may change! The Running Depot recommends that you do The Running Depot fit with every pair of shoes to help prevent problems. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

About Us

The Running Depot is your specialty running and walking store located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois at the Brink Street Market Plaza. 

For over 17 years, Pam and her staff have been providing superior product knowledge offering top quality footwear (including kid shoes and spikes), apparel, and accessories at competitive prices to meet all your running and walking needs.

The Running Depot is a proud sponsor of many of the area’s local races to help celebrate our community’s commitment to fitness.

At the Running Depot we know running and walking is your passion. We are committed to providing excellent customer service, educational resources, and supporting the running community of McHenry County.

100% satisfaction guaranteed!

Fitting Icon

Fittings

The Running Depot Fit

In order to determine the shoe right for you, we will take you through our The Running Depot fit. Just like your physician, the staff at The Running Depot follows a 4 step assessment process known as SOAP in order to help find the best shoe. This stands for SUBJECTIVE (history), OBJECTIVE (physical exam and supporting tests), ASSESSMENT (diagnosis) and PLAN (treatment and test).

(1) Subjective = History

Our staff will ask questions to assess your specific foot’s requirements. What type of exercise you do? What are your training goals? What is your injury history? What have you worn in the past? Your biomechanics, training goals, distance you run, and the running surface? These all influence your footwear needs.

(2) Objective = exam of gait and supporting tests

Our staff will start by accurately measuring foot length and width as well as arch type.

Our Digital Foot Analysis will show precisely how the pressure is distributed throughout your feet. If you have a history of injuries, or problems such as bunions, sensitive areas, etc., or you wear custom orthotics, it will affect your specific needs. All of these factors will be taken into consideration.

Our staff has been trained to recognize subtle changes in gait that allow us to assess your degree of pronation. This is a key factor in determining the amount of stability or motion control your shoes need to offer. We also have certified coaches on staff that use slow motion video technology to analyze your running gait to help you become more efficient and potentially decrease your risk of injury.

(3) Assessment = Diagnosis

Based on your biomechanics, history, and tests, our staff will determine your specific footwear requirements.

(4) Plan = Take them for a spin

Based on the information gathered, we will develop your footwear plan. We bring out shoes that will best meet your needs. Yet, all of the analysis and technology takes a back seat to how the shoe feels and if they make your feet happy! You will take the shoes for a spin on our treadmill or runway and give us your feedback. Based on your feedback and mechanics, we will get the perfect pair for you!

If you change, your shoe requirements may change!

Depending on your fitness goals, age, weight, and injury history, your shoe requirements may change! The Running Depot recommends that you do The Running Depot fit with every pair of shoes to help prevent problems. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Pam Andrews

Pam Andrews

Owner

Pam started running when she was six years old successfully competing in many Amateur Athletic Union meets throughout the United States. For many years Pam worked in the banking industry. During this time she and her husband noticed the need for a specialty running store in the area and voila! The Running Depot was born!

When Pam is not at work, she enjoys being with her family. They are an active family, always on the go to a game or event. Pam and her family have lived in McHenry County for over 17 years and plan to continue to make it their home for some time to come. She LOVES trail running and is always ready for a trail run! She does have a slight addiction to Diet Coke.

Pam’s focus is to make sure her customers are 110% satisfied with every purchase. She is also an RRCA Certified Running Coach.

Our History

The seed was planted for The Running Depot when owner Pam Andrews read an article in Runner’s World magazine about runners turning their passion for the sport they love into a business. After a few years of research, a business plan in place, and the help and support of her family, Pam opened The Running Depot on April 1, 2002. The name signifies it is a stop for all your running needs plus it is close to the train station in Downtown Crystal Lake. Crystal Lake was the ideal location as it had several running clubs and fitness centers in town and fit the overall needs and feel for a specialty running and walking store. It is a close knit community with a passion for fitness and promoting overall health. The Historic Downtown Crystal Lake is comprised of many family owned specialty shops and businesses. It is close to Prairie Path and Veteran’s Acres Park. The perfect places to go for a run with Fun Run friends.

With the help of dedicated family and staff, the store has evolved over the years. In addition to the latest running and walking gear, The Running Depot offers free informational clinics, group and individual running coaching. Pam and her staff believe it is important to support our home community of McHenry County. The Running Depot helps sponsor over 20 races a year that benefits local charitable organizations including events for individuals in need. 
 
Running was a big part of Pam’s childhood. She belonged to an AAU Track Club called the Prairie State Striders and traveled across the United States competing in state, regional and national meets. Pam’s four sisters also ran it was a way of life for her family. As an adult Pam has competed in many races, anywhere from a 5K to a 50K. She enjoys trail running and traveling to the different events. She also is thankful for all the people she has met through running and the store. There is nothing like a long run with a group of your peers.

News

 

HOKA DEMO RUN

HOKA DEMO RUN

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Train to Finish a 5K!

Train to Finish a 5K!

Saturday, October 19 – Sunday, December 1, 2024 Our 5K Training Group is now forming! All abilities welcome…make new friends and let us...

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Store Hours

Monday - Friday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

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Log your miles for the 100 Mile Challenge!

100-Mile Challenge Details

Join us at the store on Wednesdays (6pm) and Saturdays (7:30am) for our weekly fun runs/walks and log your miles from June 1st to October 31st. Each time you run/walk from the Running Depot on Wednesday or Saturday, you may log your miles to accumulate 100 miles. We will have a special gift in the fall for those who complete 100 or more miles.

*We use Google Sheets to log miles, which means no paper logs at the store.

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