By Delawese Fulton, The Macon Telegraph, Ga. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News
Nov. 15--Perry Slaughter knows that one is never too young -- or too old -- to learn to love running and benefit from a good pair of sneakers.
Slaughter, a former track athlete and record-holder at Clayton State College, opened Run Fit Sports in Macon six months ago. He said his new venture is the ideal outlet for sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge of running and athletic gear with novices and experienced athletes in Macon and Middle Georgia.
'This is my passion -- running,' said Slaughter, 36.
His love for running blossomed about a decade ago when he decided to help his wife prepare for a jogging course she was taking at Macon State College. As he built up his stamina, he took a keen liking to running.
Slaughter was about 25 years old and previously had taken some college courses when a Clayton State College coach -- who knew of his running ability -- asked him to enroll there and join Clayton State's track team.
'I was the only one who could drive the (team's) van,' said Slaughter with a chuckle. He was the oldest member of the track team at the time.
After his graduation and earning a business degree in 2000, Slaughter decided a running store was the way to go.
Run Fit Sports, located at 4524 Forsyth Road, 'just seems like the thing to use all my talents and gifts,' he said.
Slaughter has employed a sales staff of four experienced runners to assist customers in selecting sneakers that best fit their arches and gaits.
'I check their arches. I ask them to walk from here toward the window,' Slaughter said, standing a few feet away from his counter in the rear of his store.
Run Fit Sports' assortment of shoes is categorized by labels: 'Motion Control,' 'Stability' and 'Cushioning.' The shoes range from about $40 to $135 and include brand names such as Asics, New Balance, Brooks, Saucony and Reebok.
Although Slaughter is busy with his store nowadays, he has not hung up his running shoes.
He has coached the cross country track team at another of his alma maters -- Mary Persons High School in Monroe County -- for five years. And he guided the boys' team to state finals this year.
His wife, Kristy Slaughter, teaches Spanish at Mary Persons and helps him coach.
'He is probably the most dedicated and goal-oriented person I know,' Kristy Slaughter said.
Coaching, running and the store are 'perfect' for him, she said, because 'it kind of meshes all of his abilities.'
His track students at Mary Persons say he is one of the most disciplined people they know.
'He knows what he is talking about,' 16-year-old Alan McGough said. 'And he'll get out there and do it with you.'
Since his time at Clayton State, Slaughter said he has earned certification as a USA Track & Field coach and personal trainer. And, he has competed in local races and in marathons in Chicago and Boston.
Slaughter is excited that running has taken him in a new direction. Through his store, he can enlighten others about the sport and footwear.
He said people often buy their shoes according to how they look. He said the goal at Run Fit Sports is to get customers to look beyond aesthetics and more toward utility.
Sales associate Josh Myers said that as an avid runner, he is highly motivated to help customers select a shoe that matches their footstrike and bone structure.
Myers said he feels like Slaughter does about running.
'I want everybody to appreciate it and enjoy it as much as I do,' he said.
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