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Shoes for Haiti |
If you are like me, you see the images from Haiti and your heart goes out to everyone there: the survivors, the rescuers and those who lost their lives. You want to help, but your brain says that we are so far away and our donations too small that we won't make a difference. But I am reminded of the story of the little girl tossing starfish back into the ocean. When told that she couldn't possibly make a difference since there were hundreds of starfish washed-up on the beach, she tossed one into the ocean and said, "Made a difference to that one". As you imagine, the need for shoes in Haiti is greater than ever as wreckage, debris and raw sewage covers the land. Without a protective covering for their feet, people are at risk for potentially serious healthcare issues resulting from untreated cuts and direct-contact with contaminants. Help us make a difference to a few more people by bringing your new or gently-used sneakers to Fleet Feet Sports by Wednesday, January 27. We will send the shoes to Sole4Souls who is helping to organize a shipment of 30 container loads of emergency supplies to Haiti. Their goal is one million pairs of boots and shoes to help survivors. We are kicking off the donation drive by pledging 50 pairs of new shoes. Originally, I had wanted to collect 200 pairs of shoes, but when Thom Abrams of Superfeet heard about our drive, he brought almost 50 pairs of shoes to the store yesterday. So now I'm hoping we can collect 300 pairs. While that is less than 1% of the million pair goal, it will help out 300 people - an entire village! Don't have any sneakers in good condition? We will also be accepting cash donations to help defray the cost of shipping the shoes, with all additional funds raised donated directly to Soles4Souls. Or you can donate directly to Soles4Souls.
Be Fit!
Steph
 P.S. You can monitor our progress by checking out our front window where all the shoes collected will be on display. With your help we can fill-up the entire window!
Remember: new or gently-used shoes only. Save your well-loved shoes for our Nike's "Reuse a Shoe" recycling program in April. |
| Schuyler's Shoe Review |
Brooks Glycerin: When a shoe's cushioning is incredibly plush and supportive, it's easy to pinpoint EVA foam, different pockets of materials and gels that give it that great feel. But how often can you say it's in the shoe's DNA? The new Brooks Glycerin 8 features what I, as a pretty hardcore shoe geek, won't hesitate to call a revolutionary new cushioning system with its "DNA" pad in the heel and forefoot.
 Brooks "DNA" is a non-Newtonian fluid, which means that its flow properties are not at a constant rate of viscosity; in English, its firmness is affected by how hard it is impacted. A harder heelstrike from a larger runner with a fast turnover will result in a firmer, more resilient material. A lighter, slower footstrike will result in a softer, more pillowy ride. Weight is also distributed more evenly through the material than through traditional supplemental cushioning.
 This video from Brooks demonstrates how this type of material works, although this other video from two stalwart Mythbusters shows the same in more humorous fashion. In addition to this amazing new technology, the Glycerin 8 features a snug midfoot fit with a roomy forefoot, as well as some great colors for men and women that stand out from the standard range of blue, silver and more blue. While DNA will eventually find its way into almost all of Brooks' shoes, this is the chance to try it before "non-Newtonian" becomes a household term. |
| Now in the Store: |
Here are a few more Staff Favs:
 Latasha: As a soon-to-be physical therapist, I am big on the R.I.C.E method to treat an injury (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). That's why I love the Runner's Remedy line of products because they combine all four components of treatment in one simple compression wrap. There are wraps specifically designed for shins, the Achilles and arches (great for heel spurs and Plantar Fasciitis). Plus, each wrap also comes with four reusable ice packs - enough to get you through a day of icing and on the road to recovery!  Liz: I really like Zensah's calf compression sleeves. Sometimes I'll wear them on my runs, but mainly I wear them after a hard workout or long run to help increase blood circulation which aids in muscle recovery. The seamless, silky-soft material makes them especially nice to sleep in, and because there is silver woven into the fabric, the sleeves help regulate skin temperature and are anti-microbial (i.e. they don't stink even after wearing them a couple times without washing). I've been able to increase my weekly mileage a lot and get more out of every run because of them. ( Note: Congratulations to Liz on her second place finish at the Disney Half Marathon last week!)
 Sean: Biofreeze is a topical "cooling" gel that that provides fast relief for the muscle pain, strain and sprains that we all experience when we push our physical limits. It's also great in the treatment of arthritis, bursitis, Plantar Fasciitis and tendonitis. I was introduced to it by my massage therapist who would massage it into my sore muscles and trigger points. I couldn't believe how quickly it made me feel better.
Biofreeze contains ILEX, an herbal extract from the South American holly shrub that is used by Paraguay Indians to enhance the effects of their balms. The new roll-on bottle that we have in store is great because you can apply it without getting the product on your hands, and you can get to hard-to-reach places. A tube of Biofreeze should be in every weekend warriors' gym bag!  Steph: I am proud to say that I haven't had to run inside on the treadmill yet this winter (I am on my way to becoming a true Nutmeg'er!). One of my secrets to running out in the cold is to keep my core warm by wearing a winterized sports bra or shimmel (a sports bra that covers your stomach) under a half-zip top. This morning, I wore my fleece-lined insulator sports bra from CW-X (the official baselayer provider of the USA luge and Candian alpine ski Olympic teams). It is soft, warm and has awesome support thanks to the unique 5-point Support Web construction. Another favorite is a bra made with Mizuno's Breath Thermo material that heats up when it gets wet. Both bras fit A/B cups best.
 Sorry guys, we don't have any fleece-lined tank tops for you, but we do carry boxes with wind panels! Interested in giving them a try? Check out the coupon at the end of the newsletter. |
| Featured Race: Run for Refugees |
 Kick off your Super Bowl Sunday celebration by running or walking 3.1 miles to raise funds and awareness for the thousands of refugees that have settled in Connecticut. The third annual Run for Refugees takes place on Sunday, February 7 at 10am. You can chose to either run or walk the 5k distance. Participants are encouraged to dress in costume or wear their favorite team's jersey. The best costumed athlete will win a case of Honest Tea and a gift certificate to Archie Moore's restaurant. The race starts at New Haven's Wilbur Cross High School and goes through picturesque East Rock Park. The first half of the course is uphill; the second half is downhill. Splits will be provided at the 1 and 2 mile marks to keep you on pace. The finish line features a great post-race party including live music and yummy food. Race proceeds go to the Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS) whose executive director, Chris George, is a Fleet Feet Peep. Over the past 25 years, IRIS has resettled over 100 refugees each year. Several of the refugees are runners who can't afford shoes, let alone a pair of running shoes. Fleet Feet Sports is proud to help these runners by providing them with gently-used running shoes donated by our customers. Once we reach our goal of 300 shoes for Haiti, we will again direct your shoe donations to IRIS/Run for Refugees. The need is especially great for men's shoes sized 9-12. Race registration is $22 if you register before race day, otherwise it is $25. Students pay just $15. Register online here. | |
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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)
Sat, Jan 23; 9am-Noon
Running Clinic
Note: This clinic has reached capacity. We will be offering another clinic soon - stay tuned for details.
Wed, Jan. 27; 6:30pm
Fun Run & Walk
3-5 casual miles
(featuring pace groups
from 7-12 min miles)
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. |
| 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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