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Earl's Gift |
 During the winter of 2007 when I was working as a meteorologist, I would run early in the morning before work when it was pitch dark. Nearly every morning, a large man wearing a bright, lime green shirt would pass me in his old, black car. He would honk. I would wave. We both would smile. It became a friendly routine that motivated me to get out the door to run -- even in the cold, rain and darkness. During my first pre-dawn run of 2008, the man in green honked as he passed, but then slowed to a stop. At first I panicked. It was dark, and I was on a street without houses that backs up to a park. I wondered if I needed to high-tail it into the woods. I slowed to a walk and kept a cautious distance as I neared the car. The man in the car rolled down the window and said: "Hi, my name is Earl, and I work for the State Highway Administration. I've got something for you."
He then handed me a bright orange and yellow safety vest like construction workers wear for visibility when they are repairing roadways. "This will keep you safe", he said.
I thanked him as I put the vest on. It was about three sizes too big, but I tied the waist straps together to make it fit. Earl drove off with a wave. Minutes later, I was running on a sidewalk along a busy road approaching a particularly dangerous intersection, one where I'd almost been hit no less than five times (seems people don't think they need to stop at a red light if they are turning right).
Suddenly, a speeding car screeched to a halt about 15 feet before the stoplight and waved me across the street. I was shocked at the driver's perception until I remembered I was wearing the vest. Mission accomplished, Earl!
Now every time I see someone in a safety vest, I think of Earl and how his random act of kindness made me understand the need to be extra-visible when I'm running in low-light conditions. You should too. Fortunately, there is no need to wear a bulky construction vest anymore. We carry lots of comfortable vests and straps designed for runners, walkers, cyclists, even dogs! I promise that you won't look silly wearing one. You'll look safe!
Be Fit!
Steph |
| Schuyler's Shoe Review |
KIDS SHOES: When buying children's' shoes, there are a lot of brands and a whole lot of options. While the first difference that most parents will notice is whether a shoe has an Asics logo on it in place of Barbie or Spider-Man, the real story has to do with what's going on inside the shoe. Because of these differences, we only carry "cut-down" versions of adult running shoes - shoes that are smaller, slightly modified versions of the same shoe that a child's parent might run in.
The most significant difference between different shoes is the midsole material. EVA foam, which makes up the midsole of a running shoe, is inherently unevenly cushioned due to air bubbles in the manufacturing process, with a tendency to break down quickly. On the other hand, its amazing cushion-to-weight ratio makes it an ideal material when manufactured properly.
 Cheaper shoes (for both kids and adults) use die-cut EVA, where they take a small piece and cut it to the shape of the midsole. Higher-end adult running shoes - and all of the major manufacturers' cut-down models - are made using compression-molded EVA. In this process, a piece of EVA about the size of a shoebox is compressed to the size and shape of the shoe's midsole. Because EVA is so light, this adds little weight to the shoe while evening out inconsistencies in cushion and adding substantial durability.
Cut-down children's running shoes also have a removable insole, just like their parent shoes. This means that the insole can be taken out to be replaced with an orthotic or arch support insole. Cheaper kid's shoes usually have the insole glued in, to cover up rougher unfinished seams. Additionally, the mesh upper of the shoe is more flexible to accommodate swelling during exercise.
Just like adult running shoes, kid's shoes come in neutral and stability to account for different biomechanics, and in a range of sizes (we carry preschool size 10 through grade school size 6.5) and widths. Kids can go through the FIT Process just like adults, and for those with leg or foot pain, many insoles now come in kids sizes as well.
One important note is that the sizing on children's footwear is even less consistent than the notoriously questionable sizing of adult running shoes. The other day, I was fitting a girl whose foot fit to the same spot in a Saucony size 3, an Asics size 4, and a New Balance size 4.5. The most important similarity between adult running shoes and cut-down children's models may in fact be that, regardless of the number in the shoe, fit trumps all. |
| Now in the Store: |
 GoMotion Lights: I tested this product during the Hood-to-Coast relay and thought it was genius! Instead of wearing a headlamp that creates a bouncing tunnel of light, the GoMotion light systems are body-mounted to limit movement. The lights are high-output, low-profile LED with adjustable beam angle and width along with three brightness level options that really light up the night! They even feature a blinking tail-light and reflective trim to make you visible from all angles.
 The lights are perfect for relays (it is the "official lighting sponsor of the Reach the Beach relay this weekend!), as well as anyone who walks, runs, hikes, bikes, or skis in low-light to dark conditions. GoMotion lights are available in a super-comfy, fully-breathable vests, waist belts and kits that attach to a backpack or waterbelt.
 Nightlife Vest: When you just want to keep your core warm when there is a chill in the air, try this vest from Brooks. It is made of a lightweight microfiber fabric that is wind and water resistant and highly breathable so you don't feel clammy. With its bright yellow color with 3M Scotchlite reflective detailing, you will be more visible in low-light conditions. Zippered pockets keeps are perfect for your cell phone, iPod, key or snacks.
 Arm Warmers: One of my favorite running accessories is here - just in time for the fall racing season! I love arm warmers because you can pair them with a short-sleeve or sleeveless top to stay warm during the first part of your workout, but then slide them down once you warm-up (because I have Raynauds' which makes my hands stay extra cold, I roll my arm warmers over my hands and use them like mittens). In stock now are both the lighterweight seamless arm warmers from Nike and the cooler weather fleece-backed warmers from Pearl Izumi.  Distance Split 2-in-1 Shorts: When I visited Nike HQ two weeks ago, I saw lots of female employees running in this great-looking split short that features a 3-inch compression short instead of a running brief. I later tried on a pair at the Nike store. I loved them so much that I bought two pairs! Finally a split short that isn't too revealing combined with the anti-chafe protection of a compression short. Even better, the shorts feature a pop of color, perforated holes along the sides for added breathability and dryness and a zippered pocket on the back. Sorry guys, this is women-only for now (I did ask the Nike designers to make this short for you too next year). |
| Featured Races: |
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The fall racing season is almost at its peak. Grab friends and family and join in one of these local runs.
Farmington Valley YMCA 5k Classic
Sunday, Sept. 20 @ 9:00am
This 5k run and walk begins and ends at the Farmington Valley YMCA on Route 10 in Granby. The course meanders through local neighborhood streets over "rolling hills" and past beautiful homes, wooded forests and scenic lakes. There are lots of volunteers to insure that you don't make a wrong turn and water stops to keep you hydrated. If you and your spouse both like to run but you have little kids, this is the event for you because they offer FREE BABYSITTING! After the run (or walk) enjoy music, refreshments, awards (first male and female receive a free YMCA membership!), raffles and a shower. The festivities are emceed by WFSB, Channel 3 Meteorologist Scot Haney. The 5k begins at 9:00am, but there is also a free kids fun run at 8:40am. You can register online here Cost is $25, but there is a "Family Rate" of $60 if you 3 or more family members are registering. You can also register the day of the race and pick-up your race number from 7:30am - 8:45am at the Farmington Valley YMCA. All proceeds from the race support YMCA scholarships so kids and their families can participate in the YMCA.
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 Pratt & Whitney Runway 5k
Thursday, Oct. 1 @ 5:15pm
Join the Fleet Feet team as we defend our title (and beat my dad's team of Pratt & Whitney coworkers) on this completely flat 5k Run or 1.5 mile Walk which takes place on the aircraft runways around Rentschler Field in East Hartford. All Fleet Feet team members will receive an official Fleet Feet team shirt to wear on race day. Plus, the first 150 registrants will receive a free moisture-wicking tech t-shirt. The race is a perfect speed tune-up for the Hartford Marathon. Register online here or on race day. Cost is $25. All proceeds from the event are donated to the United Way. Last year, there were great prizes for age-group winners and random raffle drawings. Select Physical Therapy will be on-site during the race performing free injury assessments and evaluations of lower extremity strength, core strength, balance, and flexibility to determine your specific muscular weakness, tightness and imbalances.
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XC Open Races for $1.00
Saturday, Sept. 26 & Oct. 24
 Central CT State University is hosting a series of cross country meets at Stanley Quarter Park in New Britain. Although the races will mainly consist of college runners, they are open to the public - and the cost is only $1 to participate! There are two races left in the series: a men's 8k/women's 5k on Saturday, September 26 and a men's 5k/women's 2-mile on Saturday, October 24. The men's races start at 10am and the women at 11am. For more information, email Eric Black, CCSU Head XC Coach and US Mountain Running Champion, at blakee@ccsu.edu. |
| Run Your First 5k - Sign-up NOW!! |
 If you've always wanted to run a 5k, but didn't know how to train (or lacked the motivation to do it), now is your chance! We are offering another session of 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. In just 10 weeks, you'll go from couch potato to runner. In fact, many of the participants of this past program surprised themselves by running the entire 5k distance without taking a single walk break!
For those who have successfully completed a 5k before, we will offer a separate "Next Steps" training program for you that is designed to help you run faster and more comfortably. Don't let the fitness that you worked so hard to build go to waste. End the year strong!
Both programs begin the week of September 27 and will end with the Blue Back Square Holiday Run on Sunday, December 6. We will be offering three practice times: Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm, Wednesday mornings at 9:30am (babies welcome!) and Saturday mornings at 8:00am. All practices begin and end at the store. Thanks to the support of our friends at New Balance, cost for this program is just $75 and includes a t-shirt and special discounts on New Balance gear.
For more information, come to our Information Night on Wednesday, September 23 at 7:00pm or email Coach Renee.
Imagine how great it will feel when you achieve your goal and cross the finish line. You CAN do this! |
| Meet Kathrine Switzer - This Wed. !!! |
 Ladies, don't miss your chance to meet the legendary Kathrine Switzer this Wednesday at 6pm during the Litchfield County Women's Network September networking meeting. Switzer broke the gender barrier during the 1967 Boston Marathon (when women weren't allowed to run distances because their anatomy "might explode") and went on to win the NYC Marathon in 1974. She has been named a "Visionaries of the Century" by Runners World magazine for her role in inspiring women to run. The meeting takes place at the Elks Club in Torrington (70 Litchfield St). The cost is $35 which includes dinner. For more information or to register, contact Theresa Millin at 860-294-2431 or theresamullin64@yahoo.com or visit their web site at www.lcwn.com. | |
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Store Hours
Mon - Thurs: 10-7
Fri: 10-6
Sat: 10-5:30
Sun: Closed
Phone: 860-233-8077
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| Store Calendar |
All events are at Fleet Feet Sports unless otherwise noted.
FREE Injury Assessments
with Select Physical Therapy
Wed, Sept. 16; 6:30pm
Fun Run for all abilities
(Runs of 3-5 miles)
Thurs, Sept. 17; 6:30pm
Track Workout
(at Saint Joseph College)
Wed, Sept. 23; 10am-6pm
Saucony Day!!!
10% Off all Saucony
Shoes & Apparel
Wed, Sept. 23; 6:30pm
Saucony Fun Run & Walk
FREE Gift!
Wed, Sept. 23; 7-8pm
No Boundaries Open House
& Info Night
Thurs, Sept. 24; 6:30pm
Track Workout
(at Saint Jospeh College)
Tues, Sept. 29; 6:30pm
Wed, Sept. 30, 9:30am
Sat, Oct. 3; 8:00am
No Boundaries
"Learn to Run"
Running Programs Start
Sat, Oct 3; 9am-2pm
FREE Gait & Injury Clinic
with Select Physical Therapy
Sun, Oct. 4; 1-5pm
Chi Running Workshop
w/Joel Matalon
Cost is $125
See below to RSVP |
| Event Descriptions |
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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: Sept. 16; 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, Sept. 2 at 6pm).
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Wed: Sept 23; 10am-7pm: Saucony Day: Today only, get a free gift with any Saucony shoe or apparel purchase. Plus, pronounce Saucony correctly ("Sock-a-knee") and you'll get an extra 10% off your Saucony purchases! Come see a demonstration of how Saucony's ProGrid technology works (bring a raw egg for some real fun!) and discover why their shoes are so great to run in. Join in the Saucony Fun Run at 6:30pm for more fun and prizes.
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Sat: Oct 3: 9am-2pm; FREE Gait & Injury Clinic. Experience a high-tech gait analysis as Select Physical Therapy demos their new Dartfish video motion analysis system.
If you've watched a sporting event on TV lately, you've probably seen this technology which allows you to track the motion of balls and athletes in sports such as baseball, football, skiing and figure skating. In fact, over 60% of the medalists in the 2006 Olympics used this software to help improve their training and perfect their biomechanics.
An analysis of my running stride with this software showed a leg-length discrepancy that was leading to inefficiencies in my stride and lower back pain that was easily resolved by adding a little wedge to the shoe on my shorter leg.
In addition, Select PT's Mobile Sports Medicine Center will be parked in front of the store for free injury assessments, as well as lower extremity strength and balance screenings (if you haven't done this yet, it's really informative - and painless!). It's all free and no RSVP's are needed (first-come, first-served).
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Sun: Oct. 4; 1-5pm Chi Running Workshop: Back by popular demand! For those of you who missed the sold-out Chi Running Workshop over the summer, here is your chance to learn one of the hottest trends in running.
Certified Chi Running instructor Joel Matalon will be hosting a ½ day workshop filled with exercises and drills designed to leave you with a clear sense of what the ChiRunning technique feels like in your body. You will not be doing lots of running (contrary to what you might imagine), so no matter what condition you are in, have no fear. Most of the workshop will be held indoors, but you will have the opportunity to go outside and put together all that you have learned.
The nature of the day will be relaxed, full and inspiring.
This is a great clinic to fine-tune your form for the Hartford Marathon! Click here to register online (scroll down about half the page to find the West Hartford workshop). Cost is $125. Fitness professionals will receive 5 CEC's for their participation. Joel is also friends with the owners of Bridgewater Chocolates and promises to bring some sweet treats to help fuel your body! For more information about this workshop, contact Joel at 917-860-1450 or email him. |
| Wed Night Fun Runs
6:30pm (at the store) |
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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 |
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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 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! |
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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.
Check out our page by clicking here. |
| Return Policy |
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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! | |
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