FF Hartford Logo
THE EXTRA MILE 
Issue #28
 
 
June 23, 2009
Foot Power!
"Starting Line: Youth Fitness" Group PhotoThis spring, 50 kids aged 4 to 12 joined our "Starting Line: Youth Fitness" program sponsored by Saucony.  The program's mission was to empower kids and show them that running can be fun - not punishment.  Though, a dad of two boys who are now excellent high school runners once told me that his kids' timeouts consisted of running laps around the block instead of sitting on their stairs - what genius!
 
I wanted kids to have a positive experience and encourage a love of running which would last into adulthood (my attempt to help curb our nation's obesity problem).  We set a goal for the kids: run the marathon distance - 26.2 miles - in 10 weeks. My thought was that we would meet twice a week to run one mile and then encourage the kids to run another six miles at home with their parents.
 
After the first few practices, I wasn't sure that many kids were going to reach this goal as they struggled to walk/run a mile.  But as the weeks continued, the kids got stronger and more confident in their running ability.  Soon they were running a full mile...then two...then three.  A few probably would have run all 26 miles at one time had their parents not stopped them to go home and do homework.   Best of all, were their smiles as they ran.  They made running look so easy - and so fun!  Mission completion!  
 
Running before the Rock Cats GameWhen word of the program reached the Rock Cats, they invited the kids to run their final 0.2 miles around the field before the start of the game last Friday.  As they ran their lap and received their marathon medals, they were high-fived by the players and featured on the video scoreboard.  Running Rockstars!  (special thanks to the Rock Cats for the VIP treatment!)
 
Probably the most impressive outcome of the program was the combined mileage of the kids: over 1,350 miles!  That's the distance between Hartford, CT and Disneyworld in Orlando, FL.  This got me thinking about the combined miles everyone in our training programs and fun runs have gone in the past year.  A conservative estimate puts us around 25,000 miles - enough for one trip around the earth at the equator which is "only" 24,901 miles.
 
Who needs a car when you have foot power like this.  Keep it up Fleet Feet Peeps!
 
Be Fit,
Steph
 
PS Check out the photos from the Celebrate! West Hartford 5k and more pics from our kids program and other fun events at Fleet Feet on our Facebook page! 
Schuyler's Shoe Review
 
Schuyler
Nike Air Pegasus:
The Nike Pegasus has enjoyed a quarter-century of being a favorite running shoe for neutral runners everywhere.  Its generous forefoot fit and plush Air cushioning cradle the foot and provide a great platform for miles of running on road, track and trail.  With the twenty-sixth anniversary of the shoe, it now spearheads Nike's sustainability efforts as well.  Designated as "Considered Design," all aspects of the Pegasus are formulated to minimize environmental impact and make the shoe more sustainable.
 
Men's Nike PegasusNike's stated goal in their Considered Design program is to create a "fully closed loop," so that shoes are not only made of recycled materials but are also easy to disassemble for repurposing or recycling.  The start of this process is the Nike Reuse-a-Shoe program.  Old athletic shoes are ground up to make athletic surfaces as well as to make Nike Grind, a rubber and foam material that makes up part of the midsole and outsole of the new Pegasus.  The upper and laces are made from recycled polyester, derived from recycled post-consumer and post-industrial waste such as plastic bottles and polyester clothing.  
 
Women's Nike PegasusIn addition to the materials included in the shoe, just as important are those left out.  Nike Considered Design shoes adhere to a strict Restricted Substances List that bans many harmful materials, including PVC, while restricting the amount of solvents and other materials used in the shoe's design.  The manufacturing process has been streamlined to minimize waste from discarded material.  Finally, new processes have been put in place to minimize the use of electricity in the product's manufacturing. 
 
While the Pegasus is the first Considered Design shoe available, Nike's stated goal is for all footwear to meet Considered Design guidelines by 2011, all apparel by 2015, and all other equipment by 2020.  With other shoe companies like Brooks making strong environmental inroads, it becomes easier every day to run with a green conscience.
Now in the Store
Zensah Recovery SleevesCompression Leg Sleeves:  A few weeks ago, I woke-up in the middle of the night with wicked calf cramps.  I mentioned this to a few of my vendor reps who were visiting and most of them rolled-up their pant legs to reveal these compression sleeves around their calves. 
 
Zensah compression leg sleeves look simple but are very technical.  They feature graduated compression which provides wide ribbing in the front for shin support and tight ribbing in the back for calf support.  The result is added muscle support and increased circulation which brings oxygen-rich blood to your muscles so they recover faster.   The sleeves are also made with a silky-soft seamless fabric (in cool colors like black, pink and orange) has silver that helps regulate skin temperature and fight odor-causing bacteria.   
 
They are ideal for use during training, racing (I saw a ton of them during the Boston Marathon), recovery and travel.  Former Olympian Jeff Galloway called these sleeves essential for anyone training for a half or full marathon during his talk at the store last Thursday.  I've been wearing mine for about a week and I haven't had a calf cramp yet (I also increased my potassium intake) and my legs feel fresher at the end of the day.   Good stuff!
 
Moving Comfort's Iris BraIris Bra:  Leave it to Moving Comfort to create the perfect everyday bra for the summertime (or anytime you want to be dry and cool).  The Iris features Powermesh - the same great moisture-wicking material found in their sports bras and a wrap-around ventilation system allows it to breaths from all sides.  The straps can be converted from traditional to criss-cross and the seam-free molded cups support the girls without showing lines through your shirt. 
 
The Iris is for daily wear and light impact activities like gardening, walking, yoga, traveling, running errands and in my case, shoe fitting.  It works best for A/B cups from 32-40 and comes in white, black and beige.

Tri Berry Nuun - yum!Nuun:  We've got a fresh supply of Nuun - the sugar-free electrolyte drink that keeps you hydrated and recharges your depleted salts without the mess or sticky-sweet taste found in other sport drinks.  What cool about Nuun is that it is a portable effervescent tablet that you add to your own water.  It fizzes as it dissolves (no mixing or shaking needed) and then becomes flat so you can easily drink it down. 
 
Each tube of Nuun makes 12 bottles (per serving cost is around 50 cents).  The flavors are crisp and refreshing and include: citrus fruit, tri-berry, lemon+lime, orange-ginger and cola (takes just like flat Coke!).  Want to try it?  Nuun now sponsors our Thursday evening track workout and will be providing free samples each week!
 
Bonita Run DressJust In: More Bonita Run Dresses from New Balance!  We have had a hard time keeping this hot dress in stock.  Today we received 10 more in both black and a new "Rapture Rose" color that is really cute.   It's perfect for travel and of course, running (seriously!)!  If you've had your eye on one, come in soon and get one before their gone. 
Last Call for 5k & 10k Trainings!
Run Motivated
We had a great turn-out for our first practice on Saturday.  The only thing missing was YOU!  This Saturday is the last day to register for our 5k and 10k programs.  Let us help you go from unmotivated" to "RUNmotivated" and uninspired to "RUNinspired". 
 
5k (3.1 miles) "No Boundaries" Program:
First up is our famous "Learn to Run" program called No Boundaries.  This program is designed for people who don't run, those who have a hard time sticking to a running program or are unsure what to do.  We use the "Galloway Method" which includes run/walk intervals and slowly ramp-up the time spent running and distance covered.  For those who have successfully completed a 5k before, we will offer a separate training program ("Running 201") for you designed to help you run faster and more comfortably.

Hip, Hip Hooray - No Boundaries Grads!

The 10-week program begins on June 20 and concludes with the Old Wethersfield 5k on August 30.  Practices will be at 8:00am on Saturday mornings (meet at the store).  Thanks to the support of our friends at New Balance, cost for this program is $75. You can't be too old or too slow for this program so join us!
 
10k (6.2 miles) "Next Steps" Program:
Training at the same time (Saturday's at 8:00am beginning June 20) is our 10k program.  This program is designed for our No Boundaries graduates and anyone who can run between 2 and 3 miles.  We will help you over the "4-mile barrier" and into distances that you need two hands to count as we train to run the Old Wethersfield 10k on August 30.  Cost for this program is $100. 
 
Half Marathon (13.1 miles) Training Program:
Are you ready to go the distance?  We are offering two training programs for the Hartford Half Marathon on Oct. 11 (you can also use this training program to run any fall half marathon).  One group will meet on Saturdays at 7:15am at Fleet Feet Sports.  The other group will meet in Simsbury (time and location to be determined).  Practice begins on July 18.  Cost is $125.
 
All program participants receive:
  • Technical Running Shirt
  • Workouts supervised by experienced Coaching Staff
  • Seminars on relevant topics by area experts (core training, nutrition, massage, Pilates, proper shoe and bra fit, injury treatment)
  • Personalized Training Program
  • Weekly e-newsletters and motivating emails to keep you on track
  • A fun and supportive environment
  • Post race party
  • Special shopping perks at the store!
To learn more about any of these programs, come to our Open House on Wednesday, June 10 at 7:00pm or email Coach Renee at [email protected].  To sign-up, come into the store or call us at 860-233-8077. 
 
ACHIEVE YOUR GOAL THIS SUMMER !
Featured Race: Firecracker 5k

Glastonbury River Runners

I want to extend a warm welcome to the newest running club in town: the Glastonbury River Runners!  This fun group of runners host several group runs and track workouts throughout the week (including two at 5:30am for you early birds).  Whether you're training to race short or long or just looking for some friendly faces to run with, check out the Glastonbury River Runner's online at http://www.glastonburyriverrunners.com/
 
The GRRs have created a fun new race on June 28 called the Firecracker 5k that begins and ends at Rotary Field in Glastonbury.  The event kicks off with a FREE 1/4 mile kids fun run at 8:30am, followed by the 5k at 9:00am.  If you pre-register, the cost for the 5k is just $12 ($15 on race day).  The top three finishers in each age group receive awards!  
 
Click here to download the registration form.
Edge XC Running Camp
Edge XC Performance Running CampFleet Feet Sports has teamed up with Saucony and Fast Lane Sports Performance Training to offer a day camp for cross country runners.  The camp is August 3-7 from 8am - 11am.
 
The camp's goal is to supplement your summer training with a program of running and education that can be utilized throughout the cross country season.  Runs will be lead by experienced pace group leaders with runners being divided into appropriate pace groups.  Topics will include stretching, workout composition, strength and core-training, nutrition, injury prevention, form drills and more.  Each camper will receive a personalized gait analysis, lower extremity screening, a great goodie bag of running gear, a custom technical running shirt and other fun prizes. 
 
Cost for the 5-day camp is $225.  Click here to register or email [email protected] to receive a brochure and application via mail. 
 
For more information on the camp, click here.
NYC Half & Full Marathon Entries 
 
ING NYC Marathon
 
NYC Half Marathon
These two highly popular races are sold out, but read below to learn how you can still get in AND help out a great cause! 
 
Alicia O'Neill heads up the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation's (MMRF) Marathon Program.  She contacted me to tell me that she has 20 charity bib numbers left for both the NYC Half Marathon on August 16 and the ING NYC Marathon on November 11.  Now you can run NYC and get the star treatment! 
 
What is great about the MMRF Marathon Program is that the fundraising commitment is low ($1,000 for the half marathon) and they have great prizes that you can keep for yourself or share with your donors.  In addition to your guaranteed race entry, when you join the MMRF Team you also get a personal web page, downloadable marketing and promotional material to help you raise funds, free training programs (available for runners of all levels), race day apparel, runner gift box and "Marathon Support Team" t-shirts and signage for your cheering squad!  
 
Multiple Myeloma Research FoundationYou also help raise much needed funds for Multiple Myeloma research.  Multiple Myeloma is an incurable cancer of the white blood cells.  Its survival rates are among the worst of all cancers.  Unfortunately, the big pharmaceutical companies do not focus on it as much because it is considered a small "orphan" cancer.  The MMRF is the top private funder of myeloma research and has raised over $120 million since its inception.  Nearly 94% of funds raised goes toward research and educational programming.  What I like about Multiple Myeloma research is that the findings are advancing treatments and research for 19 other cancers and Lupus.  
 
Click here to learn more and join the MMRF Team.
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, June 24; 6-7pm
FREE Injury Assessments
 
Wed, June 24; 6:30pm
Fun Run for all abilities
(Runs of 1-5 miles)
 
Thurs, June 25; 6:30pm
Track Workout
Featuring free NUUN
and Adidas Giveaways!
 
Sun, June 28, 1-6pm
Chi Running Workshop
Cost: $125

Wed, July 1; 6:30pm
Fun Run for all abilities
(Runs of 1-5 miles)
 
Thurs, July 2; 6:30pm
Track Workout
Featuring FREE NUUN
(at Saint Joseph College)
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: June 24; 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, July 8 at 6pm).

Adidas

June 25; 6:30pm - Adidas Night at the Track!
 
As if Schuyler's track workout wasn't already a wonderful way to spend a Thursday evening, this week we'll have a special guest: Adidas!  
 
Michael McGrane from Adidas will be coming to the track to set-up a "shoe bar" so we can all sample the sweet flats that Adidas makes, like the AdiZero Adios (which is the shoe that Haile Gebrselassi wore when he broke the world record at the Berlin Marathon last September) and the AdiZero Rocket.  
 
I'm hoping that these shoes will make me run like Duncan and Schuyler who love their Adidas flats.  Michael also promised to bring some cool Adidas swag for everyone in attendance (plus, there will be free Nuun too!).    
 
You don't need to be fast to come; just willing to run in circles for 30 minutes and have some fun.  Mark your calendar and meet us at the St. Joseph College track off of Asyulm.  

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.
RRCA Coach Certification Course
Sept. 12-13 

Edge XC Performance Running Camp

Attention all running coaches (and aspiring coaches)!  The Road Runner Club of America will be offering their intensive 2-day coaching certification course on Sept. 12-13 (Saturday & Sunday).  The two day course consists of about 16 hours of class lecture and practical group exercises over 2 days. 
 
Cost is $250 and includes meals, training materials and access to the online test for certification.  The course will take place at the Select Physical Therapy office in West Hartford.  
 
The course is limited to the first 30 people to sign-up.  Click here to register online.
Wed Night Fun Runs
6:30pm (at the store) 
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 1-5 miles (a route for all abilities).  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!
The NUUN Track Workout - Thursday at 6:30pm
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. 
 
Nuun
 
Nuun
is now the official sponsor of our Thursday Night Track Workout!  While the track workouts will remain as fun and challenging as ever, they will be made more refreshing with Nuun - a sugar-free electrolyte drink that will keep you hydrated as you run your laps around the track. 
 
In addition to a selection of tasty Nuun at all the workouts, all runners attending five or more will receive a free Nuun water bottle!
 
 
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.
We're on Facebook!
Facebook Logo
Thanks to our hip staffers, we are now on Facebook! 
 
Become a "fan" of Fleet Feet Sports Hartford and be the first to know about new events, participate in interesting discussions and view great photos of our Fleet Feet Peeps in action. 
 
If you have earned a Fleet Feet shirt (either through joining one of our training groups or by doing at least five fun runs or track workouts), don't forget to send us a photo of you wearing your shirt in a race.  Your photo is worth $10 off your next pair of shoes! 
 
Check out our page by clicking here.
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 

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On any item on our Spring Clearance Rack!   
Coupon cannot be combined with other discounts or offers.  All sales final.
Offer Expires: June 28, 2009