Eight weeks ago, 57 courageous individuals signed-up for our No Boundaries training group.  Many had never run more than a mile before.  Some had been runners "back in the day", but were out of practice.  A few had recently run a 5k, but wanted to do it faster. 
 
Their reasons for running were varied: get healthy, lose weight, make new friends, spend quality time with loved ones (Barry and Kelly now date "on the run") and use this training as a stepping stone for something bigger (Brenda wants to complete a triathlon and Susan and Shirley have their sights on a marathon).  Many are like Cindi, whose indomitable "never quit" spirit motivates everyone she meets, considers it the next step on her journey to a healthy, fit lifestyle (she completed an Avon 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk last year despite monstrous blisters and has lost one hundred pounds). 
 
Like mailmen/women, these individuals come to Fleet Feet Sports every Saturday to run regardless of the single-digit temperatures, snow, wind or rain.  Each week they arrive at the store with nervousness and trepidation wondering if they can complete the planned workout. 
 
But each week they run a bit further, a bit faster and return to the store victorious.  They fill the store with positive energy and inspiration.  You can't help but smile when you are around this group.  They are a highlight of my week.  They remind me that those first few steps to get running may be hard, but the feeling of accomplishment (euphoria!) after a run is the sweetest reward. 
 
Our spring Half Marathon, 10k and No Boundaries 5k(including a new weekday morning group that welcomes baby joggers) programs are now open for registration.  I'm sure many of you are nervous about committing to a program like this, but know that you CAN do it.  The hardest part is signing up.  The rest is just taking one step at a time. 

 

Be Fit,
Steph

While Pearl Izumi has been a top cycling brand for years, their entry into running shoes and apparel is relatively recent.  With the same careful design that has made them a favorite of cyclists, Pearl Izumi running shoes are designed to offer a surprisingly comfortable fit and feel for runners and walkers.  When a number of Fleet Feet staffers first tried these shoes, we had intended only to bring in Pearl Izumi clothing.  After a few weeks of running in them, however, it was an easy decision to offer their shoes to our customers as well.
 
Approaching running shoe design from a different perspective than many entrenched brands, Pearl Izumi shoes offer some unique differences.  In order to emphasize forefoot cushion, the SkyDex forefoot cushioning system offers a surprising amount of energy return while preventing midsole breakdown in this crucial area.  A larger SkyDex piece, looking like two layers of bubble wrap, provides cushion at the heel landing area.  In their stability shoes, traditional medial posting is replaced by a gentler SyncroFrame cradle.  Finally, all of this is encapsulated in an injection-molded EVA midsole, which provides more even and longer-lasting cushioning through a slightly more complex process than most other brands use.
 
What ties all of these technologies together, however, is an incredible fit.  The 360-degree lacing system provides just the right amount of snugness around your foot. Because I have a wider forefoot, I find that many shoes are too snug in the upper by the toe.  When the Pearl Izumi Streak fit my foot perfectly there, I assumed that it was simply wider.  Another employee, however, who has very narrow feet, tried on the same shoe and said that she loved the narrow fit.  What we discovered was that the lacing system wraps around so well as to fit a wider range of feet than almost any brand of shoe.
 
Currently, we carry the SyncroPace III, a moderate stability shoe similar to a Mizuno Wave Inspire or Asics 2130, and the Streak, a lightweight neutral shoe appropriate for training or racing.  Both shoes pop with bright primary colors that are unlike any other running shoe you've ever seen.  This summer, we will also introduce the Cruise, a highly-cushioned neutral shoe.  The shoes even match the great Pearl Izumi running and triathlon clothes that we carry, so that you can run in style as well as comfort.

Saucony Transition Top: I promise warmer weather is on its way!  And when it does, you will want this lightweight thermal performance top.  It works great as a layering piece or on its own to ward off the chill.  The Raidus Mesh fabric is softly brushed on the inside and has a comfy stretch that wicks sweat and breathes like crazy.  The 10" lock-down zipper provides instant air conditioning if you get too warm.  The top, available for both men and women, features a zippered security pocket for your ID, key or money.  
 
Asics 2-in-1 Shorts: Gym rats, basketball players and runners alike are attracted to this versatile, best-selling short which features a seamless boxer liner instead of a brief found in most running shorts. This boxer provides great coverage, light support and wicks moisture.  The outer short is made of a featherweight microfiber that breathes and dries in a flash.  The men's version has a 6" inseam, while the women's features a 5" inseam.  Both have side seam pockets.

Experia Socks: Thorlo's new sock is getting rave reviews from customers (even those who find regular Thorlo socks to be too thick).  The Experia features the cushy heel and toe pads Thorlo is famous for, but connects those pads with thin nylon and Lycra spandex material to provide a glove-like fit that supports your instep and arch.  The Thorlo pads help absorb shock and protect your Achilles against chafing.  These moisture wicking socks are "no-show" length and come in six fun colors.  
 

              
Triathlon Tops & Bottoms: Yes, you read right!  We're expanding our apparel lines to bring in great triathlon gear from Pearl Izumi, CW-X and Zoot.  In store right now are tops and bottoms for men and women from Pearl Izumi.  Tops feature flat-lock seams for chafe-free comfort, a ¾" zipper, quick-dry fabric and a back pocket to stash your nutrition.  Women's tops also feature a built in shelf bra and cool colors like Pacifica Blue and Flamingo Pink.  Both men's and women's shorts feature PI's Ultra-Sensor Tri chamois and an ergonomic panel design.  In addition to basic black, the women's shorts are also available in a pretty shadow grey color. 

Registration is now open for our Half Marathon, 10k and 5k Training Programs! 

 

Are you ready to go the distance?  Join our Half Marathon Training group and in 12 weeks you will cross the finish line of the Iron Horse ½ Marathon on Sunday, May 31 with a whole new group of running friends! 

 

Practice begins on Saturday, March 14 at 7:30am.  Participants should be able to run 3 miles continuously at an 11:00 min/mile pace before the first practice 

To learn more, come to our ½ Marathon Open House on Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00pm.  Cost: $125

10k Training Program:

If you have successfully run a 5k in the last 6 months and are ready for your next challenge, join our 10k training group.  This 10-week program will help you increase your speed and endurance as you train for the Iron Horse 10k on Sunday, May 31.  Practices begin on Saturday, March 28 at 8:00am.   

To learn more, come to our 10k Open House on Tuesday, March 10 at 7:00pm.  Cost: $100

No Boundaries/Running 201 5k Program:

Our next No Boundaries/Running 201 Groups begin the week of April 6 and will culminate with the Celebrate! West Hartford 5k on Sunday, June 14.  Participants can choose between an evening training group (Tuesday's at 6:30pm - begins April 7) and a morning training group where baby joggers are welcome (Wednesday's at 9:30am - begins April 8).  Cost is $75
 

Grab a friend and join us for a summer of fun on the run!  RSVP by sending an email to Coach Renee at coach@fleetfeethartford.com or by calling the store at 860-233-8077. 

The Outdoor Track season is only a few weeks away.  We are kicking off our Spikeapalooza Week with a special Spike Night celebration on Monday, March 30 from 7-9pm.  In addition to our usual food, fun, schwag, discounts and participation contest, special guest Molly Huddle will be signing autographs.  
 
Molly is one of the US premier distance runners.  She holds the American high school records for the 2-mile (10:01) and 5k (15:36).  She made it to the finals at the 2008 Olympic Trials in both the 5,000m and 10,000m and dreams of representing the USA in London 2012.  Special thanks for Saucony for bringing Molly to West Hartford just for our Spike Night.
 
To RSVP you (or your team), send an email to Schuyler@fleetfeethartford.com. 
 
No worries if you can't make Spike Night on March 30.  We will be extending discounts to all youth track athletes on their trainers and spikes during the entire week.  

For more events at the store and around CT, visit our online Calendar.  For details on any event, call the store at 860-233-8077.
  

Wed: Mar 4 @ 6-7pm: Injury Assessments by Select Physical Therapy: 

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, March 18 at 6pm).

 

The Hartford Marathon Foundation is hosting their annual Open House at Healthtrax Fitness Club in Glastonbury.  Meet their training coaches (both running and triathlon programs), learn about new gear, get a great deal on winter apparel at the Fleet Feet Sports table, take a free swim clinic, get free stuff and learn about the exciting events the HMF has planned for 2009

 

April 5 - Coach Al's "Run Easier, Run Faster" Workshop
Learn the secrets to running easier and faster!  The February clinic sold out quickly so don't delay if you want to attend one of Coach Al's most popular clinics.  The 3-hour comprehensive clinic costs $49 and includes an in-depth video analysis, introduction to Runner Core, handouts, tips, tricks and more.  Click here to register(click on the Fleet Feet Run Clinic on April 5).  

 

Terry Walters, author of Clean Food and certified holistic health counselor will speak about nutrition for runners and how to maintain health and balance with whole, clean foods.  Topics include health benefits, purchasing tips, storing, cooking ideas and ways to maximize the nutritional value of food.  Bring your cookbook to have it signed!

Lots of fun was had last Wednesday at the Saucony Fun Run.  The weather was lovely (for a February evening in CT), the beer and lemonade cold, the brownies caramel-ly delicious, and the turnout great! 
 
A big thanks to Todd from Saucony who joined us on the run and brought shoes for folks to test-wear (including the great new Guide 2).  Johanna Rincon, a current No Boundaries member, was the lucky recipient of Todd's Saucony Shoe Giveaway.  Woo hoo!  Special thanks too to Marj for sharing her M&M's (mmmmmm, a perfect after-run treat)!
 
We're planning more Fun+ Runs like this later this spring so keep an eye out for details.  Of course, you can always join us for fun on the run lead by Duncan every Wednesday at 6:30pm.  With the time springing forward this weekend, it will actually be light for the first part of the run.  Spring is coming!

I want to thank Stacy and her Select Physical Therapy crew for bringing their Mobile Sports Medicine Center to Fleet Feet Sports last Saturday.  Nearly 50 people visited the decked-out trailer to have their sore knees, backs, hips, ankles, heels and feet checked.  This service is great because it provides people with piece of mind about the seriousness of their injury and whether they should hold-off, back-off or continue with their current fitness regimen. 
 
Select PT will be at the store this Wednesday evening from 6:00-7:00pm in case you missed the event on Saturday (they are at Fleet Feet every other Wednesday).  As always, injury assessments are free.