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THE EXTRA MILE 
Issue #47
 
 March 16, 2010
Select Winter Gear is 50% off 
 Look for the Orange Dot!
 
(Over 100 pants, jackets, half zips, baselayers, hats, gloves to choose from!)
Pura Vida!

Zip Line in Costa Rica
Two weeks ago, Carrie and I went to visit our cousin...in Costa Rica.  The trip was amazing!  I've always enjoyed hiking and camping, but never in such a lush, green landscape.  It was a treat to leave the brown and cold of winter and see so much green and feel the warmth of the sun again (ahh, humidity!). 

 

Despite a boom in tourism, most of Costa Rica is still rustic and natural.  Most roads are not paved and driving them took a stomach of steel, especially on the deeply rutted dirt roads that straddled the mountain ridges (I learned to keep my eyes focused ahead and not look down).  The standard of living is not what we Americans are used to.  The average family makes a few thousand dollars a year (usually doing manual labor) and lives in tin shacks, many without electricity. 

 

But Ticos are a happy, friendly people who enjoy life despite their challenges.  They have an expression, Pura Vida (literally "Pure Life") that is used to express their resilience in overcoming challenges with good spirits and celebrating the good in life, similar to Bobby McFerrin's famous "Don't worry, be happy" mantra.  A credo I try to live by, but easily lose sight of when things don't always go my way.

 

While we tried to stay off the beaten path, one of my favorite adventures was zip lining over the Cloud Forest in Monte Verde.  The Cloud Forest is a rain forest at high altitude.  As warm air from the Caribbean Sea rises over the mountains, it cools and forms clouds that seem to float through the trees.  Because of all the moisture, mosses, orchids, ferns and other plants grow high in the tree tops.  It's like a secret garden 60 feet in the air! 

 

For two and a half hours, we glided over the forest getting a birds-eye view of the life that thrives in the tree canopy.  The final zip line was over a kilometer long, and I was scared.  I considered chickening-out, until I saw a big cumulus cloud envelope the zip line.  I couldn't believe my luck: if I could muster the courage, I would be able to take a ride through a cloud (a meteorologist's dream!).  I can't begin to describe how cool the experience was.  Within seconds, I was surrounded by a sea of bright white and was instantly soaked as water droplets condensed on me.  The air tasted so fresh and clean.  At the end of the zip, I thought, "so this is what they mean by Pura Vida". 

 

You should give it a try.  Take on a challenge this spring and shout Pura Vida! 

 

Be Fit!
Steph
Schuyler's Shoe Reviews
SchuylerWhile the New Balance 760 is a shoe that provides comfort, stability and a great ride, it now has another great feature: supporting breast cancer research. 2010 marks the 21st year that New Balance has sponsored the Komen for the Cure foundation, including the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk and the Race for the Cure.
 

New Balance 760 - Komen color
As part of this effort, New Balance will be donating 5% of the sale of all pink-ribbon products to the Komen Foundation, including the new pink-boxed and crazy-cool-pink version of the women's 760. Need a stability shoe for this June's Race for the Cure (a race the Fleet Feet and New Balance's No Boundaries program will be training for)? Lace Up for the Cure in a pair of the women's 760.

 

With Spring racing season upon us, everyone is ready to run fast: around the track; over a blazing flat 5k; up and down the hills of a half-marathon or full marathon course. And nothing helps you run fast like a pair of zippy new racing flats. This spring, we are happy to offer a wide range of flats and lightweight trainers suitable for a variety of distances. For those looking for the lightest of the light, the Asics Hyperspeed and Saucony Type A are low-to-the-ground neutral racing flats with a firm, responsive feel of the road. If you need more stability, look no further than our most popular flat, the Adidas Adizero Mana, which features a moderate stability post and a removable insole to accommodate a Superfeet insole or orthotic. Stay tuned, because mid-summer, we will be carrying an even wider range of shoes from Adidas' lightweight Adizero line.

 

AdiZero XT - Women's Trail Shoe
For runners braving longer distances or looking for a quick shoe with a little more protection, the men's Pearl Izumi SyncroFuel features a substantial toe-spring (upturned toe) to get you running fast. The Asics DS Trainer offers similar mid-range weight with a medial post for moderate overprontators. And for women braving the trails, our second Adizero offering is for you. The Adizero XT from Adidas is one of our most rugged trail shoes, offering protection from rocks, roots, moisture and mud at a literally unbeatable weight (plus it looks cool!).
Now in the Store:

New spring apparel is arriving daily.  Here is a sneak-peak at just a few of the pieces available right now:

 

New Balance Spring 2010 Apparel
New Balance:
New Balance has made some great advancements in technical apparel using X-Static and IceFil technologies.  The X-Static long-sleeve base-layer was my one of my go-to pieces this winter because it had thermo-regulatory and anti-microbial/odor-resistant properties.  I don't know how a shirt knows when to retain your body heat and when to let it escape, but this shirt does.  X-Static technology is now available in short-sleeves shirts (the women's is a fun pink color) as well as in men's shorts.

 

Men also can try a cool (literally) new shirt made with IceFil - a fabric with embedded xylitol (the same stuff that makes mint gum so refreshing) that evaporates in high heat and contributes to cooling skin temperature by up to 5 degrees.  Perfect for working out in a hot gym or while running in warm sun. 

 

For the ladies, we also have loose fit capris, walking shorts, great-fitting running shorts that don't "poof", matching tank tops and a flirty black-and-fuscia running skirt.  Maybe best of all are New Balance's very reasonable prices. 

 

Brooks Nightlife Gear
 

Brooks Nightlife: The start of Daylight Savings Time is great for those who run after work, but now morning runners are back to darkness.  Make sure you are visible when you run by wearing reflective gear and bright colors like these shirts, socks and jackets from Brooks.  The gossamer L.S.D. Jacket weighs just 4.3 ounces and features a roll-and-stow hood and 360 degrees of 3M Scotchlight retroreflectivity. 

 

Nike Spring 2010 Tempo Shorts
 

Nike: The #1 women's running short in the world is Nike's Tempo Short.  Nike spiced the short up this season with funky graphics and bright colors like gold honeycombs and blue squares.  Add a contracting buttery-soft moisture-wicking top and you've got a cool outfit to hit the roads in.    For the men, we have replenished our stock of Nike's best-selling 2-in-1 short that is both great on the run or strength training in the gym.

Featured Race: Shamrock Run & Walk

Shamrock Run & Walk
The 8th Annual Shamrock Run & Walk is this Saturday (March 20).  The morning of fun kicks off with a non-competitive Kids Run at 9:30am, followed by a 2 Mile Run & Fitness walk at 9:40am, and then the 5 Mile Run at 10:30am.  There is even a contest for the craziest costume with the winner receiving a Wii!

 

Register online here.  The fee is $25 for the 5 and 2 mile events and $5 for the Kids Run.  Registered runners and walkers will receive a goody bag, t-shirt, secure baggage check and entrance to the post-race party with music and tasty grilled burgers and dogs. 

 

There will also be a shoe drive for Haiti and China via Soles4Souls so bring your gently worn running shoes to the race.  If you can't make the race, you may drop off your gently used shoes at the UPS Store on 123 Farmington Ave in Bristol during the week of March 23 to April 3. 

 

All proceeds from the race are donated to the Saint Vincent DePaul Society which provides shelter, food, counseling and referral services for people in our community who are in need.  Last year, thanks to the over 1,500 runners and walkers who participated, an $11,000 check was presented to the Society!

 

Carb load for the event with the "All You Can Eat" Pasta Dinner on March 19th from 4:30- 7:30 at St. Gregory CCD Center (1043 Stafford Ave in Bristol).  Tickets are just $8.00 per adult; $6.00 for children 6- 12; free for children age 5 and under - tickets are sold at the door.  You can also register and pick-up your packet during dinner as well.  and pick up and registration can occur during this time as well.  


For more information, click the race logo above.
 
Winter NoBo's Graduate with Honors!
O'Hartford No Boundaries Graduates
 

O'yeah - they did it!!  Over 40 of our winter No Boundaries athletes braved the wind, cold and threat of rain as they completed the Max O'Hartford 5k on Sunday afternoon.  It was an awesome sight seeing each of them cross the finish line and achieve their goals. 

In just 10 weeks, they went from couch potatoes to runners.  So can you!  Our next No Boundaries program begins on Saturday, April 3 at 9:00am.  Watch this video to get inspired, then check out our web site for more details and online registration.

Finished a 5k?  Take the Next Step!

Fleet Feet Training Programs
If you have successfully run a 5k in the last 6 months and are ready for your next challenge, join our 10k training group.  This 10-week program is designed for our No Boundaries graduates and anyone who can run between 2 and 3 miles.  We will help you over the "4-mile barrier" and into distances that you need two hands to count as you train for the Iron Horse 10k on Sunday, June 6.  It's a great program to help you increase your speed and endurance...and prepare you to run a half marathon!

Practices begin on Saturday, April 3 at 8:30am.  Cost is $100.

To sign-up, complete the registration form and bring it with you to the first practice (April 3). 

 

For more information, email Coach Renee.

Half Marathon Program Starts This Saturday
 

Breni
Go the distance at the Iron Horse Half Marathon this spring!  Whether you want to run your first half marathon or you are going for your PR, this program will accommodate everyone and will be a great time!  Participants should be able to run/walk 4 miles at an 11:00 mile pace before the first practice. 

 

This 12-week training program begins on Saturday, March 20 at 8am and culminates with the Iron Horse Half Marathon on Sunday June 6.  In addition to the group run on Saturday mornings, you will be encouraged to join us at the store on Wednesdays for a training run and participate in specially-designed speed workouts on Thursday evenings.  Registration fee is $125

 

To sign-up, complete the registration form and bring it with you to practice on Saturday.

 

For more information, email Coach Renee.

Injured? ART May Help
ART - the gold standard treatment for soft tissue injuries
Active Release Techniques, or ART, is a state-of-the-art soft tissue treatment system that is used to break up adhesions and scar tissue in muscles, ligaments, tendons and tissues surrounding nerves which limit range of motion and cause weakness and pain.  It has been proved effective for headaches, back pain, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and injuries caused by overuse and repetitive motions.  ART is an "active massage" which allows the patient to control the movement while the clinician is providing hands-on treatment to break-up the scar tissue and free the entrapped muscles, tendons and nerves. 
 
Once reserved for elite athletes and Olympians, ART is now popular amongst runners, triathletes and other athletic populations.  At Ironman competitions it is said that the ART Tent is the second most popular spot at the race (the Finish Line is #1).  ART is now considered to be the gold standard in soft tissue treatment.  Fortunately, here in the Hartford area, both Valley Sports Physicians & Orthopedic Medicine and Select Physical Therapy have certified ART providers. 
Store Hours  
 
Mon - Thurs: 10-7
Fri: 10-6
Sat: 10-5:30
Sun: 12-4
  
Phone:  860-233-8077 
Store Calendar
All events are at Fleet Feet Sports unless otherwise noted.
 
Wed, March 17; 6:30pm
Saint Patrick's Day
Fun Run & Walk
3-5 casual miles
(featuring pace groups
 from 7-12 min miles)
 
Thurs, March 18; 6:30pm
Track Workouts are Back!
at Saint Joseph College
Please park in upper lot
 
Sat, March 20; 8:00am
Half Marathon Training
Program Starts
There is still time to Register
Fee: $125
 
Sat, March 20; 9:30-11am
FREE Injury Assessments
with Select Physical Therapy
 
Wed, March 24; 6:30pm
Fun Run & Walk
3-5 casual miles
(featuring pace groups
 from 7-12 min miles)
 
Thurs, March 25; 6:30pm
Track Workouts
at Saint Joseph College
Please park in upper lot
 
Sat, April 3; 8:30am
10k Training Program Starts
Fee: $100
RSVP to Steph 
 
Sat, April 3; 9am
No Boundaries "Learn to Run" Program Starts
Fee: $95
RSVP to Steph 
 
Mon, April 5; 7-9pm
Outdoor Track Spike Night
Save on Shoes & get
your limited edition t-shirt!
 
Wed, April 15; 6:30pm
"Meet & Run" with the
New England NightMare
Professional Football Players
Event Descriptions
Calendar
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. 
 
*******

Select PT's Mobile Sports Center

Sat. March 20 from 9:30-11am: FREE Injury Assessments: Free in-store injury assessments are back!  Beginning this Saturday (and every other Saturday after that), a certified athletic trainer from Select Physical Therapy will be in the store to evaluate your injury and give you treatment advice.  Athletes of all sports (including the game of life!) and ages are invited to stop-by. 
 
******* 
Saucony Spike Night
 
Mon. April 5; 7:00-9:00pm: Outdoor Track Spike Night:  Join us for our Saucony Spike Night for discounts on track spikes and training shoes, free food, contests and raffles. 

As usual, staff artist Duncan Gerity will be designing a free custom Spike Night t-shirt that will only be available for a limited time.  Saucony will be bringing their van with try-on samples of Saucony shoes, music and more. 
RSVP to Schuyler.
 
*******
New England NightMare
 
Wed. April 14. 6:30pm: "Meet & Run" with the New England NightMare: CT is finally home to a professional football team - and, wow, can these girls play!  That's right, girls! 
 
The New England NightMare is part of the new Women's Football Alliance, a league of 45 professional female football teams throughout the US.  Unlike other professional athletes, these women, have full time jobs and have to pay for their own equipment and travel.  They play the sport because they love it.  Watching their clip reels, you can see their dedication and talent.  Sometimes I forgot that I wasn't watching an NFL highlight film. 
 
The NightMare is based in Windsor, but they will play their games in the 20,000 seat Dillon Stadium in Hartford.  Their home opener is Saturday, April 24 against the Philadelphia Liberty Belles.   But you can meet (and run with!) the NightMare during our Fun Run on March 14.  To help raise money for the team, we will be raffling off a pair of season tickets and other great prizes.  Bring the kids and your autograph book - you never know what future superstar you may meet!
Wed Night Fun Runs
6:30pm (at the store) 
Staffer Duncan Gerrity
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.  
 
Meet at the store.
Thursday Night Track Workout
Schuyler
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. 
 
Can't make it to the workout? Email Schuyler to get the Weekly Workout email.

Nuun
 
Nuun
is 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.
 
FREE Injury Hotline/Email
Select Physical Therapy
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 or email anytime to ask a licensed athletic trainer (usually my friend Eleni will answer) about your injury. 
 
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)
 
 
 of CLICK HERE to email Eleni.
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Check out our page by clicking here.
Return Policy
Save $15!
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!
Join Our Mailing List 

Extra

10%
Help us make way for the new spring clothes.  Use this coupon to save an ADDITIONAL 10% off all winter clearance items (that means you'll get 60% off!).  No other discounts or coupons apply.  Not valid on previous purchases.  All sales final on clearance apparel.
Offer Expires: Sunday, March 21, 2010