Life On The Run
In this episode of Nostalgia Street, we interview Greg Koch, owner of 605 Running Company. Greg shares childhood memories, his love for competition and how he came to be the owner of his downtown Sioux Falls business.
We kick off the conversation with a hypothetical scenario where Greg is designated as the coach of the US running team for the next Olympics. The catch is that the coach must choose between coaching the four by one or the four by four, and the team members must be fictional characters. Greg opts for the four by four and selects fictional characters like Flash (with multiple versions), Speedy Gonzalez, Donatello from the Ninja Turtles, James Bond, Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot's version), and Jaws as the anchor. We envision James Bond running with a trail of martinis and Jaws donning the Team USA uniform.
We then asked Greg about his childhood. He shares anecdotes from his childhood in the '90s, including getting in trouble for sneaking out, staying up late, and watching movies he wasn't supposed to watch. The conversation also touches on Greg's family, particularly his two older sisters, and their influence on his upbringing. He shares a childhood escapade of climbing onto the roof with his sister's guidance and talks about his nephew's recent incident with a hockey puck, highlighting his role as the "funcle" (fun uncle).
He recounts another incident where he took a sled off a terrace into a picnic table, resulting in a gash under his eye. The conversation shifts to Greg’s school days, where he reveals that teachers thought he had a learning disability because he refused to participate in reading activities. His parents proved otherwise by bringing in the sports page, demonstrating his advanced reading ability, particularly in sports-related content.
The conversation delves into Greg’s favorite childhood memories, highlighting a snowy day where his parents took him sledding on Tut Hill. He fondly recalls the excitement of rocketing down the hill, catching air, and enjoying the experience with his mom and dad.
We then talked about Greg’s early teenage years when he settled into Sioux Falls around freshman year, highlighting growth spurts and embracing the rebellious spirit of the era, particularly influenced by the popularity of "Jackass" and the freedom of driving at a young age.
He shares memories of exploring the ska music scene, influenced by older siblings, and talks about his love for the genre, mentioning bands like Streetlight Manifesto and Real Big Fish. Vince joins in the conversation, expressing his appreciation for ska music and sharing his own experiences.
Greg recalls the joy of renting video games from the grocery store and the excitement of picking out movies from the rental section. He shares a humorous anecdote about his older sister's peculiar taste in movies, leading to unexpected movie nights.
Transitioning into adulthood, Greg discusses his educational journey, including his time at South Dakota State University and the University of Sioux Falls. He shares experiences working at the family-owned business, the Cookie Jar, and later, a pivotal moment during a storm while working for the Sioux Falls Family YMCA's camping services. The aftermath involved sewage contamination at the camp, leading to significant challenges and learning experiences.
We then transition to Greg’s experience of owning 605 Running Company, a running store, and how he got into running despite not being a natural enthusiast. He reflects on the competitive aspect of running and the enjoyment derived from working with sports apparel and shoes. He emphasizes that running is not as intimidating as perceived and encourages people to overcome their fears. We discussed the inclusivity of running, emphasizing that it's not just for elite athletes and that anyone can participate.
The conversation then touches on the misconception that one needs expensive shoes to be a good runner, with a focus on the importance of proper fit and feel rather than brand or cost.
We asked Greg about trends in running shoes and the innovations in product design over the past few years. Jeff also highlights the value of coaching, addressing the importance of form, load management, and individualized training plans.
The podcast concludes with cautionary tales related to running, emphasizing the significance of choosing the right footwear and seeking professional advice for specific issues. Greg shares a childhood quote that has guided him: "Courage is contagious," and highlights the influence of family and entrepreneurial spirit in his journey.
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114 S Main Ave Unit 220, Sioux Falls, SD 57104