Be Fit,
Steph

Balega International is a proud American-South African initiative that makes the world's best running sock (as voted by the Fleet Feet staff).  Even in their state-of-the-art production facility in Cape Town, it takes almost 3 full minutes to lovingly craft each Balega sock in part because the seamless toes are hand-linked.  Even better, Balega treats their employees with the same care and respect they do their socks and have an incredible commitment to community both here in the USA and in South Africa. 
 
Balega's dream of giving back to the South African culture and community on which they rely inspired the Lesedi Project - a non-profit organization that raises money for the Ethembeni School for 300 physically disabled and disadvantaged children.  The school, which means "Place of Hope" is located along the route of the famous Comrades marathon in South Africa.  Since its inception in 2006, Fleet Feet Sports stores across the country raised nearly $40,000 through the sale of beaded necklaces and bracelets made by the children at the Ethembeni School.  In 2008, this money was used to purchase a bus for the school. 
 
This year, we are joining with over 80 Fleet Feet Sports stores across the country to launch Pennies for Accessible Playgrounds which will raise funds on behalf of the Ethembeni School to build a therapeutic, accessible play area for the kids who have nothing but a dirt field to play on now.  Our goal is to raise $100,000 nationwide for this "Field of Dreams" by June 2010.  
 
As part of this fundraising program, Balega and the Ethembeni School are encouraging stores to donated 50% of their funds raised to support a local therapeutic playground.  We have chosen to partner with Boundless Playgrounds, a national nonprofit organization headquartered in CT that builds inclusive playgrounds where children of all abilities can learn and play together.  They have built over 140 playgrounds including 32 playgrounds here in CT (another 9 are coming soon).  
 
To kick off our fundraising, Balega has given us a beautiful hand-beaded, uniquely South African teeter-totter collection box.  We plan on hosting lots of fun activities throughout the year to raise money, but our initial goal is a nickel donation per customer.  Please consider helping us by "Giving 'em Five"!

Nip Guards: Ask a male marathoner about their race day essentials and you'll hear a list like shoes, socks, shorts, shirt, Body Glide and Nip Guards.  Nip Guards may sound funny, but they do what they say: put an end to painful chaffing and bleeding that befalls many male runners (thanks to good sports bras, women don't have this problem).  Each pack contains 10 guards that are 100% guaranteed not to come off until you remove them.  Run protected men!  
 
Kahtoola Traction Aids: Don't let ice or snow slow you down.  These hard-core traction aids are like snow chains for your running, walking and hiking boots.  The chains slip easily onto your shoes and have spikes that bite into the snow and ice to keep you upright on even the most slippery of surfaces.  Staffers Sean and Pam wore them during a 2 hour trail run last week and gave them two big thumbs up! 
 
TYJ Thermal Shirts:  New in our line of Trust Your Journey apparel is their cute, soft and cozy pink thermal long-sleeve tee.  In addition to the signature Trust Your Journey heart, the shirt also features the Chinese characters for Peace, Strength, Courage, Love and Gratitude.  This shirt would make a great Valentine's Day gift!

Asics Locker Bags:  Carry your gear to the gym in style with this great bag from Asics.  Unlike bulky duffle bags, this bag fits perfectly into skinny lockers thanks to its unique square shape and hang-loop.  The bag also features a shoe garage to keep your shoes (or dirty clothes) separated from the rest of your belongings, a water bottle holder and a long shoulder strap.   
 
Fun Socks:  Our sock guy, Duncan, has brought in some great socks for women just in time for Valentine's Day.  Sock designs include hearts/I love you, pink flamingos, crazy monkeys, flying pigs, "bad kitty", and flowers.  For the men, we still have our staff favorite SmartWool "skull" socks and the Abominable Snow Monster/Yeti. 

We've got lots of great events planned for February & March.  To RSVP your spot to any (or all!), email Sean or call the store at 233-8077.  
  
Wed: Feb 4 @ 6-7pm: Injury Assessments:  Have a nagging injury that you aren't sure what it is, how to treat it or when you can start working out again?  Stop by the store to meet with the athletic trainers from Select Physical Therapy and get a free injury assessment.  No appointment is necessary.  These free clinics will be offered every other Wednesday through the year (next clinic will be Wed, Feb 18 at 6pm).
 
Tues, February 10 @ 7:00pm:  Massage and Yoga for Active People: Julie and Lisa from Market Square Wellness in Newington will join us to demo helpful massage techniques and yoga poses for people on the move.  This seminar has been a favorite in the series offered to our training groups.  Bring your significant other and make it a date! 
 
Wed, February 11 @ 6:00pm:  Foam Rolling Clinic:  Don't miss this popular hands-on clinic in which Glenn Marcella, owner of The Center Studio and sports performance guru, explains "What the heck is foam rolling and why do I need it?"  Glenn will lead us through the most common and useful foam rolling techniques for the active runner, walker, skier or weekend warrior.  If you have a foam roller, please bring it (we will have a few extra to share).  Clinic is limited to the first 20 people who sign-up and will take place at The Center Studio (so we have more room to roll!).  TCS is located in Blue Back Square near Whole Foods (about 4 blocks from Fleet Feet Sports). 
 
Thurs, February 12 @ 7:00pm:  Nutrition with Coach Al: Coach Al's nutrition seminar, originally scheduled for Tuesday, Feb 3, has been rescheduled for this evening.  Coach Al will teach us how to fuel our engines more effectively for better training and racing performance - and word on the street is that he is bringing samples from Hammer Nutrition for everyone to try! 
 
Sun, Feb 15 @ 1-4pm:  Coach Al's Run Easier, Run Stronger Workshop: This event is sold out, but professional coach Al Lyman will offer another workshop on Sunday, April 5.  Cost of the workshop is $49 and includes an in-depth video analysis, introduction to Runner Core, handouts, tips, tricks and more.  Stay tuned for more details (or email Coach Al to reserve your spot). 
 
Wed: Feb 18 @ 6-7pm: Injury Assessments by Select Physical Therapy: See February 4 above for clinic description. 

 

For more events at the store and around CT, visit our online Calendar.