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You Know You're a Runner When... |
 Last night was the second practice for our "No Boundaries" beginner running program in downtown Hartford. As I drove to Bushnell Park for practice, the rain was coming down steady. I wondered how many of the 50 participants would brave the wet and cold. Imagine my surprise (and pride!) when I saw a group nearly 40 strong warming-up under the Soldiers Arch. I knew that this meant that they had officially become "runners" because we runners do crazy things...like run outside in the pouring rain when everyone else has the sense to either workout inside or skip it altogether. That got me thinking about all the other idiosyncrasies and habits that we runners have in common. I found this list on the LetRun.com web site and couldn't stop laughing (and agreeing!). I thought you would appreciate them as much as I did. You know you're a runner when:- You have more running clothes than regular clothes in your laundry pile
- You are not embarrassed to wear spandex
- You wash your shorts in the shower
- You don't make fun of fanny packs because your running belt looks very similar (although cooler) to one
- You can't remember the last time you had 10 toenails
- You go to a golf course to run (not play golf)
- You drive up a big hill and think what a great workout it would be
- Shaving 5 seconds off yesterday's time makes you feel great the whole day long
- You can say "five miles" and "easy run" in the same breath with a straight face
- You usually wake up at 4:00 in the morning but don't get to work until after 8:00am
- You pass a runner while driving and are envious
- You eat 5 squares a day & limit snacking to 5 times a day too
- Vitamin-I is an important daily supplement
- Your fridge contains two types of drinks: beer and Gatorade
- Your friends know not to call after 9pm and no longer ask you out for drinks on Saturday night.
- You think the best part about holidays is that there are significantly fewer cars for you to dodge on your morning run
- The only time major household projects get done is in a taper or race recovery
- A "ladder" has nothing to do with home maintenance and "quarters" are not a monetary unit.
- You get an invitation to a wedding and you automatically think about what race the date will conflict with
- You plan vacations and family outings around races
- After you meet someone who is a runner, you go online to see what their times are
- One of the criteria when buying a house is how good the running is around the neighborhood
- You think nothing of spending $100 on a pair of running shoes that will last you 3 months, but buy your dress shoes from the clearance bin
- And...the staff at Fleet Feet Sports know you by name!
Got your own line? Post it on our Facebook Wall. One lucky poster will win an running hat to protect them from the elements(via a random drawing).
Be Fit!
Steph |
| Schuyler's Insole Review |
Two weeks ago, I had the unique pleasure of attending "Superfeet University," two and a half days of education and workshops in Northern Washington State. Thanks to excellent educators and great questions from other participants, I learned as much about insoles and orthotics in this time as I have in almost five years of working in running specialty. While I intend to come back to insoles in a later article, this week I hope to address a few "insole myths" that can cause confusion when facing a wall of replacement insoles at the drug store.
Myth #1: That Soft Pad in the Heel
You might notice that many firm insoles have a soft pad at the heel, and that those almost alwayshave a circle cut out of the box so that you can press it with your finger to feel the padding. Feels pretty nice, right? What this pad actually does is flatten out, providing a window for your heel fat pad-the part of your foot that provides much of the shock absorption-to splay out. A more effective insole (or custom orthotic) fully cups the heel fat pad with a firm shape, keeping the fat pad focused to let your foot cushion itself more effectively.
Myth #2: Metatarsal Pads
Many over-the-counter othotics have a metatarsal pad, a little bump under the ball of the foot. While many custom orthotics also have a pad like this, it can be a bad idea on a non-custom device for two reasons. First, not everyone needs one. For people who do not need a metatarsal pad, it can prove useless at best and injurious at worst. Even for those who need a metatarsal pad, it needs to be properly positioned by a medical professional. Due to differences in arch length and other variations between feet, any metatarsal pad on a store-bought insole will only be positioned properly for a small percentage of the population.
Myth #3: If It Fits the Foot, It Works
The proper fit of the insole to the foot is of primary importance. Indeed, without this, it can't function properly. But almost as important is the interaction of the insole with the shoe. If the shoe does not properly accommodate the insole, it can hit the foot at the wrong angle and cause pain. This why it is important to always bring your custom orthotic with you when purchasing shoes: a well-trained Fit Expert can find the right shoe to fit your orthotic. When purchasing premium insoles for an existing flat or high-heel dress shoe or athletic shoe, he or she can find and fit the proper insole to work with the footwear shape and give you maximal support. |
| Now in the Store: | |
Mother's Day is just two weeks away. Don't know what to get mom? How about one of these fun items:
Bashful Bliss Necklaces: These fun necklaces feature a 1"x1" glass tile attached to a coordinating 18" ribbon cord that has an adjustable lobster clasp so you get the perfect length. There are over 15 different designs to choose from including ones for runners and triathletes. The best part is that they are only $15!  Socks: Two of the sweetest words in a runner's vocabulary: Balega Socks. Treat mom's feet to the softest technical socks available. They fit like a cloud hugging your foot thanks to the super-high thread count and seamless construction. They are theone sock runner LOVE to receive. You can never have enough pairs especially since other family members seem to permanently "borrow" them. (P.S. see coupon at the end of the newsletter for extra savings!)
 "Run Like a Mother" Tees: Good news! We've ordered more of these popular shirts and should have a full range of sizes in stock by the weekend. In addition to the pink "Run like a Mother" tech-tee, we are also bringing in the funky new "Runnin' Groovy" shirt for après run. Give mom a shirt with attitude!
 Sweaty Bands: "OMG... they don't slip!" Sweaty Bands are the ultimate sport and fitness headband. Loved by professional athletes, weekend warriors, soccer moms and Super Moms, these headbands prevent fly-aways and soak up sweat during even their toughest workouts. They come in multitudes of patterns and colors and are priced at less than $20 each.  Gift Certificate: Can't decide? How about getting Mom a gift certificate so she can experience our FITlosophy and find the perfect pair of shoes, sports bra or outfit for herself? Or maybe she's been eyeing a new watch or heartrate monitor? Better yet, help her Live Fit with a gift certificate to join one of our training programs this summer. We will be hosting groups for the Old Wethersfield 5 & 10k and the ING Hartford Half Marathon. |
| Featured Races: Baja 5000 |
 Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in MAXimum style with this "5k with ATTITUDE" sponsored by Max Fish and Hotel California Tequila which means it has one of the best post-race fiestas! The course is an out-and-back loop that runs through Riverfront Park. The first 300 finishers will receive a commemorative shot glass and all runners/walkers will get a shirt, chips and salsa and tropical fruit at the finish line. After the race, runners are invited to join Max Fish's Cinco de Mayo party featuring Hotel California cocktails, Max's famous fish tacos, a Baja tequila inspired pizza and live entertainment. Race registration is $30 ($25 if you are 18 or younger). Tickets to the party are $25 For more information about the race or to register, click here. |
| Donate Your Shoes, Make a Playground | |
Give your sneakers a second chance at life! Bring your well-worn and well-loved sneakers (NO DRESS SHOES please) to Fleet Feet Sports by 5:00pm Saturday, May 8. We will be taking the shoes to Willimantic Waste where there is a semi truck waiting to take them to Nike's headquarters in Oregon. Nike then uses a special recycling process to grind up the shoes and donates the material to schools and communities to use for playground and track surfaces.
Since 1990, over 25 million shoes have been recycled - let's add a few thousand more! |
| Volunteer Coach Needed | |
The Melanoma Research Foundation's Marathon and Half Marathon Training Program (TEAMM4M) is in need of a volunteer coach to train runners for the ING Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon in October 2010. TEAMM4M's head coach, based in Washington, DC, has created a training schedule for our runners and will provide coaching leadership. A local area coach is needed to meet with our runners for our weekend long runs. Duties would include setting the course and being on course during the run; being available before and after the run to answer runners questions; being available by email for runner assistance. The training season is from early June to late October. You'll be assisted by two lead volunteers who are trying to bring this program to Hartford in effort to raise money and awareness for the MRF. Please contact Carolyn at TEAMM4M@melanoma.org if you are interested or for more information. |
| Foam Rolling Class - May 2 (10-11:30am) |  Yearning for some new exercises for your foam roller? Join us for a special Sunday workshop to challenge your core stability. Suitable for Pilates novices and devotes alike!
The foam roller turns all of your mat-work into a core busting workout. Also used to massage soft tissue, the foam roller is the perfect tool to use at home on days you're not running to keep your body feeling stretched and strong all week. This 90 minute workshop will teach you challenging new exercises that will bring a fresh twist to your core strengthening home routine!
Cost is $35.00 and takes place at Pilates Defined. Email Jessica to sign-up. |
| Generation UCAN Taste Test - May 8 |  Generation UCAN is a local CT company that has developed a new sports drink designed to enhance performance, sustain energy and burn fat. It utilizes a unique energy source called SuperStarch - a naturally modified carbohydrate that was originally developed for children with a very rare disease that doesn't allow them to produce any blood sugar in their bodies naturally.
During a clinical trial at the University of Oklahoma, it was noticed that study participants didn't have the "spike and crash" effect that those drinking glucose-based sports drinks did. Instead, their bodies utilized fat as its fuel source which kept insulin levels steady and provided a sustained source of energy. An added advantage of this complex carbohydrate beverage is that it is gentle on the stomach so it doesn't cause the gastric distress induced by other sport drinks.
Generation UCAN comes in powder form that you mix with water. It is available in five flavors: pomegranate-blueberry, vanilla, chocolate, lemon and plain. The taste is a bit starchy (it is not a "thirst quencher" but if you drink it before your workout, you'll have a steady energy burn to help you start AND finish strong. It is also an excellent recovery drink.
Perhaps no better testament to the success of this new beverage is the fact that has already become 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist and 2009 NYC Marathon Winner, Meb Keflezighi's sports drink of choice.
The folks from Generation UCAN will be at Fleet Feet Sports on Saturday, May 8 from 8-10am. Come learn more about the product and taste it for yourself. |
| Chi Running Seminar - May 23 (9am-1pm) |  Chi Runner extraordinaire and certified instructor, Joel Matalon, is back by popular demand! Now is your chance to learn about one of the hottest trends in running.
Joel's half-day workshop is filled with exercises and drills designed to leave you with a clear sense of what the ChiRunning technique feels like in your body. You will not be doing lots of running (contrary to what you might imagine), so no matter what condition you are in, have no fear. Most of the workshop will be held indoors, but you will have the opportunity to go outside and put together all that you have learned.
The nature of the day will be relaxed, full and inspiring. This is a great clinic to fine-tune your form for the Hartford Marathon! Click here to register online. Cost is $125. Fitness professionals will receive 5 CEC's for their participation. The class will take place at the Inner Kur (977 Farmington Ave in West Hartford Center).
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| Trigger Point Therapy Class - June 13 |
 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. |
| Hill-Stead May Market - May 7 & 8 |
 My mom is always supporting Fleet Feet events so I thought I'd return the favor and show support for one of her events: May Market at the Hill-Stead Museum. My mom is co-chair of this great event for everyone who has a green thumb, wants a green thumb or just appreciates a beautiful garden.
This year's special guests include Gordon Hayward, a nationally renowned garden designer and award-winning author, and Celebrity Chef Kevin Cottle, executive Chef of the Farmington Country Club and runner-up in 2009's Hell's Kitchen with Chef Gordon Ramsay. You can shop for perennials and woodland plants, browse the booths of over 50 exhibitors selling antiques and quality crafts, enjoy garden and cooking demonstrations with local experts, consult with horticulturalists and Master Gardeners, join an estate walk and take a tour of the museum which houses several Impressionist paintings from Degas and Monet. Kids will be entertained with face painting, "plant a pot" for Mother's Day, special dance performances by the Morris Dancers, strolling banjo players, the Hill-Stead's flock of sheep and the Cupcake Café (my favorite part of May Market too!). For more information and to purchase tickets, click here. |
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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.
Good Eats with Chef Steve
Fun Run & Walk
3-5 casual miles
(featuring pace groups
from 7-12 min miles)
Thurs, April 29; 6:00pm
Galloway Marathon Training Program Information Night
Meet Jeff Galloway!
Thurs, April 29; 6:30pm
Track Workout
at Saint Joseph College
Please park in upper lot
Sat, May 1; 8-9am
Massage Clinic with
Nurturing Hands
Free!
Sat, May 1; 9:30-11am
FREE Injury Assessments
with Select Physical Therapy
Sun, May 2; 10-11:30am
Foam Rolling Workshop
at Pilates Defined
Cost: $35
Fun Run & Walk
3-5 casual miles
(featuring pace groups
from 7-12 min miles)
Thurs, May 6; 6:30pm
Track Workouts
at Saint Joseph College
Please park in upper lot
Sat, May 8; 8-10am
Taste the newest sport beverage from Generation UCAN
Sun, May 9; 12-4pm
Mizuno's "Run with Us"
truck visit featuring their "Precision Fit Terminals"
Gift with Trial!
Thurs, May 13; 6:30pm
Asics Night at the Track
Track Workout &
"Lace 'Em Up Challenge"
Saint Joseph College
Thurs, May 20; 6:30
Adidas AdiZero Track Event
Racing Flat Demos
Saint Joseph College
Sun, May 23; 9am-1pm
Chi Running Clinic
with Joel Matalon
Cost : $125
Sun, June 13; 8am-5pm
Trigger Point Therapy Certification Class
Cost: $200 |
| 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.
Sat. May 1; 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 15 from 9:30-11am).
Wed. April 28; 7:00pm: Chef Steve Cooks-Up Some Yummy Eats: Fleet Feet Peep and professional chef Steve Kantrowitz (he was the founding chef for the former Max on Main) will be hosting a "Meet & Eat" after our fun run. In addition to sharing recipes and techniques for a fit lifestyle including shopping and cooking tip, he will be cooking his tres yummy mini black bean burgers, seasonal spring rolls and homemade granola. The only catch is that you have to finish the fun run before you can eat!
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.
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Sat, May 1; 8-9am: Nurturing Hands Massage Clinic: Our friends, Deby and Wendy from Nurturing Hands, will be joining us this Saturday morning at 8:00am for a seminar on the benefits of massage for athletes. They will teach us techniques for self and partner massage both pre and post workout. Free mini-massages for all in attendance! Looking for the perfect Mother's Day Gift? They will be selling gift certificates and their wonderful "Nurturing Essentials" massage oil and lotion.
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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!).
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Thurs, May 13; 6:30-7:30pm: Asics Night at the Track: Join us at the track for a great workout, see the latest gear from Asics and test your shoe-lacing skills in the "Asics Lace 'Em Up Challenge". Start practicing because the two fastest times will win either a pair of Asics shoes or an Asics outfit. Plus, we'll have a prize for everyone who tries.
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Thurs, May 20; 6:30-7:30pm: Adidas Adizero Demo Night at the Track: Michael McGrane, our favorite Adidas rep and speedster (he celebrated his 40th birthday by running the Boston Marathon in 2:42), is bringing his bag of blazing fast Adizero racing shoes for everyone to demo during the track workout - as well as fun gifts for everyone in attendance. Lace up a pair of Adizero's and burn some rubber!
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| 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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Buy 3 Socks, Get the 4th Pair Free* |
You may mix and match between brands (Balega, Thorlo, Wright, Darn Tough VT, Sock Guy and Injingi).
* The free pair of socks will be the one of equal or lesser value. | | Offer Expires: Sunday, May 9, 2010
No other discounts or coupons apply. Not valid on previous purchases. |
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