GTRC’s first of six “Best Running Stores in America” celebrations in 2019!
2020 Boston Marathon, Katy Edition
our story
Good Times Running Co. opens its doors in October 2017. The store was founded by owners Andrea Witte, Nick Waak, Sarah Priest and Steve Brammer, all of whom have “RUN Katy” for 20+ years.
We are locally and independently owned and operated, offering the Katy Running Community and beyond the best shoe fitting experience and run specialty products available in the industry.
MEET THE TEAM
The GTRC Team is built from athletes of all experiences and specialties. Read below to learn more about the fit specialists you’ll meet during your next visit.
abraham
What got you into running?
I always was into sports (cycling, mountain biking and running was a form of cross training). Later in life I took it to next level doing races! Racing and training created a sense to achieve my athlete and personal goals Giving me success in every aspect of my life!
Fitness Goals yet to Achieve?
I have achieved pretty much must of my goals in life, by competing in different type of races, from mountain bike to duathlon, Triathlon and marathons.
Running Pet Peeves? Garmin not working properly
What Animal best represents you as an Athlete? Dog!
Favorite Race Distance? 21k
Favorite Pre Race Meal?
Ezequiel bread w/ Justin Almond Butter
Favorite Running Play List? Chill out house mix
Favorite Place to run? Trails
(Pajaritos hills, Huntsville)
Favorite post run Treat?
Protein shake (banana, almond butter coconut roasted protein)
Running Mantra?
I don’t have a mantra! Just train my ass off!
andrea
What got me to run ~ I've always been active, but I started long distance running shortly after having kids. Like many new moms, we are usually looking for some sort of an outlet or relief from diapers, feedings, meltdowns, etc.. So off I went to go figure out what all these crazy people were doing at zero dark thirty every Saturday at Cullen Park. I met a whole bunch of other crazy people that were up at the same time and joined their club, KatyFit. Six months later, with my kids aged 1 and 3, I ran my first full marathon in Houston.
Fitness goals ~ I've run a lot of distances (incl a few 50Ks) and I even dabbled in triathlon for a bit (incl a full 140.6). As I become more mature, my running goals have evolved. I'll still drink the occasional kool-aid and say yes to full marathons (Marine Corps 10.26.25), but the thing I really enjoy is hiking. Mountains, elevation, animals, nature = happy time for me.
I wish I could climb all (58) of the 14ers in Colorado, but I probably should've begun that goal when I was less mature and braver. For now, I'll tackle the ones I feel comfortable on with my experience and knowledge.
Running pet peeves ~ When a runner says I am running "just a 5K" or "just a ...(insert any distance). I never want people to use the word JUST in a sentence with their mileage. Everything is relative, all distances are legit, and every run or walk we complete is a big deal...don't ever minimize your achievements!
Spirit animal ~ bear - I can pretty much eat anything as a pre or post run meal and I very much enjoy the art of hibernation.
Favorite place to run - on the trails. Preferably with some elevation changes and pretty scenery. Dirt over concrete any day of the week.
Favorite post run treat ~ I'm usually going to pick a burger, fries and a cold beer, but breakfast tacos and mimosas would be a great back-up plan as well!
Running mantra ~ "I can do anything for a mile!" And in close 2nd - "Embrace the Suck".
becca
I grew up competing as a swimmer, and when COVID hit in 2020, I was desperate to stay active, so I turned to running. Soon 1 mile walks became 3 mile runs and I fell in love with it! One goal I have moving forward is to successfully run a half marathon. I would like to honestly say that I ran the whole distance without stopping before 2026 is over! A pet peeve of mine is when cyclists don’t move off the sidewalk, or provide space, for runners to pass. Unfortunately, this happens often on my favorite running routes: Cullen Park, or a 3 miles route around my neighborhood. Right now, my favorite distance to run is 3 miles because it’s long enough to push me, but short enough to be a convenient time block out of my day. As an athlete, I would describe myself as a tortoise because I am not fast, but I am determined to finish! After I finish a long run, I love to fill up on Tex-Mex! If you know me at all, this answer will not surprise you! It’s pretty much my go-to food for any occasion (my favorite restaurant is Los Cucos by Katy Mills)
chris
Meet Chris
Chris’s journey into running began with family inspiration—his grandfather and other relatives were athletes, and that competitive spirit carried over. Over time, running became more than just sport; it turned into a way of testing limits and pushing boundaries.
Unfinished Business
Chris still has big goals on the horizon: breaking the 4-minute mile, running a sub-14:30 road 5K, and placing in the top 5 of an ultramarathon.
On the Run
When the headphones die mid-run, that’s when the real test of grit begins. But Chris leans into it with the tenacity of a honey badger—relentless, tough, and unshaken.
Quick Picks
Favorite Distance: 1500m & 5K
Pre-Race Meal: Chick-fil-A Chicken Minis
Mantra: Discipline over comfort, always forward
courtney
What got you into running? I played soccer growing up, so running was always part of training. As my kids have gotten older, I suddenly found myself with more free time. At 40, I decided to challenge myself and try to run a marathon. What started as a single goal turned into a passion. I discovered that the mental toughness required for long runs over hours was unlike anything soccer ever demanded.
Fitness Goals yet to Achieve? I’m now setting my sights on completing an ultramarathon in a scenic location. There’s something appealing about being out there for hours surrounded by incredible views.
Running Pet Peeves? People who don’t share the path and are unaware of others around them. Whether that be runner spread two wide blocking everyone behind them or people oblivious to faster runners trying to pass, it’s just basic courtesy to stay aware of your surroundings.
What Animal best represents you as an Athlete? A migratory bird – I’ve evolved from the quick, reactive movements of soccer to steady, long-distance endurance. Like those birds on their epic journeys, I’ve learned to pace myself for the long haul and find strength in persistence over speed.
Favorite Pre-Race Meal? Banana or applesauce with a waffle or bagel. Simple carbs that my stomach can handle, nothing fancy. I’ve learned to keep it practical and stick with what works.
Favorite Running Playlist? It depends on the type of run – audiobooks for easy miles when I want to get lost in a story, and high BPM music for faster efforts when I need that driving beat to match my cadence. Different runs require different mental fuel.
Running Mantra? “This is where the real work happens.” Long runs taught me that the mental game is everything. I remind myself that pushing through discomfort is exactly what separates marathon finishers from people who just think about running one.
jen
I got into running in 2012 because I wanted to run a 5k. I had also had 4 kids in 5 years and it seemed like a great way to get some peace and quiet. After running that 5k (I actually raced a 10k before that goal 5k) I thought "hmm, this is pretty fun, how about I take this hobby and turn it into my entire personality?" So the next year I ran a marathon, and then I got into triathlon and Ironman distance races and a couple ultra marathons. I have accomplished pretty much all my running goals but I aspire to be an old lady who cycles through the Alps for vacations. My running spirit animal is definitely a hippo, I am not light on my feet but I am relentless. Biggest running and cycling pet peeves are unleashed dogs and teenage boys on e-bikes and e-scooters. They are both terrifying to encounter.
I have a huge variety of run playlists, with only one rule, no country. My favorite race distance is definitely a 70.3 triathlon. Challenging but you're done in 5-6 hours. And my favorite post race meal is always a burger and beers!
maryann
I started long distance walking after my children finished high school. Running seemed like a good way to cover the distance a little faster, so I ran my first continuous mile at the ripe age of 51. I have completed races of most distances up to and including 100 miles, so I have met most of my fitness goals. The 50 mile ultramarathon used to be my favorite distance, now I think half marathon or 25k seem more appropriate. State parks are my favorite place to run. One running pet peeve is when other runners play their music on a broadcast speaker. I wish they would consider using headphones so the natural sounds can be enjoyed while running on the trails.
For now, I will say my goal is to stay strong as I age. With that in mind, I started lifting weights a few years ago and have found that I like lifting better than I do running. I think the animal that best represents me is a Mountain Lion. Mountain lions are solitary, powerful animals that thrive in rugged natural environments. They rely on strength and agility and have an independent nature (they do not travel in packs…).
A perfect mantra for me? Keep putting one foot in front of the other.
morgan
I got into running through track and field, which I did throughout both middle school and high school. I was never particularly fast or a long-distance runner, but I enjoyed the process of building endurance. One of my long-term goals is to run the Chevron Houston Marathon with confidence knowing I’ve trained properly and can aim for a strong finish. That goal’s still a ways away, but it’s something I look forward to. One of my biggest running pet peeves is when groups of 2 to 4 people are walking side-by-side and don’t make any effort to move when I’m running toward them, which then puts me in the grass. If I had to pick an animal that represents me as an athlete, I’d say a coyote. Like them, I’m comfortable running alone or in a group, I’m efficient at jogging, and I can turn on the speed when needed. Right now, my favorite race distance is the 5K—it’s short, manageable, and I’ve had the most experience with it. I usually prefer running along the bayous rather than through neighborhoods since the open space gives me more freedom, and there’s grass to run on if needed for my shins sake. After a run, my go to treat is cold fruit—there’s nothing more refreshing.
nick
I got into running at a very young age as a multi-Sport athlete. It was a part of every sport I did and the more I did it the easier it became. I plan to be a lifelong runner and look forward to helping others get into the sport I enjoy. Two goal runs that I have yet to complete are "Rim to Rim" and the "Pikes Peak Half marathon" . If I had to pick one animal that best represents me as an athlete, it would be a wolverine. Like me they are tenacious, can run long distances (yet not known for speed), and prefer small groups or solitary lifestyles. My biggest running pet peeves are noise canceling headphones and people that run with dogs on retractable leashes. My favorite pre-run meal would be pizza with Pepperoni and Jalapeños. I love to run to Eminem Radio on Spotify, the beats in throwback rap are the perfect metronome to get you through a long workout. My running mantra is “smooth is fast.”
sarah
Running has been a part of my life through every phase of my life. My first road race was the Chicago Marathon - I briefly played with the CWRFC and a teammate showed up to a match after finishing the 2005 race. I knew then running a marathon was my next challenge. I've since accomplished a handful of marathons and a couple Ironman races.
My fitness goals are rooted in being actively involved in play with my family. I have a husband chasing Kona and three littles who never stop moving.
Favorite Race Distance: 10K
Favorite Place to Run: Chicago Lakefront Trail or a sunrise run along any beach
Running Mantra: I know I can.
scott
I got into running by chasing a cute little redhead.
I grew up as a swimmer, but during my time in the Army, I discovered a love for running. I carried the guide-on flag and ran around the company, motivating the troops with cadences and leadership. It was Andrea, though, who truly helped me fall in love with the sport.
I'm known as Big Witte; an encourager, cheerleader, and motivator on the run.
One of my big goals is to complete a 100-miler and earn the belt buckle; it's all about the swag.
My running pet peeves? Runners who don’t use crosswalks and those who run in the dark without lights. Safety first!
If I were an animal, I’d be a wolf; capable of running solo or with a pack for long distances. When I’m with the pack, I make sure everyone’s doing okay and knows where we’re headed.
My favorite distance is the 50K trail run. To me, it’s easier on the body than pounding pavement in a marathon.
My go-to playlist is Rage Against the Machine. I love the angst and the message of standing up for the downtrodden.
My running mantra is: I can do one more.
Working at GTRC gives me the chance to help others reach their athletic goals, and I love being part of that journey.
shelly
I started running when a friend asked me to do a 5K—and when I didn’t die, I just kept going!
My favorite distance is the 50K, and my goal is to run a race in all 50 states.
You’ll usually find me happiest on a trail, listening to the sound of my shoes crunching in the gravel.
After a great race, you’ll find me celebrating with a big breakfast including a biscuit with gravy.
My running mantra? “Don’t Die, Dammit!!” (Just don’t put any pine cones in my way.) Like a mountain goat, I’m steady, determined, and built for the long climb.
steve
I have always been active, staying fit with basketball, dirt bikes, skiing (both snow and water), horseback riding, and other miscellaneous activities. Running was never something I wanted to do or even thought about doing. If it didn't have wheels, I was out. Then, when I turned 50 years old, my wife Nancy urged me to join Katy Fit with her. I reluctantly agreed (I think my words were, "it's not good for you!") and have been running ever since. I have run numerous marathons as well as a couple of ultras, Grand Canyon rim 2 rim, Peru's Salkantay Mountain Trail, and every trail around Katy I can find. As I've aged, dealing with numerous "issues" (no, not injuries), running has become more difficult. One of my goals is to again complete a marathon in the near future.
I pick "maverick" as the animal that best represents me as a runner. Actually, a maverick is an unbranded, unconstrained bovine, left in the wilderness to fend for itself. I view my running self, much like a maverick, as unconventional, unrestrained, and free-spirited, looking to make life an everyday adventure. My running playlist includes oldies such as Eagles, "well I'm a-runnin' down the road tryna loosen my load...," Lynyrd Skynyrd "cause I'm as free as a bird now and this bird you cannot change...," and the Beatles "Here comes the sun..." (on an early morning run). I have come to realize, running can be a lifelong activity and mindset contributing to overall health and, most of all, adventure!