Today we’d like to introduce you to Grayson Murphy
Hi Grayson, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Wild Strides Paper Co. was founded in 2024 by 2x World Mountain Running Champion/Pro Runner, Grayson Murphy. The goal of creating Wild Strides Paper Co. was to build upon the successful “Training Log + Planner” (TL+P), which debuted in 2018 and is now in its 6th edition with over 12,000 copies sold worldwide. With race day schedules to habit trackers, and space for keeping organizing in daily life and in training, the TL+P was designed by Grayson to be a holistic tool for any athlete. The TL+P even has monthly mental health journal prompts because Grayson, and Wild Strides, believes that taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body.
With original TL+P as our inspiration we have expanded our product offerings to include more fun stationery products, accessories, and TL+Ps to share with the endurance athlete communities. At Wild Strides, we also understand the power of putting pen to paper. We know that sometimes, you just need a break from the screen and a chance to connect with your goals in a more tangible way. Any chance to inspire less screen time, we are in for!
So, what can you find in our store? Well, we’ve got everything from training logs and journals to greeting cards, stickers, and more. With our products our goal is to provide the perfect blend of organization and motivation alongside a sprinkle of fun.
Need a place to jot down your personal records and race day schedules? Our training logs have got you covered. Want to express your love and support for your fellow runners? Our greeting cards will do the trick (and maybe even make them laugh). And if you’re in the mood for some sticker swag, we’ve got those too!
At Wild Strides Paper Co., we’re all about spreading love and support to the athletic community. We believe that every stride counts and every athlete deserves a little extra motivation and support. That’s why our products are designed with care and a touch of quirkiness, because who said staying organized can’t be fun?
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road for me. I did not study business, in fact I got my BS of Civil Engineering from the University of Utah in 2018. Not having a background in business has meant that I have had to learn as I go, making mistakes and learning from them. Over the years our product has evolved and so has the way that we manufacture and ship our products. In 2020, with the major disruptions in shipping and distribution worldwide, we faced a minor crisis where our inventory was held on a ship in the port for many weeks. This led to some unhappy customers. Since then we have learned to extend our production timelines and also how to handle any mishaps with customers and the public if they happen again.
Our business also hasn’t always been profitable! The first year that I started the Training Log + Planner (which was unbranded at the time) I borrowed money from my Grandma to pay for the cost to product the training logs. I was able to pay her back in full but I just barely broke even and really did not see any profits that year.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My Running Journey
In 2014, at the age of 19, and after 1 year of playing DIII college soccer, I decided to make the switch to competitive running. The switch was motivated more by my desire to make friends and still be on a “team” than it was by my initial love for the sport. In fact, I vividly remember watching my high school cross country team run after school each day and I always thought to my self “those poor, poor souls”.
Fast forward to today: thanks to the amazing coaches, teammates, and friends whom I have met in the last 8 years in the running community I have come to absolutely love the sport.
I currently compete on the roads, track, and trails as a pro runner (yes, all 3- You don’t have to choose just one!). I grew up in SLC, UT and I currently live and train nearby in Heber City, UT while being coached remotely by David Roche, head of the Some Work, All Play (SWAP) team.
Outside of Running
Surprisingly, I am more than “just a runner”! I graduated with my BS of Civil Engineering in 2018 from the University of Utah and am currently pursuing my Masters of Sustainable Natural Resources from Oregon State University. I hope to use these degrees and begin a career that I can work toward while simultaneously chasing my wildest running dreams.
Entrepreneurship: Wild Strides Paper Co.
I initially began creating a single, hand drawn, bullet journal for myself in the fall of 2018 as a way to keep myself busy. The idea has since blossomed into a little business that I am so proud of and something that I look forward to every year. Not only do the training logs give me a chance to be creative and learn entrepreneurial skills, but they also allow me to connect with and contribute to the running community at large which is the real cherry on top!
The basic idea of the training log + planner is that they honor both the athlete and the non-athlete in each of us. Each day includes space to fill in your daily training as well as your daily life appointments. The logs also have monthly mental health journal prompts aimed at improving and de-stigmatizing mental health; an issue very important to me.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Some Work All Play Podcast (hosted by my coach)
Other resources:
My network! I have found that connecting with people on a personal level for advice and mentorship has been the most valuable way for me to do my best in life, both with running and entrepreneurship.
Pricing:
- Training Log + Planner $35
- Mini Training Log + Planner $25
- Marathon Runner Training Log Bundle $43
- Student Athlete Training Log Bundle $55
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wildstridespaper.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildstridespaperco/
