RIP Eddie |
Last Wednesday, beloved running buddy of many and Fleet Feet peep Eddie Gorecki died after being hit by a car during his morning run - just two days shy of his 56th birthday. Eddie was a long time member of the Hartford Track Club and staple of local racing scene. The last time Eddie was in the store, he bought a pair of Nike racing flats in neon orange to wear in the New Haven 20k on Labor Day. The sparkle in his eyes lit up the room as my sister helped him lace on those size 14 flats. You could just sense that he was thinking, "Man, I'm going to fly in these shoes...if my hammies don't act up!" And fly he did, finishing the 20k in 1:43:24 - beating many men half his age. Seeing Eddie stride through the store in those flashy shoes made me realize that happiness is really a state of mind, and sometimes that state of mind can be jumpstarted by a new pair of kicks. How lucky I am to be in a business that can help make people happy and healthy! I hope that we all still have that same joy (and talent) Eddie had for running 20 years from now. To prevent tragedies like this from occurring again, we all need to stay vigilant. If you're out on the road by foot, dress in bright colors, travel on the opposite side of the road so you are facing traffic, carry a light and wear reflective gear when it's dark, bring identification (RoadID is a great solution), run with a buddy or tell people where you are going and when you expect to return and always be on the defensive. Don't expect that automobiles see you. If need be, you should be ready to dive into the bushes. A few scratches sure beats a trip to the ER. If you are driving, be alert especially during the night and low light conditions. Obey the speed limit and look both ways - twice - before turning especially in neighborhoods where sidewalks and their occupants can be obscured by bushes and trees. If you must use your cell phone, use a hands-free device and NEVER text and drive (one of our Fleet Feet Huntsville friends was killed while running by a driver who was texting instead of paying full attention to the road). Also, Beth Rival, Fleet Feet peep and National Federation of the Blind of CT president, asked me to mention to drivers of hybrid or electric cars that you may not be making enough noise for a pedestrian to hear you so please be extra cautious and seeks your support of the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2009.
Please be safe. Run in Peace Eddie! Steph |
Schuyler's "Shoe" Review |
 The 2010 shoe models will be in store soon, but for this issue I thought I would tell you about one of my newest favorite products: the Streetrunner Light Vest from GoMotion.
Running in the winter over the past decade, I've had my share of close calls. After nearly being hit by cars rolling through stop signs or not watching the road, it took me until I was in college to throw fashion to the wind and buy a reflective vest. Now, decked out in bright orange and yellow, I have finally come to realize that seeing can be just as important for safety as being seen. The GoMotion Streetrunner Light Vest and Waist Light provide amazing visibility in pitch black conditions.
 The Streetrunner fits around your shoulders and chest while the Waist Light fits like a hydration belt. Neither are bulky, and while the two pounds of the Streetrunner is somewhat noticeable while running, the benefits are more than worth it. Each light provides a 1 Watt LED beam, far brighter and covering a larger area than any headlamp lightweight enough for running. The back of the belt or vest features a battery pack that holds three double-A batteries and a two-LED red blinker. The seams and sides of both are reflective.
In running a number of times with the Streetrunner, I've found that it makes potholes and cracks in the road stand out. I can only imagine that in the winter, its reflection on black ice will save me from more than a few spills. What I didn't expect is how much of a difference it would make when approaching intersections. As all runners know, many drivers tend make rights at stop signs by only checking their left side and rolling through. If you run on the left side of the road, this can be particularly dangerous. The beam from the Streetrunner went far enough ahead that cars saw it, stopped, and looked right.
The real test for me came when taking the Streetrunner for a tempo run. While normal pace running is one thing, trying to run faster at night can mean less reaction time when confronting obstacles. I worried that the two pounds would feel more cumbersome when trying to run half-marathon pace, but all I noticed was how much more relaxed I felt and how much faster I could run when not having to constantly focus on avoiding tripping. I have no doubt that the GoMotion Streetrunner will become a regular companion on my winter runs - all I need now are some more rechargeable batteries. |
Now in the Store: |
Icebreaker: I hate being cold. A few years ago my sister gave me the perfect pair of wool pajamas from a company called Icebreaker. They were extremely lightweight, soft and oh so warm. I practically lived in those pajamas last winter - and not just at night! I would wear the leggings under my jeans and the top as a base-layer over a half-zip when I went out for a run. I loved how I could stay warm when I got wet and that the garments never smelled like my like run (even if I didn't wash it right away). The secret is the merino wool that Icebreaker uses. It comes from only the highest grade wool of merino sheep. Most of Icebreaker's wool comes from sheep in the Southern Alps of New Zealand where the sheep are well cared for. In fact, Icebreaker has some of the strictest quality and ethical standards for both the sheep and the people that produce their products. In fact, each garment made has a " Baacode" that enables you to see the living conditions of the high country sheep that made the merino wool in your garment and meet the farmers who care for those sheep. Icebreaker is definitely a brand you can feel good about wearing - plus it feels great and wears well too! Merino wool is not scratchy and breaths more than cotton. It wicks sweat and moisture from your body like a Bounty paper towel, yet won't stink even after multiple workouts without washing. It keeps you warm when it is cold and cool when it is warm. It is perfect for runners, walkers, bikers, skiers, snowball fight champions and travelers. Barrier Base Layer and Hats: Another great piece to have in your winter wardrobe is Pearl Izumi's line of Barrier products for men and women. The short-sleeve base layer shirt features a single-layer Barrier front panel designed to block the cold wind combined with P.R.O. Transfer fabric made with Minerale on the back and sleeves to help wick moisture away from your "sweat spots" to keep you dry and warm. The shirt is form-fitting, has 30+ UV protection, absorbs odors and features a 3" tail allowing you to tuck it into your pants so cold air doesn't creep up your back even if you're riding in an aerodynamic position on your bike.  The hat features the same great single-layer Barrier material that keeps your head from getting wind chill without a lot of bulk along with reflective logos for added visibility during winter's shortened days. We sold out of our first shipment of these hats within two weeks. Fortunately, our next shipment is due to arrive any day!
Trailhead Hats & Headbands: At the junction of fashion and function is a great local company in Kent, CT called Trailheads. Trailheads designs and makes wonderful Polartec Thermo Pro fleece hats and headbands with a DWR (durable water repellent finish) that shed rain and snow and dry quickly. This year, they have also added merino wool hats to their collection.  Their most famous product is the "Goodbye Girl" line of hats and headbands that feature a hole for ponytails. Even better, Trailheads donates a minimum of 10% of their annual profits to organizations that help people overcome disabilities of all kinds (one of the co-owners is blind) and provide them with access to outdoor recreational program. |
Feature Race: Manchester Road Race |
There is no better way to start off Thanksgiving Day than by running or walking 4.748 miles with 13,000 of your newest friends during the 73rd running of the Manchester Road Race. While the race attracts world-class runners, the most fun is had in the middle and back of the pack where folks dress in costume and focus more on having a good time than a PR. My face hurt more from smiling and laughing than my legs at the end of last year's run. And with 20,000 fans expected to line the course, you can't help but feel like a rock star. It's awesome!
Registration for both the running and walking divisions is now available online by clicking here. Cost is just $25 with all proceeds going to Muscular Dystrophy research and many local charities. You can also pick-up a mail-in registration form at the store or register in person during the Manchester Sports Expo on Saturday, November 21 from 8:30-11:00am at the Bennett School. If you go to the expo, be sure to stop by our table where we will be selling clothes for up to 70% off! If you register by November 13, your race packet, including bib and timing chip, will be mailed to you.
The Manchester Road Race also hosts the largest blood drive in the state the day after the race (November 27). Last year 225 pints of blood were collected. Please consider donating blood this year and help the MRR break their record of 284 pints set in 1997. The blood drive takes place at the Full Gospel Interdenominational Church on Main Street in Mancheste from 9.30am until 3:30pm. All donors will receive a complimentary race T-shirt. Learn more about the race on the web by clicking the logo above.
|
Manchester Shirts Are Here! |
The Manchester Road Race is just one month away! Get your shirts now at Fleet Feet Sports. For the first time, the shirts are made of moisture-wicking material called B-dri instead of cotton to keep you dry on the run. The prices remain the same as last year: $25 for the long-sleeve mock turtleneck (with "Manchester Road Race" screened down the right arm) and $18 for the short-sleeve shirt. Both shirts are navy blue and feature the same sharp logo. |
FREE Injury Advice & Assessments |
 Our friends at Select Physical Therapy have set-up a FREE injury hotline to answer your questions about prevention and treatment of common athletic injuries or conditions. You can call anytime to speak with a licensed athletic trainer (usually my friend Eleni) or leave a detailed message and Eleni will return your call.
Depending on the severity of your injury, you may be given instructions on how to care for your injury at home or be directed to one of Select Physical Therapy's 30 clinics in CT for a free evaluation.
1-877-MOBL-MED
(877 662 5633) |
Volunteers Aged 60+ Needed |
Dr. Linda Pescatello of the Health Fitness Research Lab at the University of Connecticut is looking for healthy individuals aged 60 years and over to participate in a 6-month study examining the effects of statins on muscle performance. Her team will be examining the effects of six months of Lipitor on muscle strength and endurance and the incidence of muscle pain.
The study involves taking Lipitor or a placebo for six months and several visits to their lab to provide a blood sample, complete a questionnaire and participate in strength and maximal performance testing on a treadmill. At the end of the study, subjects will be paid $720 and receive information on their health status. To qualify for the study, you must be at least 60 years old, have your own transportation and not currently being treated for high cholesterol.
For more information, please email us at at famussstudy@yahoo.com or call the lab at 860-486-2812 (ask for Justin, Matt, or Katie).
This study has been approved by the University of Connecticut Institutional Review Board; Protocol H08-016. |
Garmin 310XT - $50 Rebate |
 Just in time for the holidays, Garmin has announced a $50 mail-in rebate on the purchase of their new Garmin Forerunner 310XT (in addition to the $30 gift certificate you earn from Fleet Feet Sports).
The 310XT is brings Garmin's famous GPS technology to the wrist of runners and triathletes so they know exactly how far and how fast they have traveled. The watch is waterproof to 50m allowing it to be worn in the pool or open water, goes from wrist to bike in seconds and is capable of tracking transition times. It is available with and without a heart-rate monitor.
The $50 mail-in-rebate is valid on purchases made between now and December 31, 2009. Rebate forms are available at the store and must be postmarked by 1/30/10. Limit one rebate per customer.
| |
|
|
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.
Fun Run & Walk
for all abilities
(3-5 miles)
Thurs, Nov. 12; 6:30pm
Track Workout
(at Saint Joseph College)
Sun, Nov. 15 - Dec. 20
Triathlon Training Series
w/Coach Pack
Cornerstone Aquatics
Cost is $65-95
Wed, Nov 18; 6:30pm
Fun Run & Walk
for all abilities
(3-5 miles)
Thurs, Nov 19; 6:30pm
Track Workout
(at Saint Joseph College)
Sat, Nov 21; 8:30-11am
Manchester Sports
Expo - visit our booth for
sweet deals on summer
& winter clothes
at Bennett School
in Manchester
Fri, Nov. 27; 9am
Black Friday Fun Run
Drinks & Treats provided
by 59ers
Fri, Nov. 27; 1-3pm
Author Michelle Craemer's Kids' Book Reading & Signing
Wed, Dec. 9; 7-9pm
Indoor Track Spike Night
Food, Fun & Freebies
Sun, Dec 13; 1-4pm
Coach Al Lyman's
"Run Easier, Run Faster" Clinic
Cost is $75
Mon, Dec 14; 7pm
Experienced Marathon Training Program Information Night |
Event Descriptions |
 |
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.
******
Fri. Nov 27; 1-3pm: Book Reading & Signing. Join author Michelle Craemer as she reads her award-winning children's book, Pellie Runs a Marathon. After the reading, meet Michelle and have her sign one of her books (makes a great holiday gift for kids of all ages). ******
Triathlong Training Series: Sundays beginning Nov. 15 at 5:00pm or 6:30pm: Turbo charge your training this winter with a great indoor triathlon training program coached by triathlon fanatic, Julia Pack. The six-week program takes place at the Cornerstone Aquatics Center in West Hartford. Classes begin this Sunday, November 15 and end on Sunday, December 20. Choose from two sessions: 5:00pm or 6:30pm. Cost is $65 for Cornerstone members and $99 for non-members. Each 60 minute session will provide you with a rigorous workout and expert coaching on technique, training strategy and more. Workouts will include cycle training on the underwater bikes, running training on the underwater treadmills, deep-water running, shallow-water sprints, and open-water swim simulations. Water-based workouts allow you to train harder and with less impact.
******

Sun. Dec 13, 1-4pm: "Run Faster, Run Easier" Workshop with Coach Al Lyman: Coach Al is back! Join expert running and multisport coach Al Lyman as he offers another edition of his hugely popular "Run Faster, Run Easier" 3-hour running workshop at Fleet Feet Sports. During the workshop, Coach Al will video everyone's running form and provide you with an in-depth gait analysis within 10 days of the workshop. He will also provide valuable information on how to approach daily training especially as it relates to what is happening through your legs and core. Key core strength and flexibility exercises will be demonstrated so come dressed to workout! Cost for the workshop is $75.00 or $99.95 for the workshop plus a copy of Coach Al's Runner-Core DVD (regularly $39.99). For more information on the clinic or to register, click here.
******
Mon. Dec 14, 7pm: Experienced Marathon Training Program Information Night: Are you planning a SPRING marathon and looking for a group training program that will help you get to the starting line in your best shape ever as well as provide you with expert coaching guidance, group runs, free seminars, and a highly detailed 15-week training plan outlining every training session and detail you will need for success?
If so, problem solved! Fleet Feet Sports is teaming with Coach Al Lyman to offer a Spring Marathon Training Program. This 15-week program is designed for intermediate to advanced runners who are preparing for a spring marathon. The timing of the program coincides with Boston, although you could easily be preparing for another spring marathon, modifying the program schedule to suit your own scheduling needs (with advice from Coach Al). The program will be based out of Fleet Feet Sports, but group runs and workouts will be hosted in various locations throughout Hartford (and possibly a field trip to Boston to run part of the course).
The program officially begins on Sunday, January 3. Cost is $250 and includes a customized 15-week training program written by Coach Al, a copy of Coach Al's Runner Core DVD and an audio CD, weekly group long runs and track sessions, seminars and more.
For more details or to sign-up, email Coach Al or click here. |
Wed Night Fun Runs
6:30pm (at the store) |
 |
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 |
 |
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! |
 |
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 |
 |
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! | |
|