The Runner's Exchange

If you’re in Peoria and looking for quality running gear, you need to check out RC Outfitters (also known as Running Central). I picked up the new pastel blue New Balance 1080s there, and I’m seriously loving them. The updated model feels way better — lighter, more responsive, and super comfy for longer runs. These shoes are built to last around 500-600 miles, so they’re perfect for anyone training hard or hitting the pavement often. What I really love about RC Outfitters is the vibe of the store. It’s got this amazing layout with great lighting that makes it feel super welcoming and homey. Whether you’re a runner or just passionate about sports, it’s the perfect spot to shop for gear, and you’ll always find something you didn’t know you needed! The staff makes your experience even better — they treat you like part of the team, and you can tell they genuinely care about helping you find the right fit. Plus, they offer foot support analysis to help you choose the best shoes for your s...

What you eat on race day can really impact how you feel and perform. For middle-distance runners (like those racing 800m to 1500m), it’s all about finding the right balance — feeling light, energized, and ready to go. You don’t want to be running on empty, but you also don’t want to feel heavy or sluggish. Here’s a simple example of how I like to fuel on a race day with a 2:30 pm start: ⏰ Race Day Timeline: Fueling for a 2:30 pm Race 8:30 am – Breakfast (6 hours before) Oatmeal with banana, a spoon of peanut butter, chia seeds, and a splash of milk or kefir Coffee + 1 stick of Liquid I.V. in water Why:  It gives long-lasting energy and helps me start the day hydrated. 10:30 am – Light Snack (4 hours before) Plain rice with a drizzle of olive oil + scrambled egg or a few slices of turkey A few orange slices or a small handful of blueberries Sip on water Why:  Easy to digest and helps keep my energy steady. 12:30 pm – Pre-Race Fuel (2 hours before) Half a ba...

Bloomington, Indiana 400m, 200m & 4x400m runner Runner Spotlight Amiyah got into track thanks to soccer. She’d been playing since she was five, and when she needed something extra to help her stay in shape, track was the pick. Turns out, she didn’t just like it—she was good at it. So she stuck with it. She started doing club track early on, trying out a bunch of different events, but it wasn’t until high school that things started to click. As a freshman, she focused on the 100 and 200. Then sophomore year, she got thrown into the 4x400. That race ended up changing everything. Her dad saw how well she handled it and told her he thought she had real potential in the 400. That’s when the switch happened. Since then, the 400 has been her main event, and she’s only kept getting better. Now, she’s the strongest sprinter on our team at Bradley! Favorite Running Spot Drake Stadium (Des Moines, Iowa) Favorite Running Shoe Amiyah’s go-to spikes are the Nike Air Max Fly. They hold a specia...

Hey everyone! I’m starting a new mini-series on the blog called "What I Wish I Knew Sooner" —a space where I’ll be sharing honest reflections, advice, and little lessons I’ve learned throughout my years as an athlete. Whether you're just getting into sports or have been training for a while, I hope these posts can give you something valuable—maybe even something I really wish someone had told me earlier. We’re starting today with the first part: Training —how it evolves, how it feels, and what no one really tells you about the journey. Stay tuned for more posts soon on topics like nutrition , mental health , and avoiding burnout , with athlete spotlights and other fun posts in between! What I Wish I Knew Sooner: Notes to My Younger Athlete Self Training Training started off as something fun. Depending on the age you get into running, the experience can feel really different—but I like to believe that deep down, everyone who sticks with it does so because they genuinel...

 Medford, New Jersey  800m, 4x400m & 1500m runner Runner Spotlight When Grace was just five years old, her mom signed her and her brother up for their town’s track club—just a fun way to keep them active and try something new. But from the start, Grace was all in. She didn’t just participate—she loved it. Weekend track meets quickly became her thing, and she wasn’t picky about events. Sprints? Sure. Distance? Why not. Probably even gave throws or jumps a try. Young champions celebrating their wins Even back then, you could see little Grace with a medal around her neck, holding up her tiny watch before the start of a race, already thinking about times and how to get faster. Running was just for fun at that age, but for her, there was always a little extra spark—something that made her want to keep pushing. As she got older, two events stood out: the 800m and the 4x400m. By high school, she was all in on middle-distance racing. The 800 isn’t just about being fast—it’s abo...