 By: Greg Koch
Running a small business will show you things you never expect — water main breaks, global pandemics, and even the night I was woken up at 2 a.m. because a drunk driver crashed through the front of our building. I’ve weathered a lot with 605 Running Company. But moving from a strong ownership group to becoming the sole entrepreneur behind this store brought a level of responsibility unlike anything I’d experienced before. It pushed me to grow in ways only full ownership can. Honesty can be uncomfortable. Not everyone wants to hear it, and some don’t believe it when they do. But transparency matters — especially during a time of year when small businesses rely heavily on community support. The Work You Don’t See Small-business ownership involves countless decisions most people never see. Behind every product on our shelves is a calculation about cash flow, vendor terms, and inventory risk. When we run out of a nutrition flavor, a sock style, or a shoe colorway, it’s almost never a lack of effort — and never a lack of care. Often, it’s simply cash flow. Small businesses don’t have the automatic replenishment systems big-box stores do. There are incredible niche brands in the running world — emerging shoe brands, nutrition companies, headlights, hydration gear, unique apparel. I’d love to carry them all. But responsible buying means focusing on turn rates, margins, product demand, and the realities of cost. We choose carefully so we can offer what runners truly need while keeping the business healthy. These decisions aren’t personal. They’re thoughtful and data-driven. The Good That Happens Here Even with the challenges, there is so much good happening at 605 Running Company. In the past year, we’ve contributed over $30,000 in donations and over 200 volunteer hours to organizations across the region. These acts of service weren’t made during easy times — they were made because giving back is who we are. From small-town races to youth programs to community events across the 605, we’ve continued to show up. Why Small Business Saturday Matters As we approach Small Business Saturday, I want to share one simple truth: Small businesses don’t survive on one big weekend -- they survive because people choose local consistently. Every visit matters. Every purchase matters. Every conversation matters. Your support keeps this store alive, creates jobs, and fuels a running community I’m incredibly proud of. Thank you for supporting local. Thank you for supporting this store. And thank you for choosing 605 Running Company as part of your running journey. Small Business Saturday is a reminder that your choices shape your community — and I’m grateful for every single one of them. If you’d like to read my longer personal reflection on leadership and small-business ownership, you can find the full article on my LinkedIn. Click here more >>>>
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 By: Greg Koch
This weekend, thousands of runners will lace up for one of the most iconic events in the world — the TCS New York City Marathon. The course winds through all five boroughs, showcasing not only the city’s energy and resilience but also the unique power of the running community. As someone who recently visited New York City for the first time with my family, I’ve been reflecting on just how special that community really is. A Family Adventure in the Big Apple My wife, Chelsea, and I had never been to New York before, and seeing the city through our six-year-old daughter’s eyes made the trip even more memorable. She’s been fascinated with the Statue of Liberty ever since learning about it at school, and every morning we play on the large map painted on her school’s playground, talking about the places we want to visit someday. New York has always been at the top of her list. We took full advantage of our CityPASS and explored as much as we could — from the Museum of Natural History and The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum to the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock. And as a huge Ninja Turtles fan, my daughter was absolutely thrilled to “spot” those radical dudes all over the city. It was the kind of family trip we’ll be talking about for years. The Spirit of Running in NYC Even though we weren’t there for a race, I couldn’t help but be drawn to Central Park and the countless runners who filled it — morning, noon, and night. What stood out to me most wasn’t just the volume of runners, but their resilience. During our visit, a classic Nor’easter rolled through — wind, rain, and cool temperatures. Yet there they were: runners of all kinds, embracing the challenge, running anyway. There’s something about New York that amplifies the running spirit. The city never stops moving, and neither do its runners. That energy is contagious. Bringing That Energy Home Back here in Sioux Falls, we’re lucky to have our own incredible running playgrounds — from the River Greenway Recreation Trail that loops through the city to Good Earth State Park, Great Bear Ski Valley, and Tuthill Park. No matter the season, our community shows up. As we head into the colder months, I want to encourage everyone to take a page from New York’s playbook: keep showing up. The weather might turn rough, but with the right layers, a good attitude, and maybe a few friends by your side, running outside year-round here is absolutely possible. At 605 Running Company, we’re committed to supporting runners of all levels — especially through our group runs, which are open to everyone. Meeting up with others can make all the difference in staying consistent and keeping the joy alive, especially when motivation dips. As I get older, I’ve learned that anything that makes running easier — and more fun — is worth embracing. Inspiration from an Iconic Running City So this weekend, as the New York City Marathon unfolds, take some time to watch, cheer, and be inspired. Think about what a “running ecosystem” means to you — how runners, businesses, volunteers, and supporters create something bigger than any single run. I’m proud of the work we do here in Sioux Falls to grow and support that same spirit. Visiting one of the world’s great running cities gave me fresh appreciation for what’s possible when a community runs together — in any weather, at any pace, with open hearts.  Our 605 Run Collective series continues with a leader who brings curiosity, creativity, and a deep love for community — Heather Edmunds Reed.
About Heather Heather describes herself as a curious person, educator, community cultivator, reader, crafter, and runner. A Sioux Falls native, she spent a decade away before family — and the welcoming Sioux Falls lifestyle — drew her back home. She’s a proud mom to three kids — Owen (16), James (14), and Andrew (10) — and wife to Simon, who’s also a runner (bonus points for that!). Professionally, Heather teaches speech and debate at Washington High School, where her love of communication and mentorship shines every day. Expertise & Passion Heather has a gift for building and nurturing communities. Over the years, she’s helped women in their motherhood journey through Elegant Mommy, supported female runners through the Another Mother Runner online community, and most recently worked with international students at Augustana University. Serving communities of empowerment, especially runners, is something Heather considers both a privilege and a calling. She’s also a certified run coach through the RRCA Level 1 and UESCA programs — adding another layer of expertise to the 605 Run Collective. Why the 605 Run Collective? Heather joined the Collective because she knows firsthand how transformative community can be. “I’ve had some of my most impactful life experiences through community and running,” she says. “I wanted to be a bigger part of the 605 Running community through this opportunity.” Looking Ahead Heather is excited to help shape the future of 605 Running Company through creativity, inclusivity, and accessibility. She’s passionate about helping 605 stock products that truly meet the needs of the local community and sharing the store with new audiences across Sioux Falls. She also hopes to intentionally include more diverse communities, ensuring that everyone feels welcome to experience the empowerment and joy of movement. What Running Community Means to Heather For Heather, running means empowerment — and community is what makes that empowerment possible. “Running is hard (and life-changing),” she says. “Community makes the hard doable and fun.” Rapid Fire with Heather
✨ Stay tuned as we continue introducing more members of the 605 Run Collective — the people helping us dream, grow, and move Sioux Falls forward.  Our series introducing the members of the 605 Run Collective continues with someone whose story embodies resilience, joy, and a lifelong love of running: Sheila Stanley.
About Sheila Sheila has been running joyfully for more than 30 years — maybe even closer to 40. Over the decades, she has completed more than 100 half marathons, four full marathons, countless 10Ks and 5Ks, relay races, and even a Ragnar. She’s proud to say she has finished every race she has started (and picked up a few age group wins along the way). In her 40s, Sheila set out on a bold challenge: running a half marathon in every state before turning 50 — her “50 by 50” project. At 42, that journey was interrupted by a breast cancer diagnosis. After surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation, she returned to running — slowly, but gloriously. While she never fully regained her pre-diagnosis speed, she rediscovered something even more important: the joy of running. Today, she is about seven states and 18 months away from completing her 50-state goal by 60. One of Sheila’s most meaningful races came shortly after her treatments. While visiting Runner’s Roost in Colorado, she entered a drawing for the Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco. She had a strong sense that if she won the entry, she would survive her illness. She did win — and ran the race with little hair, little training, but a lot of heart. For Sheila, running is truly a gift — one she wants to share with as many people as possible. Expertise & Passion Sheila brings deep community knowledge and personal insight to the 605 Run Collective. In Denver, she was a member of Revolution Running, a training club that sealed her love of group running. Since moving to Sioux Falls 10 years ago, she has found “her people” through 605 Running Company, Sioux Falls Women Run, and the Sioux Falls Area Run Club. Professionally, Sheila spent many years working in health and safety before recently retiring. Now, she invests her energy back into the community — volunteering with LSS, Girls on the Run, and other organizations. She also stays active at Orangetheory, continues learning Spanish, and has even recruited her husband (and sometimes Daisy the dog) to join her on runs. Why the 605 Run Collective? For Sheila, the answer is simple: 605 Running Company matters. Beyond being a small business, the store has given her an incredible community — whether at group runs, races, packet pickups, or volunteer opportunities. Joining the Collective was a natural way for her to give back. Looking Ahead Sheila hopes to be an ambassador for new runners, back-of-the-pack runners, and those returning to the sport. She wants people to know they don’t have to be fast or perfect to belong — they just need to lace up, move forward, and enjoy the journey. With her decades of experience, her welcoming spirit, and her willingness to serve, Sheila brings an important perspective to the future of 605 Running Company. What Running Community Means to Sheila Sheila believes the running community is about more than miles — it’s about support, encouragement, and belonging. Whether you’re at the front or the back of the pack, there’s always someone cheering for you. It’s also a place where runners bring out their best for each other. Rapid Fire with Sheila
✨ Stay tuned as we continue this series and highlight more inspiring members of the 605 Run Collective!  By: Derrick Ettel
As we close the book on another Sioux Falls Marathon weekend, I have taken time to reflect on what this race meant to so many different runners. Naturally, my first thoughts go to the success stories. The winners. The personal bests. The milestones. These are the moments we rightly celebrate. But after the excitement fades, my mind always wanders to the other side of the experience. Disappointment. Frustration. Anger. Self-Doubt. Running is unique in this way. The sport has a way of tying our emotions and even our self-worth to the numbers on the clock. I know I have been guilty of that myself. Too often I focus so much on the outcome that I forget the bigger picture. In reflecting on both the highs and lows, I kept coming back to a phrase that has been echoing in my mind. “Consistent Competence = Eventual Excellence” – Coach Ed Eyestone Consistent Can you show up day after day, week after week, month after month? If a setback or injury comes your way, are you taking the right actions to move forward? I often ask myself, “What is the correct step to take in this exact moment?” Competence If you look at five workouts and see one excellent effort, three steady ones, and one tough day, that’s exactly where I’d want you. Competence is about stacking good work consistently, not perfection. Eventual For me, this is one of the most satisfying parts of the sport. Progress does not happen overnight and it never happens by accident. Many goals are the result of years of patient work. Eventual means it will happen, as long as you keep showing up. Excellence Excellence takes many forms. For some it is staying healthy. For others it is simply running for enjoyment. For some it might be chasing a Boston Qualifying time or something even bigger. Each of us defines excellence in our own way, and that is the beauty of it.C² = E² isn’t just a catchy formula, it’s a reminder. Consistency and competence, day after day, are what lead to eventual excellence. Show up. Do the work. Trust that excellence is on its way. |
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