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The Times Are a Changin' |
 Before the running boom of the 80's & 90's, runners were hard core. The photo at left features my dad racing in "high-tech"gear circa 1973 (love the cut-off jean shorts!). He also wore shoes made of nylon with a waffle rubber sole that would wear out so fast that he needed to "re-tread" them with Shoe Gu after about a month.
Back then, there was no such thing as synthetic material, energy gels or water stops - even during a marathon. Runners were a very exclusive group, and men far outnumbered women. The women did run were hardcore. My mom and her friend once ran a 10 mile all-female race sponsored by Avon. I remember them being worried about the sag truck picking them up. They beat the truck by 3 minutes. Their time? 87 minutes. That's right - you were plucked off the course if you weren't faster than a 9:00 mile.
Flash forward to today and more women than men are running. In fact, there are 11,315 women entered in this year's Boston Marathon - the most in race history! Most every race features water stops, and we worry about over-hydrating. We have high-tech gear that allows us to run in every weather condition and can even help us shave precious minutes off our race times (thank you CWX and CEP!). We ingest special gels, beans and bars so we can run further, faster and longer.
Fortunately, running is more inclusive these days. More people have taken up the sport whether it's to improve their health, their fitness, their social life or their sanity. They are not always skinny or fast. In fact, the average marathon time is now 4 hours and 29 minutes for men and 4:59 for women (10:15 and 11:24 minute miles). Everyone earns the same medal.
We've learned that running is not just for the swift and strong, but for regular people like you and me too. It gives us the chance to do extraordinary things like run a marathon or finish a triathlon. It helps us stay healthier...and indulge in our favorite foods every now and then. It is a great way to spend quality time with our friends, spouses and kids.
One of my goals is to build one of the biggest and best running communities in the nation - a community that embraces all shapes, sizes, ages and paces. With 150+ adults currently in our training programs, 140 kids in our youth running program and over 70 people joining our weekly track workouts, I think we're off to a good start!
Be Fit!
PS Good luck to everyone running Boston next Monday. We'll be out there in spirit with you. Enjoy running those historic streets and may the crowd's fanatical support provide you with an endless stream of endorphins! |
| Schuyler's Shoe Review |
Nike Vomero+ 5: When reviewing a previous version of the Nike Vomero, I described it as "plush, pillowy and padded." Of all the shoes on our wall, this has been our go-to shoe when someone wants the softest ride available. The recently-released update, the Vomero+ 5, retains these characteristics while tweaking the shoe's fit.  Both the men's and women's versions retain the same wide forefoot, but the men's unfortunately adds a stitched overlay over the bunion area. This makes the shoe a less suitable fit for men with substantial bunions than in previous years. As long as you don't have a bunion, though, the changes are all for the best. The upper is now sewn-in to the tongue halfway, providing a snug fit around the midfoot without tongue slippage. Additionally, the heel is now deeper to better accommodate orthotics and insoles.  The women's version keeps the bunion window and arch wrap of the previous versions, but the bunion window is now covered like in the Nike Equalon, still providing that great flex but giving the shoe a sleeker, slimmer look. Like the men's Vomero 5, the women's has a sock-fit upper for midfoot snugness. Despite the substantial differences between the men's and women's models, the one thing that remains consistent is the marshmallow-soft midsole. |
| Now in the Store: |
Adidas MiCoach: Adidas' long awaited miCoach system is finally here! I've been testing one over the past few weeks and give it a thumbs-up! The miCoach Pacer includes a soft-strap heart rate monitor that is washable (and comfortable), a stride sensor to measure your distance and stride count and the "pacer". The pacer keeps track of your data including time, distance, stride rate, calories and heart rate and can either be used alone or as a pass-through to your mp3 player. At any time during your run, you can press the center button and your "coach" (I picked an Englishman) will tell you your data. After your run, you can upload all your data to a special online log that allows you to enter in notes and analyze your performance at any point during your run. Even cooler is that there are thousands of professionally designed training plans, everything from a 5k to Marathon, as well as plans for losing weight, de-stressing and finishing faster that can be downloaded into your Pacer (you can even upload your own plan). As you run, your "coach" audibly tells you when to speed-up, slow-down or maintain so that you can optimize your workout. It takes the guesswork out of training. The best part is the price. The Pacer bundle costs $139 while the Zone heart rate bundle (no stride sensor) is just $69! No other company offers a soft-strap heart rate monitor for that little.  Run Happy Tees:Mother's Day is less than a month away. If your mom likes to run, we've got the perfect gift! After getting frustrated that there were no "cute shirts" to wear for their half marathon, two moms decided to create their own and Run Happy Tees was born. Their best selling shirt "Run Like a Mother" is a pink v-neck moisture-wicking tee that is super soft to the touch. We also brought in two ultra-comfy cotton tees: "Run Strong" featuring a heart tattoo in an acid wash black and "Peace, Love & Run" in a fun weathered summer turquoise. Fun!  Nike 2-in-1 Shorts: As the temperatures climb, so do pant legs. It's shorts season! Last year some of our best selling shorts were the 2-in-1 shorts from Nike for men and women. Both feature an inner compression short which helps to support the quads and hamstrings, protects against chafing and ensures that you're not giving anyone a show while you stretch.  The women's features an outer 3" split short with perforated holes along the sides to enhance breathability and a zippered back pocket - it'll be my go-to short for the VT marathon. The men's version is great for training runs and gym workout. It has a 7" inseam, pocket in the back, and a fitted media pocket on the side so your tunes don't get in the way. |
| Featured Races: Glastonbury River Run |
 Fast, scenic and cool prizes! Three great reasons to participate in the Glastonbury River Run's 5k road race and family walk on Sunday, April 25 at 1:00pm. The race starts and ends on High Street in South Glastonbury and winds its way along the Connecticut River and adjacent farmlands. The out-and-back course features only one turn and only one "small" hill that you have to climb to reach the finish line. There is a water stop at the halfway point. If you register before April 20, the cost is $28 ($23 if you are a student). Proceeds from the race benefit the Glastonbury High School Crew Team. To register or learn more, click here. The race also hosts a largest team contest, with the winner receiving the perpetual "Glastonbury River Run Spirit" trophy to display until next year's race. We think that trophy would look great hanging in the store, so we're inviting our Fleet Feet Peeps (that's you!) to join us at the race. When you sign-up, write "Fleet Feet Sports" as your team. Then, bring a copy of your race registration confirmation to the store and pick-up your team jersey to wear on race day. Go team! |
| Couch-to-5k Program - Downtown Hartford! |
 Fleet Feet Sports is very excited to be partnering with the Travelers Championship to offer a "Couch to 5K" Training Program in downtown Hartford beginning Monday, April 19. We will be training to run the BlumShapiro 5K for Charity at the Travelers Championship on Saturday, June 12.
Gather your co-workers and friends and thumb your nose at rush hour traffic as you learn to have fun on the run during this 8-week program. The program is geared towards beginners, but all levels of walkers, runners and couch potatoes are welcome.
Practices will be held on Monday evenings at 5:30 pm (beginning on April 19). We will meet under the Arch at Bushnell Park.
Thanks to the Travelers Championship, your $75 registration fee will include your training plan, personalized coaching by experienced runners from the Travelers Road Runners Club, tech tee, entry into the BlumShapiro 5K and a ticket to the Travelers Championship golf tourney!
Let's get FIT together this spring and make downtown Hartford the place to be on Monday evenings!
To register, complete the online applicationand then remember to pack your running shoes on Monday, April 19 for our first practice!
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| Trigger Point Performance Therapy Class |
 Fleet Feet Sports and The Fitness Continuum are partnering with Trigger Point Performance Therapy to bring their "Ultimate Six Certification Class" to Hartford on June 13! This 8-hour course will enable you to take your knowledge of self-myofascial release and trigger point therapy to the next level. The course concentrates on the six areas of the body that have the most influence on biomechanics and injuries. By managing and manipulating the fascia in these areas you can bring efficiency to your body's biomechanics and increase your overall health, well-being and performance by managing aches and pains and promoting recovery through increased blood flow and range of motion. You will learn all about the human biomechanical chain and how to effectively use the patented TP Therapy tools.  The course will be offered at The Fitness Continuum in West Hartford (near Whole Foods). It starts at 8am. Please bring a yoga mat and comfortable clothes as the class is highly participatory. Cost is $200, but you will also need to purchase Trigger Point Therapy's Ultimate 6 kit (available at Fleet Feet Sports). Register online here. Class is limited to 20 participants and is likely to sell out, so don't wait too long to register. |
| Now Hiring! (Great Perks, Fun Work!) |  Thanks to loyal customers like you, Fleet Feet Sports is growing! To help us to continue to provide extraordinary customer service to runners, walkers and anyone who needs a comfortable pair of shoes, we are looking for a few exceptional people to join our team!
We are currently seeking applicants for long-term/permanent positions including two FIT Professionalsand a Staff Manager. You do not need to be a shoe or biomechanics expert to apply (we'll teach you that!), but you DO need to:
- Enjoy working with people
- Love sharing your passion for living fit
- Be energetic and lively
- Multi-task and be comfortable in a fast-paced environment
- Communicate effectively and be a good listener
- Not mind touching bare feet
- Be available to work weekends
The FIT Professionalsare our most important team members since they work directly with customers to educate, communicate and provide the best solutions based on each customer's unique needs. You will work directly with customers to ensure proper fitting of footwear/apparel utilizing our FITlosophy, demonstrate accessories, educate customers on our wide variety of products, provide tips for training and injury prevention and promote our activities and programs. It is a very hands-on job that will keep you on your toes, but is very fun and rewarding too! Compensation includes an hourly wage plus incredible product discounts. Staff who work over 35 hours a week also receive health insurance and paid time off. We also are adding a Staff Managerto our team. This person will preferably have 1-2 years of management experience and be comfortable in a retail environment. They will lead and develop staff and have primary responsibility for all floor activities. Most importantly, they will help create a fun, positive and energetic workplace environment that encourages professional growth. This full-time position includes a salary, incredible product discounts, health insurance and paid time off. If you - or someone you know - is interested in either position, please email Stephyour resume, a short description of why this position would be perfect for you, and confirmation of your schedule and availability (hours and days you are available to work). Please note that all positions are for long-term employment (not just this summer) and require working some evenings and weekends. Fleet Feet Sports - A great place to shop. A great place to work! |
| Yoga for Athletes | |
Join Team Training New England as they kick off the triathlon season with an amazing pair of workshops for women and men to complement your training taught by Sage Roundtree, the internationally renowned yoga instructor, author, Runner's World contributor and expert endurance sports coach. The workshops will give you the tools you need to stay strong and injury-free all season long. Both are appropriate for all levels of yoga and athletic experience, including athletes in all sports, endurance or non-endurance.
Yoga and Running - 9:30-11:30 a.m. - $30
In this two-hour session, we'll examine how yoga and running mesh. Starting with a dynamic yoga warm-up, we'll see how yoga asana helps us with alignment, strength, and flexibility in running. We'll also consider yoga's approach to breath and focus and observe yoga's effect on the runner's experience. Learn running-specific core strength and hip stretches to finish.
Come dressed to run, but expect to run no more than a mile or two total. All levels are welcome.
Yoga for All Athletes - 1:00-4:00 p.m. - $45
In this three-hour workshop appropriate for all levels of yoga and athletic experience, you'll learn poses to increase flexibility, especially in the hips and legs; spend some time cultivating sport-specific core strength and playing with balance; and examine yoga as mental training, learning how incorporating this ancient approach can make you a better athlete.
No matter what your sport is, you'll leave with practical ways to incorporate yoga in your training to increase your flexibility, core strength, stability, and physical and mental endurance, while lowering your recovery time and risk of injury. All levels welcome, including beginners.
Both workshops take place at the Ferris Athletic Center (Unit D) at Trinity College (look for the signs). Click hereto register online before April 29. If spots are available, you can also register at the event for an extra $10 (cash and checks only). |
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Store Hours
Mon - Thurs: 10-7
Fri: 10-6
Sat: 10-5:30
Phone: 860-233-8077
| | Store Calendar |
All events are at Fleet Feet Sports unless otherwise noted.
"Meet & Run" with the
New England NightMare
Professional Football Players
Thurs, April 15; 6:30pm
Track Workouts are Back!
at Saint Joseph College
Please park in upper lot
Tax Day De-stressor!
Sat, April 17; 9:30-11am
FREE Injury Assessments
with Select Physical Therapy
Wed, April 21; 8:30am
Running Hope Through America
Run in Avon, CT
Fun Run & Walk
3-5 casual miles
(featuring pace groups
from 7-12 min miles)
Thurs, April 22; 6:30pm
Track Workouts
at Saint Joseph College
Please park in upper lot
Thurs, April 29; 6:00pm
Galloway Marathon Training Program Information Night
Meet Jeff Galloway!
Sat, May 9; 12-4pm
Mizuno's "Run with Us"
truck visit
FREE!! |
| 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.
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Sat. Aprl 17; 9:30-11am: FREE Injury Assessments: Injured? Don't know whether you can run/play sports or if you should really see a doctor? Come to our free injury assessment clinic staffed by a certified athletic trainer from Select Physical Therapy. No appointment is necessary.
These free clinics will be offered every other Saturday through the year (next clinic will be Saturday, May 1 from 9:30-11am).
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!
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Wed, April 21. 8:30am; Running Hope Through America: Lisa Smith Batchen, one of the world's premier endurance runners, is going to run 50 miles in each of the 50 states in just 60 days to raise money for orphans in the US and abroad.
Smith Batchen will be joined by Sister Mary Beth Lloyd, an experienced ultra-runner herself who runs in her full habit, a small support crew comprised of an accordion player, a college student and a potato farmer and hopefully, you! They will be traveling through CT on Wednesday, April 21 and plan to be at the Thompson Brook Rd parking lot in Avon, CT at 8:30am. Runners will be encouraged to run whatever distance they are comfortable with. If you are interested, click hereto register. There is no cost to participate.
Thurs, April 29: 6:00pm: Meet Jeff Galloway & 6:30pm Galloway Marathon Training Information Session: Meet Olympian Jeff Galloway and learn about his popular Galloway Marathon Training Program that has helped people of all skill levels and ages complete a half or full marathon.
Jeff's unique low-mileage run-walk program makes it possible for almost anyone to experience the feeling of completing their goal. Even the most out of shape and inactive individuals can complete a marathon at the end of the training period by adhering to Jeff's run/walk approach to training.
The goal race of this 30-week program is the ING Hartford Marathon, though you can choose to do another full or half marathon that fits your schedule. The first practice will be 8:00am on Saturday, May 1 at the West Hartford Reservoir. Everyone is invited to join and try the run for free. If you like it, you can register online here. Cost is $159 ($99 if you are a Galloway alumnus).
For more information, email Galloway's Hartford Program Leader, Debbi Zimbler, at debzimbler@aol.com.
Sunday, May 9: 12-4pm: Mizuno's "Run With Us" Truck Visit: Have your feet and biomechanics analyzed by the Precision Fit terminals and try out a pair of Mizuno shoes recommended for your foot shape and gait. Free Mizuno schwag to everyone who stops by (might need it to give to Mom to make-up for not spending all of Mother's Day with her!). |
| 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.
Meet at the store. |
| Thursday Night Track Workout |
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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 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 |
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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 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.
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| 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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