| Veni Vedi Vici |
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As I watched the thousands of runners pass under the Bushnell Park arch at the finish line of the ING Hartford Marathon, half marathon and 5k, I couldn't help but think of warriors coming home victorious from battle. Some had battle scars and limped across the line, but all had the look of triumph in their eyes. They came; they saw; they conquered.
It was awesome seeing so many friends of Fleet Feet finish the race. Special kudos goes to the participants in the Fleet Feet Sports Half Marathon Training Program - many of whom completed their first half marathon. YEAH! I remember meeting many of you at our kick-off meeting where there was some trepidation about being able to run 13.1 miles under the power of your own legs.
Sometimes the hardest part of any daunting task is taking that first step. But you did it. You had the courage (craziness?) to register and dedicated yourself to the task - joining your teammates for long runs every Sunday morning, speed workouts on Thursday evenings and running by yourself in between. You ran in the heat and humidity; the rain, the wind and the cold. Mother Nature did not break you. Your hard work paid off. You are an accomplished runner!
HUGE thanks to our coaches: Renee Kleinman, Ingrid Gamm and Shannon Havens. You did an outstanding job of supporting and motivating everyone every step of the way. Your time and talents are much appreciated. Thank you for making dreams a reality!
Live Fit,
Steph |
| Hip Hip HOORAY! |
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THREE CHEERS for Thom Abrams, Megan Bacon, Jody Barr and his Team MAD heros, Laurie & Andrew Bertini, Jean Bingham, Liz Crowley, Debbie Dorman, Ducan Gerrity, Tom Grimaldi, Maureen Duggan, Chris Herskowitz, Robin Kipnis, Karen Lubin, Ann Mahon, Susan Martin, Erika Nowakowski, Ken St. Onge, Sara Papa, Chris Peterson, Meredith Remagino, Cynthia & Richard Retallick, Breni Rice, Martha Shaw, John & Alison Trider, Gretchen Unfried, Amy Wadsworth, Jamie Wein, Karin Wilsey, Samantha Wimpe and everyone who participated in a Hartford Marathon run last Saturday - you are an inspiration!
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| Schuyler's Shoe Review |
 Nike Equalon+ 3
A few years ago, we carried the original Nike Equalon, a beefy, high-stability shoe that, going by its name, was "equal" to a ton of bricks. The shoe was improved substantially in its second version, but was still higher off the ground than the industry standard and much harder than comparable shoes such as the New Balance 858 and Mizuno Alchemy. Finally, the newly released Equalon 3 hits the sweet spot by taking a number of lessons from Nike's hit Vomero.  Like the Vomero, the Equalon can be described in one word: plush. Or two words: plush and pillowy. For fans of alliteration, it can even be described as plush, pillowy and padded! While fans of a firmer, more responsive shoe may want to look elsewhere, runners who want the softest cushioning possible in a sleek package will find that their feet love the feel of this shoe. Another feature brought over from the Vomero is the unique arch-wrapping system. The arch wrap has two sets of eyelet holes, and simply threading them through the further set will make the shoe feel substantially more secure around the arch. For those with a wider midfoot, the closer set will provide plenty of room. Unfortunately, this feature is only available on the women's version of the shoe. Hopefully with the Equalon 4, Nike will perfect the formula by brining this feature to the men as well. Regardless, both the men's and women's Equalon 3 provide the high stability/light motion control runner with unsurpassed cushion and comfort. |
| Zoomerangs Run for Something Better |
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Toothless smiles, laughter and a few parental tears of joy reigned supreme on Friday as 18 Zoomerangs joined over 1,000 middle schoolers from the Hartford area to run the last 1.1 miles of the Hartford Marathon as part of ING's Run For Something Better Program. Each child had run at least 12 miles (in one mile increments) such that this fun run would bring them to a total of 13.1 miles - enough to earn them a half marathon medal.  The Zoomerangs, ranging in age from 4 to 14, worked hard over the last 8 weeks to get their miles in. Their training paid off as they all RAN the entire 1.1 miles - passing many of the middle school kids who needed to walk. The kids even ran up the monster hill in Bushnell Park! It was an awesome sight matched only by the huge smiles on each child's face as they crossed the finish line and were awarded their shiny medals. After the run, the kids were treated to a healthy lunch and lots of fun activities in the World of Fitness expo that was set-up in the park just for them.  Special thanks goes to Jenny Traczali and the Hartford Marathon Foundation for letting Fleet Feet Sports participate in this wonderful program, to all the parents who encouraged their kids to participate (and volunteered their time during practice to play crossing guard and running companions), to Fleet Feet Staffer Kathy Payne who helped coached the kids, and to all the wonderful kids listed below who made the Zoomerangs the coolest kids program in town. Fleet Feet Zoomerangs: Gus Bacon, Will Berry, Andrew Bertini, Molly Caruso, Haley Geithader, Tim, Kay & Nate Licht, Jack & Isabel Lubin, Kaitlyn Pack, Owen Painter, David Regan, Matthew & Tyler Remigino, Jude Sargent, Harry, Ben, Sam & Carley Trider, Ethan & Luke Wadsworth and Gwen, Emily, Sarah, Thomas & Mave
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| Showcase Your Achievement |
 You did it! You set a goal, trained hard and conquered it. Celebrate your achievement with a beautiful display of your race mementos with a custom frame by Frame Dimensions. Stop by the store for a $25 gift certificate towards the framing of your medal, photo, finisher's certificate, t-shirt or other race memorabilia (maybe that last packet of Gu that got you over The Wall!). Let the Frame Dimensions design professionals create the perfect way to permanently celebrate your accomplishment! It's the perfect gift for the runner or walker in your life! |
| In Store Now... |
 Penguin Sport Wash: Raise your hand if your running clothes smell like they've never seen the inside of a wash machine. If your hand is up, you need to try this product. It really works!
Penguin Sport Wash is a laundry detergent designed specifically for high-tech, synthetic athletic clothing. It removes old, trapped odors, restores wicking properties and waterproofing, gets out dirt and stains, neutralizes bacteria, prevents fading, is residue-free and biodegradable!
I first tried Penguin Wash over three years ago after reading a product review in Runner's World. I figured I'd give my favorite shirts one last chance before I had to throw them away. The review suggested pouring a capful into the washer and presoaking the clothes for 30 minutes before running the regular cycle. The results were amazing. No smell. At all. My shirts were saved! I've been doing one "Penguin Load" a week ever since.
Penguin Wash comes in a 20oz bottle and single-use pillow packs (sold in packs of 6) which are great for taking on travel. While supplies last, we're giving away a FREE single-use pack to any Extra Mile reader who asks for one. Stop in soon to get yours so you can test it out on your odoriferous workout gear!
Note: We also sell WIN Sport Wash in the blue bottle which got a nod from the New York Times product reviewers. Folks have had similar great results with this product as well - and the cost per load is the same ($0.50).  Nathan Body Wash: Do you hate using the generic liquid soap at the gym - or worse, toting around a slimy bar of soap in your gym bag? Try this great combination body wash/shampoo that fits perfectly in your gym bag or locker. This residue-free wash specializes in removing chlorine as well as dirt and sweat. It is hypoallergenic, contains no perfumes or fillers and has a fresh, clean scent. It's also environmentally safe and friendly! The body wash comes in flip-cap, spill-proof bottle.  Power Shower Wipes: Don't have time for a shower? Keep a pack of these portable wipes in your car or bag to clean-up quick. Forgot your shower shoes? These wipes are perfect to use to clean your feet after using a public shower to protect against athlete's foot. You can also use them to wipe down gym equipment or take with you on a camping trip. I'm keeping a pack in my car to clean-up after a muddy trail run. Each resealable pack contains 10 wipes that are safe for use on your entire body.  Instant Sneaker Cleaner: In keeping with this issue's "clean theme", we now carry Instant Sneaker Cleaner for those who want to keep their shoes looking as clean as possible. I don't recommend putting your shoes in the wash machine - it breaks them down faster and puts them at risk for damage. Instead, soak your shoes in clean water for a few minutes. Next, squeeze the Instant Sneaker Cleaner solution onto the convenient brush cap and scrub every part of the shoe. Remove the insoles to clean them separately. The sneaker cleaner has a fresh orange scent. Then, rinse your shoes thoroughly with water. Finally, stuff your shoes with paper (I like to use newspaper but you do risk getting some ink on the inside of the shoe) to aid in drying and help the shoes retain their shape. Replace the paper every few hours until dry. Now, go out and enjoy getting your shoes dirty again! Have an idea for a product we should carry? Email me. |
| Customer Review: Injinji Socks |
 Several customers asked us to bring in these unique socks. I decided to give them a try when Robyn Beausoleil brought them in to try on with her shoes. As you can see from her review below, Robyn loves her Injingi's! "I have been running for 10 years now and have funny little toes that cross each other, slide under one another, etc. As such, a run of any length was torture, the result were blistered, bloody feet. I tried everything to prevent this, larger shoes, powders, creams, Band-Aids, moleskin, blister products, but nothing worked.
As luck would have it, Runner's World had a review of running socks and the Injinji toed socks were one of the products reviewed. I ordered my first three pairs on line and was thrilled with the results when I received them. My toes no longer rub and blister even after completing a marathon (I have done three fulls).
I had no break in period with the socks [note: the socks can feel a little weird on your feet at first so we recommend a break-in period], it didn't take me any time to get used to the individual toe compartments. The only caveat I would issue is to make sure the socks are on your feet when buying new running shoes as they do add a smidge of width to the toe area and need to be accounted for when fitting your shoes.
I am tickled to be able to get my socks in the same place I buy my shoes so thank you for adding the Injinji socks to your inventory!"
-- Robyn Beausoleil Email me your product review. If your review is published, you will receive a free "Live Fit" Fleet Feet high-tech t-shirt. |
| Get Your Orange Shoelaces |
 Join us in the fight to stop childhood obesity by purchasing a pair of bright orange shoelaces for $10. 100% of your tax-deductable contribution goes to support youth running and fitness programs through ING's Run for Something Better Program (which our Zoomerangs are participating in). Help kids get healthy - wear Orange! Less than 20 pairs of laces left - get yours before they are gone! |
| Featured Race: Pumpkin Run 5k |
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Don't let your peak conditioning go to waste. Sign-up for the 15th Annual 5k Pumpkin Run/Walk on Sunday, October 26 at 1:00pm in Higganum, CT. This scenic race benefits the Youth and Family Services of Higganum-Killingworth which provides counseling programs for youth development and community education. Kids can get in on the action too with their own ½ mile Fun Run at 12:15pm.
The first 100 adults and 50 kids to register will receive a cool shirt and everyone can enjoy post-race treats including face painting, contests, Halloween crafts and more.
Register here by Saturday, October 18 for the "Super Savings" price of $20. You can also register in person on race day from12-1pm. |
| Upcoming FREE Clinics |
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On Tuesday, October 21 at 7:00pm, Jonathan Durham of Able Body Conditioning will show us how to get stronger this winter with a routine you can do at home. Jon is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and a licensed cycling coach (USAC/expert). His work focuses on helping clients improve endurance and efficiency, optimize performance through nutrition, increase power and speed and lose weight. His assistant for the clinic will be Marisa Clapp - winner of the Celebrate! West Hartford 5k and figure-building competitor.
On Tuesday, November 4 at 7:00pm, Gino Caro will be giving a seminar on running form drills, the importance of dynamic stretching, flexibility and strength training for runners and injury prevention (also called "pre-hab"). The class will be a combination of lecture and try-it-yourself exercises and drills. Gino is a certified personal trainer, a master's 400 meter sprinter and youth track and field coach (he has coached some of the best up-and-coming athletes in the country).
Please RSVP by calling or emailing us at the store: 860-233-8077 or steph@fleetfeethartford.com. |
| Wed Fun Run - 6:30pm |
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Join us for a casual fun run each Wedensday night at 6:30pm. We go between 3-5 miles. All paces (including walkers) are welcome to join us. Meet new brings and run the hills of West Hartford. Meet at the store!
Plus, you will receive a cool "Live Fit" Fleet Feet shirt after you've attended 5 runs (either the Wed night Fun Run or the Thursday night Track Workout). Bring a photo of you wearing your shirt in a race, and we'll give you 10% your shoes! |
| Thursday Track Workout - 6:30pm |
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Coach Schuyler continues his free weekly "track" workouts at 6:30pm. Meet at the Saint Joseph College track (off of Asyulm Ave). 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.
PS Attend any 5 Wednesday Fun Runs or Thursday Track Workouts and get a free Nike drifit "Fleet Feet Sports Live Fit" t-shirt. | |
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| Store Events |
Fun Run
THUR, Oct 16 @ 6:30pm
Track Workout
TUES, Oct 21 @ 7:00pm:
FREE Clinic - featuring
Jon Durham
WED, Oct 22 @ 6:30pm: Fun Run
THUR, Oct 23 @ 6:30pm
Track Workout
TUES, Nov 4 @ 7pm:
FREE Clinic - featuring
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