Avid runner moves business to Arlington Heights
An interview with Janet Leet, owner of SUB5 Dynamic Running Specialists in Arlington Heights.
Q: Describe your business. What do you do?
A: I am a running mechanics specialist. I work with middle school, high school, collegiate, and adults to develop the skill of running. We call it dynamic running. I get a lot of individuals who have injuries who come to me to help get them back to their sport. 93.8 percent of the people do not run correctly. Injuries occur with a mileage increase or a pace increase or both.
Q: What made you start your business?
A: I have actually been in business for 15 years but 14 of those out of my house. Kids asked me to coach them after I started a running camp called SUB5 Girls Distance Running Camp. I developed that camp to the largest overnight all girls running camp in the country.
Q: What has been the most difficult obstacle in running or starting a small business?
A: Getting the courage to move out of the house and into my own facility has been difficult.
Q: What do you enjoy most about operating your business?
A: I enjoy watching the spirit develop in the athlete. I get a lot of people who have had no hope due to continuous injury and watch them find their way back. I get to see that spirit come back.
Q: Is this what you pictured yourself doing when you were young? When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I worked with an Olympic Training Center scientist when I was in high school and now I work with him on human movement to research today. He got me to run without injury through my entire high school career and help build me into a national champion at that time. I took those skills to my collegiate running career where I was a 10 x All American and World Cross Country Champion in Cross County. I went through this program as a youth and I have always wanted to share my passion.
Q: What keeps you up at night?
A: Injuries are puzzles to me. So some of my clients will keep me up if I feel we are not heading in the right direction. I think about it and try and develop different ways to go after it.
Q: If you could give one tip to a rookie business owner, what would it be?
A: Be your passion.
— Kim Mikus
Ÿ Every Monday we feature a suburban business. We want to hear about yours. Contact Business Writer Kim Mikus at kmikus@dailyherald.com.
Business: SUB5 Dynamic Running Specialists
Address: 43 S. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights
Owners: Janet Leet
When business started: 16 years ago
Web address: www.sub5dynamicrunning.com