By Bill Pennington
August 25, 2017 11:30 a.m.
As a Florida Fish and Wildlife law enforcement officer, Tom Tucker helps maintain a healthy ecosystem, while as proprietor of the area’s only specialty running store, he inspires a healthy lifestyle through running.
As long as it is not from the law, Tucker urges running, jogging, and walking. He is a patrolman who is fast on his feet and quick to cultivate Amelia Island’s active lifestyle.
“We live in such a special place if you’re into athletics,” Tucker says. “You can drive down Atlantic Avenue (in Fernandina Beach) at almost anytime of day and see people running, walking, or doing some type of exercise. And, it doesn’t matter the time of year, we are able to do it all year round, and I love to see it.”
Tucker’s Current Running (815 S. 8th Street) store helps keep active runners in the latest shoes and gear as well as fitting new runners and walkers into appropriate equipment. Featuring a staff of accomplished athletes including Tucker they conduct stride analysis and foot measurements to match new and veteran runners with specific shoe types.
Customers are guided under the laces of snazzy designer brands to ensure the shoe’s undercarriage harmonizes with their distinct ambitions.
“When we (with co-owner Vince Grupposo) opened the store seven years ago one of our goals was to get the novice runners into the correct shoe,” Tucker explains. “We wanted to show them the right category of shoe, so they would make the right choice to start, keep running, and keep from injury.”
Though the store offers all types of running gear from shirts, socks, and shorts to sports watches, the correct footwear is its primary focus. When a runner puts his or her foot down while running, no matter how fast or slow, the impact is three times a person’s weight. Thus, cushioning, support, stability, and tread are the utmost of importance for proper conformity.
“If you get the wrong shoe for your stride, it can really hinder your ability and lead to issues,” Tucker says.
Clearly, like most brick and mortar retailers, the store’s specialized attention is imperative with the mushrooming of online buying trends.
“We think that we’re better than online because we make absolutely sure that the shoe is right for you before you purchase it. We even ask customers to take a couple of laps around our parking lot to make sure it feels right,” Tucker said. “If it’s not right, they don’t have to worry about packaging it back-up, going to the post office, and sending it back.” Also, according to Tucker, the majority of athletic shoe companies do not allow lower online advertised prices for current models, thus he is able to keep his inventory competitively priced.
The energetic, dual occupation 52-year-old, who is in his 20th year with the FWC, has established a hub for Amelia’s running community.
He sponsors free weekly Thursday afternoon (6:00 p.m.) three-mile and five-mile casual runs as well as hosting other running groups, including the popular Galloway Run-Walk-Run club, for Saturday morning jaunts around the island. Additionally, he provides free T-shirts with the phrase ‘We Run This Island’ on the back for those who attend at least five Thursday afternoon sessions. Current Running is also a registration spot for area running events including the Amelia Island Runners’ upcoming September 9 Turtle Trot beach 5K. It also features a recycling drop box for used running shoes.
The store is interspersed with running memorabilia on the walls serving as a welcoming red carpet for local striders. And, the owner encourages runners to stop in even if they are dripping in sweat from a run. A no shirt, no service policy is non-existent at this establishment.
“I want people to feel as if this store is a running clubhouse,” Tucker said. “I want it to be a place where people can come to relax, chill-out, and talk running with people of common interest.” Basically, it is a runner’s version of a book club, minus bow ties and penny loafers.
Prior to its 2010 opening, locals had to drive close to 80 miles round trip into Jacksonville for specialty running shoes. So, Tucker, a competitive runner since high school, seized the opportunity and opened his shop to serve Amelia’s growing athletic community.
“It was a case of wanting to do something that I really wanted to do,” Tucker explains. “I knew it was a risk, but I didn’t want to be one of those guys who looked back on his life and said woulda’, coulda’, shoulda’.”
It is an attitude that could inspire his next T-shirt design with the words ‘Don’t sit around, start moving.’
William (Bill) Pennington is a former sports columnist for the Savannah Morning News and Florida Times-Union. He was honored as Writer-of-the-Year for the Road Runners Clubs of America as well as a Associated Press award winner and Georgia Sportswriter columnist winner. He is a contributing writer for the News-Leader. We thank Bill for his contribution to the Fernandina Observer.
Mr. Tucker is a nice man too. I had a problem with something dangling noisily from my car outside his store a few months ago. He graciously came out, got down on the ground, stretched underneath and got the piece off so I could drive home quietly. Belated thank you to Mr. Tucker!
Nice article Bill. Tom and Vince’s dream has turned into an asset for the local running community. Both are great guys. I have my doubts though, as to whether Dave Hewett can keep up with Tom on a run :-). (Sorry Dave, couldn’t resist.)