New Fitness Shops
Speed Shop
410 Pressler
They’ve been open since March 2014, but a few may not really be sure what all’s in the Speed Shop. Rogue Running owners Ruth England and Steve Sisson have partnered with Pure Austin’s owner Beto Boggiano to create a uniquely industrial yet welcoming retail and workout space in this former Mercedes Benz repair shop
There are two components to the Speed Shop. Rogue Running closed their San Marcos Street location and moved into the right-hand side of these swanky new digs. “We actually have all the same retail space as we did on the East side,” said England, co-owner. In addition to the gear, clothing, and fuel that customers are familiar with, the site has showers, space to relax outdoors, and the centrally located 410 Fuel bar with coffee, smoothies, and other assorted goodies. The amenities make it very convenient for the runners who are participating in Rogue’s training groups, which are also located out of the shop. “People come an hour early to hang out and have coffee,” said England, “or they wait around to miss the traffic heading home.” There’s dedicated space outside for working in post-run foot drills. Sisson pointed out that the shop is “still a work in progress. We want to get Rogues together to decide what else is needed.”
The left-hand of the Speed Shop is home to Pure Austin’s Rail Training. This is a separate training facility with its own monthly fees. Licensed dietician Laura Ugokwe and trainer Greg Cook provide their services here, and there are assorted group workouts, such as Shirley Domicoli’s Slash class, to choose from. In addition to the gym services, there are monthly concerts that take advantage of the wide open interior space and amazing sound system, described on the website as “SXSW meets fitness.”
Austin Trail Running Company
13219 Research Blvd., Suite 200
It’s about time—with the active trail community here in Austin, there’s been a need for a trail-specific retailer. Pam Harght, an ultra runner and coach with Team in Training, is opening this locally based shop on Monday, September 1 (Labor Day weekend). Harght moved to Austin in 2009 “and promptly found Joe Prusatis; I’ve been trail running ever since,” she said. She’s completed the 100K distance but is working on finishing 100 miles (“it’s a mental thing”), and Harght’s road resume includes more than 25 marathons in 15 different states and two countries (Canada and France). Austin Trail Running Company sits off of 183 North next to iFly and Amy’s Ice Creams, which make up a small shopping center that’s been christened “Austinville, the 78750 location.” Popular trail brands will be stocked; prior to opening, Harght held “Thursday night wear tests” beginning in June that provided members of specific training groups—Tejas Trails and Team Red, White, and Blue—with the opportunity to try out shoes and gear. Looking for help in getting started? The staff is made up of experienced trail runners who also have strong business backgrounds, including Harght’s fiancé Peter Kirby.
Jack & Adam’s Bicycles
Cole Building, 300 S. Lamar, Suite L
Triathletes know that Jack & Adam’s Bicycles has had two previous Austin locations; the original store site is now home to condos, while the former fast-food-chicken-turned-bike-shop on Barton Springs will revert back to its origins as a food trailer park. The new iteration of Jack & Adam’s, which opened in June, is sleek and expanded, with more than 6,000 square feet of floor space—twice the size of the former location. Items that have the staff excited are a new community room and expanded retail sections. Running shoes and gear along with lifestyle and off-road bikes are included in the new stock, part of what staff member Mike Thompson referred to as “multifaceted” merchandise. Convenient covered parking, a walk-up juice bar, and two bathrooms—complete with showers—bring new creature comforts to this Austin fitness stalwart.
