| It's Snow Prediction Time! |
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 I'll admit it. I'm a cold weather wimp. I've been none too happy about the early arrival of Mister Cold Miser. 22 degrees in October? Brrrrrr! I'm not used to seeing those temperatures until January. I've already worn my warmest mittens and tights on a run. My running partner that morning, Staffer Pam, wore shorts. I was jealous of her toughness. I know that I will have reached official "Nutmeg Citizenship" when I too can wear shorts in the cold. Until then, I'll be the one dressed like the Michelin Man. The chance of snow in Tuesday's forecast reminded me of one of my favorite parts of being a meteorologist: predicting the first measurable snowfall of the year. My colleagues and I used to make bets to see who could get the closest. It was as cutthroat as Fantasy Football. One year I missed by a measly 36 minutes. The prize was a "golden snow shovel" and bragging rights for the year. This year, I'm inviting you to join in the fun. Email me with your best prediction of when Fleet Feet Sports West Hartford will receive its first inch of snow - month, day, hour and minute (example, December 2 at 4:13pm) in the Subject line of your email. Snow depth will be determined with my state-of-the-art snow gauge (aka ruler) on my special 2'x2' "snowboard" so we're official. Predictions are due to me by Midnight on November 1. The winner will receive a SWEET prize donated by Colin, my Mizuno rep (and big WeatherBug fan): a Mizuno Breath Thermo top. Breath Thermo is this amazing material that heats up when it gets wet. It's the perfect top to wear on snowy days - or as a base layer when you are skiing (riding ski lifts can get pretty cold if you worked up a sweat zooming downhill).
Remember, get your prediction in to me by Midnight on Saturday.
Live Fit,
Steph
PS Best of luck to everyone running the NYC Marathon this weekend - enjoy your tour of the 5 boroughs. (btw, the weather looks perfect: sunny with temps in the 50's). |
| Schuyler's Shoe Review |
 Nike Zoom Victory!
Of all the track spikes that Fleet Feet has carried in the past few years, the Nike Zoom Miler was easily the most popular. Featuring a snug upper and a highly aggressive spike-plate, it was a mid-distance spike ideal for 400m-3200m, indoor or outdoor. When Nike announced that they were canceling the shoe, many track athletes were disappointed. If you looked at the feet of any Nike-sponsored distance runners in the Olympic Games, however, you would have seen a stunning new replacement, the Zoom Victory.
While the Miler weighed in at a respectable 6-6.5 ounces, about average for that type of spike, the Victory weighs a mere 3.5 ounces with spikes in. To put it another way, a full pair of Victories weighs only a fraction of an ounce more than a single Miler. Nike accomplished this incredible weight savings through a new technology called fly-wire. Instead of requiring bulky, heavy synthetic overlays to support the foot, fly-wire is a tiny nano-engineered thread that goes through the upper in strips. The upper, instead of being made from polyester or nylon mesh, is made from TPU film only a few microns thick. Finally, a hole was cut behind the heel to provide cradling and reduce further weight.
The result is not only the lightest track spike ever made, but a track spike that is highly supportive of the foot and incredibly comfortable. Fans of the Miler will find the Victory to be a perfect replacement, and runners upgrading from an entry-level spike will be amazed at the comfort and weight. Close your eyes while holding it, and you may think that your hands are empty. As for myself, I just can't wait until indoor track season to shatter some personal bests in them.
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| Inside the Bra |
 Welcome to "Inside the Bra" - a new addition to our newsletter just for the ladies! While many runners and walkers love the simplicity of their sport, there are a few critical pieces of equipment that you need to stay injury free and well supported. This includes a pair of good running shoes, moisture-wicking socks and a properly fitted sports bra. Yes, that's right. A properly fitting sports bra is just as important for injury prevention as shoes are, but nearly 80% of women are wearing the wrong sports bra. That's not good! The wrong sports bra can hinder exercise. It can cause neck strain and back pain. The wrong sports bra can also be quite embarrassing as breasts tend to bounce during exercise, which can lead to a condition called Cooper's droop. Cooper's droop is where the connective tissue strands in the breasts called "Cooper's ligaments" are irreversibly stretched and leads to permanent sagging of the breasts. And though many of us have a favorite sports bra that we have loved for many years, the reality is that sports bras lose their support after 52 washes. Just like shoes wear out over time, so do our sports bras. Also like shoes, all sports bras fit a little different. The key is matching your needs with the right bra. Fortunately, we have a Personal FIT process for our Sports Bras. All female staffers are trained to take your measurements and recommend the best bras for you (our male staffers are also quite knowledgeable too). We also offer a wide selection of bras in a multitude of shapes, sizes and support levels - everything from size A to DDD (including Oprah's favorite Enell bra). We have bras with and without underwire, compression, encapsulation, racer backs and non-racer backs. All of our bras are made of moisture wicking material to help keep you dry and comfortable. In future issues of this newsletter, I'll share with you the unique features of the bras we offer in the store. Next week, we'll kick it off with our most popular sports bra: the Fiona by Moving Comfort. |
| In Store Now... |
 Suunto HRM's: Is an easy-to-use, comfortable heart-rate monitor on your Wish List this year?
In addition to offering heart rate monitors by Garmin and Timex, we are psyched about our new line of HRM's by Suunto. Suunto is a Finnish company that is popular with divers, but their line of HRM's are garnering great reviews, mainly because of their super comfortable chest strap that is not only machine washable, but has a battery you can change yourself. Suunto watches are unique because they measure the interval between heartbeats and the fluctuations between intervals to give you a true training effect of your workout, allowing you to train at an optimal level every day. The watches are programmable and most models are plug-and-play with their foot pod (measures distance) and a computer pod (uploads your training data). The watches look cool enough to wear everyday too! Currently, we are carrying the T1c, T3c, T4c and the T6c. Stop by for a demo today. We're giving away a great Salomon backpack with the purchase of a Suunto watch - quantities are limited so shop early! Plus, all watches qualify for our new Watch Personalization & Training Program (see article below for details).  Boston Pant: A customer favorite has been reborn! Several years ago Saucony bought HIND, maker of great running apparel including the classic Munich Pant. Fortunately, Saucony kept the pattern for this famous pant, updated it a bit and re-released it under its new name. This pant has the same great moisture management fabric that is super soft, an elastic waist with a flat drawstring, side zip pockets (and improvement over the old pant which did not have zippers), 9" ankle zippers for easy on/off over shoes and a little reflectivity to keep you visible. The ultra-comfy pant is available for men and women.  Airplex Jacket: We've got a plethora of great jackets in the store right now, but the Airplex Jacket by Brooks is one of my favorites. This lightweight jacket is made of a breathable stretchy material that offers great shape and a comfortable fit. Its wind and water-resistant (water will bead and slide off it, but it won't keep you dry in a downpour), has an MP3-ready pocket with built in channel for your headphone cord, zippered pockets, back ventilation and an inner-storm guard and garage for the front zipper. But my favorite feature is a patch of soft terry material on the right-wrist - perfect for wiping away sweat or dealing with a running nose. Perfect for those early morning runs. Have an idea for a product we should carry? Email me. |
| Free Watch Personalization & Training |
 Heart rate monitors and GPS watches are incredibly beneficial training tools, but they can take time to set them up and really learn how to use them. To solve this, we are now offering free personalized set-up of your watch before you leave the store AND a free one-on-one training session with our Sean, our Electronics Guru at your convenience. Sean will teach you everything you want - and need - to know so you can maximize your investment and training time. |
| Featured Race: Freedom Run/Walk 5k |
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Graduation Day for our No Boundaries Training Group is almost here! Join us as we celebrate their hard work over the past 10 weeks by running the Freedom Run/Walk on Saturday, November 8. The race starts at 9:00am and winds through downtown Hartford. Perhaps the best part is the finish inside the State Armory where military bands will herald your arrival (plus, it's toasty warm inside).
This fun event is open to runners and walkers of all ages. Proceeds from the race benefit the Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc which provides temporary financial assistance including clothing, food and medical aid to members of the Connecticut National Guard.
Immediately following the 5k (approximately 9:45am), there will be a series of "Little Guards" kids fun runs including a 50 yard dash, ¼ mile, ½ mile and 1 mile runs.
You can register online through 3:00pm on Wednesday, November 5 ($20 through November 1) or on race day from 8:00-9:00am ($25).
Don't forget to wear your Fleet Feet shirt! A photo of you wearing your shirt in the race will earn you 10% off your next shoe purchase! |
| Upcoming FREE Clinics |
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On Tuesday, November 4 at 7:00pm at Fleet Feet, Track Coach and Trainer 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).
Gino will also be the guest coach for Schuyler's Track Workout on Thursday, November 6 at 6:30pm (Saint Joseph College track) so we can put those drills into practice!
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 On Tuesday, December 9 at 7:00pm, Coach Al Lyman will be giving a free seminar. Coach Al is the owner and founder of Pursuit Fitness LLC, a national recognized coaching company for endurance athletes, as well as an author, columnist and motivational speaker. He is certified by USA Triathlon, USA Cycling, the National Strength and Conditioning Association and is a member of the American Swim Coaches Association. Coach Al offers a holistic, balanced approach to training which includes yoga, flexibility, mobility training and smart, functional strength training. He advocates a balanced approach to training and racing within the context of the "triangle of life" (family, work and sport). He is the creator of the widely acclaimed running-specific functional and core training program called Runner-CORE that is used by hundreds of runners and triathletes worldwide. If Coach Al's seminar leaves you wanting more, he will be offering a 3-hour comprehensive workshop entitled "Run Faster, Run Easier" on Sunday, December 14 for $39.00. The clinic will take place at Fleet Feet Sports and will include a detailed video gait analysis using motion analysis software. RSVP to Coach Al directly at: coachal@coach-al.com. |
| Wed Fun Run - 6:30pm |
 Join Fleet Feet staffer Duncan and a great group of Fleet Feet Friends 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.
It's a great way to meet new friends and running partners. Since it's dark at 6:30pm now, please be sure to wear reflective vests or other gear so you stay safe!
Meet at the store. |
| Thursday Track Workout - 6:30pm |
 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.
Attend any 5 Wednesday Fun Runs or Thursday Track Workouts and get a free Nike drifit "Fleet Feet Sports Live Fit" t-shirt - bring a photo of you wearing your shirt in a race and earn 10% off your next shoe purchase. | |
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| 50% off
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| Store Events |
Fun Run
THUR, Oct 30 @ 6:30pm
Track Workout
TUES, Nov 4 @ 7:00pm:
FREE Clinic - featuring
Gino Caro
WED, Nov. 5 @ 6:30pm:
Fun Run
THUR, Nov. 6 @ 6:30pm
Track Workout with
special guest Gino Caro
TUES, Dec. 9 @ 7:00pm:
FREE Clinic - featuring
Coach Al Lyman |
| The WISH BOX |
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Help your significant other, friend or family member choose the perfect gift for you this year. Stop into the store and browse our large selection of apparel, accessories or go through our FIT process to find the perfect pair of shoes to keep you active in 2009.
Write down your wishes (item, size, color, etc) and put them into our Wish Box on our counter. Then, when your loved one comes into the store, all they need to do is pull out your Wish Card to get you the gift you really want. Happiness all around!
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| Thanks Jon Durham! |
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Special thanks to Jon Durham of Able Body Conditioning for his very informative seminar at the store last Tuesday. Jon talked about the importance of a proper warm-up that includes big range of motion moves like twists and chops and dynamic core-strength exercises that engage the full body (versus typical weight training which only focuses on one muscle group as a time). These exercises increase our range of motion which has a direct impact on our stride length and turnover (the only two ways to run faster).
Local running standout, Marissa Clapp, proved this point as she ran on the treadmill in front of the audience. Despite being a petite woman, Marissa's stride was HUGE thanks in part to excellent range of motion through her hip flexors. Marissa noted that training with Jon has enabled her to race faster than ever on fewer miles. This is because maximizing range of motion increases stride efficiency which causes less energy to be lost per heel strike. This energy savings enables you to stay stronger/faster for longer.
Jon also talked about the importance of a building a strong core over the winter. The stronger our core muscles are, the stronger our gait biomechanics will be. Our bodies are good about avoiding pain so when there is muscle weakness or imbalance, our biomechanics suffer. Sloppy form not only slows us down, but can also cause injury over time.
Even with my background in strength training and exercise science, I was impressed with the programming Jon has designed for his athletes. I plan to hire him this winter to help me prepare for Boston.
Jon also offered to share some of his favorite exercises with Fleet Feet Sports customers if you complete his "contact us" form on his web site.  |
| Underwater Video Analysis |
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Dean Bolt, President of the Hartford Extended Area Triathletes Club (HEAT), forwarded me a message about a great opportunity for those looking to improve their swim stroke. Swim coaches Al Lyman and Rich Flores have teamed up to offer underwater video stroke analysis and swim clinic at Cornerstone Aquatics Center on November 9 from 2:30-5:00pm.
For liability reasons you need to be a HEAT member to participate, but HEAT membership is only $35 and gains you access to a wealth of talent and coaching. Learn more at http://www.ctheat.org/ | |
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