First 1000th Twitter - an open letter

Having just hit the eve of our first 1000^th tweet on twitter, I thought it would be cool to ask our kind followers for ideas as to what we should make the 1000^th tweet about, after all this is what Twitter is all about. Social networking. I had a few ideas suggested by them, they ranged from requests of discount codes to a cute picture of a dog. They were all suitable, and I was particularly tempted by the cute dog (thanks @Lordmooch)

Having given it some thought and after seriously considering the ideas, I decided to tweet about something associated with our followers, but not directly suggested by them.

Up and Running has been in existence for over 22 years now, and during its time it has had many many changes. Changes in personnel, changes in product and suppliers, changes in direction and focus and changes in fortune (up and down). But throughout all of this time one thing that hasn't changed, and is the true corner stone to our business. We have an unwavering commitment to our customers. Full stop.

Up and Running for 22+ years, still under the influence of its co-founders (Gillian and Dennis McFarlane) continue to value and aim to focus all its strength and power on servicing the 'Running community'. We have, as highlighted above, changed in terms of personnel but throughout this time we have constantly employed passionate and committed staff, who have a keen focus on running and fitness. We are definitely a company 'Run by Runners for Runners'.

It is through the shop staff, the 'touch points' of the company that we strive to serve the running community esp those that come through our doors. But it doesn't stop there, we also focus on the running community out in the 'field'. Through our 'out reach' program we aim to connect to runners on the local level, on the race line, in the water logged field. This is where runners passions are played out, where goals are achieved and where dreams are realised or broken. This is where our passion is also.

There are some areas that ongoing Up & Running see as crucial to our continued success:

Service, we don't always get it right, but we try, and we try very very hard to maintain it.

Product, we strive to select the right products. All things change and we are focused on selecting the best product available and to keep one eye on the horizon and one ear to the ground.

Gait Analysis. This is crucial to the assessment of everyone's running style. We aim to develop, evolve and adapt our knowledge and continue to invest time in training.

Staff. Develop and invest in our staff team to ensure that ALL customers are given the time and focus they deserve and require to achieve their goals.

But, there is one important element missing, and after the long preamble I finally get to the point.

YOU.

Without you. Runners and fitness fans, we are nothing. You are the weekend warriors who chase that elusive PB. You are the runner who is raising money for a charity close to your heart. You are the runner who is trying to release stress from your life. You are the runner who is challenging your self, mind, body and sole, and you are the runner who is just like us. Pete the manager of Cheltenham, Gilly the manager of Leeds Central, in fact any number of the staff at Up & Running stores are just like you, and there here to serve, in and out of store.

I feel the 1000^th tweet, in fact every one of the next 1000 should be dedicated to working towards you and the wider running/ fitness community. It may sound soppy, it may seem a little lame, but it is why Up & Running is here. So thank you for your continued support and thank you for taking the same path, road, trail, hill and track as us.

Yours

Jonathan Midwood (General Manager)