With the staffs watches you run, walk and uses dif...

With the staffs watches you run, walk and uses differently running terminologies to guide you in buying the right running shoe, you may think the store is about improving your running experience or perhaps your well being in general. Sadly this is not true. Ragged Mountain Running Shop is all about making profits. They train their sales reps who could analyze your gait and make recommendations that seem scientifically sound. However, when inquiring about the price, I started wondering if I have to have a six figure salary to be a runner. When I asked if they could make recommendations for cheaper shoes online, they called me cheap skate who sees doctors without paying. They further insisted that just as doctors would never provide any service without making profits, the Ragged Running Shop would not give any help that does not lead to selling of their shoes. As a student in the healthcare profession, this is an utter insult to all doctors. Doctors do not see patients so they could make money. We see patients because we want to help. In fact, UVA Health System have financial assistance for those who cannot afford health insurance. When I was in college, I helped to organize Relay for Life. I was touched by many local restaurants who would donate food without asking for any endorsements. The founders of the Ragged Shop,Mark and Cynthia Lorenzoni, pride themselves in being in involved in the local community. In About Ragged Mountain page of the website, it says "Many of our high schoolers are active with civic and church groups and our college students belong to a variety of service organizations and causes. All of them freely volunteer their time to help those in need." (the Ragged shop employ high schoolers and college students). Am I not a fellow citizen in need? I can assure you that any kindness toward me would not have been wasted as I have many doctor friends who are avid runners and would pay anything for a better running experience.