MEET THE STAFF

Melissa leads the charge at True Grit Running Company, combining her love for running with a passion for supporting the local running community. She first got into running when a college roommate encouraged her to sign up for a 5K, and she hasn’t stopped since! Her favorite race memory is the Wineglass Half Marathon in Corning, NY, and she swears by her Mizuno Neo Zens. When she’s not running, Melissa enjoys following Green Bay Packers football, reading, listening to podcasts, and introducing her high school and college employees to old movies. Her best advice? “Do not overlook the value that regular stretching and regular strength training can provide.  Flexibility and strength are so important as we age and can help so much with our functional fitness.”

Inspired by his late grandfather, a former marathoner, he started running in 2011 and has since built an impressive career, with his most memorable race being the 2019 Dallas Half Marathon, where he took the win and landed his first post-race interview. His go-to shoe is the Mizuno Neo Zen, and he never runs without his Garmin watch or Feetures socks. When he’s not running, Drew enjoys spending time with his wife and two boys or playing basketball. His best advice? “Consistency is key! You have to put the work in day after day, week after week, if you want to see progress.” His favorite local running spot is the Riverfront Trail, and post-run, he keeps it simple with granola bars and water—because life as a dad of two keeps things busy!

Lakeya has been a runner since 3rd grade and loves helping customers find the perfect shoes to meet their needs. Her favorite race is the Survivors Challenge in Fort Smith, and she currently runs in the Mizuno Wave Inspire 21. Outside of running, you’ll find her gaming listening to Doja Cat. Her go-to post-run snack is a peanut butter sandwich, and her best advice for runners is, “Take your time. If you need to walk while running do it. Allow yourself mental space while running also. Take it easy on yourself and your body. Running is a mind and body activity.”

Evan is passionate about helping people feel comfortable in their shoes—whether that means finding the right fit for everyday life or supporting them in reaching their running goals. He started cross country in junior high and has ran since! His favorite race memory is his senior year at the state cross country meet, where his team took home their first-ever state title. Evan’s current go-to shoe is the Mizuno Neo Zen, and he never runs without his Garmin watch and Mizuno Breath Thermo Gloves. When he’s not running, he enjoys camping, mountain biking, and Boy Scouts. His advice? “It’s never too late to start, and it only gets easier!”

Nathan works on the sales floor at True Grit Running Company, where he enjoys being part of the running environment and helping customers find what they need. He got into running thanks to a friend who kept encouraging him to give it a try—and now it’s something he can’t get away from. His favorite race is the Fort Smith Marathon, and he currently runs in the Mizuno Neo Vista, always paired with a good set of non-cotton socks. Outside of running, Nathan enjoys playing disc golf and spending time in the gym. His best advice for runners and walkers is simple: consistency is key. You can usually find him running at Ben Geren, and afterward reaching for strawberries to refuel.

Westin enjoys helping customers find the right shoes and making new connections with everyone who walks through the door at True Grit Running Company. He first got into running in 7th grade thanks to his friend Kobe and has enjoyed the sport ever since. One of his favorite running memories is competing in the 2024 Thrill of the Hill race. He currently runs in the Diadora Frequenza and never heads out without his watch. Outside of work and running, Westin enjoys hanging out with friends, listening to music, and watching football. His advice for runners is simple: “Don’t let other people get in the way of you being you.” You can often find him running around Torraine Lake, fueling up with breakfast afterward, and listening to Christian rap on his runs.

Eli is a member of the floor team at True Grit Running Company, where he enjoys helping customers find the right shoes and gear while sharing his passion for running. He first got into the sport as an off-season activity for football and basketball, but after finding success on the track, he quickly fell in love with running and has been dedicated to it ever since. One of his proudest accomplishments was setting his school’s freshman mile record with a 4:45 at the conference meet. Eli’s go-to shoe is the HOKA Mach 7, and he never heads out without his Garmin Forerunner 245. Outside of running, he enjoys camping and hiking. His advice for runners and walkers is to take the easy days easy and always be grateful for the opportunity to move, because not everyone has that chance. You’ll often find him running along the Riverfront Trail, recovering with a strawberry banana smoothie, and enjoying the quiet of the run without music so he can focus on the mental side of the sport.

Troy does a little bit of everything on the floor at True Grit Running Co., helping customers find the right solutions—whether it’s shoes, insoles, socks, or anything in between. Inspired by his dad, who got him into running at a young age, Troy’s favorite memory is competing at his senior year track state championship meet. He currently runs in the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 and never goes without quality socks like Features or OS1st. Outside of running, Troy enjoys riding motorcycles, forging knives, leatherwork, and playing pickleball—and he can solve a Rubik’s cube. His best advice? Stay consistent—hard work over time pays off.