Last Thursday evening, I had the privilege of meeting Joan Benoit Samuelson, winner of the first women's Olympic Marathon in 1984.  I remember watching her take her victory lap around the Los Angeles Coliseum in her shiny gray singlet and shorts, waving the American Flag.  With that lap, one of the last ceilings for women runners was shattered.
 
Joan talked about that moment and shared what inspired (and still inspires) her: doing the impossible.  I think that's the inspiration for so many of us. Some of the most satisfying and gratifying things I've done in life, were the things that I - and others - didn't think I could do.  Sure enough, one of the best ways to motivate me is to tell me I can't do something.  I believe that if you combine enough desire and hard work, you can do most anything. 
 
There was no better example of this than the man with two prosthetic legs who deftly walked by me in his running shoes as I left Joan's talk.  Like all real champions, he made it look easy, but I am sure there was a time when he thought walking again would be impossible.  Impossible isn't easy, but it is possible.  He did it.  Joan did it.  So can we.
 
This Thanksgiving I am especially thankful for your loyalty, friendship and kindness.  You have helped make my first 6 months in Connecticut an impossible dream come true.  

Live Fit,
Steph

Nike Air Structure Triax GTX

What do Oprah, Drew Barrymore and professional volleyball player Tiffany Anderson all have in common? They are all large-breasted women who LOVE their Enell bras. Oprah thinks so highly of her Enell bra that she put it on her "O-List" of great things saying, "Once you get yourself hooked into this thing, believe me, they're not going anywhere!"  

Drew Barrymore is quoted as saying that the Enell bra changed her life. Drew's trainer gave her an Enell bra to try on while she was training to get in shape for the movie, Charlie's Angels. Drew disliked working out so much that her trainer started her out walking on the treadmill at 3.5 miles per hour. After a few weeks of that, Drew's trainer suggested adding jumping rope to her workouts. Drew refused saying that high-impact activities hurt her chest. The next day, Drew's trainer brought her an Enell bra. Drew put it on and jumped around and was impressed that nothing moved. That day, not only did she jump rope, but she also ran a quarter mile!
 
Why does the Enell get such glowing reviews? Because it works! It allows larger-breasted women (32C - 50DDD) to exercise and play sports in comfort. The Enell is a "no-bounce, compression bra" that is meant to fit tight. The tight fit is created by 11 hook-and-eye closures that fasten the bra from the front. You put the bra on like a vest, pulling it under your breasts and then hooking and tucking as you work your way from the bottom fastener to the top. Once you reach that last hook, you'll feel like your girls are locked in place with nowhere to go (which is probably why Title 9 Sports calls this the "Last Resort Bra"). The front hooks also make the bra ideal for post-operative breast reconstruction patients.
 
In addition to those front hooks, the criss-cross pattern in the back adds tons of back support which is super important for larger breasted who can sometimes experience back pain from the pull of those larger breasts which can weigh up to six pounds each!). This criss-cross pattern also helps with maintaining proper posture and increases the wear longevity of the bra.
 
The upper portion of the bra and the wide shoulder straps (so they don't dig or slip down) are made of non-stretch material for minimal bounce. The lower portion if made with a double-layer of fabric that holds the breasts close to the body for increased support. There is a wide band on the bottom that helps keep the bra in place so it doesn't ride up when you're in motion.
 
The bra material is mostly made of a silky, soft nylon fabric (with 10% of Lycra for a little bit of stretch) that is treated with NATUREXX so that it wicks moisture away from the body to keep you cooler and drier. The bra's smooth fabric not only feels great but it won't cling to your shirt. The Enell is a little intimidating when you first see it, but the serious support it provides negates that first impression - especially when women who have previously worn two or more bras when they worked-out, can now just wear one Enell. No wonder Oprah thinks this bra is great! 

There are two great events coming up that I want to share with you:
 
The first is an informal 5k hosted by Glenn Marcella, owner of The Center Studio in Blue Back Square.  The Turkey Trot to benefit Toys for Tots is this Saturday (November 29) at 8:00am.  There is no cost to participate in this non-competitive fun run, but you are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped soft toy for Toys for Tots. 
 
Beginners, families and experienced runners alike are invited to trot the 3.1 mile course and enjoy warm holiday refreshments at the finish.  To join in the fun, meet at The Center Studio (20 Isham Rd) at 7:45am.  Call Glenn at 860-761-1083 for more details. 
 
The second event comes highly recommended by Ron Carbone, a regular at our Wednesday and Thursday night runs.  It's the 5th Annual Mayor Higgins Hot Chocolate Run in Northampton, MA on Saturday, December 6 - and it's definitely worth the 50 mile drive up I-91 to do! 
 
The family-friendly 2-mile walk starts at 9:30am and the 5k run at 10:00am.  All finishers are treated to a steaming mug of gourmet hot chocolate served in a collector's mug designed by renowned cartoonist, Hillary Price ("Rhymes with Orange").  Additionally, all elementary-aged kids receive a toy, and adults can get a free massage or chiropractic care.  The proceeds from the race are donated to Safe Passage, an organization that helps women and children who have experienced domestic violence.   
 
The individual entry fee is $18, but if you register as a group of four people or more, your entry fee is just $16 per person.  Families can participate for $40.  You can register by mail, online or in person from 8-9:30am on race day. 
 
If you have earned a Fleet Feet Sports t-shirt, don't forget to wear it.  A photo of you wearing your shirt in the race will earn you $10 off your next shoe purchase!

 

Last call for our next free clinic at the store - there are only 7 spots remaining.  RSVP by calling 860-233-8077 or emailing me.

 

Coach Al Lyman will be giving a free seminar at Fleet Feet Sports.  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. 

 

Want to learn more about how to maximize training with your heart rate monitor?  Plan on joining us for our next seminar tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, December 16 at 7:00pm.  We will have sample HRM's from Timex, Suunto and Garmin for you to try. 

 

More detail to follow in the December 9th newsletter. 

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.

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. 

 

 $5.00 off 1 piece of apparel

 

 

 

 $30.00 off 3 pieces of apparel

You may mix-and-match men's, women's and children's apparel. 

Gift cards may be the perfect gift, but they can a little "blah" to open.  We've got just the thing to spice it up - and it won't cost you extra! 

 

Our great vendors have donated lots of fun items (pens, shirts, water bottle, notebooks and more) that you can use to enhance your gift card presentation. 

 

You pick the items and we'll create a cool-looking gift box to hold it all.  Or you can keep the free stuff for yourself.  We won't tell!   

Was your favorite runner really good this year?  Then give them the gift they really want - a GPS enabled sport watch by Garmin.  It's more than a navigation device; it's the ultimate training tool.  
 
We have the Garmin 405 (with and without a heart rate monitor), the Garmin 305 and 205 which are recommended for triathletes and the Garmin Edge for cyclists in stock now.    
 
Now through December 24, 2008, when you purchase any Garmin, you will receive a $25 Fleet Feet Sports gift card plus a free one-on-one lesson with Sean, our electronics guru (to be scheduled at your convenience). 
 
Additionally, if you purchase the 305 or 405, you will also earn a $25 gift certificate through our customer loyalty program which we can combine to create a $50 gift card that you can give or keep.  Sweet deal!
 
This offer is not valid on Garmin's purchased before November 25, 2008.

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!