Have you dreamt about completing a half-marathon, but didn't think you could do it?    This is your year!  
 
Fleet Feet Sports Hartford is excited to offer a half marathon training program for beginners led by Coach Ingrid Gamm.  The 12-week program starts on Sunday, July 20 with a 3 mile run.  Our goal race is the Hartford Half Marathon on October 11, but if you want to do another race, that's fine too.  The program costs $100 and includes professional coaching, training plan, weekly tips and motivation, two weekly supported runs (Sundays at 7:00am and Thursdays at 6:30pm), moisture-wicking shirt and special tented area on race day.  The program cost does not include the race entry fee.   
 
The program will be limited to the first 30 people who sign-up so don't delay for too long.  Stop by the store to sign-up or email your contact information to staff@fleetfeethartford.com.  We will have an informational/kick-off meeting on Thursday, July 17 at 7:00pm.
 
Make Saturday, October 11 a day when your dreams will come true.  You can do it!

by Ingrid Gamm 

Did you know that there are over 250,000 sweat glands in the foot?  In one day, your feet can produce over a pint of sweat. That's a lot of salt and water!  Add cotton socks which soak-up all that moisture like a sponge and you've got the perfect recipe for blisters and stinky feet.  That's why we recommend wearing socks made of moisture-wicking synthetic material which are designed to keep your feet dry and clean. 
 
The hands-down favorite sock in the store is made by a company called Balega.  Balega is a proud American-South African initiative with the socks being made of highest-quality materials in a state-of-the-art facility in Cape Town, South Africa and a design and distribution team in Hickory, NC.  Balega socks have the most amazing fit - they literally hug your feet so there are no gaps, slippage or bunching.  There are no seams either to irritate your toes and an extra deep heel pocket.  In fact, it takes 3.5 minutes to make a Balega sock - more than double the time to make a typical sock - because they are hand-linked.  The result is amazing. 
 
We have just gotten in a full selection of Balega socks including cushioned and non-cushioned (Schuyler's favorites) socks in a variety of styles including no-show, low-quarter, quarter and crew.  We have samples for you to try on and see which ones you like best. 
 
Note from Stephanie:  My dad is an old school runner whose preferences are hard to change.  He loved his thick socks and was skeptical about the Balega socks I gave him for Christmas.  He thought nothing else could provide the cushioned ride he enjoys and needs.  But after one run with the Balega, he was converted and those old, thick socks were recycled.  He loves how his feet are enveloped in cushion - and he loves how he can run in the same pair of socks all week and they never get stiff and shapeless.  One day I hope to break him of that bad habit - but for now, I'm enjoying that I taught him something for a change!