History of Jus' Running Inc.
Jus' Running Inc. was opened in August of 1998 by Eric Hichman
and Anne Riddle. Their goals for the store were to provide quality running
shoes and accessories while promoting running in Western North Carolina. Eric's
experience came frome a cross country and track background at the University
of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He was an Olympic Trials qualifier in the
3,000m steeplechase in 1992. Anne Riddle's experience was from running cross
country and track at William and Mary University with a period of non-running
post-collegiately. Since then she has made up for lost time by competing in
ultra-marathons. She is a USA 50k National Champion on the trail for 2001
and the 2002 USA National 100k Champion on the roads. At the World Championships
she placed 29th in 2001 and 14th in 2002. Her goal is to improve to a top
ten finish in 2003.
In November of 2002 Norm Blair purchased Jus' Running. Norm's running background goes back thirty-one years to the T.C. Roberson track when he followed his brother to start training for cross country. After an all-state career Norm moved to Appalachian State University to run for the Mountaineers and was an all-conference runner and Conference Champion at various distances. After college, Norm ran competitively for the Asheville Track Club, Greenville Track Club and finally for Etonic Inc. In the 1970's he was a cofounder of the Asheville Track Club and Lower Arden Track Club. From 1981-1988 he coached high school boys' and girls' cross country and assisted in track at T.C. Roberson. During his tenure, the T.C.R. teams qualified for the state finals every year. Norm's teams attained two State Championships as well as numerous individual State Champions and all-state runners. After leaving Roberson in 1988 Norm has remained active doing private coaching and promoting running in Western North Carolina. Norm retired from competitive running in 1988 but has continued running and racing on a local level since then. Some of his personal accomplishments include a 10th place finish at the 1985 Boston Marathon, a 1st place finish at the 1983 Carolina Marathon, and 20th and 21st place finishes, respectively, at the 1975 and 1980 Peachtree Road Races.
The future goals for the store are diverse and will include all levels of runners.
Walkers will also be included in the mix. Jus' Running will improve the stock
and diversity of accessories needed for running while continuing our shoe
selection service. Running information including race results, training information,
upcoming races, and virtually anything occuring within Western North Carolina
will be provided. The store will continue to support a roadracing and trail
racing circuit. Jus' Running will provide services for the walker/runner to
the world class athlete. The last piece of this introduction comes from myself,
Norm Blair. I believe that knowledge and truth develop empowerment. The team
that I have assembled at Jus' Running reflects that belief. We are here to
service the sixteen minute per mile walker to the sub-5:30 elite and beyond.
It is my belief that they can help anyone with their running questions.
If you have waded through this intro, I congratulate you. It is my goal to bring this store to national prominence for service and support of virtually anything to do with running. I'm always available at 828-252-7867 or jusrun@bellsouth.net. I look forward to the future.
~Norm Blair
In November of 2002 Norm Blair purchased Jus' Running. Norm's running background goes back thirty-one years to the T.C. Roberson track when he followed his brother to start training for cross country. After an all-state career Norm moved to Appalachian State University to run for the Mountaineers and was an all-conference runner and Conference Champion at various distances. After college, Norm ran competitively for the Asheville Track Club, Greenville Track Club and finally for Etonic Inc. In the 1970's he was a cofounder of the Asheville Track Club and Lower Arden Track Club. From 1981-1988 he coached high school boys' and girls' cross country and assisted in track at T.C. Roberson. During his tenure, the T.C.R. teams qualified for the state finals every year. Norm's teams attained two State Championships as well as numerous individual State Champions and all-state runners. After leaving Roberson in 1988 Norm has remained active doing private coaching and promoting running in Western North Carolina. Norm retired from competitive running in 1988 but has continued running and racing on a local level since then. Some of his personal accomplishments include a 10th place finish at the 1985 Boston Marathon, a 1st place finish at the 1983 Carolina Marathon, and 20th and 21st place finishes, respectively, at the 1975 and 1980 Peachtree Road Races.
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His Personal Records are: 2:19:23-Marathon 1:05:36-Half-marathon 49:42-10 miles 14:20.1-5k 8:50.2-2 miles 4:08.2-Mile To date he has run more than 125,000 miles !! |
If you have waded through this intro, I congratulate you. It is my goal to bring this store to national prominence for service and support of virtually anything to do with running. I'm always available at 828-252-7867 or jusrun@bellsouth.net. I look forward to the future.
~Norm Blair