Sweet Rewards

This morning I met a friend at the West Hartford Reservoir.  I knew I was in trouble when she put a Gu energy gel in her back pocket and explained that we were going off the beaten path.  We started off on a nice level trail along the base of the Reservoir.  I thought to myself, "this isn't going to be so bad" until we started climbing.  Up, up, up.  Before long the quiet of the woods was filled with my gasping and wheezing.  We passed Kilkenny Rock and continued onward.  With every rolling hill, my legs burned and my stomach cramps got worse.  I remember thinking "this really isn't fun anymore". 
 
But then, the trail ended and we found ourselves on the pavement path that courses around the Reservoir - a path that I have run many times.  Knowing that I would be able to finish the run, a little pep returned to my step.  The endorphins started to kick-in and work their magic.  Almost instantly, I felt better.  I came to the realization that if all runs were easy, then they wouldn't be so enjoyable.  They would start to feel like, well, like monotonous exercise. 
 
My mind drifted to thoughts of why I like to run.  Many times it is for the post-run rewards: enjoying a steaming mug of hot chocolate or Schokinag's Dulche de Leche after a cold run; putting on warm, dry clothes after a run in the rain; or going to work after an early morning run knowing that you have done more that morning than your colleagues will do all day.    
 
I also enjoy running because of the surprises along the way.  The other day, it was being treated to a spectacular view of the Farmington Valley after reaching the top of a particularly long and steep climb at Penwood State Park.  Today, it was seeing a pine tree decked out in colorful ball ornaments in the middle of the trail and running with a friend that made me laugh when I really wanted to cry (it's a good thing she was faster than me and that I didn't know where I was going or else I would have taken a short-cut and missed the fun). 
 
Running in the dark and cold of winter is tough, but remember that the tougher the run, the sweeter the reward.

Track Spikes: Indoor trackmeans a lot of things, from cold, snowy runs to twelve-hour meets. One thing that goes with the territory, is whipping around the track like a centrifuge in lightning-fast track spikes. We are carrying our largest assortment ever this year, including jumping spikes (here in a few weeks) and some truly unique spikes unlike anything you've ever seen.

 

For those just starting out in track & field, our assortment of entry-level spikes offers a variety of options at great prices without sacrificing quality. The Adidas SprintStar and Saucony Crescent will fit the beginning sprinter, while the Adidas Arriba and Saucony Velocity will be all the freshman distance runner needs. For those in between or doing some jumping events, try a mid-distance spike like the Adidas Spider and New Balance 507.

 

Elite-level spikes, such as the AdiZero line from Adidas, the Saucony Endorphin and the Brooks Z3 come in at a lower weight than entry-level spikes. Typically they weigh in at under five ounces, so feather-light that you'll feel barefoot. Additionally, the spike-plates (the piece which holds the spike in and gets you up onto your toes faster) extends farther back in the shoe to help you outkick the competition.

 

In addition to our standard spike line-up, we've added the Nike MaxCat, one of the lightest 55m-400m shoes on the market. The flexible upper is form-fitting without being restrictive, while shark-gill-like venting allows you to intimidate the opposition, or at least think that you are.

For those distance runners who are frequently injured or just want a little more cushion and structure than a traditional distance spike provides, Adidas cooked up something special in the new AdiZero Cadence. The shoe was designed for multiple world-record holder Haile Gebrsleassie, who has a history of Achilles injuries. Building from a road racing flat, the shoe provides more cushion and stability than any other spike on the market.

 

For runners just starting out or those looking to trade a fraction of an ounce for a fraction of a second, this year's spike line-up just might be one of the best ever.

 

P.S.  Our Indoor Track Spike Night is this Wednesday from 7-9pm.  Find your perfect spike, get a discount and some sweet gifts too!

Here's a handy guide to help you find the perfect gift for the runner's in your life!
 
Gifts Under $25:

For the runner who has nearly everything, how about: 

Or, I've always thought a great gift would be to pay for an entry to a favorite race (and if you are feeling really generous, choose an out-of-state race and include plane tickets and hotel)!

For the new runner in your life, how about registering them for our No Boundaries "Couch to 5k" training program?  Next program starts in early January.  Stay tuned for details in the next newsletter.

Now through December 30, enjoy these extra savings:
 
Thorlo Socks:  Buy 3 Thorlo socks (including their new high-performance, super comfy Experia socks) and receive a fourth sock free (up to an $15 value!)
 
Moving Comfort:  Purchase $50 or more in Moving Comfort sports bras and receive a free gift ($20 value). 
 
Garmin: Purchase a Garmin 310XT (with or without at heart rate monitor) and receive a $50 rebate from Garmin, plus a $30 gift certificate from Fleet Feet Sports (gift certificate will be emailed to you within 7 days and is valid on a future purchase) and a free 30 minute training session with our electronics Guru, Sean!

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.  

 

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 Sun. Dec 13, 8-11am (NOTE: NEW TIME): "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.

 

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Sat. Jan 23, 9am-Noon: FREE Running Clinic:  Fleet Feet Sports is teaming up with Select Physical Therapy's Simsbury office to host a winter running clinic. 

 

Learn how to treat and prevent common running injuries, try out new exercises to strengthen your core, get an in-depth analysis of your lower extremity strength and balance and experience Dartfish, the latest in gait analysis technology. 
 
For more details or to RSVP, email Stacy Ciarleglio.  The clinic is free!  
 
Schedule of events:

9:00-9:30am: Presentation on "Common Running Injuries: Causes, treatment and how to prevent them by selecting the proper running shoe"
 
9:30-9:50am: Stretching & Core Exercises (wear workout clothes so you can participate)
 
9:50-10:50am: Rotate between three stations (lower extremity screening, shoe fit and Dartfish demonstration)
 
11:00 - 11:45am: 3 mile fun run and walk
 
11:45-Noon: Refreshments and Q&A

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Mon. Dec 21, 7pm: (NOTE: NEW DATE + Program is open to anyone who can run a sub 4:30 Marathon) Marathon Training Program Info 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 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. 

 

 

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.