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THE EXTRA MILE 
Issue #7
 
September 2, 2008
In This Issue...
No Boundaries
Foam Rolling Clinic - RSVP Today!
Schuyler's Shoe Review
Zoomerangs!
In Store Now...
Product Reviews
Featured Race: 5th Annual 5k Classic
Saucony Spike Night Recap
Wednesday Evening Fun Run
Thursday Track Workout
No Boundaries
 
I am writing this newsletter after  witnessing an inspiring event this evening: nearly 50 non-runners mustered the courage to come to our No Boundaries Kick-Off Meeting and commit to doing the program.  Over the next 10 weeks they will transform themselves into runners.  Graduation will be the Freedom Run 5k on November 8.  For many of them, 3.1 miles seems like a marathon, but I am confident that they will cross that finish line - and keep going! 
 
Their reasons for doing the program are varied - from one Mom doing it because her kids said she couldn't, to two sisters wanting to conquer this challenge together, to a husband wanting to share the gift of fitness with his wife.  Everyone has a story and everyone will discover that when they are truly committed to a goal, there are no boundaries that can hold them back.  Best of all, they will have the support of others just like them.  Sometimes that makes all the difference. 
 
Indeed that's what inspired NoBo coach Vicki Hebeler to get off her couch and join a Fleet Feet training program two years ago.  She wanted to "get fit and stay fit" and belong to something bigger than herself.  She wanted to be like those people she drove by and admired from the comfort of her car.  Vicki had tried running on her own before, but lacked the motivation and consistency.  Knowing that the group was depending on her to show up, was the positive peer pressure she needed to show up. 
 
Today, like many others in her group who still meet regularly to run, Vicki calls herself a "runner".  She even completed her first half marathon this year!  I know Vicki will make a great coach because she is eager to share her struggles, experiences and answers with others.  She was just like them two years ago. 
 
Tonight Vicki encouraged everyone to make an investment in themselves and take a risk towards breaking down the boundaries that are in their way.  May you have the courage to take that same, tough first step towards good health and fitness.  Whether you do it with us or on your own, it will make your New Year's Resolution to get in shape so much easier!
 
Live Fit,
Steph
 
PS  Hurry!  There are only 7 slots left for our Fall No Boundaries Program.  RSVP by emailing [email protected] or calling 860-233-8077.  Practice begins Tuesday at 6:30pm - meet at the store.
 
PPS  Jody Barr, fearless leader of Team MAD who are training for the Hartford Marathon, sent me this link to a neat video.  Prepare to be inspired!  
Foam Rolling Clinic - Sept. 18 
 
Foam RollerNow that you've bought a foam roller, learn how to use it at our FREE foam rolling clinic on Thursday, September 18 at 7:00pm at Fleet Feet Sports. 
 
The class will be taught by The Center Studio's owner Glenn Marcella, who recently put me through a workout my muscles won't soon forget (maybe it was so I could get maximum use out of the foam roller I bought myself).  The workshop will be hands-on so bring your foam roller - though we will have a few foam rollers available for demo purposes.  
 
Due to our limited floor space, the workshop will be limited to the first 30 people to RSVP by emailing me ([email protected]) or calling 860-233-8077. 
 
Reserve your spot today!
 
              
Schuyler's Shoe Review 
 
Schuyler, Shoe GuruSalomon XT WINGS
Many companies put out "trail shoes" that are road shoes with a few trail features, mostly suited to wide, even dirt paths.  Salomon has taken the opposite approach with their XT Wings shoe, tweaking a trail design so that it can also handle asphalt.
 
While many trail shoes are heavy due to the need for rock-proof reinforcements and beefy, mud-grabbing tread, Salomon has used their new Contragrip rubber and Agile Chassis system to reduce weight without sacrificing aggressiveness and support.  Most trail shoes do not have a medial post for stability because this feature provides little benefit on trails, but the XT Wings have a mild post to provide some stability so it can be used on roads while maintaining its incredible flexibility on trails.
 
Salomon XT WingsFor runners who like a snug fit with a slightly roomy toe-box, the XT Wings will fit like a glove.  The spandex-polyester upper hugs to the arch while reflective overlays provide support from heel to toe.  The innovative QuickFit lacing system (similar to the Yankz lacing system triathletes use) allows a separate heel and forefoot snugness, as well as allowing the laces to tuck into the tongue to prevent them from flopping.
 
In creating the XT Wings, Salomon has finally succeeded where many companies have failed in creating a true road-trail hybrid shoe that is functional for both purposes.  A true trail beast, the XT Wings will take anything that the hiking trails of the West Hartford Reservoir can throw at them while still providing cushion and support for your favorite road loop.
 
The XT Wing won "Best Debut" from Runner's World Magazine this year. 
The Zoomerangs!
It's never too late to get your kids involved in Zoomerangs, our free kids running program.  We meet at the store each Monday and Wednesday at 6:00pm for a one mile run and some Crazy 8's!
 
Over 15 kids aged 5-14 are participating in these fun, non-competitive runs - and lately, our cadre of parents joining us has grown too!  The program is part of the Hartford Marathon Foundation & ING's Run for Something Better Program which will cumilnate in over 1,000 kids running the last 1.1 miles of the Hartford Marathon course to earn a medal.    
 
It has been wonderful to watch the kids grow stronger with each run.  Last week, 8-year old Emmie, ran the entire mile without stopping (the first time she ran the course, she had to stop and walk many times).  What an accomplishment!  Her mom tells me that she asks to run nearly everyday (she even got the babysitter out running last week!).  All right!
In Store Now... 
Tuli Heel CupsTuli Heel Cups:  Ingrid knows feet - especially how to comfort sore feet!  She highly recommends this heel cup which is made of a specially formulated polymer that is light and soft.  The heel cup features a duel waffle pattern that absorbs the high pressure the heel experiences each time it strikes the ground and can help relieve sore, tired, burning and aching feet, as well as reduce back and neck pain.  They can help sooth pain in the legs and feet caused by being overweight or pregnant.  These heel cups are great in kicks of all sorts including boots, everyday shoes and running/walking sneakers.
 
ProStretchProStretch:  This stretching device is the #1 choice of professional athletes, physical therapists and fitness experts for increasing range of motion and flexibility in your lower leg.  Use it in the morning, at night and before/after exercise to reduce the risk of injury and reach tough-to-stretch areas like your Achilles Tendon and Plantar Fascia.  Ahhhhh! 
       Runner Girl Necklace  13.1 Necklace Charm
Necklaces:
  The perfect gift for the lady runner in your life!  These sterling silver necklaces feature various charms including 26.2, 13.1, Tri, Swim, Run and a runner girl.  These necklaces are also a great way to show off your accomplishments since you would get too many funny looks if you wore your race medal to work. 
 
Lola TopPrAna - Sorry guys, more for the ladies.  We just received several beautiful pieces from prAna's activewear collection that are perfect for yoga, walks on cool mornings or weekend wear.  Be bold with the Lola Sport top featuring a neat Espresso Crest design or be a bit more sophisticated with the Asian-inspired Stella top.  Bottoms include the ever-popular Bliss Nylon Capri in navy and the silky soft Jada pant in espresso.  
 
Have an idea for a product we should carry? Email me.
Customer Product Reviews
Thanks to everyone who emailed me their product reviews - I love it when you love what you bought!  To kick-off this feature, we're doing a double-header!  Don't forget to email me your product review - a cool "Live Fit" Fleet Feet shirt is your reward!  
 
 Amiphod Hydration Belt:
I tried all kinds of hydration systems.  The Camelback was a problem due to water freezing in winter and being too hot in the line in summer.  The one big bottle on the waist gave me blisters on my back. The amphipod system I bought at your store works great!  The smaller size bottles fit nicely around my waist and are more balanced and comfortable.  An added advantage is that I can fill one with water, another with PowerAde, etc.  I can also vary the amount of bottles I use depending on the length of my run.  Great product!   --  Flo Dickie
 
Amphipod Belt  Montrail Molokini
 
Montrail Thermomoldable Molokini Sandals: 
I purchased two pairs of the Montail sandals and will be back for the toeless [slide] model.  Your feet and legs do not get tired and achy - and they are fashionable!  I had comfort and support without orthotics.  To wear a flipflop like other ladies was endearing. --Lynn Skokan
 
Thanks Flo and Lynn!  We have Fleet Feet shirts waiting for you at the store in thanks for being our featured product review! 
Featured Race: 5th Annual Classic 5k
I love the fall racing season with its cooler temperatures and beautiful scenery.  One race not to be missed is the Farmington Valley YMCA's 5th Annual 5k Classic.  The course winds over some gentle hills, through wooded forests and past scenic lakes.  It begins and ends at the YMCA in Granby which will offer runners free changing facilities and showers as well as pre and post race entertainment.   
 
The race supports YMCA scholarships so that kids and families can participate in YMCA programs and will be MC'ed by WNBA's Rebecca Lobo.  Even better, FREE CHILDCARE will be offered on-site so mom and dad can both run! 
 
The race is Sunday, September 21 at 9:00am (the free kids fun run begins at 8:40am).  You can register online until September 15 or in person on race day from 7:30-8:45am.   Cost is $20 before 9/15, $25 after - though families with three or more runners, only pay $60. 
 
Come on out and support this great cause!
Saucony Spike Night Recap
            Spike Night 2008
Thanks to all the high school harriers (and their parents and coaches) for making Spike Night 2008 a fun evening!  Over 75 kids joined us for an evening of food, freebies and spikes!  Special thanks to USA Mountain Running Champion and 1996 CT high school state XC Champion, Eric Blake for his words of inspiration and to Saucony who raffled off two pairs of shoes. 
 
I am pleased to announce the winner of the school with the highest percentage of runners in attendance: the boys team at Tolland HS with a whopping 67% of their team roadtripping it to West Hartford Center.  Congrats guys!  I'll see you next Wednesday at your first home meet to present you with your season-long supply of Gatorade Endurance.  I hope you're thirsty
Wed Fun Runs - 5:30pm & 6:30pm
 
Coach Ingrid !!!Now you have a choice!  We will be hosting 2 fun run times each Wednesday.  The 5:30pm run is returning and will be led by Coach Ingrid.  Stephanie and other Fleet Feet Staffers including Duncan "Tall Man" Gerrity) will lead the 6:30pm run.  Both runs begin and end at the store and are open to everyone!  
 
Routes range between 3-5 miles, and walkers and runners of all ages (kids too!) and paces are welcome.  
 
SEE YOU THERE!!
Thursday Track Workout - 6:30pm
 
Track Pic
Coach Schuyler continues his free weekly "track" workouts at 6:30pm.  Meet this Thursday at the Saint Joseph College track (off of Asyulm Ave).  Next week (Sept. 11) will meet at the store. 
 
These workouts are designed for runners of ALL abilities.  The goal is to introduce you to different types of running (intervals, hills, tempo runs) and help you get stronger and faster.  This is your opportunity to get professional coaching for free - and meet some great fellow runners. 
 
It's really not as intimidating as it sounds - in fact, last week's workout garnered rave reviews! 
New Hours
 
  Mon-Thurs: 10-7
             Fri: 10-6
            Sat: 10-5:30
            Sun: Closed
 
Store Events
WED, Sept 3:
      5:30pm: Fun Run
      6:00pm: Kids Run
      6:30pm: Fun Run 
  
THUR, Sept 4
     6:30pm: St. Joe Track 
 
MON, Sept 8
     6:00pm: Kids Run
  
WED, Sept 10
     5:30pm: Fun Run
     6:00pm: Kids Run
     6:30pm: Fun Run    
 
THUR, Sept 11
      6:30pm: Workout
         (meet at FF)
 
THUR, Sept. 18
    7:00pm:
    FOAM ROLLING CLINIC
    RSVP @ 233-8077
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