The Extra Mile - Fleet Feet Sports Newsletter

THE EXTRA MILE

Issue #24

April 28, 2009

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Don't Doubt It - Do It!

There is no better feeling than when you conquer doubt, regardless of whether it is your own or others' doubt in your ability. To be honest, I wasn't sure that I'd be able to finish the Boston Marathon last Monday since my training did not go as smoothly as planned. But something magical happened out there on my way from Hopkinton to Copley Square.

I was energized by the electric atmosphere created by 500,000 screaming fans - especially through the "Scream Tunnel" at Wellesley College which is located near Mile 13. I had heard that the girls were loud, but my ears were not prepared for what I heard - and felt! About a half mile from the college I could hear a faint roar. I thought that maybe it was a helicopter or motorcycle until I saw a sign that said, "Brace Your Ears" and then one that read, "Can You Feel the Roar". By that time, it seemed like the ground was vibrating from the girls screams and cheering. Before I knew it, I had gone another mile - my fastest mile of the race. It was awesome!

I was motivated by the great signs fans and Adidas had made. Favorites included "Nice Legs", "Shortcut", "Clean Bathrooms" and "Go Steph". Just when my legs were really starting to hurt at Mile 18, there was a billboard that read, "Sorry legs, this is where the brain takes over." It reminded me that my legs were feeling exactly how they're supposed to after 18 hilly miles, and that to survive the last 8 miles, I had to get tough mentally. It also helped knowing that my dad would be waiting for me at the base of Heartbreak Hill to lead me home.

More than anything, I was inspired by you. I thought of all of our No Boundaries runners like Anne Marie, Amy, Danielle and Greg who doubted that they could become runners, but did. I thought of 5-year old Kevin (who gave me the best "Good Luck" hug ever!), Gary, Rachel and the 70 other kids in our youth running program who are learning how empowering running can be. I thought of Lisa, Charleen and Vicki who run to celebrate life, and of Renee and Carrie who trained with me regardless of wind, snow, rain and cold temperatures and never let me quit.

After the race I had the realization that being a runner is 80% mental and 20% physical. Thank you for reminding me to not doubt myself, but to be brave and do it!

Be Fit,
Steph

Schuyler's Shoe Review

Adizero Mana: If Fleet Feet staffer Duncan Gerity's dreams could come alive-in shoe form-they would be the new Adidas Adizero Mana racing flat. Sturdy enough for an experienced racer to run a marathon in and light enough to shave precious seconds off your 5k time, the Mana is now lighter and better than ever. In a recent interview, Duncan was quoted as saying, "It's totally my favorite shoe right now."

With a newly redesigned upper and medial posting system, the Mana represents a significant departure from the previous version. The upper is cut with no overlays by the pinky toe, allowing for a blister-free run as well as greater medial support in the upper to prevent pronation. The material itself is soft enough on the foot that it can be worn barefoot for a short race. The small forefoot medial post complements the heel post that carries over from the older version of the Mana. This allows for improved pronation control without adding excessive weight. With these improvements, the new version weighs in at the same 7.5 ounces as its predecessor.

If you have the need to race fast in your summer 5ks or 10ks, the Mana is a shoe that will have you tearing past the competition. And if you want to run fast while looking good, keep your eyes open for the first annual Fleet Feet Road Racing Night in the second week of June. In addition to food and drinks, we will have discounts on road racing shoes, singlets, split shorts, and shimmels so that you can be fully decked out for your races.

Now in Store...

So much good stuff has come in during the last two weeks that it's hard to choose what to feature! There is nothing like a new pair of shorts or tee to motivate you to workout - especially when they feel and perform as good as they look.

Bonita Run Dress: You read right! New Balance has just released their first dress designed for chicks on the run. It is SO CUTE and ultra comfy! The dress features a Poly Spandex blend for a flattering fit as well as a zipper side pocket that is MP3-friendly and a built-in shelf bra (for ladies who need more support, Moving Comfort's Maia bra looks fantastic under the dress). The dress is 33 inches in length for good coverage, but I recommend wearing a pair of seamless shorts underneath. Even if you don't run in it, this is the perfect toss-on dress for weekend errands and travel. This is one piece I couldn't resist ordering for myself!

Danita Run Tee: Ladies, you can't beat this $20 shirt. It looks and feels like cotton, but it's made of a moisture-wicking blend of soft polyester that is designed to keep you cool and dry on the run. The shirt features peppy Run Girl Danita and her dog Spot.

Skorts:
One of running's hottest fashion trends is the skort (an inner short covered by a lightweight skirt). Skorts are feminine yet don't inhibit performance - in fact, they help reduce chaffing. We currently carry skorts from Brooks, Moving Comfort, New Balance and Nike. Whether you like long or short, flowy or straight, striped or solid, chances are that we have a skort you'll love!

5 Pocket Shorts: Yes, men, I didn't forget about you! We've brought in the ingenious 55 and 75 pocket shorts from Asics. The 55's feature a 5" inseam and 5 pockets and the 75 features, you guessed it, a 7" inseam and 5 pockets. With five pockets, you can store your energy gels, cell phone, MP3 player without having to strap on a belt. Plus, these relaxed-fit shorts are lightweight and excel at wicking away moisture to keep you dry. They are perfect for going the distance!

Lace Up for the Cure: This year New Balance is proud to celebrate the 20year anniversary of their association with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure in the fight to end breast cancer. In addition to sponsoring the Komen Race for the Cure, the Breast Cancer 3-Day walks and Marathon for the Cure, they have produced a beautiful line of clothes, accessories and shoes. New Balance donates a generous 15% of the wholesale sales from these items to Komen for the Cure with a guaranteed minimum donation of $500,000.

New Balance 769 - Lace Up for Cure color

Show your support in the battle to eradicate breast cancer with an item (or two!) from our Lace Up for the Cure collection including the Stride Jacket (the hood is lined with a new bi-colored pink ribbon design that really pops!), the Hope Tee, duel water bottle belt that is recommended for anyone doing the 3-Day Walk, pedometer, hats/visors and shoe laces.

Feature Races: Baja 5000 & Avon Road Race

The spring racing season is here! Here are two fun races to put on your calendar.

Baja 5000:

Just added to the Hartford Marathon Foundation calendar is a super-fun sounding 5k called the Baja 5000. The race is this Sunday at Noon in Glastonbury. The race is sponsored by Max Fish (which is also hosting post-race fiesta) and Hotel California Tequila.

The course is an out-and-back loop that runs through Riverfront Park. The first 300 finishers will receive a commemorative shot glass and all runners/walkers will get a shirt, chips and salsa, tropical fruit and a frozen, non-alcoholic margarita. Now that's a post race treat!

After the race, runners are invited to join Max Fish's Cinco de Mayo party featuring Hotel California cocktails, Max's famous fish tacos, a Baja tequila inspired pizza and live entertainment. Tickets to the party are $25 - but you can pre-register for the race and the party for just $40.

For more information about the race or to register, click here

5th Annual Avon Road Race

This is a great run/walk/stroll put on by the Pine Grove Elementary School PTO. The money raised from the race will go to building a new playground at the school that will be especially friendly for special needs children.

The fun begins at 8:30am on Sunday, May 17 with the 5k race, followed by a spirited one mile fun run just for kids sponsored by Fleet Feet Sports! The course begins and ends at Pine Grove Elementary School and winds its way through the Farmington Valley Greenway which features a few "gently rolling hills".

Register now for $20 ($12 for the kids fun run) and receive a t-shirt and entry into the post-race party which includes door prizes, live music and Amber Alert registrations. While you can register on race day for the 5k, there is no same-day registration for the kids fun run, so click here to register before race day!

Galloway Marathon Training Program

Galloway Logo

Fleet Feet Sports is proud to be a partner of the famous Galloway Training Program which has helped people of all skill levels and ages complete a half or full marathon.

Jeff's unique low-mileage run-walk program makes it possible for almost anyone to experience the feeling of completing their goal.

The 30-week training program offers:

Group support structure for training.
Set training schedule.
Expert advice on running techniques, gear, nutrition, and injury prevention.
Time-goal driven training and Pace Group Leader opportunities for experienced runners.

The Galloway Program boasts a 98 percent success rate in more than 40 cities across the nation. What's more important is that we'll be supporting each other, having a great time, and sharing what is a truly life-changing experience. If you're not certain about whether to join, come meet the Hartford Group Leader, Debbi Zimbler at an Open House at Fleet Feet Sports on Thursday, April 30 at 7:000pm. Cost for the program is $159.

The first practice will be Saturday, May 2. Plus, Jeff Galloway is tentatively scheduled to give a seminar and sign autographs at Fleet Feet Sports on Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00-pm. Maybe we can get him to join us for our Wednesday Fun Run!

Click here to register for the program - or join us for the Open House on April 30 at 7:00pm.

For more information, email Debbi Zimbler at debzimbler@aol.com.

Mizuno "Run With Us" Truck