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| THE EXTRA MILE |
Issue #42
January 5, 2010 |
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Fleet Feet Sports and our neighbors throughout West Hartford Center & Blue Back Square are hosting a winter clearance sale with discounts up to 80% off and $25 prix fix menus from Thursday January 8 through Thursday, January 15.
Check out our selection of older model shoes for $49.99 (no tax!). Plus, deep discounts on accessories and past-season apparel. Shop early for best selection. |
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What Adventures Await You in 2010? |
 I can't believe that it has been 10 years since Y2K. I remember holding my breath as I watched the television coverage of the New Year's celebration in Sydney, Australia. Would the power grid fail and the country go black? Would there be chaos in the streets as computers went haywire? You could almost feel the collective sigh of relief of so many when nothing happened.
I still think it's amazing that every business, big and small and all around the world, was able to successfully reprogram their computer systems in time to handle the date change to 2000. It just goes to show the challenges that can be overcome when people pull together and do their part. It is kind of like training with friends. Distances don't seem as long, workouts don't seem as hard.
When I look back on the last decade, I am amazed by how much my life changed. At the end of 1999, I was living happily in DC and loving my job as "Chief Chirp" for WeatherBug. I got to travel around the US visiting our partner television stations and working with their weather teams. I remember visiting NBC30 and thinking what a neat town West Hartford was, but I was happy with the consistency of my life and didn't think much more about it.
But then, in 2002 my sister inspired me to run again and trained me for my first marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon which I proudly finished in 4:42:40. Confident in my fitness, I joined a pool and bought a bike so I could complete my first triathlon. These successes made me feel so empowered. They made me realize that dreams were meant to be followed.
So I decided to leave my comfortable life as a weather girl and follow one of my oldest dreams of owning a running store with my sister. That dream coincided with the reality of our parents moving to West Hartford and the Fleet Feet Sports store being up for sale. It is funny how life works out, and we end up where we were meant to be.
I encourage you to dream big this decade and see where life takes you. Me, I'm dreaming of finishing a 50-mile race, tackling the challenge of a half Ironman triathlon (or maybe even a full if I get crazy enough) and building an even bigger community of runners in Hartford. I hope you will be a part of it!
Be Fit! Steph |
| Schuyler's Shoe Review |
Nike Air Structure Triax 13: Call it trickle-down running shoe economics. The advanced features introduced in a high-end shoe one year find their way into the rest of the line a year or two later, meaning a more comfortable feel for even more runners.
 In the case of Nike, they introduced the arch strap in the women's Vomero and Equalon a few years ago. This technology wraps the laces through a strap that pulls snug around the arch, providing greater support and a snug, glove-like feel. This year's update of the women's Zoom Structure Triax, a stability stalwart, brings that same feature to even more runners.
 Men shouldn't feel left out, however, as both the men's and women's versions feature a medial post-the denser foam under the arch that evens out wear from pronation-that is increased in size to provide greater stability. The shoes retain their unique heel crash pad, the women's sporting a substantially rounder bevel than the men's to account for the Q-angle of the hips altering footstrike patterns.
The Structure Triax 13 still widens out in the forefoot like its predecessors, so those who have worn and loved a previous version won't face any worrisome changes with the update. While the arch-strap trickled down from the Vomero and Equalon, however, don't expect the plush cushion of those shoes any time soon. For that pillowy goodness, those shoes are still on another level. |
| Now in the Store: |
We all have our favorite "must-have" products. Here's a few of our staff's favorite things and the reason why we love them so.
 Schuyler: Pearl Izumi Barrier Short-Sleeve Tee. This shirt has quickly become one of my favorite baselayers for winter running. It blocks the wind and wicks moisture without adding much weight. In the fall and spring, it can be great to wear on a mild but windy day with a pair of gloves and arm-warmers. In the winter, though, I pair it with my bright orange Saucony Vizi-Pro half zip and I'm good to go.
 Duncan: CEP Compression Socks. Socks are the next most important thing for your feet after shoes so I wear a pair that feels great and helps me run faster and recover sooner. The knee high length is a stylish bonus. Grab a couple pairs to go the mismatched route; they'll make you faster. (E ditor's note: Duncan can usually be found wearing two different socks. He says it saves him valuable time when he does laundry since he doesn't have to worry about creating matched sets. More time that he can spend on the run!)
 Carrie: Moving Comfort's Sera Bra. When I get ready for a run, I am about choosing pieces that maximize comfort and perform technically. For sports bras, my go-to is the seamless Sera bra from Moving Comfort. I love how it feels on, the great support it offers (works best for A/B cups) and the fun colors it comes in. I just bought two new ones to add to my collection since no bra should have a birthday.
 I also love Penguin Sport Wash. As the primary laundry doer in my household and someone who appreciates fresh smelling clothes, I rely on Penguin Wash to get the "stink" out. Penguin Sport Wash also preserves the technical properties of my clothes so I can continue to run in my favorite tops and bottoms year after year. At only 50 cents a load, it's a great deal too.
 Shannon: Jelly Belly Sport Beans. It's candy with a kick. Plus it is way better tasting than energy gels! I love that they are now made with tapioca syrup instead of corn syrup and flavored with natural juice. The new reclosable bags are great too, except I usually eat them all too quickly to use that feature. Can't decide on which flavor you like best? Go with the assorted pack!
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| Featured Race: Penguin Plunge |
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Our featured event is not a race this time, but is something crazy runners and other hearty souls might find enjoyable. Plus, it supports a great cause! At Noon on Sunday, January 24, Winding Trails in Farmington will be hosting a Penguin Plunge to benefit Connecticut's Special Olympics. Wearing only a swimsuit and a bow tie, you will run into Dunning Lake's chilly waters for a quick dip. The registration fee is a minimum donation of $50, but penguins are encouraged to solicit additional donations from family and friends. All proceeds from the plunge will be given to Special Olympics Connecticut to support their year-round sports training and competition programs for over 6,500 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Ready to take the plunge? Click here to join our team: the Fleet Feet Freezing Peeps. For everyone who registers, Fleet Feet Sports will donate $25 in your honor. |
| Last Chance - Sign-up to Run Your First 5k |
Are you ready to start something new in 2010? Consider joining our No Boundaries beginning running program sponsored by New Balance. In just 10 weeks, you'll go from the couch to crossing the finish line of the O'Hartford 5k on March 14. Don't think about it any longer. It's time to DO IT!
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 ramps-up the time spent running and distance covered. Last January, we had over 40 people participate in the program despite the cold and snow. Friendships were made, traditions formed and several even loved running so much that they ran their first half marathon in October. You can do the same!
Thanks to our partnership with New Balance, the $95 registration fee includes a moisture-wicking shirt ($35 value), a FitBook training log ($20 value), a low coach-to-participant ratio, a proven training plan, weekly group training runs, a weekly motivational newsletter with guidance and advice on topics like proper nutrition, stretching and choosing the right gear, 8 valuable coupons to use on new shoes and gear and other surprises along the way. Our goal is to introduce you to the lifetime fitness activities of running/walking and encourage you to live a healthier lifestyle in a fun and supportive environment.
No Boundaries kicks off with an information session on Wednesday, January 6 at 7:00pm. We will be offering two sessions: Tuesday mornings at 9:30am (baby-jogger friendly) and Saturday mornings at 9:00am. Our first practice is on January 9 (Saturday session) and January 12 (Tuesday session). Practices begin and end at the store.
For those who have successfully completed a 5k before, we will offer a "Next Steps" training program for you within the Saturday morning program 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. Run strong in 2010!
Use the coupon below to save $10 on your registration fee.
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.
Fun Run & Walk
3-5 casual miles
(featuring pace groups
from 7-12 min miles)
No Boundaries
Beginning Running Program
Information Night
Sat, Jan. 9; 9am
No Boundaries
Sat Session Begins
Tues, Jan. 12; 9:30am
No Boundaries
Tues Session Begins
Fun Run & Walk
3-5 casual miles
(featuring pace groups
from 7-12 min miles)
Sat, Jan 23; 9am-Noon
Running Clinic
FREE
(at Select Physical Therapy's Simsbury Office)
Note: Track Workouts are on hiatus - but email Schuyler to get the Weekly Workout email. |
| 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.
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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 |
| Winter Yoga Getaway |
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The wrong dates were listed in the last newsletter. The workshop is actually Feb 5-7.
Sage Roundtree, the internationally renowned yoga instructor, author, Runner's World contributor and expert endurance sports coach, is hosting a weekend yoga getaway on February 5-7 at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, MA. The workshop is designed for athletes of all sports and levels. Sage will teach you how to use yoga to enhance your training and competition by building strength, flexibility and focus using her practical, straightforward, engaging method of teaching that demystifies yoga.
You do need to have any prior yoga experience to participate. The workshop is open to men and women. Program cost is $215 (meals and accommodation are extra. Call 1-800-741-7353 for more information. |
| 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! Don't have anything reflective? Come early and borrow one of ours.
Meet at the store. Dress Warm! |
| FREE Injury Advice & Assessments |
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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
(1-877 662 5633) |
| 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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Free Water Bottle |
Register for No Boundaries and receive a free water bottle ($12 value). Coupon cannot be combined with other discounts, coupons or special offers. Not valid on previous purchases or special orders. |
| Offer Expires: January 12, 2010 | |
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