FF Hartford Logo
THE EXTRA MILE 
Issue #25
 
 
May 12, 2009
Run Like a Kid
Starting Line: Youth Fitness -- Spring 2009 

Are you frustrated with your running?  Has your training gotten stale?  Do you need a little motivation?  If you answered "Yes", I have the solution for you: run like a kid! 
 
This spring over 70 kids signed-up for our Starting Line: Youth Fitness running program sponsored by Saucony.   We're halfway through the season and the kids are amazing!  The excitement they bring to practice is infectious - they have even convinced some of their parents to start running! 
 
During Monday's practice, I took note of what the kids did and asked them what their secret to making running look so fun and easy was.  Here is what I found: 

  • When you get tired, walk
  • Skipping and twirling count as running
  • You can run further if you sneak in a few laps before practice starts
  • Go your own pace.  Let the big kids go ahead - they will probably go out too fast and get a cramp.  Then pass them. 
  • Run with a friend - talk, sing, tell jokes
  • Reward yourself (gummy worms are the perfect 15 calorie post-run treat)
  • Run past adoring crowds, getting hugs and high-fives as needed
  • Set a goal, but don't get upset if you don't reach it.  You can always try again next practice.
  • Keep a log of your progress
  • Have mom carry your water bottle so you can drink when you are thirsty
  • Work on your flexibility so you can take bigger strides
  • Wear the right shoes (the ones with lightning bolts are definitely faster)
  • Some days you have it; some days you don't.  
  • Smile

Pearls of wisdom we can all take to heart.  Take time to run like a kid this week and enjoy yourself!   
 
Be Fit!
Steph

PS Check out more pics of our Kids Running Program on our web site later today!
Schuyler's Shoe Review
 
Schuyler
New Balance 850: Filling the gap between stability and motion control shoes, the high-stability New Balance 85x series has been a favorite of pronators everywhere.  With substantial cushion and a straight last, the most recent models, the 858 and 859, became one of New Balance's most popular performance running shoes.  The new 850, resetting the numbering to where it started ten years ago, keeps the same great stability and roomy fit while dropping a full two ounces off the weight.

New Balance 850In late 2008 and early 2009, New Balance transitioned their NBx performance running line from their traditional SL-1 and SL-2 lasts to a new, snugger last called PL-1.  The 850 is the only shoe in their line to remain on the straight, wide SL-1 last, which should please those who the shoe has fit in the past.

The substantial change from the 859 to the 850 is the new stability technology, StabiliCore.  While stability posting is traditionally achieved by putting denser EVA foam under the arch, this method adds a noticeable amount of weight to the shoe.  StabiliCore adds a light plastic "shelf" in the same part of the midsole, providing the same stability at a fraction of the weight.  As a result, a shoe whose only negative used to be its heavy, motion control-like weight, now weighs less than many moderate stability shoes.
Now in Store...
Garmin 405CXGarmin 405CX:  Garmin has improved upon their 405.  This watch features the same great features as the 405 along with two watch bands (including an adjustable cloth band that fits smaller wrists better), a nice blue color and Garmin's new "firstbeat HR-based calorie computation" that is more accurate because it uses your heart rate in its calculations.  Even better, buy a Garmin 405 by June 30 and get a $50 rebate from Garmin AND a $25 gift certificate from Fleet Feet!
 
Hats! 

Hats:  It's getting hot!  Even those of you who run in the early morning or evening are experiencing the sun again.  Stop squinting and keep your head cool with a new hat or visor.  We have white hats, black hats, pretty colored hats, hats that flatter, hats with wide brims, hats that dodge rain drops and hats that keep your head cool and your eyes shaded (visors!). 
 
Asics ARD Tops & ShortsARD Top & Bottoms:  These Advanced Running Design tops and bottoms from Asics are high performance.  The air-texturized compression fabric is lightweight, ultra-comfy and provides continuous moisture transfer so you stay cool and dry on even the hottest, most humid days.  The flatlock stitch construction prevents chafing and enhances comfort.  Look fast.  Feel fast!
 
Alexis Bra by Moving ComfortAlexis Bra:  Finally a sports bra that flatters, not smooshes, A/B cups.  This is the bra that I wore during Boston - it didn't chaff, provided great support and looked cute!  The cups are made with seam-free, powermesh padding for built-in shape, moisture-wicking and great coverage.  The thin straps are comfy yet supportive and the colors vivid and vibrant.  Moving Comfort does it again!
Feature Races: Bishops & East Granby 5ks
Mark your calendar for these two fun 5k's sponsored by Fleet Feet Sports:
 
Bishops 5k for KidsThe Bishops 5k for Kids is this Saturday, May 16 at 9:30am.  The USATF certified run/walk begins and ends at Webster Hill School in West Hartford.  Registration fee is $25 for adults and $15 for kids.  All race proceeds are used to help at-risk children throughout CT. 
 
After the race, kids in K-5th grade, are invited to participate in a Field Day beginning at 9:45am.  Activities include a 1 mile run, � mile run and a softball toss.  Cost is $10 and all kids will receive a t-shirt.  Plus, prizes will be awarded!   
 
For more information about the race and/or the Field Day, click here.  
 
*****************************************************
 
East Granby 5k logoThe 1st Annual East Granby Ridge Run is Saturday, June 6 at 10:00am.  This fun race is stroller friendly and is great for those new to 5ks.  The course is "mostly" flat course and very scenic as it winds its way through East Granby Farms
 
The race is put on by the Women's Club of East Granby with proceeds being donated to the East Granby School's athletic department.  After the race, the family can enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers, cotton candy, popcorn, ice cream, soda and try their luck in the 50/50 raffle for great prizes! 
 
Register by May 22 and pay only $20 - each additional family member is just $15 and kids under 5 are free!  Click here for the registration form. 
Sneaker Recycling
 Nike Reuse a Shoe
Give your sneakers a second chance at life!  Bring your well-worn and well-loved sneakers to Fleet Feet Sports by 5:00pm Saturday, May 16.  We will be taking the shoes to Willimantic Waste where there is a semi truck waiting to take them to Nike's headquarters in Oregon.  Nike then uses a special recycling process to grind up the shoes and donates the material to schools and communities to use for playground and track surfaces. Since 1990, over 23 million shoes have been recycled! 
 
If you can't make it to Fleet Feet by Saturday, please hold onto your shoes.  We'll hold another recycling drive in the fall.
The Saucony Sprinter is Coming!
 Saucony Sprinter Promo
The Saucony Sprinter is a decked-out, mobile FIT center with a treadmill for gait analysis, array of Saucony shoes you can take for a test run and more.  Visit the truck and roll the lucky Saucony dice for prizes - everyone is a winner! 
 
THANK YOU SAUCONY!!
A huge and heartfelt thank you goes to Bill Foley and the folks at Saucony for donating nearly $3,000 worth brand new track spikes area schools - including the entire distance squad at Capitol Prep. HS who proceeded to run their fastest times ever in the first meet with their new shoes.  We still have a few spikes left so if you know of a disadvantaged athlete in need, please contact the store. 
Congratulations Liz!
Liz Foster - image courtesy of Univ. of HartfordCongratulations to our own Liz Foster on a tremendous accomplishment at the America East Track Championships in Binghamton, NY.  Liz won both the 3000m Steeplechase and 5000m run - smashing her previous personal best times by 6 and 23 seconds respectively.  Her 10:43:30 in the steeple was fast enough to set a facility record and log a NCAA-qualifying time.  In recognition of her performance, Liz was named Outstanding Female Track Performer at the Championship and UPS Athlete of the Week. 
 
What makes this accomplishment even more amazing, is that this was only the fourth time that Liz had run the steeplechase which requires jumping over hurdles and through water pits over a nearly two mile course.  It's been inspiring to watch Liz come into her own this year.  The same will and determination that gives her success on the track follows her in the classroom where she is working towards a doctorate in physical therapy and helping you find the best FIT possible.
CT Running Camp for Kids 
 
CT Running Camp logoAfter a hugely successful first year in which 9 participants achieved All-State status and five All-New England (including three first-timers), Coaches Brian Graca (head coach at Rocky Hill HS) and Peter Oviatt (NCAA All-American) will again be hosting a day camp for youth runners.  The Connecticut Running Camp will be held from July 6 - 11th (8:30am - 3:30pm) at Rocky Hill High School
 
The camp focuses on establishing a solid summer base and develops the fundamentals of successful training and racing based on the "One Percenter" principal: the belief that 99% of your running ability is derived from your typical running.  The final one percent - the percent that separates champions from middle-of-the-packers or a PR from a "decent race" - comes from seemingly simple practices like nutrition, cross training, plyometrics, proper form, visualization and relaxation.  While the goal for many runners is to get faster, these One Percenters will teach athletes to train in a healthy, consistent manner that is enjoyable and sustainable. 
 
To learn more and register online, click here.  Cost for the weeklong camp is $415 - but if you register by May 15, you can save $30 and guarantee your spot before they are all filled.
 
Fleet Feet Sport is also finalizing details to host a mini XC camp in from Aug. 3 - 7 (8-11am).  Full details will be in the next newsletter on our web site soon. 
Trail Runners Needed for Study 

 UConn Logo

The University of Connecticut Human Performance Laboratory is looking for volunteers to participate in a research study examining the effects of heat and hydration on trail runners.  Volunteers must be experienced runners between the ages of 18-59 and need to be available for two trails in June.
 
The study will consist of a practice run and two 7.5 mile runs for a total time commitment around 10 hours.  Subjects will be compensated for their participation. 
 
If you are interested, please contact Rebecca Lopez ([email protected]) or Katherine Jensen ([email protected]).
Get Your Pearls!

 Pearl Izumi Coupon

May is Pearl Izumi Month at Fleet Feet Sports!  Bring in the coupon above and receive $10 off a pair of Pearl Izumi running shoes through May 15, 2009.  Pearl Izumi is also offering a 90-day Satisfaction Guarantee: buy a pair of Pearls and take them on all your favorite running/walking routes.  If you don't love the shoe, you can return them for a full refund up to 3 months later. 
Store Hours  
 
Mon - Thurs: 10-7
Fri: 10-6
Sat: 10-5:30
Sun: Closed
 
Phone:  860-233-8077 
Store Calendar
All events are at Fleet Feet Sports unless otherwise noted.
 
Wed, May 13; 6:00-7:00pm
FREE Injury Assessments
 
Wed, May 13; 6:30pm
Fun Run
 
Thurs, May 14; 6:30pm
Track Workout
Saint Joseph College
 
Sat, May 16; 2-5pm
Fitness Fashion Show
at Malibu Fitness
 
Wed, May 20; 6:30pm
Fun Run
 
Thurs, May 21; 6:30pm
Track Workout
Saint Joseph College
 
Mon, June 1; 2-6pm
Saucony Sprint
Truck visit
Giveaways!
 
Tues, June 9: 5-7:30pm
Tri Gear Demo Day
Winding Trails
 
Wed, June 17; 7:00pm
Meet Jeff Galloway
 
Sun, June 28, 1-6pm
Chi Running Workshop
Cost: $125
Event Descriptions
Calendar
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.
  
Select Physical Therapy
 
Wed: May 13; 6:00-7:00pm: Injury Assessments by Select Physical Therapy: 
Injured?  Don't know whether you can run or should really see a doctor? Come to our free injury assessment clinic.  No appointment is necessary.  
 
These free clinics will be offered every other Wednesday through the year (next clinic will be Wed, May 27 at 6pm).
  
 
Malibu Fitness Logo
 
May 16; 2-5pm - Fitness Fashion Show.
One key component of a great workout is looking good!  See the latest in fitness fashion including clothes (and coordinated shoes!) from Fleet Feet Sports, Lucy, Nordstrom and more.  In addition to the fashion show which will feature products for men and women (including plus sizes), there will be wine, desserts, hors dors, raffles and items for sale.  Admission is free.

Saucony Logo

June 1; 2-6pm - Saucony Sprint Truck Visit.
Gait Analysis, Product Try-on's, "Roll the Dice/Win a Prize", Giveaways.  FUN!! 

Winding Trails Tri Series

June 9; 5-7:30pm - Tri Gear Demo Day at Winding Trails.
Fleet Feet Sports is proud to sponsor the Winding Trails Summer Triathlon Series which hosts a fun sprint triathlon consisting of a � mile swim in Dunning Lake, an 8k trail bike ride and a 5k trail run every Tuesday from June 16 through August 18. 
 
To jump-start the series, we will be hosting a Tri Demo Day on Tuesday, June 9 from 5-7:30pm.  We will have tri-gear available at great prices and try-before-you-buy demo wetsuits from Zoot and trail running shoes from Mizuno, Brooks and Salomon.  You will also have the opportunity to preview the new bike and running courses
 

Chi Running Logo

June 28; 1-4pm - Chi Running & Walking Workshop
Joel Matalon will be back on Sunday, June 28 to host another full introductory course on Chi Running & Walking Workshop.  The workshop runs from 1-4pm and will meet first at Fleet Feet Sports then move to the West Hartford Resavoir.  Cost is $125 (continuing education credits available).  To register, go to http://www.ChiRunning.com
- or contact Joel at [email protected] or 917-860-1450.
Pilates for Runners
Pilates Defined Logo
Many runners see dramatic improvement in their running when they build their core strength and flexibility through Pilates.  They can run less miles in training and get the same (or better) results and stay injury-free.  This is because Pilates strengthens the muscles running doesn't and brings the body into better balance.  Added benefits include better posture and better breath control which is critical for long distance runs.       
 
Jessica, owner of Pilates Defined, is creating a special 5-week group map class just for us called Pilates for Runners to build our strength and flexibility in the right areas to maximize running performance.  Classes are on Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30pm from June 2 - June 30.  Cost is $65 for the 5-weeks or $15 per class to drop-in. 
 
For more information, email Jessica at or call 899-1515.  The Pilates Defined studio is located at 1143 New Britain Ave in West Hartford (between South Main St and S. Quaker Lane). 
Backyard BootKamp
The Center Studio
If you don't like working out indoors but want to do more than just go for a run, you have to check out our friend Glenn's new class called Backwoods BootKamp.  This heart-pounding, muscle-toning, fat- mobilizing workout will get you in peak condition using the multitude of training options nature has provided including trail running, rock throwing and log-lifting to name a few. 
 
Be prepared to get dirty, sweaty, and possibly seriously injured (Glenn calls it the Thrill of the Danger!) You do not have to be a serious runner but some running is required. Bring water bottle and long sleeve shirt you can peel off and tie around your waist if necessary.
 
"Kamp" is every Wednesday through June 11 from 11:15am - Noon (rain or shine).  Meet at the MDC Reservoir off Farmington Ave.  Cost is $20 for a single-session or $95 for six sessions.  Call Glenn at 833-2262 or email him to hold your spot and let him know you're coming!
Wed Night Fun Runs
Staffer Duncan Gerrity
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.  Please bring a light and/or other reflective gear.  Be Safe. Be seen!
Thurs Night Track Workouts
Save $15!
Do you feel the need for speed?  Or maybe your workout routine needs a little spice.  Join Coach Schuyler each Thursday for a fun track workout.  
 
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. 
 
 
Attend any 5 Wednesday Fun Runs or Thursday Track Workouts and get a free drifit "Fleet Feet Sports" t-shirt.  Bring a photo of you wearing your shirt in a race and earn $10 off your next shoe purchase.
Return Policy
Save $15!
We believe in the PERFECT FIT - it's part of our Fitlosophy.  If you are not 100% satisfied with the fit of your shoes, socks, sports bra, insoles, etc, we invite you to bring the item back within 30 days of purchase.  Even if you wore the item outside. 
 
Give us an opportunity to find a better solution for you.  We want to help you get the proper tools to live fit!
Join Our Mailing List 
Save 75%
Take 75% off one piece of winter clearance apparel, including My Mottoz t-shirts.
No other discount or coupons apply.  All sales final. 
Offer Expires: May 16, 2009