Larry and Debbie Jones opened Runner's Den, in Paris, Ontario in April of 2000. Debbie had been an avid runner for quite a few years, but ran alone. When considering the prospect of a downtown store, some of the Paris merchants wondered why...seeing there were very few runners in Paris. Debbie response was...well, to get more runners in Paris!!

As of this year, 2011, Debbie has run 16 marathons and has qualified for Boston 6 times, running it 4 times. Her running is her passion, but she says it's not about how many miles she runs, or how far, but just the fact that she can run and enjoy it so much. She feels the benefits of running far outweigh the occasional muscle soreness or injury. She started running when she was 34...before that, she was never too active...just busy raising her children and making a home. She always wanted to run and couldn't really figure out how people did it without exhausting themselves. She started walking to relieve stress, and slowly started to run. She hasn't stopped. She loves to run and loves to pass that enthusiasm onto others.

Larry is the man behind the scenes. He backs Debbie up 100% and is seen at many races cheering her, and the other runners from the "Den" on. He does the books, fixes whatever needs fixing, hands out gatoraide, sets up water stations, and basically does whatever needs to be done around the store. Larry and Debbie have been married 31 years, have 3 grown children, two granddaughters and have lived in Paris for 24 years.

Debbie's specialty is the running clinics. Hundreds of beginner runners have started out and successfully completed the Beginner Running clinics, as well as the 10k and marathon clinics. She loves to teach people to run. She coaches them on proper form and running techniques, but in general, what she really does is provide an atmosphere where people who don't run,  can meet and slowly start to. She has a very high success rate and not only of runners completing the beginner clinic but moving on to the 10k and eventually marathons. She's encouraging, enthusiastic, energetic and believes in equal opportunity. If you want to run, she can help you.

One of Debbie's favorite sayings..."When is the last time you have done something for the first time". Many people who start out running with Debbie are doing it for the first time. She loves seeing the exhilaration on their faces when they finish a clinic and are able to successfully run 5k. Knowing that she has done just a little bit to help them achieve this is as rewarding for Debbie.

Runner's Den specializes in fitting people for shoes. With 11 years of experience behind her, Debbie watches you walk, looks at your feet, and will know what kind of shoe to put you in. She will give you 3 or 4 that are suitable for your foot to try on and help you to select. Many doctors. podiatrists and sports specialists recommend their clients to Debbie. She knows feet and she knows shoes. Debbie has trained her staff to know exactly what to look for and how to help. By coming to Runner's Den, Paris, you will be properly fitted with shoes.

Debbie is very informative and understand running injuries. She can offer help and give advice as to what to do if an injury occurs. She's a coach and knows how to prevent injuries as well as insight as to how to look after them.

Debbie and Larry, here at Runner's Den, are here to serve you in any way they can to help you to run, to continue running and to enjoy it.

© 2011
Runners Den Paris