CBS 58's Hometown Athlete: Rodiez slows down, yet returns to running

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- "I used to be called Rodiez the roadrunner," Tony Rodiez says. "And I got a tattoo, you know, that actually says 'Road Warrior.'"

Tony Rodiez says it's the end of an era.

"It's getting tougher, you know, with Amazon, you know, mail order," Rodiez says.

After starting Rodiez Running Store in 1986, the West Allis store is no more.

"I contributed a lot, I think, to the running community," Rodiez says. "You know, I educated a lot of people on footwear. And I've had so many customers come in. And it's been an emotional rollercoaster."

Running and running his store put on the miles.

"I've been doing this for 46 years, and running for 53," Rodiez says. "And 140,000 miles on these legs, believe it or not. And I tell people this. I've been in over 600 pairs of running shoes."

And his wife teases him that he remembers this, most.

"You can meet up with one of your running friends and you know exactly what times you ran on what year. And things like that. But you don't remember what I told you yesterday."

So, while the store and memorabilia are gone, the fire to compete is reignited.

"I'll be 70 next year," Rodiez says. "And I'm thinking about maybe taking the racing shoes out again. And start racing again."