TIM WAZ
Encouraging Healthier Communities
photos by CHARLOTTE BERKELEY
Before opening his store in November 2016, Tim Waz dreamed of much more for Grounded Running than just another typical shoe store. He envisioned bringing a community together with three things: a passion for running, a focus on overall fitness, and a love of racing. Grounded Running is the culmination of this vision. It has continued to give back to Beaufort through a specialized shopping experience, quality racing events, and community outreach through the Beaufort Track Club.
THE GROUNDED RUNNING EXPERIENCE
Grounded Running has evolved into much more than a shoe store for runners only. Tim now carries over twelve major brands, including Brooks, HOKA, On, New Balance, Nike, and Saucony, with over 100 different models and styles to choose from. Grounded Running offers a personalized shopping experience that Tim calls their “YOUfit” process.
The YOUfit process is a proven three-step cycle that Waz and his entire staff take everyone through, regardless of whether you are a marathoner, looking to run your first 5K, or just in need of proper fitting shoes for everyday use. The process begins with an interview, and then they use the latest technology to perform a free 3-D foot scan and take you through the shoe-fitting process.
Interview: The process begins with a simple discussion to understand the customer’s history, current shoe usage, and future goals. “Since we get a lot of referrals from local physicians, it’s important to get a clear understanding of what each customer is looking for,” said Jerry Navarro, Grounded Running’s Senior Guru.
Foot Analysis: Grounded Running then uses the latest infrared technology from Aetrex to take a 3D scan of the foot to get a proper fitting and better understanding of the foot’s shape and structure. They also use slow-motion videos to evaluate gait and ensure the appropriate amount of support is given to the foot.
Shoe Fitting: The last step is the actual fitting process. Grounded Running ensures that the customers’ shoes fit their feet properly, and offers insoles and alternate lacing options to ensure the perfect fit. “We’ve never sold a shoe in the seven years we have been open without getting to know the customer. We like to make great recommendations and let each individual decide what feels best on their feet. We work very closely with our local podiatrists and
physical therapists, many of whom recommend people to Grounded Running to get them in a more appropriate and comfortable shoe for their specific foot or balance concerns,” said Waz. “A large portion of our customer base are not runners, but because of the time we take with our YOUfit process to fit our customers with the right shoes and the specialty of the shoes that we do carry, many of our customers can leave the store feeling much better than they did when they walked in. Most importantly, we love doing business with a focus on customer service and overall outstanding customer satisfaction.”
“More than just a store for runners and walkers, we also serve our hardworking medical and service industry workers who are on their feet for long shifts and just need the proper footwear.”
RACING AND GIVING BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY
On most weekends, you can find Tim and his crew setting up in the early hours along Bay Street or Port Royal and everywhere from Savannah to North Charleston. Grounded Running’s timing services have been recognized as one of the most preferred Event Management and Race Timing companies in the Southeast. With more than 40 races a year, Tim and his crew help support our local charities by offering the most advanced timing services available today. They continue to partner with these charities to ensure their fundraising efforts always provide the greatest possible return for the organization and participants. Grounded Running also supports our local youth running programs by hosting annual Team Nights at the shop. Guest speakers are invited, dinner is served, and it’s a good time for fellowship among our young runners while giving them access to the vast knowledge base that our great running community has to offer. Grounded Running has timed various events, from the 2021 National Championship Half Marathon to their South Carolina Ultra Running Festival 6-Day event. The entire staff at Grounded Running loves to run, and their passion can be felt at every event they support.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND SUPPORT OF THE BEAUFORT TRACK CLUB
Initially founded in 1976, Tim brought the Beaufort Track Club back when he opened Grounded Running in 2016. The Beaufort Track Club welcomes runners and walkers of all abilities. The free local community club meets Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings, and meetups occur at different locations each week (see runbeaufort.com for the full schedule). “Our club runs are truly for everyone, and it’s one of the best ways to reach your goals and meet other runners. We are a very social group, and we love supporting each other,” said Navarro.
The vision that Tim had when he brought Grounded Running to Beaufort has, of course, grown due to the tremendous support of our local community.
Tim has been working with US-based designers and textile companies, and has recently launched their very own line of athletic wear, including shorts, pants, jackets, vests, and even their very own Grounded Running socks. “At the very beginning of the pandemic in 2020, our vendors immediately began to warn us of a price increase. I took that time to begin working with some amazing partners to develop our very own line of performance sportswear to ensure that we could offer the best products at the best pricing.” The new line of Grounded Running apparel has exceeded Tim’s expectations, and he plans on expanding their offerings over the next few months.
Tim also finds the time to hold multiple board seats within Beaufort County, including Vice Chair of the newly formed Beaufort Sports Council along with the CVB Board of Directors. These organizations share Tim’s vision to provide and support quality recreational and community-focused events to highlight the beauty of Beaufort for its residents and visitors alike.
I encourage you to experience Grounded Running and their personalized approach to customer satisfaction for yourself. Your feet will thank you, and who knows, you might just find yourself standing at the starting line of an upcoming race very soon.
Grounded Running is located at 2139 Boundary Street, Suite 108, in the Beaufort Town Center Shopping plaza. You can find more information on their offerings and services at www.groundedrunning.com or via phone at 843-986-4523.
