Sole Readers

If I wasn't so eager to get out into the "real world" when I graduated from college, I would have pursued a doctorate in meteorology from the University of Wyoming.  While the lure of West (and meeting a nice cowboy) was strong, the reason I wanted to go to UWyo was because of their involvement with ice core sampling and climate research. 
 
I was (and still am) fascinated that huge cores of ice taken from the polar ice caps and glaciers can provide an accurate picture of what the climate was like in years past.  Like tree rings, ice core samples are being used to reconstruct a climate record so we can better determine if human activity is causing our current climate change ("greenhouse warming") or if we are experiencing another natural climate cycle.  The largest cores ever drilled are from Dome Circle and Dome Fiji on the Antarctic Plateau, the world's largest - and coldest - desert.  Even in the summer, it doesn't get above -22ºF. Brrrrr!  The cores date back over 720,000 years and show 8 different glacial cycles.  Amazing! 
 
I like to think that analyzing the soles of your old sneakers is much like ice core sampling only we learn more about your gait and biomechanics than the weather.  We can tell if you over-pronate, supinate, have an excessive heel-strike, run on your toes, have an overly-dominate foot, a biomechanical weakness and when it is time for a new pair.  We can tell if your shoe was right for you or if we need to increase or decrease the amount of stability in or on your shoe.  The sole (soul?) of your shoe doesn't lie. 
 
So next time you visit us, bring your old sneakers.  All of our Fit Experts are experienced "sole readers" and will use that information to help select the perfect shoe for you!
 
Be Fit,
Steph

Since its debut last year, the Adidas Supernova Sequence has been a hit at Fleet Feet Sports Hartford.  Its incredibly snug heel holds the foot down to a platform of serious cushion and just enough stability posting.  The design is gender-specific, so that men and women will have a heel accommodates the differing Q-angles of the hips and a wider or narrower forefoot for improved stability.
 
This year's update, the Supernova Sequence 2, keeps these characteristics while making a number of tweaks, small and large, to further hone in a great fit.  The collar is now lined with memory-foam, molding so well to your foot that heel slippage is a thing of the past.  The liner in the forefoot is non-slip to prevent blisters on your forefoot.  Cool new colors top off all that function with just enough fashion.
 
The most noticeable change to the Sequence is miCoach compatibility.  When it is released this coming Fall, miCoach will include a speed/distance sensor that goes in compatible shoes and a heart rate strap.  These will interface wirelessly with an MP3 player or cell phone, providing you individualized coaching throughout your run.
 
Even while you wait for miCoach to be released in a few months, the speed/distance sensor slot is coincidentally (or not-so-coincidentally) the exact same size as that of a Nike + sensor.  That means that the Nike + Speed and Distance system can be used with the new Supernova Sequence without an additional adapter.  With new function, fashion and tech, the Adidas supernova Sequence 2 is a great stability shoe for runners who want to be on the cutting edge.

 

It's Tri Season!  We've expanded our line of triathlon gear to now include wetsuits, goggles, and a myriad of accessories.  If you are participating in the Winding Trails Tri Series, you can even order over the phone and we'll bring your gear to the next race.
 

Wetsuits:  Whether you are an experienced triathlete looking to shave some time off your swim or a beginner like me needing a confidence booster, a good wetsuit can make all the difference.  And Blue Seventy makes some of the best wetsuits on the market.  In stock now is the entry-level "Sprint" suit as well as the upgraded "Reaction" which offers more flexibility and warmth thanks to a unique air-cell rubber material.  Both suits offer an anatomical cut (including a women's specific "femme fit"), shaped lower legs, central buoyancy panels and gussets to provide freedom of movement in the swim stroke.
 
Goggles:  Visibility and comfort are critical to a good swim - especially in open water.  The Vision goggle from Blue Seventy is the number one choice for open water and triathlon competition swimmers.  It features 180 degree vision from curved wide angled lens, soft silicon gaskets for a great seal on both small and large face shapes, anti-fog and UV protection and customized lens colors for various weather and lightning conditions.  We also have the entry-level Element goggle which is perfect for pool and open-water swims.
 
Garmin Edge 305:  Take your ride to the next level with this GPS-enabled personal trainer and cycle computer. The Edge 305 uses ANT+ technology to prevent cross-talk and includes a heart rate monitor and speed/cadence sensor to measure and record your speed, distance, time, calories burned, altitude and elevation changes, climb and decent.  It is rugged, yet lightweight and attaches easily to your stem or handlebars - no calibration needed!  Mention this newsletter and receive 30% off (Offer limited to current stock only - no special orders.  Customer loyalty points will not be accrued with this offer).
 
Bike Fuelboxes come in a variety of colors to store your nutrition, tool, inhaler, cell phone, etc.  There is a separate zippered inner pocket and a removable liner for easy cleaning.  They are made with a water resistant, ripstop material and secure to your bike with Velcro straps. 
 
Gel Flasks hold 6oz of gel (3-4 packets) within easy reach on your bike so you don't have to tape gel packets all over your frame anymore.  Flasks come with either a clip or Velcro straps that can be attached to your stem or tube.

 
We also have lots of other fun accessories like race number belts with loops for inhalers and gel packets, belts with pockets big enough for a cell phone, pill/salt tablet dispensers (that conveniently fit into the race belt loops), MP3 armband holders, timing chip bands, elastic race laces, reflective bands, visibility stickers, and more. 

 

Looking for a bit of adventure on your next run?  Join the fun of the X-Treme Scramble race series put on by the Hartford Marathon Foundation.  The next race is Thursday, July 30 at 6:00pm (the final race of the series is Thursday, August 27 at 6:00pm). 
 
The Scrambles are not an ordinary 5k.  The race begins and ends the Mortensen Riverfront Plaza but the exact course is kept secret until the water gun goes off.  Past Scrambles have had runners trek through wet sand and dirt paths, over bridges and grassy knolls, up stairs and rocky hills and even run on a bit of asphalt.  Prepare to get a little dirty and have a lot of fun.  After the race enjoy a great party complete with food, cold beer and live music.  It's the perfect way to spend a summer evening!
 
Register online before July 22 and the fee is just $22 ($17 for students 22 and younger). 
 
For more information, click here.

Cross Country spikes and flats have begun arriving (including Saucony's hugely popular Kilkenny and Shay XC shoes in hot new colors!)  Get yours now and take them for a run at one of the area's summer XC fun runs including: 
 
Cross Country Challenge in New Britain
 
Summer XC Concert Series in New Canaan
 
Wickham Park Summer Grand Prix XC Race Series 
 
Bolton Summer Cross Country Race Series 
 
Quinnipiac Cross Country Race Series

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: July 8; 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 22 at 6pm).

 

Thurs-Sat, July 9-11; West Hartford Center Sales Days.  Fleet Feet Sports is proud to participate in this long-standing West Hartford tradition.  This year's 3-day sidewalk sale and community event highlights the 150+ shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants in town - many of them locally-owned.  There will be free balloons, face-painting and bubbles for the kids as well as terrific bargains on clothes, jewelry, gifts, artwork and food.  All of our older model shoes will be on sale for $50 or less, plus we will have a fresh selection of sale apparel.  Come early for best selection.

Friday, July 10; 4-6pm: Packet Pick-up for the Red Dress Run.  Over 700 ladies have already pre-registered for this women's only 5k in Elizabeth Park.  Save yourself time and stress on race morning and pick-up your shirt, bib number, timing chip and a special coupon at Fleet Feet Sports on Friday afternoon.  You can also register for the race during this time. 

Please note: we will not have the packets or registration information until just before 4pm Friday afternoon so don't come earlier.

 

 

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!