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Increase Your Brainpower - RUN! |
 We have been privileged to have several accomplished and famous runners visit us at the store this past month: Bill Rodgers, Nate Jenkins and, just today, Dean Karnazes (too bad I couldn't get Usain Bolt to stop by when he flashed into town yesterday). I am always impressed by their approachability, friendliness and how they love to share their joy for running. I imagine they would make great running partners, helping the miles fly by as they set the pace and entertained me with stories of their adventures such that my only responsibility would be to keep up and give the occasional grunt in reply. Of course, Dean would make sure we had Hawaiian pizza delivered mid-run to keep our energy supplies topped off! They all seem like really smart people too. Bill and Dean run their own business while Nate is a human encyclopedia of running knowledge. This is consistent with the findings of recent studies on runners. It seems that exercise, especially running, creates new cells and connections in multiple areas of the brain that improve cognitive function - even into old age. The theory is that aerobic activities like running, biking and swimming increase blood flow, which triggers growth in the muscles and brain so you get stronger AND smarter! One University of Illinois study measured cognitive gains of two groups of elderly individuals. One group participated in a stretching program for six-months, while the other group walked briskly. While the stretchers improved their flexibility, only the walkers saw gains in their cognitive test scores. It would be interesting to see statistics on the percentage of runners who develop Alzheimer's versus sedentary folks (as my graduate school advisor used to say, "sounds like an excellent dissertation topic to me"). With all the benefits of exercise, it's a shame that schools are eliminating or reducing gym and recess on the playground, and that more businesses don't encourage an exercise break. I know that I always feel sharper and more energetic after a run, especially after one that was particularly tough and sweat inducing which supports the finding that the more intense the exercise, the bigger the gains in brain power. So that means if you want to get really smart, you need to come to Schuyler's Thursday Night Track Workout.
Be Fit!
Steph |
| Good Luck!!! |
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Whether you are running the full marathon, the half or the 5k, all of us here at Fleet Feet Sprorts wish you GOOD LUCK on Saturday, Oct. 10! Rest up over the next week and half and enjoy your victory lap around the city. You've earned it!!  Don't forget to wear your Fleet Feet Sports shirt on race day. We've got a great cheering squad and Schuyler will be out on course with his sweet new camera to take high-quality race photos of you so be sure to smile and give him a thumbs-up, "hey, this is fun" pose when you see him. All the photos will be available on our web site within 48 hours of the race. Plus, bring your photo in to the store, and we'll give you $10 towards your next pair of shoes (new shoes always makes for a good incentive to get back on the run!). Run like the wind and have fun! |
| Schuyler's Shoe Review |
Pearl Izumi SyncroSeek WRX: As fall turns wet and cold, both walkers and runners can benefit from a little comfortable warmth on our feet. With the new SyncroSeek WRX, Pearl Izumi proves that its shoe designers are out in all the same conditions we are. A trail running shoe that also works just as well as a light hiker and a road shoe for cold or wet conditions, this sharp-looking shoe keeps feet warm, dry and well-cushioned.  The SyncroSeek's durable, grippy outsole is nothing unusual for a trail shoe, but what's above it certainly is. The patented plastic SyncroFrame provides stability for overpronation without the weight of a traditional medial post, but in this shoe it doubles as protection from sharp rocks poking into the bottom of your foot. A semi-rigid toe cap protects you from roots, curbs and other threats to your toes. The heel is a typical snug Pearl Izumi fit, which helps to keep small pebbles and sticks from getting into your shoe and ruining your walk or run.  Where the SyncroSeek truly distinguishes itself, however, is in its upper. Instead of using a Gore-Tex-like waterproof material, the shoe is built with a softshell material like that on your favorite winter jacket, offering greater breathability while maintaining superior water resistance and wind-proofing. Of course, this is all done the Pearl Izumi way: seam-free for comfort on your foot. If you want a true testimonial to the SyncroSeek's comfort, however, just ask any Fleet Feet staffer. Most of us have been wearing the shoe for day-long shifts at the store, happy that this comfortable shoe can also look great with our jeans. And for a limited time, purchase a SyncroSeek and receive a FREE pair of $40 Pearl Izumi Infinity Shorts! |
| Now in the Store: |
Our fall and winter apparel have started to arrive. Look for rich colors, soft fabrics and thoughtful features like thumb loops, tiny lights, and MP3 pockets with "wire highways" so your headphone cords don't get tangled.  VIZI PRO: Be seen when you're out for that early morning, evening or late night run with Saucony's awesome new line of VIZI-PRO jackets, hats and gloves. The fluorescent orange color is super bright in low light conditions and is safety certified by the National Standards Institute.
 The jacket is made of Sonic Light HD - a lightweight, breathable fabric that is water-resistant and windproof, yet feels great. It features 360 degree reflectivity, and MP3 pocket and a blinking LED light built into the sleeve that is visible from 500-1000 yards away. The gloves also feature the LED light to shed some light when you're trying to get your key into the lock!  "Running O2" Compression Socks by CEP: Keep your legs strong and fresh and reduce cramping by wearing compression gear on your legs. Consistent compression has been found to relax arteries and veins, increasing blood flow back to the heart by 40% during activity and 30% during recovery. A recent study showed a 5% improvement in times by men who wore a compression socks during their run (that's a 9 minute improvement for a 3 hour marathoner and 12 minutes for a 4 hour marathoner). In addition to offering compression gear from CW-X and Zensah, we now offer medical-grade compression socks from CEP, the world leader in this category. CEP's full length socks ensure that blood doesn't pool in the foot and features graduated compression (18-25 mmHg) that is tightest at the ankle so blood is forced towards the heart and consistent around the calves to encourage relaxation of the calf arteries. An added benefit is support of the Achilles Tendon. Compression socks are great to wear while traveling to prevent DVT, under your suit at work to recover from the morning run or during your Fall marathon. Socks are gender and size specific and come in black, white and, for the ladies, hot pink (hey, we need to look good out there). They also have a 30-day money back guarantee!
 Darn Tough Socks: Remember Mikey from the Life cereal commercial? If he liked it, it must be good. Well, Duncan is our Mikey so when he said he loved these socks, we knew they must be exceptional. Darn Tough socks are designed, test, manufactured and shipped from their mill in the Green Mountains of Vermont where the employees are proud to say "I made that".  They are made from a blend of fine gauge Merino wool and Coolmax that combine to create a sock that is soft, extremely durable and has superior moisture management for blister control. The socks hug your foot and have a deep, sculpted heel pocket so they don't slip or bunch. If that doesn't convince you to try them, then maybe the lifetime guarantee will. You can't help but love and support companies who stand behind their product 100%. |
| Featured Race: Love Your Body 5k |
 With Hollywood and the fashion industry working hard to make each of us believe that our bodies are unacceptable and need constant improvement, is it any wonder that 80% of U.S. Women are dissatisfied with their appearance? Join the CT NOW Foundation for their 1st Annual Love Your Body 5K Run & Walk to fight back against these unattainable beauty standards! This empowering event for both women and men will be held on October 24, 2009 at 10 AM at the West Hartford Reservoir on Route 4 (Farmington Ave). Register before October 17, and pay just $20. The first 100 registrants will also receive a t-shirt. For more information or to download the registration form, click here. |
| Last Chance - Beginning 5k Program! |
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Was one of your 2009 New Year's Resolutions to "get in shape" or "run a 5k"? It's not to late to make that happen! Join our "No Boundaries: Learn to Run" program today and you will be in shape to run a 5k by Thanksgiving!
No Boundaries 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.
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!
To fit more schedules, we are offering three different practice times: Tuesday morning at 9:30am, Tuesday evening at 6:30pm and Saturday morning at 9:00am. All programs begin this week and culminate with the Blue Back Square Holiday Run on Sunday, December 6.
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, email Coach Renee. | |
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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. 30; 6:30pm
MOE'S BURRITO
FUN RUN & WALK
$5.00 burrito + free drink!
Thurs, Oct. 1; 6:30pm
Track Workout
(at Saint Joseph College)
Sat, Oct 3; 9am-2pm
FREE Injury Clinic &
Dartfish Gait Analysis
with Select Physical Therapy
Sun, Oct. 4; 1-5pm
Chi Running Workshop
w/Joel Matalon
Cost is $125
See below to RSVP
Wed, Oct. 7; 6:30pm
Fun Run & Walk
for all abilities
(3-5 miles)
Thurs, Oct 8; 6:30pm
Track Workout
(at Saint Joseph College)
Thurs, Oct 8; 3-7pm
Fri, Oct. 9; 10am-7pm
ING Hartford Marathon
Healthy Lifestyles Expo
(BIG apparel sale at the
Fleet Feet Booth) |
| 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. 30; 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.
This will be our last Wednesday Clinic of the year as we move towards hosting a Saturday clinic once a month (check the newsletter or web site for dates).
If you need an assessment or advice sooner, call the Select PT 24-hr Injury Hotline at 1-877-662-5633. Here you can speak with a licensed Athletic Trainer who will give you home instruction on your injury, refer you to the closest clinic for a free assessment or get you into a network of orthopedic doctors within 72 hours of your call. It's FREE!
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Wed: Sept. 29: 6:30pm; MOE's Burrito Run & Walk! What better way to end a run or walk with friends than a burrito from Moe's! Join us this Wednesday for a 3-5 mile jaunt through the streets of West Hartford that will end up at Moe's Southwest Grill in Blue Back Square.
After the run, Moe will be offering all Fleet Feet Peeps a made-to-order burrito and chips/salsa for just $5.00. Plus, Fleet Feet will buy you non-alcoholic beverage so you can hydrate while you carb load.
No RSVP's necessary, just grab some reflective running gear, put an Abe Lincoln bill in the key pocket of your shorts and get yourself on over to Fleet Feet by 6:30pm. This is going to be a fun one!
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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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