Thanks for visiting the official Up & Running website. We’d like to share some background on the development, and vision, of Up & Running.
Up & Running was the brainchild of Kim and Matt Wood, who noticed the overall increase in individuals in Chatham focused on running, triathlons, and fitness in general. While there are several athletic stores in Chatham, none provide the knowledge and support new runners (and anyone new to fitness) need to be successful. Many of those new to running or fitness would travel outside of Chatham to be fitted for shoes, but would lose out on the community feel that can be fostered by a local running store. Now there is a local option!
Owned and operated by fellow Chatham residents, and runners, Up & Running carries high quality footwear, apparel and accessories in a fabulous, downtown location.
Along with our products, Up & Running also provides services in order to help you to be your best runner/athlete – whether you are just getting into running, or are a seasoned racer. Unsure of the best shoe for you? Need some technique feedback? We have equipment to video/record your running stride and to provide gait analysis.
Interested in running with a group? We have teamed up with RunCK to offer running clinics for a wide range of abilities, from Learn to Run programs all the way to Half Marathon training. Along with the clinics, we will have drop in runs available for those looking to do their long runs with some company.
Interested in training for a race, but maybe not able to make the clinic/group runs? We can provide you with a personalized training plan. Just talk to one of our staff, and we can work out a plan that works for you.
You may be wondering what qualifies the staff of Up & Running to provide the expertise above? Here is some background on the owners, Matt & Kim Wood.
Kim Wood
Kim is a former competitive swimmer who competed at the Olympic Trial level and attended the University of Cincinnati on a swimming scholarship. After graduating, Kim remained active in the swimming community, coaching at the NCAA Division I level in the US, and then returning home to Ontario and coaching at the university level and the age group level.
Running was always a part of Kim’s athletic life, helping with her swimming fitness. Upon moving to Chatham with her husband, Matt, Kim began to focus more and more on running. She is active in the racing community, and is a Boston qualifier in the marathon. Outside of Up & Running, you will likely run into Kim at Blairs Bootcamp, or out hitting the pavement!
Matt Wood
Matt Wood also began his athletic career as a competitive swimmer here in Chatham. Matt is a former Chatham Y Pool Shark, and is the club’s first National level finalist. Matt went on to swim for the University of Western Ontario, where he was a multiple medalist at the OUA Championships, a finalist at the CIS Championships, and a competitor at the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Trials. A graduate in Engineering, Matt took several courses in biomechanics, including gait analysis.
Matt became active in running at the urging of his wife Kim. Indeed, with their busy schedules, sometimes runs are their best opportunities to spend time together! Matt began as a casual runner, completing shorter races with minimal training. In the past year, Matt has completed his first marathon, and is now training in earnest to bring his times down (and try to keep up with his wife!).