How A Lafayette Running Store Helps People Move Pain-Free

Your feet are your foundation, and when that foundation is off, it can show up everywhere: back pain, nagging knee issues, or the quiet belief that you’re “just not a runner.” We sit down with Mary Hayes, owner of Go Run by Fleet Feet in Lafayette, Louisiana, for a real-world look at how the right footwear and a thoughtful fitting process can help people move better, whether they are training for a marathon or simply trying to walk without discomfort. 

We talk about why most customers in a specialty running store are not runners at all, and how local doctors and chiropractors often send patients in for support. Mary breaks down why asking “What’s the best running shoe?” misses the point, and how tools like a 3D foot scan can reveal arch height, foot volume, and even left-to-right size differences that affect comfort and injury risk. We also get practical about beginner mistakes like doing too much too soon, the role of stretching and strength work, and why running can be such a powerful mental health reset until injury takes it away. 

The conversation widens into Lafayette’s running community and local races, including the Zydeco Marathon as a Boston qualifier, plus Mary’s personal stories from living overseas in Nigeria and the UAE. Her experiences with fitness groups, service, and simply helping people get what they need are a reminder that “wellness” is not just training plans, it’s community, access, and follow-through. 

If you enjoy honest conversations about running, injury prevention, posture, and building healthy habits that last, subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a nudge to start, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What would it take for you to take your first walk or first run this week?

Transcript

Welcome And Mermaid Dreams

SPEAKER_02 0:00

Actually, my mom uh encouraged me. Well, we come from a swimming background. We swam, we were like fish. Uh my sister and I are still mad that we're not mermaids. Oh, I love it.

SPEAKER_00 0:12

Welcome to Posture and Purpose, where both healing and community come together. Make sure to subscribe on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. Let's get into this episode with Dr. Michelle Car Frank.

How Go Run Found Mary

SPEAKER_03 0:25

Hello and welcome to today's episode of Posture and Purpose. Today, my guest is Miss Mary Hayes, owner of Go Run in Lafayette, Louisiana. So welcome, Mary. Thank you, Michelle. It's good to be here. Thank you for being here. Tell us what inspired you to bring Go Run to Lafayette?

SPEAKER_02 0:43

Well, uh, spoiler alert, I didn't start it. Okay. I came in after it'd been about a year in the making, in the same location in the Oil Center, but they they needed a manager and I needed a job. And uh someone that I knew, a friend of mine, said, Mary, you'd be good for this. This you should go check this out. And I'm like, oh gosh, I don't want to do retail again. And then I thought, so I went and it was like, oh, this is not really like retail. This is more like um, I don't know, because I'm an athlete, I'm working with athletes, I'm I'm helping people daily. So it wasn't the same. If that um helps you a little bit.

SPEAKER_03 1:19

Yes, yes, that does. I did I didn't know that about you. So and how did your personal journey with running begin also? I mean, it all ties in together with what you do.

SPEAKER_02 1:29

It does, actually. My mom uh encouraged me. Well, we come from a swimming background. We swam, we were like fish. Uh my sister and I are still mad that we're not mermaids.

SPEAKER_01 1:38

No, me too.

SPEAKER_02 1:39

I didn't have a mermaid on my phone.

SPEAKER_01 1:40

Oh, I love it.

SPEAKER_02 1:41

Uh so but in uh high school, I started cross-country. Okay. And uh I really enjoyed it. I was always looking for something to do. Being from Louisiana, I do like to eat. So I was always um and so I started well, I started running, and then I running I felt like it was kind of a little boring for me. Um I get bored a little bit easily. So I started jazzers and gotten that very seriously for years, and now I became instructor.

SPEAKER_04 2:06

Okay.

SPEAKER_02 2:07

And then got back to running a little bit when I lived overseas, and then uh just it was always there, I guess you could say. And it's so easy. You just you know, you can just put on shoes, you don't have to do anything, go anywhere fancy or just go out your door, basically.

SPEAKER_03 2:24

And you can take yourself to wherever you need to be mentally on a run. So I know that's good mentally as well. Yeah. So you said you lived overseas.

SPEAKER_02 2:33

Where did you live? Well, forgive me for anybody from California, but I say my first born assignment was California. Okay. But I lived in uh Sharjah, which is in the United Arab Emirates, and then I lived in Nigeria for five and a half years and then came back home because this is where my family is in laughter. Yeah.

SPEAKER_03 2:50

Now, why did you move? May I ask why you moved there? And it was oiling.

SPEAKER_02 2:56

I do, I love to travel. So this was and I knew it was temporary. Some Nigeria was not um a lovely place to live, but because it was temporary and it was such a good experience, it just so easily to travel around, so close to so many things. So I made the most of it, I would say. So interesting.

Running Roots And Life Overseas

SPEAKER_03 3:15

Okay. So tell us about your background with running. How did it turn into a business?

SPEAKER_02 3:23

Well, it turned into a business. The business started with runners, I will say that. And then um as the uh I guess society started seeing that running shoes, which really aren't just for runners, was better for a lot of reasons, even though you don't run. So currently our customer base is about 25% runners. The majority is people just they have a bad back. They're doctors, chiropractors send them to see me.

SPEAKER_04 3:52

Right.

SPEAKER_02 3:52

Thank you very much, Anna. Um just and you look around, people are not wearing uh hard shoes that are really not good for their feet. Right, or flip-flops.

Lafayette Running Culture Grows

SPEAKER_03 4:03

Yeah, that's the patients I see um wearing flip-flops. I'm like, okay, go see Mary every time because it is so, so, so important. Yeah. So Lafayette Now, I feel, has a very strong running culture. Um what makes it so strong? How did it grow? You mentioned, you know, uh starting and years ago, and how do you how have you seen it grow and evolve?

SPEAKER_02 4:30

I guess I've seen it, I see it in schools a lot more. I see more uh groups. I mean, health there's healthy kids series, there's girls in the run. Yes, I used to do go high. Girls on the run. So those are those are new, newish to laughing yet, and Youngsville. Yeah. So um, and uh there's no PE anymore in school. So I'm happy to see these programs coming in. They're not just about running either. I mean, you probably you know about girls on the run. Yes, it's more about it's a lot more than that. But they do incorporate running and exercise in that, which I'm a huge fan of, and I was a big part of that as well at one time.

SPEAKER_03 5:05

Yeah, and and it's the education behind it because some households, mom and dad, don't necessarily run or exercise or even talk about healthy habits. Right. So it's one connection out into the community to maybe spark an interest in exercise or health as it be as overall. Um and your store. Your store, because I know you personally, I know it has connected runners for years and runners of all levels, beginners to seasoned athletes. Yes. So that must be interesting to watch. Have you seen someone come in that was an absolute non-runner turn into uh someone who's got a lot of people?

SPEAKER_02 5:47

I could speak about. Um he was very overweight, and he's first his he he started his journey by losing weight, which was wise. Um to start running first would have not been good on the body. So he lost his weight first, and he was he was a teenager, he wasn't even uh 20 yet. And uh then he did his first 5K in Crowley in some ill-fitted shoes. One was like a size nine and one was a size twelve. He paid a dollar for them at I'm not ch I'm not joking. Oh really? Oh my goodness. And so then he he needed he started looking for a job, he put an application in with us, and uh since then he's run New York Marathon, Chicago Marathon. That is wonderful shout out to him. He is a huge inspiration. I tell everybody when I see he's got the greatest story. Yes, and he's so humble about it, but he just um I don't know, just love him.

SPEAKER_03 6:40

Yes, and hopefully he gets to a point where he feels comfortable sharing that story because it is could totally inspire someone else in their journey. So, what would you tell someone? I'm sure you see customers, friends, people out in the community that say, Oh no, I'm I'm just not a runner. Right.

SPEAKER_02 6:56

What do you tell them? Uh walking is great. Walking is and believe it or not, and that's what I tell them, you just start walking, just keep moving. Just it's you don't have to run. Right. That's the good news. Right. You can walk in a brawl school, yeah, and then do what's going on. Exactly. You can go walk upstairs, you can go to the uh just go take a hike. I mean, if you're on if you're on a especially if you're traveling, that's the time you really need to, you know, keep at it and because you're gonna be eating out a lot. You don't want to come back with a few extra pounds.

Mental Clarity Through Movement

SPEAKER_03 7:26

Take advantage of it and go and see some sites in a different area. Right. And from your perspective, how does running contribute to overall health and wellness?

SPEAKER_02 7:35

Well, that's that's a good question because it's uh if you're a runner, you know it's very mentally refreshing and helpful, and that's why a lot of people do run. And I think that's the biggest um I want to say um frustration for a runner when they become injured. And they don't know anything else but running. They don't realize and they don't want to stop running. Right. So just because it's such a mental clarity, just to get out there with nothing, with nobody, yeah. Just you can just go through your mind and what you gotta do, what your problems are, what you know, you gotta figure things out and just it's so nice. So refreshing. Yes.

SPEAKER_03 8:18

Or on a treadmill. That's it. Which everyone you you choose. So you mentioned injuries. What is the most common mistake that you see with either new runners or even seasoned runners?

SPEAKER_02 8:30

Uh the c most common mistake I would say is going out too much too soon. And uh, well, not not stretching is probably sure. I'll go back. I'd probably say not stretching is probably the number one thing. Because new runners, they think and I was I was there when I was younger, I was that I would just go out and run, and then I would run more and then I'd run more and then it was like, oh, I'm just there's more to this than just running. Right. There's uh, you know, people do Pilates and yoga and strength training and chiropractic care and all that just to be able to do that.

Footwear Fitting With 3D Scans

SPEAKER_03 9:01

Preparation, you know, preparation um to get ready for a run or to be where you know eventually you want to be. True. So I know how important proper footwear is to preventing injuries. Can you share with us how you feel about that? I mean, of course we both know, but for our listeners, I mean, your feet are your foundation. True. If you don't have proper footwear and aren't fitted properly for that footwear, it can really be detrimental, uh, maybe not immediately, but further on down the line. So can you share your thoughts on that?

SPEAKER_02 9:38

I can, yes. It's it's correct. It's the correct footwear, as I try to say to people who are there. I see it on Facebook. Oh, what's your favorite running shoe? And I'm like, okay, so there's a lot of good shoes out there, and I'll tell them uh the correct one for you is gonna be different from everybody. You know, cut your depending on we have a 3D foot scanner, I say, and it shows your arch, your instep, your foot volume, all these things we look at, and then we we start picking the shoes for you, depending on, you know, we ask you what your injuries are, what you're doing in the shoe. It's just so many factors. You just can't it's like me asking you, you know, uh I don't know what color lipstick you want to wear. What do you do for your back pain? It depends on a million different things.

SPEAKER_03 10:20

It's different, yeah. So many factors. Tell us uh for our listeners. I know because of course I've been to your store. Yeah. But tell us exactly what that 3D scanner is and what exactly it does.

SPEAKER_02 10:32

Well, it doesn't take your weight. That's a lot of people ask that.

SPEAKER_03 10:35

I know my my patients ask, well, they put me on this scale.

SPEAKER_02 10:38

No. It's not a scale. No. No, it's three-dimensional, and you it's um and we actually email it to you as well, so you can keep it, and we can keep it, and we pull it up on your next visit or if you call us. But it just shows your like your arch. It's very helpful in arch the arch height because we do a lot of um insert in in the shoe because the shoe shoes don't come with uh uh arch support because everyone arches their different. So we choose a selection that might fit their arch depending on if they're running, just walk-in, pain relief. Um just yeah.

SPEAKER_03 11:12

Yeah, everyone's back and spine is made differently and has had different injuries, and everyone's foundation or feet are just the same. So you know, chiropractic care, as we both know, is essential for runners preparing for marathons, um, even just a 5k. But because the feet are essentially our foundation, alignment starts up there. So I tell everyone before um or during an exam, what kind of shoes do you wear? What do you do for a living? Are you on your feet all day? Do you sit most of the day? Because again, it is so important to know proper footwear and what's the best wear for that certain person. So one thing that your store is known for is personalized fitting experience. Explain to our listeners when they enter your store, what would their experience look like?

SPEAKER_02 12:05

Well, we we want to know what brings them in first. And that kind of starts a conversation. Some of them might have a doctor's referral, a lot of them will, or I'm um I'm doing my first 5k. So we start the conversation and it's all about them. You know, we really want to fine-tune we don't want to waste their time. We want we don't we want to s and if they s you know, if they tell us we might be a six or a six and a half, I said, well, we're gonna figure that out. Right. You know, this is your your foot might be a six and a half, but your shoe size is gonna be different. So we we start with all those those, you know, what injuries do you have? Do you like cushion? Do you prefer you know, some people like a um a room your shoe, but you know, you gotta figure out all those those things. And so I might think they're need a seven, and they might uh always want a six and a half, and I'm so I'm like, um I figure out you you like a snugger shoe and it's worked for you. So you know, every it's um so I guess just really understanding their needs and that that's the experience and that's the personalized portion of it. And we have we've I think we're very good at it.

SPEAKER_03 13:09

Yes, and the personalized um experience that they would receive at your store is um excellent because again, I can say I've received it myself personally. What surprises people the most do you find when they go through the fitting process for the first time? I know you said everyone wants that six and a half instead of the seven. Um is it the arch support? Is the is it the scanner? Is it even I know you have supportive uh socks and things like that, and even after running care um shoes like that?

SPEAKER_02 13:41

Well, I think the scan, a lot of people come in because they've heard about the scan.

SPEAKER_03 13:46

Okay.

SPEAKER_02 13:46

And once we scan them and show them their foot size, no one's foot is the same length. And it amazes me how many people are surprised by that. They just laugh and they think it's so funny and they're like they're just so unique. I'm like, no, no one's feet are exactly the same. Right. So some might be a whole half size different, or I mean, some even a size or even a size and a half. If if there's a serious injury, you see that you it's definitely gonna be a different size.

SPEAKER_03 14:11

Okay, well, and that's that's a that's a surprise. So, what has been the most rewarding part of owning a running store in Lapia?

SPEAKER_02 14:20

Yeah, I think that would be given back to the community. I really do. I mean, from the first time I started working there, and I I thought I realized that I can be a part of all these um 5Ks and schools and programs, to me that's been the most rewarding, without a doubt.

SPEAKER_03 14:37

Such an inspiration because um you're doing it, you're not just saying it, you're out there doing it. So have you seen or heard of any stories from customers that really stuck with you? Inspired you? Something that, okay, wow, owning a shoe store isn't just about selling shoes.

SPEAKER_02 14:56

Hmm. That's a tough one. Uh maybe feed me some more on that. Maybe another question on that one.

SPEAKER_03 15:03

Yeah, like um, well, you mentioned your employee that lost weight. Maybe someone that had a traumatic accident or injury and rehabbed and got back into the the running stuff.

SPEAKER_02 15:14

I mean, I see that a lot though. I guess. I'm sure you do. That's the thing, is I don't know if I can tell you one person. I mean, so many faces come in my head when you say that. People that are injured, and there's but they're still going.

SPEAKER_03 15:24

That means you made a difference. You helped them in that journey, whether you might realize it or not.

SPEAKER_02 15:28

I guess that's the case. It's like I know I know it's it's happening, and it uh and I'm just I'm I'm happy to be a part of that.

SPEAKER_03 15:35

Yes, and we're lucky to have you here. So, how do you balance all of this? Being a business owner and staying healthy and making wellness a part of your routine. How how do you balance all of that?

SPEAKER_02 15:46

Well, luckily right now I have some good employees, so I can leave and come, you know, do things like this and feel confident that I don't have to rush back and everything's taken care of. So that is that's number one. Gay number one right there. And I have my support, my husband, who is uh the most supportive person of in my life. If my mom were still here, she'd be the most supportive, right? Right, right. She was definitely part of that. But uh yeah, just having those people that have my back. Yes, you know, and every time I go out somewhere and people are, you know, they that else they say, Oh, I was there and I at your store and Madison helped me. Oh my gosh, she just she was so great. And when I hear stories like that, I hear more stories like that than the negative, thank goodness.

Rapid Fire And Race Talk

SPEAKER_03 16:31

Wonderful, and that makes it all worthwhile, yeah, right? The the bad days are made up by those comments, right? Okay, so now I have a few rapid fire questions for you. Okay. You ready? I'm ready. Okay. Road race or trail race? Road. Okay. Morning run or evening run? Morning. Solo run or group run? Solo. Treadmill run or outdoor run. Outdoor. Long slow miles or short fast sprints? Long slow. Okay. I knew you. I knew. I could I would have guessed all. That's easy. Yes. So are you at liberty to share with us what your favorite running shoe is?

SPEAKER_02 17:09

Well, personally. I can, but I don't really have one. That's the that's the problem. I've my first marathon I ran was in uh Mizuno, which is a Japanese brand. And I did, I was huge fans. And then I've also run in Topo, in New Balance, Hoka, on a different marathons on on running. So, and and a lot of customers ask me that, or they say, Well, why are you wearing that shoe right now? And I say, Well, I only have one pair of feet. I mean, I have a dozen pairs of shoes, but I can only wear one at a time. Right. Uh so it kind of depends on what I'm doing. And I do encourage people to have a different pair for the purpose. So if you're a runner, you don't want to be wearing your running shoes to go shopping, grocery shopping, or you know, go to the gym. It's really wise. And that shoe gets more mileage if if you do that as well.

SPEAKER_03 17:56

Yes, and it's I know a lot of people say, oh, but they're so expensive. It's an investment. Right. It is an investment. Don't wear the same shoe 24 hours to work all day. And then when you're gonna go for a treadmill, uh maybe a run on a treadmill or outdoor run, all those surfaces are different, and your feet need to not just conform to one. Right. You need to get a good foundation. Again, um, you know, I could go on forever because of course I talk to my patients about it all the time and and the importance of it. Um, but what that brings us to how many marathons? I know you mentioned Sotico, but how many marathons, fun runs, 5Ks? Do you know how many are held in lap yet?

SPEAKER_02 18:37

I mean I'm aware of Cajun Cup. That's so something. That's a good question. I started listing them the other day about my involvement in all these races. Yes. And I there's a lot.

SPEAKER_03 18:47

There's a lot. I have a few. Cajun Roadrunners, girls on the run, which we mentioned, Cajun Man, Triathlon, and of course Cajun Cup. Was is Cajun Cup the the oldest? It is. I thought so. Yeah. Because that was there for years before. Forty something years, yeah. Yes. Um and then there's festival runs. I know with each festival now, they incorporate that um for their participants. But do you are you involved in each one of these or do you presume? Someway I am.

SPEAKER_02 19:15

Wow. I pr well the one that I wrote my favorite, I guess, um, is the uh Miles Peret before the day before Thanksgiving, the 5K of the Glow Run. The Glow Run. I like that because it's it really truly a fun run. It brings the whole family. I mean, all these runs are done for great causes causes. Yeah. But that one is uh I don't know. It just it seems like they they do a great job. I will say that. And most of them do. Uh but to me that's one I do. The others I have a it's difficult for me to do because I'm on the other side. You know, supporting, and I just uh I prefer to support behind the scenes. If I'm running a race, it's usually out of town. Okay. So where? Uh New Jersey. Okay. Bermuda, um, Maryland, Florida, yeah. Okay.

SPEAKER_03 20:08

Okay, y'all you hear this, right? She is a serious runner, people. And so it in Lafayette, if someone were to want to qualify for like Boston, which one of these runs in Lafayette are elsewhere? Yeah. If you'd like to mention them. Qualify for Boston.

SPEAKER_02 20:24

Definitely Zydeco Marathon. Yeah. That's a good one. Definitely a qualifier. I mean, it's and you've seen people qualify it every year.

SPEAKER_03 20:31

That's wonderful.

SPEAKER_02 20:31

Yeah.

SPEAKER_03 20:32

That's wonderful.

SPEAKER_02 20:32

We had a course record this year. I don't know if you heard. No, tell us about them for a full marathon, two hours and twenty-six minutes. Goodness. Oh, course record. Wow. I'm gonna need to start. I can do a half in two hours and twenty-six minutes. Oh my gosh, yes. That is an accomplishment. So, well, that's we're very proud to have him here in Lafayette.

Volunteering Overseas Through Fitness

SPEAKER_03 20:51

Wow. That's inspiring for sure. So tell us more about your time overseas. Do you have a story that we may find inspirational about your time there?

SPEAKER_02 21:01

I might have a story or two. Please share those with us. Well, as I told you, I was five and a half years in Nigeria. Um, I was involved in the national or international women's group there, and I was looking for something, I was wanted to be busy because it was really wasn't a lot, because you you can't just go over there and get a job, that's not allowed. Um so one of the ladies said, We really like fitness. Why don't you look into you know, doing something with an orphanage or something? So I looked and I don't remember how I found it, but I found an orphanage. It was uh it was a good drive too. It was like a two hour drive each way to get there. And um the kids they they were it was not it was like an orphanage, but the kids were in detention, I guess, is what I want to say. They weren't incarcerated, but but they were kept there. So I knew that you know I I needed to go see this place. So I went and I talked to the teacher there and I say, Hey, I wanna I want to bring some kind of fitness into This group of boys. And there was just one group that I could work with. And um, because I was a jazz sites teacher, I had kind of already known how to choreograph some uh music with music. So I just started grabbing some, you know, some fun music that I thought kids might like.

SPEAKER_03 22:17

And what year was this? Oh wow.

SPEAKER_02 22:19

That was about 25 years ago.

unknown 22:21

Okay.

SPEAKER_03 22:21

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 22:22

Uh more maybe. I probably did it for like three or four years. Um but they oh, we had so much fun. The kids didn't have shoes. And I didn't know I'd ever own a shoe store, but back then I went to a market. I had them all draw their feet on like a piece of paper, and I went to this little market and I tried to, you know, get shoes for them that way. I didn't know how else to do it. And um the shoes, I mean, they probably didn't fit them very well, or I don't know, you know, probably cost five bucks a piece. But um, you know, and they just they were so happy. I mean, I'm such a good experience. Oh my gosh. Um it just I'm so happy that I got to do that. And just, you know, we did I and I got someone, not maybe once or twice, I got some of the ladies to go with me. You know, so well let's do an Easter thing themed party. It doesn't have to be about exercise. Let's so we went and bought Easter baskets and uh that sort of thing.

SPEAKER_03 23:12

Have they ever experienced that before? No, anything.

SPEAKER_02 23:14

Not at all. Not at all. They probably thought I was like some kind of I don't know, but they hadn't they followed me, you know, on my routines and um I mean they spoke English, of course. That's their first language. But um And it was a jazz or size routine? No. But I used it. I kind of incorporated some of that. Sorry, jazzer size. I'm I know I'm not supposed to. But it was for a good cause. I'm not bound anymore. Right, right. But it was for a great cause. I did I used some of the music, but I mean it's just songs that you hear on the radio that were fun and just silly, and I would do just make up some goofy, you know. What is this American lady over here doing with us? I'm sure they absolutely loved it. I think so. Like I mean, once a week, because I mean I'm really it's like, let's go.

SPEAKER_03 23:54

Yeah, yeah. Changing lives, making things happen in a healthy way.

SPEAKER_02 23:58

Yeah.

SPEAKER_03 23:59

So you said it's been a while. Have you kept in touch with anyone from that area?

SPEAKER_02 24:04

Uh my driver. I had a driver there, Toon D and uh a house boy, Moses.

SPEAKER_03 24:09

Okay.

SPEAKER_02 24:10

And I still uh keep in and I actually send them money about twice a year. And it's not a lot to me, but to them it's like they, you know, one of them said, Oh, I can send my my c my son to college now. I mean, things like that. And it's you know life changing. Like, wow.

SPEAKER_03 24:24

Yes.

SPEAKER_02 24:24

So that's that just I don't know. I might cry. Oh no, don't cry. But it's but it's very uh rewarding. It's so rewarding to realize that you don't need to do a whole lot to touch someone in a positive way.

SPEAKER_03 24:35

Are they on social media? Do you know?

SPEAKER_02 24:37

I know that uh Moses is, yes.

SPEAKER_03 24:39

Okay. Well, shout out to Moses. Hey Moses. We can um sit you can definitely send him a link. Absolutely, I will. And um I'm sure he knew that how special he was to you. Yeah. And I'm sure he feels the same. So well, thank you. Thank you for sharing that story. Any other stories? I know you said you lived in another um area overseas. I did.

SPEAKER_02 25:00

I lived in Sharjah in the UAE. Yeah. Not as long. That was a lot different.

SPEAKER_03 25:05

How so?

SPEAKER_02 25:06

Well, it's more westernized. I they call it the uh westernized part of now. Of course, things are different today. Sure. But uh it was just it, I mean, I could drive and I didn't have to wear the the you know, the um Saudi Arabia dress because it wasn't Saudi Arabia. Okay. But we did there again, I'm I was getting ladies to exercise, you know, and getting a group of ladies. Oh, I bet they loved this. Well they had um also that's where I discovered the Hash House Harriers. I don't know if you ever heard of that. Okay, I have. Explain to our listeners. So I I wasn't running then, I was more walking, um, like speed walking. Mm-hmm. But they would do these runs and one person, each a different person would get the route together. And it was always a surprise, and sometimes it would be um an alarming s route in some ways. Okay, like the terrain. But yes, yes, the terrain or what you had to run through. Oh, goodness. Um so it was and in the end, I think it came from Britain. I'm not really sure where it started. But in the end, you had to sing some silly songs, and if you did something wrong, you had to pour a beer on your head, and it's like it was just a fun experience. And I did it in Nigeria as well. Oh, did you? And it was even more fun there because oh, I could you could you could because it was so it wasn't safe to go by yourself. But there I could get on the road and see parts of Nigeria, yeah. Lagos in particular that you wouldn't see, you know, because you were with a group of people. Sure, yeah, sure.

Starting Running Without Intimidation

SPEAKER_03 26:37

So that's there was more of a safety uh net there. Absolutely. Yeah, yeah. So that's wonderful. You never know whose lives you've touched and how those people followed through with any kind of fitness routine throughout their life. Because of that experience. Yeah, too. You never know. And now you've brought it to Lafayette and it's grown into a successful business. But not only that, uh an inspiration to others who, you know, look forward or maybe want to start running, but you know, they may be intimidated. But go see Mary Hayes at Go Run. Yes. And she will not only inspire you but get you fitted for the correct shoe so you can get started on your wellness journey. So, what is one piece of advice for someone starting their running journey? Either they're listening now or they're just getting started and they're maybe nervous about it. What is one piece of advice that you would share with them?

SPEAKER_02 27:30

I would probably share to first go watch or volunteer for a 5K.

SPEAKER_03 27:35

Oh, yeah.

SPEAKER_02 27:35

Because you get a lot of um, you see people that really don't even look like they're in that good of a shape. But I know from experience that everyone has a story. That person, they might have lost a hundred pounds, they might have just recovered from a a serious illness. Sure. So it's watching that that's very inspiring, I will say. So I think that's the the thing, the first thing I encourage people to do. If they're not gonna do that, it's like it well, at least get fits for some proper shoes, of course. And let's address any injuries you have, or just you know, let's go over your your what's your nutrition plan, you know, things like that that people don't think of. That's a big part of your uh exercise.

SPEAKER_03 28:11

It is, it's not like put on some shoes and run out the door and get started with this new hobby. You gotta you really do. You have to prepare. Yeah. So if someone listening today wanted to start running but feels extremely intimidated, what would you tell them and how would you inspire them? Of course, we know number one is go see you for some good shoes. You're correct.

SPEAKER_02 28:31

But mentally, mentally, I would say get out there and go see a race. Yeah. Go watch people who you think may not are in shape. You know, really look around at your exercising community. I think in our minds we think you see the people that are super fit, you see the people that are in the model clothes, yeah, yeah. But not everybody has that. Exactly. So look look beyond that. You know, look and see the the real heroes.

SPEAKER_03 28:56

Yeah, what's inside, yeah, not necessarily what's on the outside. Right. So how do you hope Go Run will continue to impact Lafayette and the running community or culture here in Lafayette in the years ahead?

SPEAKER_02 29:08

Yeah. I think um I definitely just want to be so keep involved. If I can stay as as involved, and I have some great I mean like coaches that that that rely on me and just uh keep me in tune with what's going on with their their schools, especially um Coach Laura at ESH. She's amazing. Okay, she's from ESA, she's got a great story. Okay. But she's always there to help me and encourage me and just um I don't know. People like that just really inspire me. Because of the work that she does. Yeah. So do you work in most of the schools in Lafayette? I wouldn't say most of them. I do a lot. I mean, because like it and I probably don't even know how many I could, you know, more than I realize, like I'm sponsoring this 5K, or um doing a a clinic with this school, or I'm getting this school to volunteer for me, you know, just in different ways. There's just so many things, so many opportunities.

SPEAKER_03 30:04

That's wonderful. And for someone that's listening that may want to get more involved, there you go. There's plenty of opportunities. Absolutely. So, how can our listeners find you? What would be the best way to find out more about Go Run?

SPEAKER_02 30:16

Well, probably go to our website, it's uh Go Run by Fleet Feed or go to our social media, we're very active on there.

unknown 30:23

Okay.

SPEAKER_02 30:23

Yeah, and we're in the oil center, always been there, 14 years. 14 years?

SPEAKER_03 30:27

Well, good. Well, that's easy enough. Everyone in Lafayette knows where the oil center is. Um okay, so my last question of the day. How do you maintain your posture while pursuing your purpose in life?

SPEAKER_02 30:40

Well, I think um some of my family fear that I'm too involved in some things, yeah. And so, and and maybe sometimes I have to step back and wonder if I am too involved, if I'm I'm over overdoing it. But uh, like I told you this morning, it's you know, I come in and I'm like, oh, today's a crazy day, but I kind of thrive on crazy and just you know, just trying to keep up. I kind of like that. I don't I get like I told you, I get bored kind of easily. So I'm just and maybe I'm still trying to find my groove. So, but just just knowing that I can uh go home or I can you know go walk my dog or just like today's a beautiful day. I can go outside and and that's I think that's what I would encourage people to do all the time. It's just you know, you're you're rushing, rushing, rushing, but every once in a while you can just slow down and take a deep breath.

SPEAKER_04 31:31

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 31:32

Go outside and have a little picnic.

SPEAKER_04 31:34

And yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_02 31:35

I think just slowing down would be the answer.

SPEAKER_03 31:37

Yeah, and we all have to sometimes uh stop and look in the mirror and take a bit of that advice ourselves, and myself included. But that's probably why we're friends, because we are the yes girls, we are let's go girls and go run girls. That's right, I like it. So thank you so much for being welcome here. Until next time, everybody, sit up straight, stay happy, stay healthy, stay adjusted, and go run.

SPEAKER_00 32:02

Thanks for listening to the Posture and Purpose Podcast with Dr. Michelle Car Frank. Make sure to subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Until next time.