When Running Is Your Passion
BY: Rebecca L. Sparks

It was only 9 years ago, during a Spring 2000, Peak When It Counts training workout that many of us stood around talking about the need for Brevard County to have a running specialty store.

So, being the aggressive entrepreneur that I am, already owning two successful businesses (check out www.apollorealtyinc.com), we decided to pursue what was suppose to be a fun, part-time, loving adventure. Runners alike met at this little house in Cocoa Beach to put together Brevard County’s first running retail store, Up & Running on the east coast, inc. We would get a run in first, then get started on painting, installing light fixtures and ordering the inventory.
Forever and ever, I will be grateful to those who helped start the store.

In 2002, the Florida real estate market started to boom and continues to do so with no end in site. So, with an ever so successful real estate brokerage company and the continued desire to coach more, I have concluded to focus my not on the retail aspects of Up & Running, but the coaching, race management and also, Apollo Realty, Inc. and its staff.

I have always focused on Up & Running being the resource center for runners. Yes, it was great to get the runner in the right equipment but it is more important to give back what I know, a lifetime commitment to the sport.