Charting the course, chasing big ideas, and reminding us why we started.
Nick believes movement has the power to change lives. As the Fearless Leader of Core Running Company, he’s passionate about helping people move better, stay healthy, and discover what they’re capable of accomplishing. Whether someone is training for their first race, returning from an injury, or simply looking for more comfortable shoes for everyday life, Nick believes everyone deserves the right support to succeed.
For Nick, running has always been about more than miles. It’s about community, personal growth, and helping people achieve goals they never thought possible. Over the years, that passion naturally grew into coaching, shoe fitting, and creating a place where runners and walkers of every experience level feel welcome.
Bringing Core Running Company back to Central Texas is especially meaningful to Nick. Many runners still remember the original Core, and reopening its doors is an opportunity to honor that legacy while creating something even stronger for today’s running and walking community. Every recommendation, every shoe fitting, and every conversation is rooted in one simple goal: helping people enjoy movement for life.
When he’s not helping customers in the store, you’ll likely find Nick running local roads and trails, coaching athletes, supporting community events, or encouraging someone to take that next step toward a new goal.
His advice for anyone getting started?
“Don’t worry about where you are today. Focus on taking the next step. Consistency beats perfection every time.”
Favorite Way to Stay Active: Running, coaching, and helping others achieve their goals
Favorite Local Activity: Exploring Central Texas roads, trails, and connecting with the local running community
Favorite Gear: The right pair of shoes and a positive attitude
Fun Fact: Bringing Core Running Company back has sparked countless conversations with runners who still remember the original store and are excited to see the name return.
“When you walk into Core Running Company, I want you to feel welcomed, supported, and confident that you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just getting started, we’re here to help you move better, enjoy the journey, and discover what you’re capable of.”
Always finding a way to help, no matter what’s needed.
Amanda is often the Swiss Army Knife of Core Running Company, jumping in wherever she’s needed and helping create the welcoming atmosphere that makes runners and walkers feel right at home.
Her introduction to running started long before races and training plans. Whenever Amanda was having a rough day growing up, her mom would hand her a pair of headphones and send her out for a run, knowing she’d return feeling better than when she left. Those early miles planted the seed for a lifelong appreciation of movement and the positive impact it can have on both physical and mental well-being.
Today, Amanda enjoys running, strength training, and taking long walks with her four-legged companions. Like many runners, she’s experienced her share of setbacks, including plantar fasciitis just weeks before her first marathon and a lingering hamstring strain that still occasionally reminds her to slow down. Those challenges reinforced the importance of proper footwear, recovery, and listening to your body.
One of Amanda’s favorite moments at Core Running Company is helping customers realize that sore, aching feet aren’t something they simply have to accept. She loves watching someone’s face light up when they discover that the right shoe can completely change the way they move and feel.
Her advice for anyone feeling intimidated about getting started?
“Everyone had to start somewhere. Go as far as you can today. Go a little farther tomorrow, and before you know it, you’ll be accomplishing things you never thought possible.”
Favorite Ways to Stay Active: Running, strength training, and walking the dogs
Favorite Local Spot: Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake) in Austin. It was the first place Amanda ran after moving to Texas, and it’s still one of her favorite places to recharge.
Favorite Gear: Squirrel’s Nut Butter. “Nobody likes chafing.”
Post-Run Favorite: Coffee first. Then either avocado toast, a doughnut, or a Pop-Tart, depending on the day.
Fun Fact: Amanda has been told her handwriting is so good it should be turned into a font.
“When you walk into Core Running Company, I hope you immediately feel welcomed, encouraged, and comfortable. Whether you’re training for your next marathon or buying your very first pair of running shoes, I want you to know you’re in the right place.”
Turning first steps into lifelong journeys.
Tara’s fitness journey began in 2018 with simple walks and a handful of 5K races. What started as a personal commitment to better health gradually grew into a passion for running as she trained for her first 10K and half marathon. In 2024, while preparing for her first marathon with the guidance of a coach, running transformed from an activity into a lifestyle.
Today, Tara believes movement should be sustainable, enjoyable, and accessible at every stage of life. Her favorite approach to staying active includes a healthy balance of running, walking, strength training, and intentional recovery. To her, fitness isn’t a temporary phase. It’s an investment in living well.
Like many runners, Tara has experienced challenges and setbacks along the way. Those moments taught her patience, resilience, and the importance of focusing on the long game. She believes every step, even the difficult ones, has a purpose and helps shape the journey ahead.
One of Tara’s favorite moments at Core Running Company is watching everything click for a customer. Whether it’s finding the perfect shoe or seeing someone realize movement doesn’t have to be painful, she loves helping people discover the confidence that comes from the right fit and the right encouragement.
Her advice for anyone feeling intimidated about getting started?
“Just start. Take the first step, then adjust as you go. Keep it simple, keep it fun, and let the journey unfold.”
Favorite Shoe Brand: New Balance
Favorite Running Gear: Rabbit apparel, Sprints hats, and rnnr hats
Hydration Essentials: Amphipod bottle with LMNT or Tailwind
Recovery Tools: Foam roller and muscle scrapers
Favorite Fuel: Black coffee, tacos, and a post-run Dirty Dr Pepper
Fun Fact: Tara describes herself as an overcomer. Through faith, resilience, and grit, she has rebuilt and reinvented herself more than once. She believes some of life’s greatest victories happen long after people think their best years are behind them.
“When you walk into Core Running Company, I hope you feel welcomed, seen, and like you belong, no matter where you are in your walking or running journey. Good shoes matter, but so do the people who encourage you to keep moving forward. We’re here for all of it.”
Turning clicks into connections and curiosity into community.
Wendi believes every fitness journey has a story worth telling. As Core Running Company’s Magical Internet Spiritual Guide, she helps connect people to the store through storytelling, community building, and a healthy appreciation for the fact that no two journeys look exactly alike.
While she’s completed race training and spent years pursuing running goals of her own, Wendi is often the first to remind people that movement doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. After battling shin splints that sidelined her training and later recovering from a broken ankle on her 47th birthday, she gained a new appreciation for walking, recovery, and simply finding joy in movement again.
Today, Wendi enjoys trail walks, exploring local parks, and discovering new places that bring people together. Having lived in both New Braunfels and San Antonio, she loves finding hidden gems, supporting local businesses, and helping connect people with the communities around them.
One of Wendi’s favorite things about Core Running Company is helping create a place where everyone feels welcome. Not just marathon runners and elite athletes, but parents, beginners, walkers, comeback stories, and anyone looking for a healthier relationship with movement. She believes running stores should build community just as much as they sell great shoes.
Her advice for anyone feeling intimidated about getting started?
“Start where you are. Progress isn’t always fast, and it isn’t always pretty, but every step forward still counts.”
Favorite Way to Stay Active: Trail walks, exploring local parks, and staying active outdoors
Favorite Local Spots: McAllister Park and walks around the Pearl District
Favorite Gear: Comfortable shoes and good conversation
Favorite Fuel: Coffee. Always.
Fun Fact: Wendi spends her days helping businesses grow online but is happiest helping people feel more connected to their communities.
“When you walk into Core Running Company, I hope you feel encouraged, included, and understood. You don’t have to be fast, experienced, or training for a race to belong here. If you’re trying to move better and feel better, you’re already one of us.”
Quietly making every visit a little sweeter.
Monica’s running journey started the same way many people’s do: she was simply trying to lose baby weight. After joining OrangeTheory Fitness, she discovered something unexpected. She genuinely loved running. One 5K race later, she was hooked.
Today, Monica enjoys running, exploring local trails, and playing sand volleyball. Like many runners, she’s faced challenges along the way, including an IT band injury. Through proper stretching, recovery, and finding the right shoes, she worked through the setback and came back stronger.
One of Monica’s favorite parts of working at Core Running Company is hearing customers’ stories and helping them find products that support their goals. Whether someone is training for their first 5K, returning from an injury, or preparing for their next big race, she enjoys helping runners move forward with confidence.
Her advice for anyone feeling intimidated about getting started?
“There are all ages, types, and sizes that love running. You’ll find your niche. Runners are incredibly supportive. Just give them a chance.”
Favorite Shoes: adidas Adizero & HOKA Bondi
Favorite Way to Stay Active: Running, trail adventures, and sand volleyball
Favorite Gear: A great pair of running shoes and a smile.
Post-Run Favorite: Coffee and a banana.
Fun Fact: Monica is a talented artist and enjoys drawing whenever she gets the chance.
“When you walk into Core Running Company, I want you to feel heard. We’re not here to simply ring up a sale. We’ll listen to your goals, your challenges, and your needs so we can help you find the right solution, not just the most expensive one.”
Helping every runner, walker, and adventurer find their perfect fit.
Reagan’s running journey started with a deal she couldn’t refuse. In seventh grade, her mom promised she’d get a dog if Reagan joined the cross-country team. She joined… and yes, she got the dog. More importantly, she discovered a lifelong love for running.
That passion carried her through middle school, high school, and even a year competing at the NCAA level. Today, she still loves the feeling of lacing up her shoes and heading out with friends, whether it’s for a relaxed run or training toward a new goal.
Along the way, Reagan has learned that progress isn’t always a straight line. She worked through stubborn plantar fasciitis and severe iron-deficiency anemia as a young athlete, experiences that deepened her appreciation for recovery, proper nutrition, and listening to her body. Those challenges only strengthened her love for running and reinforced how important it is to take care of yourself both on and off the road.
At Core Running Company, Reagan loves helping people find shoes and gear that make movement feel comfortable, approachable, and fun. Whether you’re training for your first race or simply looking for shoes that make everyday walks more enjoyable, she’s excited to help you find your perfect match.
Favorite Way to Stay Active: Weightlifting, Pilates, and running with friends
Favorite Local Spot: Running the San Marcos River trail from Sewell Park to Ramon Lucio Park. “You’re guaranteed to see dogs, families, and fellow runners.”
Movement Essential: Goodr sunglasses
Favorite Fuel: An iced dirty chai latte from Coffee Bar on the Square
Fun Fact: Reagan has competed, and even won, races in Japan and South Korea. She’s also a third-year psychology student at Texas State University.
“I want people to feel like they’ve found their running community. Running is more enjoyable when you have people cheering you on. I hope Core Running Company creates a space where people encourage each other, celebrate progress, and enjoy the journey together.”
Turning a lifelong love of running into connection, encouragement, and community.
For Abby, running has always been about more than miles. Growing up, her family made movement something they did together, from Turkey Trots to 5Ks and 10Ks. Those early experiences gave her a love for the sport that followed her into middle school and high school, where she continued running through cross country and track.
Today, Abby runs for fun, for her health, and because it remains something she genuinely enjoys. Her approach to staying active includes a mix of running, hiking, and strength training, giving her different ways to keep moving while maintaining the connection to running that began with her family years ago.
That same sense of connection is one of Abby’s favorite things about being part of Core Running Company. She loves meeting people in the community who share a love of running and getting to hear their stories, goals, and favorite places to run. For Abby, those conversations are part of what makes running special. Everyone may arrive with a different pace, distance, or goal, but there is always something to share.
Her advice for anyone who feels intimidated about getting started?
“The only thing that really matters is that you’re doing it. Pace and distance will come with time.”
Favorite Way to Stay Active: Running, hiking, and strength training
Favorite Place to Run: The Wimberley Trail
Favorite Running Gear: Shokz earbuds. She loves listening to music on her runs.
Favorite Fuel: Watermelon with Tajín, especially when it’s hot out
Fun Fact: Abby is originally from Wyoming and has a black Lab named Delta.
“When you come into Core Running Company, I hope you feel a sense of community. Running brings people together in so many different ways, and Core is a place where we can share our stories, our goals, and our love of getting out there and moving.”