Wade Pannell grew up in Montana, primarily as a cyclist. After focusing on his career as a landscape architect, he found himself out of shape and forty pounds heavier. After a challenge from a friend to take care of his body better, he decided to take up running at the age of 35. Within about a year, he had run his first 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, and Marathon. He continued to push himself, eventually qualifying for the Boston marathon and completing an Ironman triathlon. He decided to change careers from a landscape architect to the owner of Fleet Feet Spokane because he wanted a job that would allow him to be involved with the community and focused on fitness.