In A Word......

That was the most amazing night that I have ever had!

I got to work just after four and the whole place was buzzing. We were actually open for business as of ten yesterday, so there were already customers in the store. Most were buying shoes, so I was able to test out my gait analysis knowledge!

Once five came along, runners began to show up to pre-register for the race. Over 200 people pre-registered online! So we were expecting quite the turnout! The news showed and interviewed John Stanton, our founder and CEO. He's an amazing guy, and it is going to be awesome to work with him.

Colin showed up at six, and it was just great to see a friendly face. And the store was getting a little full. He picked up his number and I managed to introduce him to some of my co-workers just before the Newmarket bus arrived. By that point, I would say about 100-150 people were in the store. Louise Smith, the founder of SMA came, along with Rebecca's cousins. The president of Mizuno Canada was also there, along with the president of The Canadian Cancer Society. Once the Richmond Hill bus arrived, the place went mad!

At seven, with nine of us bunched in the counter, the store COMPLETELY FILLED from front to back, side to side and the doors WIDE OPEN with about 150 more people outside, we officially opened! John presented a cheque to the Canadian Cancer Society for over 116,000 dollars raised and then Louise Smith said a touching word.

Unfortunately, due to the fact that the place was WAY busier than they thought, I wasn't able to run. It was a bummer, but it didn't make the experience any less for me.

Colin came in after he ran and grabbed a bite, then headed home. By nine o'clock the buses were gone, the store was closed and we were officially the most successful opening in The Running Rooms history!

I knew that this was going to be more than a job for me, but I never thought it would already be so rewarding! Thank you to everyone that came out, especially my Learn to Run Clinic! That was awesome of you!

Today I am only better than yesterday! And I have taken with me an experience of a lifetime!