Tenant Success StoriesWhat is Fartleks?

What is Fartleks?

Fartleks Running Shop Smoothie Stop opened in April of 2022. Conveniently located in Wichita’s Delano district, Fartleks provides running shoes, clothes and accessories. They also have a smoothie shop, offering up made-to-order smoothies and the perfect place to gather prior to a riverside run or to relax after!

Store owner Andrew Schinstock opened the store after the pandemic and First Gear closed. Andrew always had a passion for running. He ran throughout middle school and high school, and his dream was to own this own business one day. He saw the opportunity to fill a need that wasn’t currently being served in the downtown area and that’s when he found the space available in Delano.

When it came time for naming his business, Andrew wanted to pick something that would be both memorable as well as something that runners would connect with. Fartleks might sound funny, but it’s actually a Swedish word for “speed play”.

Fartleks sells a variety of running shoes and apparel.

Running shoe brands that he carries in the store include Brooks, Saucony, Xero, Asics, Altra, Flux, and Newton. Running apparel that he carries includes Lululemon, Oofus sandals, Garmin watches, Junk headbands, FlipBelt running belts, Chicknlegs running shorts, Smartwool and Feetures socks.

Andrew’s philosophy is to ask his customers what they’re looking for and help them find the right fit and style. He will perform a gait analysis watching his customer walk toward and away from him, observing the length of stride, arm movement, heel placement, and angle of the pelvis. He will take measurements for arch height and ankle muscle strength.