The Summer Olympics begin this Friday - 8/8/08 at 8:08:08pm. Eight is considered to be a lucky number in China because its pronunciation ("ba") is similar to "fa" which means prosperity. The number eight is also a perfectly symmetrical shape so no matter if you cut it vertically or horizontally, the two pieces are mirror images of each other. This symmetry represents perfect balance - something most of us try to achieve despite the craziness of our lives.
Whenever I am balanced in my life, I feel like I can conquer anything - which sometimes means having the strength to just let go and not stress over everything that life throws at me. When things are out of balance for me, I like to go for a run. Everything seems better after a run. Running gives me time to think, to dream and to enjoy being alive. As Vicki Hebler, No Boundaries coach and current participant in our half marathon training program, said to me today , "Every step is a gift". It's easy to forget that when we're busy, stressed and rushed.
I encourage you to get out this week, take a step and enjoy the gift. It doesn't matter how far or how fast you go. Just go. Your "to-do" list can wait. And if you need a little motivation, turn on the Olympics. Be inspired by those who have dedicated their lives to perfecting their sport one little step at a time. They have found the perfect balance between pushing their bodies to the limit and holding back to protect against injury and allow their bodies to recover and grow stronger. Their reward? Gold!
Live Fit!
Steph |
| Schuyler's Shoe Review |
 Trail Shoes Have Arrived!
The Hartford area features a great network of trails so we have increased our trail shoe selection to include shoes from Adidas, Asics, Mizuno, New Balance and Salomon so we can find a shoe that best fits your foot shape and off-road needs. One of our newest shoes is the Mizuno Wave Ascend 3 - an ideal shoe for the hybrid runner/walker who goes on the roads, paths and trails. Perfect for Reservoir and riverfront towpath adventurers.  The Ascend features a deep tread made of X10 carbon rubber that is both durable and "sticky" for long-lasting wear and better traction on slick terrain and rocky trails. The bottom outsole wraps around the toe cap to provide additional traction and protection. The midsole features Mizuno's famous "Double Fan Wave" plate" which provides a great blend of support and cushioning in a low-profile, lightweight design. The shoe is also engineered to minimize the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the foot creating a super smooth ride - one wear tester said the transition from heel-to-toe was like "butter"! At $95, Outside magazine calls it a "Killer Value". Need something a little more technical? We'll review the Salomon XT Wings next time! |
| Calling All Kids! |
Our Fleet Feet Sports Zoom Team starts on Monday, August 11 at 6:00pm (meet at the store). The program is open to all kids aged 7-14. Membership is free and kids will get a free entry and special VIP treatment at every Hartford Marathon Foundation event.
Our first goal will be to complete the Hartford Marathon Foundation/ING Run for Something Better Program which means meeting 12 times over a period of 8 weeks to run 1 mile. Then, on Friday, October 10, we will run the last 1.1 miles of the Hartford Marathon course to complete our first half marathon!
This promises to be a fun way for kids to get active, meet new friends and do something they didn't think they could do. Practices will be on Monday's and Wednesday's at 6:00pm. First practice is August 11 |
| In Store Now... |
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Nike has come out with some sweet watches that not only look wicked cool, but have tons of great features like 300 lap chronograph, 5 interval timers, two alarms (think of this as having a snooze button), two time zones and a curved ergonomic display with extra-large numbers for easy-reading. Powerful, sleek and stylish!
My Mottoz Shirts
Liven-up your workout clothes with these fun shirts created by two sisters who started My Mottozs. Sayings include "Will Run for Beer/Wine", "Earn It", "Life is a Marathon", "Shut Up and Tri", "Cheetah in Training" and more. These CoolFit shirts for men and women are super soft and moisture-wicking and are sure to make anyone you pass smile!
Kids Socks (shorts, shoes and watches)
Our Kids Collection is growing! In addition to having kid's running shoes in sizes 10 to 6.5 and Ironkid watches, we now carry Nike's best selling Tempo shorts for girls along with super-cool socks with Princess, Flower, Shark, Pirate and Spiderman designs. Come by during tax-free week (Aug. 17-23) to stock up!
Livestrong Apparel
"Before cancer, I just lived. Now I Live Strong."
-- Lance Armstrong.
We just received a fresh shipment of LiveStrong gear including mens and women's shirts (black, yellow and pink), hats, and a long bra top that is very sharp and super flattering. 100% of Nike's profits from the sale of LiveStrong gear go to the Lance Armstrong Foundation to help fight cancer. Show your support and remind everyone (including yourself) to always Live Strong! |
| Celebrate! West Hartford Photos |
 Congratulations to everyone, young and old, who participated in this year's Celebrate! West Hartford 5k and Kids Fun Run! Despite the steamy conditions on race morning, 497 runners finished the course which looped through the neighborhoods of West Hartford. It was great to see so many people come out to cheer on the runners and keep them cool with sprays of water from their hoses. This year's race was won by Fleet Feet Sports' own Andrew Judd in 16:10 who will be running for North Carolina State University this fall. On the women's side, Marisa Clapp scorched the course in 17:24, good enough for 6th place overall. Girl Power! In addition to a monster-sized trophy, Andrew and Marissa both won a pair of running shoes courtesy of Brooks Running. Thank you Brooks! Special thanks go to race organizer Helen Rubino-Turcothose and all those who volunteered to ensure the race went smoothly and safely. Race photos by Gabe Schuster are now available for viewing on our web site. If you would like a copy of a photo, email schuyler@fleetfeethartford.com.
Gabe's photography will also soon be featured in the store - great stuff!
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| Bra Week - Aug 11-16 |
| Women - mark your calendars for our first annual Bra Week! All bras (sport and daily wear) will be on-sale.
Did you know that your sports bra loses its supportive powers after just 52 washes? Don't let the girls down! Meet with a Bra-Fit Specialist and find the perfect moisture-wicking bra for every activity (even gardening - just ask my mom!).
$4.00 off 1 bra, $10 off 2 bras (can mix-and-match daily wear and sport bras) plus a free gift from Moving Comfort with purchase.
We've increased our inventory of styles and sizes to fit nearly A's to triple G's, but if we need to special order your bra, you'll get an extra $2.00 off. |
| Featured Race: Come on Over 5k |
| Fleet Feet Sports customer and race volunteer Denise Schneider invites everyone to run in the "Come on Over 5k" in Portland, CT on Friday, August 15 at 6:30pm.
This is the fifth year for the race which features an off-road section (perfect conditions to try out your new Mizuno Ascends!), prizes, draw-string sport backpacks for the first 100 entrants, timing and a low $15 entrance fee (if you register before August 8). The race begins and ends at the Portland Town Hall.
For all the details and the race registration form, click here.
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| Saucony Spike Night - August 26 |
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Attention all high school XC runners! This night is for you: food, fun, giveaways and discounts + gift-with-purchase on spikes. See the latest spikes including the awesome new Shay XC from Saucony (dedicated to Ryan Shay) and be inspired by our special guest speakers.
Plus, the team with the highest percentage of attendees wins enough Gatorade to keep you hydrated and running strong all season long.
Join us from 7-9pm on Tuesaday, August 26. RSVP by emailing schuyler@fleetfeethartford.com |
| Join the Nike Human Race 10k |
 On Sunday, August 31, Nike is hosting the World's Largest Running Event and you're invited!
The goal of the event is to celebrate and unite over 1 million athletes around the world by combining the digital running world (via the Nike+ sport chip) with the physical. Nike is hosting a formal 10k race in 25 cities, but has partnered with Fleet Feet Sports to help us put on a 10k of our own.
Mark your calendar for this fun run and help us make history! More details to follow. |
| Wednesday Fun Run - 6:30pm |
 Social running at its best! Join Coach Ingrid and the Fleet Feet Dudes and Divas this Wednesday at 6:30pm for a fun, casual run that starts and ends at the store. We had 10 folks join us last week - including 3 brave (lucky!) dudes!
Routes range between 3-5 miles, and walkers and runners of all ages (kids too!) and paces are welcome. Staffer Kurt (aka Flash) will be be joining us this week to keep pace with the sub 8:00 milers who left Stephanie in the dust last week.
BE THERE!! |
| Help Wanted |
 It's hard to believe that summer is coming to an end already - it seems like it has just begun! The start of the school year means that we'll have to say good-bye to some of our staffers for awhile. As Andrew begins his college running career at NCSU, Karl will complete his final season as captain and defensiveman extraordinaire for the UConn Huskies soccer team (being a runner and triathlete paid big dividends for Karl last year as he played the most minutes (1,765) of any field player - sitting out for just 8 minutes during the entire season - impressive!). We hope to see them both back this winter, but that means we have positions open for this fall including a heavy part-time to full-time Fit Expert (retail store and/or apparel buying experience preferred), a part-time Fit Assistant (perfect for a high school student who loves running) and a part-time Merchandiser to help with store décor and window displays. Full-time employees can take advantage of health benefits and paid vacation. ALL employees receive excellent store purchase benefits. Not to mention, you get to work with a great team of folks! At Fleet Feet Sports we provide extraordinary customer service to runners, walkers and others passionate about exercise as well as folks that simply need great shoes. The job entails working with the nicest customers on earth, fitting them into athletic shoes and apparel, and demonstrating accessories. Knowledge about athletic shoes, human physiology and biomechanics a plus, but not necessary as you will complete an extensive training program before you will be able to fit customers. You must be available to work some evenings and Saturdays. If this sounds good to you, and you love working with people, then we are interested in talking with you! Please stop by the store to pick-up an application or email your resume to steph@fleetfeethartford.com. If you're not available to work with us, but know someone who might be, please forward this email on to them. | |
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| Featured Article |
| Store Events |
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WED, Aug 6 @ 6:30pm:
Dudes & Divas Fun Run
MON, Aug 11 @ 6:00pm:
FF Kids Zoom Team
Aug. 11-16: Bra Week
WED, Aug 13 @ 6:00pm:
FF Kids Zoom Team
WED, Aug 13 @ 6:30pm:
Dudes & Divas Fun Run
Aug 17-23: Tax-Free
TUES, Aug 26 @ 7-9pm:
High School Spike Night
SUN, Aug 31 @ 8am:
Nike Human Race 10k |
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