At the Freedom 5K race last Saturday, the big story wasn't about who finished first.  It was about a group of 29 courageous individuals who pushed beyond their comfort zones over the last 10 weeks and became runners.  Congratulations to our fall 2008 No Boundaries graduates - YOU DID IT!!! 
 
Getting fit and leading an active lifestyle is hard.  There are many barriers, both physical and mental, that get in the way.  The ones who are successful usually have a source of motivation that got them moving as proved by our No Boundaries runners.  
 
Many joined for their kids.  They wanted to be AROUND for their kids - not just active, but actively involved with them.  Others signed-up with their sister, husband or friends to spend quality time with them.  Some decided to run a 5k to challenge themselves to do something they, their husband, wife, kids and/or friends didn't think they could do (proved them wrong!).  One ran because 5 years ago she had back surgery and was told that she may never walk again (proved that wrong too!).  
 

Step-by-step, mile-by-mile, they each broke down the boundaries of "can't".  They learned that COULD do the things they didn't think they were capable of.  I hope this experience gives them the courage and confidence to keep on moving forward and not let anything stand in their way.  As NoBo runner Rosemary so perfectly answered her 4 year old son when he asked if she had won, "Yes, I am a winner!"

Special thanks to head coach Renee Kleinman and assistant coaches Sean Herring and Jack Blozy for their time, talent and energy - this program wouldn't be such an amazing experience without you!
 
Live Fit,
Steph
 
Ready to run?  We will be offered another No Boundaries program early next year, as well as a "Running 201" for runners who have conquered a 5k and are ready for a new challenge and a half marathon training program.  Details to be announced soon.

Just in are three of my "must-haves" for cool-weather running:
 
Arm Warmers:  Cycling's best gift to runners!  The perfect solution for those of us who hate being cold at the start of a run AND hate overheating midway through a run.  Wear them with a short-sleeve shirt to keep you toasty warm early on, then push them down (or take them off) when you get warm.  I got my first pair at a bike shop several years ago and got strange looks from other runners whenever I wore them.  But now, arm warmers have gone main stream and were the must-have accessory at the NYC Marathon this year.  They make a great gift for the runner in your life that has just about everything!  
  
SmartWool Socks:  Even though wool is the top-performing fiber for cold, wet conditions, most folks cringe when they see the word.  They immediately think, "scratchy, itchy and uncomfortable".  To these people I say, "You haven't tried SmartWool". 
 
SmartWool starts with super-fine fibers from specially-bred Merino sheep and then uses a special production process to remove the itch and shrink.  The end product is a luxuriously soft sock with powerful moisture-wicking capabilities, outstanding odor protection and great temperature control (SmartWool socks are super-warm in cold weather and super-cool in hot).  
 
In addition to the traditional low-cut running sock style, we also brought in a few socks with flair including a knee-length sock with colorful skulls that the Fleet Feet Sports crew will be styling at the Manchester Road Race.  Be the first person to say, "Hey, I read about those socks in your newsletter" at the race and win your very own pair!   
 
CW-X Insulator Stabilyx Tights:  Fleet Feet's most popular tights are now available in a winterized version to keep you going in the wickedest of weather.  Like the original CW-X Stabilyx tights that have been flying off our racks, the Insulator Stabilyx Tights feature the same CW-X Conditioning Web technology that provides targeted support to your core (abs, hips and back) while stabilizing your IT-band, knee joint and calf.  The difference is the fabric.  
 
CW-X Insulator tights are made of a revolutionary new nanotechnology fabric called Auto-Sensor that regulates your body's temperature based on the outside weather conditions (temperature and humidity).  Its three distinct heat conduction layers range from highly conductive (layer next to the skin) to non-conductive (outer layer).  This allows your sweat to be transferred to the outermost layer so you feel dry, but also prevents outside moisture (rain/snow) from penetrating to the inner layer.  The end result is maintenance of your skin temperature at a constant comfortable level of approximately 75 degrees.

Have an idea for a product we should carry? Email me.

We believe in the PERFECT FIT - it's part of our Fitlosophy.  If you are not 100% satisfied with the fit of your shoes, socks, sports bra, insoles, etc, we invite you to bring the item back within 30 days of purchase.  Even if you wore the item outside. 

 

Give us an opportunity to find a better solution for you.  We want to help you get the proper tools to live fit!

 

Stacy Ciarleglio, Sports Medicine Program Director at Select Physical Therapy and Athletic Trainer at Hall High School, has set-up a free injury hotline to answer your questions about prevention and treatment of common athletic injuries or conditions. 

 

You can call anytime to speak with a live person or leave a detailed message and a licensed athletic training will return your call.  Depending on the severity of your injury, you may be given instructions on how to care for your injury at home or be directed to one of Select Physical Therapy's 30 clinics in CT for a free evaluation.
 
Thanks to Stacy and her team for providing this great service!

Did you conquer the ING Hartford Marathon or Half Marathon and wish that you had purchased something to commemorate your accomplishment?  You still can! 

Through the end of November, Fleet Feet Sports will be selling the technical shirts (short and long-sleeve), sweatshirts and posters from the race.  Hurry in for best selection!