Pam Andrews
Meet Pam – Owner of The Running Depot
Pam’s passion for running began when she was just six years old. Alongside her four sisters, she competed in countless AAU meets across the United States, building not only her skills but also a lifelong love for the sport. Running has remained a constant in her life ever since — even now, as a busy mom of four and proud grandma of three, she continues to make time for the activity that has always inspired her.
Outside of work, she enjoys staying active with her family and her two beloved dogs, Harley and Tucker. She and her family have called McHenry County home for over 30 years, cherishing their place in the growing and evolving Crystal Lake community.
In 2001, she turned her passion into purpose when she founded The Running Depot. What began as a small specialty store quickly became something more — a second home for many in the community. Over the past 24 years, she has cultivated a space where people of all ages and experience levels feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to live active, healthy lives.
She brings deep knowledge of the sport, unmatched customer service, and a genuine passion for helping others. Whether it’s coaching runners, fitting customers with the perfect shoe, or sharing stories with regulars, she thrives on ensuring that every person who walks through the door leaves 110% satisfied.
She is deeply grateful for the community’s support over the past two decades. Thanks to your commitment to shopping locally, The Running Depot is still going strong— and Pam looks forward to many more miles ahead!
About Us
Welcome to The Running Depot
Your Specialty Running and Walking Shoe Store in Historic Downtown Crystal Lake
Located in the Brink Street Market Plaza in charming downtown Crystal Lake, The Running Depot has been proudly serving the McHenry County community for over 23 years. Founded by Pam — a lifelong runner, certified coach, and passionate supporter of active lifestyles—the Running Depot is more than just a place to shop. Our specialty running and walking shoe store is a local hub for runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts of all ages.
At the Running Depot, we specialize in providing:
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Top-quality footwear, including kids' shoes and track & field spikes
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Performance apparel for every season
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Essential accessories to support your training and recovery
Our knowledgeable staff is dedicated to helping you find the right fit for your feet, your goals, and your lifestyle — all at competitive prices.
As a proud sponsor of many local races, our shoe store is committed to celebrating and supporting Crystal Lake’s vibrant fitness community. Whether you're just getting started or you're a seasoned athlete, The Running Depot is here to support every step of your journey.
✅ Expert Fittings
✅ Educational Resources
✅ 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Because your passion is our purpose.
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!
News
Labor Day Store Hours
Cross Country Student Athlete Special
LULULEMON AT THE RUNNING DEPOT
Exciting News!We are now an Official Lululemon Authorized Retailer. Discover the latest must-have Lululemon gear — available now in-store....
Email: owner@therunningdepot.com
Location: 30-H N Williams St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
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 |
Get in Touch
Subscribe to Our Mailing List
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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. At the close of the event, 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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5K TRAINING PROGRAM
5K TRAINING PROGRAM
5K TRAINING PROGRAM
5K TRAINING PROGRAM