Last week I went to Dallas for a conference.  In addition to morning runs in balmy 32F weather, I had the opportunity to eat dinner with Carrie Tollefson, a U.S. Olympian and 3-time national champion in middle distance events.  Like most professional runners, she was as nice as can be.  Easy to talk to, funny, enjoys a good piece of lasagna (but not the vegetables accompanying it) and is very inspirational.
 
She told us the story of the greatest race in her life: qualifying for the 2004 Olympics.  Up until 2004, Carrie was best known for her prowess in the 3k and 5k both on the track and cross-country.  She was expected to win the 5k during the Olympic Trials in 2004, but had an off-day and finished 6th.  She thought that her Olympic dreams were toast. 
 
Instead of admitting defeat, she decided she was going to persevere and not give up in the 1,500m; a race no one thought she could place in, let alone win.  Even the sportscasters on the pre-race show didn't mention her name as a contender.  But Carrie ran with all of her heart.  Early on, she got out front - a position for which she had no plan since she didn't expect to be there.  Her strategy became "hang on for dear life".  Hang on she did, crossing the finish line first, securing her spot on the Olympic Team going to Athens. 
 
Carrie said that she learned so much about herself and life that day.  She learned to believe in herself, especially in tough times.  She learned that there are no limits.  You just need to keep running.  Keep moving forward.  We are all going to have bad days.  But a bad day doesn't mean you are a failure.  You just get up the next day and keep trying your best.  Always believe in yourself. 
 
There is something powerful about the word "believe".  The impossible happens nearly every day because someone believed something could be done.  You can do anything you set your mind to.  It may take months (even years) and a lot of hard work, but you can do it. 
 
Our nearly 60 No Boundaries participants prove this every Saturday.  Despite the frigid temperatures, they show-up at the store every Saturday morning to run.  First they ran a mile, then 1.5 miles and now 2 miles.  They are becoming runners.  And it all started because they believed in themselves.
 
Live Fit,
Steph
 
PS  My other favorite part about meeting Carrie: she wants to be a meteorologist when she retires from running!

CW-X Compression Support Socks:  We are thrilled to be one of the first stores nationwide to carry CW-X's newest product.  These seamless, variable compression socks are made with Torex , a special four-way stretch fabric that can increase circulation in the feet and lower legs, resulting in reduced fatigue and faster recovery after strenuous activity.  The socks feature CW-X's patented webbing which supports the calf muscles, ankle joint and arch of the foot, as well as a cushioned sole and toe.  These socks are not just for athletes either - diabetics, expectant moms, frequent fliers and anyone who experiences aching legs after a long day on their feet can benefit from these socks.  
 
CW-X ¾ Stabilyx Tights for Men - You read right, we are now carrying "capris" for men!  ¾ tights have long been popular in Europe and have been slowly gaining popularity here in the US because they are perfect to wear on chilly mornings when a tight is too much and shorts too little.  They also work great under ski pants so you don't have too much bulk in your ski boot.  This tight has the added benefit of CW-X's patented Conditioning Web design that supports the lower back/core area, hamstrings, IT Band and knee joint - the areas that carry much of the load during running, skiing and snowboarding - so you can stay on the move longer!   

Nike Tops & Shorts:  The first of our spring apparel from Nike has arrived to brighten up the store.  Pieces include the super popular Tempo shorts for women and Fundamental shorts for men, along with a soft, warm (but not heavy) half-zip top for men and women that is perfect for layering or wearing to the gym.  Colors include navy, white and "mean green" (peppy enough to scare away the winter blahs).