Meet Our Team

Julie Howell’s Fleet Feet journey began in August 2012.  While driving home from an out-of-state triathlon, she began to entertain the possibility of opening a retail store.  Having been active in the local running and triathlon community and mentoring many new athletes over the years, it seemed like the perfect fit. She believed that her desire to provide the tools and education to help people begin running and her enjoyment in seeing them accomplish their goals closely resembled the vision of a Fleet Feet franchise.

A former high school Spanish teacher, Julie has been running and racing for over 30 years. She joined the cross country team in high school and when she started could barely run one mile. Through training and perseverance, she’s grown into a regular at races of all distances, and has qualified for and completed the Boston Marathon twice.  Her favorite race distance is the marathon: in June 2017 she completed her goal of running a marathon in all 50 states and completed her 100th marathon in October 2019.  In March 2024 she completed the challenge of running all six World Marathon Majors and her current goal is to run a marathon on every continent (she has Australia and South America left). She also competes in triathlons and has finished seven Ironman races. Julie wants to inspire the runner in everyone and truly believes that running changes everything.

The initial thought back in August 2012 led to a whirlwind of activity.  By the following November she was selected as a store owner. Multiple trips to the Fleet Feet, Inc. headquarters in Carrboro, NC to meet with corporate executives and complete store training followed.  The store opened in May 2013.  Julie is proud to have brought the first downstate Illinois Fleet Feet store to the Bloomington-Normal area and is excited to share her passion for an active lifestyle with the community.

Julie joined the Fleet Feet family as our Training Program Coordinator in the winter of 2019.  She is an RRCA Level 1 Certified Run Coach.  She first became part of Fleet Feet in 2015 starting out as a participant in the 10k program. She then continued her running journey in the Fall Fitnatics, Winter Warriors and the women's triathlon group as well as mentoring many programs since. Julie continues to push her running and tri goals, having completed her first Half Ironman distance race in 2019, and completing her full Ironman in Madison 2023.

Emily discovered a passion for running during the pandemic and spent so much time shopping at Fleet Feet it made sense to work there, too!  Fleet Feet is Emily's side hustle-- she has a Master's Degree in Special Education and has been teaching for the past 13 years.   Emily loves racing half marathons and has her sights set on her first full.   She is also a triathlete and a 2nd degree Black Belt in Taekwondo.  She has been playing piano for more than 30 years and accompanies her high school's choir, musical and madrigal.  Emily and her husband also farm and have a 20 year old daughter and and 16 year old son. 

Tim joined the Fleet Feet Team in July 2021 and has been a lifelong runner.  He retired after 35 years of working in education as a teacher, coach and administrator. Tim is excited to join the Fleet Feet Team and is passionate about working with people of all ages and assisting them with their goals.  He enjoys training alongside his wife for races from 5K to 1/2 marathons as well as biking and kayaking. Tim lives in Fairbury with his wife Jackie and has two grown children, Meghan and Matthew.

It is with profound sadness that we share the news that Tim passed away unexpectedly on November 4, 2022.  Tim was a devoted husband, father and friend and we miss his smile and the wonderful energy he brought to our store.  Please sit on the memorial bench outside of our store to enjoy sunshine and maybe even a scoop of ice cream. Click here to read more about Tim.

Ernie joined Team Fleet Feet in August 2023. He's an athlete on the Illinois Wesleyan Track and Cross Country Team excelling at the 800 and studying Economics. When not working, training, or attending class he enjoys mountain biking, spending time with family and friends, and trying new pizza restaurants anywhere he visits. Ernie brings a fresh set of eyes and enthusiasm for getting our community fit in the perfect shoe! 

Callie joined the Fleet Feet team in September 2023 and is a recent transplant from the West Coast. She got her start in running back in high school: she ran cross country and track as a way to make friends at a new school and fell in love with the community running builds. Callie has continued to seek and create those communities whoever she is. A former competitive equestrian turned marathoner and triathlete, she loves to talk running and sports. When not at work, she can be found running, walking her spoiled dog Tipper or watching a plethora of sports with her husband.

Bre joined our team in February 2024. She loves spending time with her husband, taking walks, and indulging her love of shoes! Often saying that rainbow is neutral, she's excited to share her love of good supportive shoes, insoles, and socks with everyone. 

Christine joined team Fleet Feet as an Outfitter in April 2024. She was a participant in our inaugural half marathon training program in 2013 and has been a participant and mentor in many of our training programs since. Christine is now an Ironman and a Certified 80/20 Endurance Coach. Besides all the running, biking and swimming, she enjoys spending time camping with her husband and puppy, Kona. Christine brings her excitement and energy to the floor to help you all get the right fit.