Loving My New Balance 1080s from RC Outfitters!

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 stride (I didn’t get it this time, but I highly recommend it if you're not sure about your foot mechanics). The Peoria location is a hub for the local running community, and I can’t recommend it enough. Oh, and they offer a student discount, which is always a win. If you’re looking for a new pair of shoes or just want to check out a great local spot, RC Outfitters is a must! 👟💙

Comments

Sophia Cino

Grimsby, Ontario XC, 3k, 5k, and 10k runner Runner Spotlight Sophia's athletic journey started with a diverse mix of sports—gymnastics, swimming, and basketball. Growing up with two older brothers who played basketball and a dad who coached them, it’s no surprise that basketball became a big part of her early athletic journey. In high school, she played basketball on a club team, but running was always a fun side activity. That is, until she joined her high school's cross country team and quickly discovered her natural talent for the sport. After impressing her teammates, one of them encouraged her to take it further and try running with a club. At 15-16 years old, Sophia was faced with a big decision: continue with basketball or go all in on running. She chose running, and it was a decision she hasn’t regretted. To this day, cross country remains her favorite season, even more so than indoor and outdoor track. Her journey is a testament to following what you love and finding y...

Ciara Thornley

Cheltenham, England XC, mile, 3k & 5k runner Runner Spotlight At just eight years old, she was a swimmer, primarily for general fitness. A year later, she participated in a school cross-country race—not expecting much but finding that she both enjoyed it and performed well. She didn’t win, but she loved the rush of pushing herself and seeing what she could do. That one race sparked something in her, even if she didn’t know it yet. Eager to improve but unable to join her local club until she was eleven, Ciara took matters into her own hands—literally. Every Sunday, she’d lace up, head out, and sprint a 2.6k loop like she was being chased, no warm-up, no pacing, just vibes. It was less of a training plan and more of an all-out personal time trial, with herself as both the coach and the competitor. Looking back, we can’t help but laugh at the chaos of it all, but it clearly worked. When she finally joined a club, she experimented with different events, even trying long jump. But ...

Sonja Inzinger

Mautern (AUSTRIA) 3k, 5k and XC runner Runner Spotlight Sonja’s journey to running wasn’t planned—it just fell into place. She tried acrobatic gymnastics as a kid but quickly realized it wasn’t for her. Then, by chance, running entered her life. A friend’s father, a passionate hobby runner, invited her to join their runs to encourage his daughter to enjoy the sport. The daughter quit soon after, but Sonja found something she truly loved. Her big break came unexpectedly. There was a high school for elite athletes about 30 km from her hometown, but since she wasn’t part of a club or competing in major races, it seemed out of reach. Still, her dad encouraged her to attend their open day just to experience it. She had fun, enjoyed the test runs, and thought nothing more of it—until a week later, she got a life-changing call. Jennifer Wenth, an Olympian and coach at the school, had seen her potential. She had already spoken to the athletics association and wanted Sonja on board. Tha...

The Runner's Exchange

Search This Blog