Anniversary # 2.13

Tomorrow marks the Blozy Sisters' second anniversary of owning Fleet Feet Sports, Hartford (which celebrated its 13th anniversary back in April).  The experience has been better than we ever imagined it could be - in thanks to wonderful people like you who aren't just customers, but a part of our ever-growing Fleet Feet Family.  It's not work when you get to be around friends all day!
 
Our dream began when we were little girls.  We loved playing store. One year we even got a huge cardboard storefront for Christmas.  It was awesome!  We talked about owning a store together one day, but our career paths diverged after college with Carrie pursuing a career in international trade and me in weather.  But as we sat in front of a fire on New Year's Eve in 2005 talking about our life goals, our dream of being business owners resurfaced. 
 
We agreed that the business would have to be something we were both passionate about, which narrowed our options to chocolate and running.  We figured that opening a running store was the best choice since it would enable us to continue our enjoyment of chocolate without consequence. 
 
We researched the world of running retail and decided that since neither of us had any real retail experience, we would open a Fleet Feet Sports store because of their sound business model and excellent support.  We found a great location near Nashua, NH and submitted our application.  After Fleet Feet Inc approved our application, they asked if we would be interested in purchasing an existing store rather than opening up a new one.  We said "yes", but only if it was within a two hour radius of Hartford since our parents had recently relocated there from Ohio.  They replied saying they thought that we'd be happy with the location.
 
The next day I received a call from Alice Gold.  She had heard that we were interested in buying her store.  I told her that we were, but were curious to know where her store was located.  I couldn't believe my ears when she said "West Hartford" - the store 1.4 miles from my parents' house! 
 
As we got further along in negotiations, I began to get cold feet, thinking that maybe Carrie and I didn't have enough knowledge to run a business.  So, I put our dream on hold while I earned my master's degree in Exercise Science and worked part-time at Fleet Feet Sports store near my home in Maryland.  I told myself that if the store was still available when I graduated two years later, then it was really meant to be.  And the rest is history!

 

Be Fit!

With Father's Day right around the corner it's time to start looking for the perfect gift for Dad. From socks to shorts to hats, we have ideas to get Dad geared up from head to toe and have him out on the run, looking sharp and feeling good.
 
Balega Hidden Dry Lo Cut Sock: These socks, with their seamless toe, ultra soft fabric, and moisture wicking technology, are a real treat for the toes. While Balega has several styles and cuts, the Balega Hidden Dry Lo Cut is perfect for the hot summer months. The thinner of Balega socks it will keep feet cool and dry on the days when it feels like the pavement could melt your soles. 
 
Nike Pacer 2 in 1 Shorts:  Perfect for running, the gym and everyday summer time use the Nike Pacer 2  in 1 shorts are made with a 7 inch inseam and built in compression short. They are light weight and breathable and even come with a small zip pocket in the back for nutrition, chap stick, car key or anything else you need on the go. 
 
Timex Sleek:  This watch is the perfect combination of functionality and design.  The aerodynamic, sleek (hence the name) look screams serious athlete while the simple buttons and easy to read screen make it a usable product for all levels. It includes 50 lap memory, interval settings, and is even water resistant down to 100m. 
 
Tifosi Slip Sunglasses:  A great way to keep Dad looking stylish is the Tifosi Slip. The frame on these sunglasses is made from a material with high alternative bending strength as well as a high resistance to UV and chemical damage (no worries, Dad, slather on that sunscreen).  To make the perfect , customizable fit, the Slip features  rubber nose and ear pieces that are also adjustable for size as well as interchangeable lens that can be switched based on lighting conditions. 
 
Saucony Ignite Run Cap:  What a fabulous idea Saucony had when they came out with this hat. The bill is bendable and can be folded and tucked into shorts or a back pocket. (how awesome!) It has an adjustable closure, stretch woven mesh, and a terrycloth band to absorb excess moisture.  I tip this one to you, dad.

There are two great 5k's this weekend, including one that rewards runners with a free ticket to the Traveler's Championship, CT's legendary PGA Tour event!  Run or come be a part of the Fleet Feet Pep Squad and cheer on our No Boundaries graduates!

If you like golf, this 5k is for you!  All participants in this near race will receive a free one-day admission pass to the Travelers Championship (a PGA Tour event) in addition to their race t-shirt!  The race takes place in Cromwell along the roads that line the fairways and greens of the TPC River Highlands golf course and the spectacular new practice facility.  Start time is 8:30am.
 
Got kids?  There will also be a ½ mile fun run for kids starting at 8:00am.  Kids will receive a t-shirt and a finisher medal! 
 
Consistent with the golf tournament's mission of giving back to the community, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to local charities like the Columbus House, the East Hartford Shelter, the Merton House and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.  Plus, each participant who brings a non-perishable food item to the race will be entered to win great prizes including tournament tickets and apparel, tickets to area events, gift certificates and more! 
 
Race entry fee for the 5k is $30; $10 for the kids run.  To learn more and register online, click here

 

You can't get more local than this race that starts just a few blocks from the store!  Join our No Boundaries and Zoomerang kids as they complete the race they've been training for during the last 10 weeks.  After the race, plan on staying to enjoy the community fair that includes an arts & crafts show, great food, entertainment, games and rides.  It's fun for the whole family!
 
The USATF certified 5k begins at 9:30am and is open to runners and walkers of all ages.  The mostly flat course starts and ends near Whole Foods in West Hartford Center/Blue Back Square.  Competition is always tough as this race features great prizes for all age group winners.  Plus, the overall female winner will receive the coveted Fleet Feet "Trophy" which is actually a framed poster autographed by Olympic Bronze Medalist and American running superstar, Deena Kastor! 
 
There will also be a ½ mile kids Fun Run that starts at 8:30am.  All kids aged 10 and under will receive a race number and a finishers medal! 
 
Fleet Feet Sports is proud to host packet pick-up for this race on Friday from 4-6pm and on Saturday from 9am-Noon.  Come early and skip the hectic rush on race day.  You can also register for the race during this time ($20 for the 5k and $5 for the Kids K).  The first 800 registered runners will receive a free t-shirt - and we're getting close to that cap, so don't delay!
 
For more information, click the logo above.

After ten weeks of training, over 60 miles of running, lots of stretching, cross training and walking, our latest group of No Boundaries participants are graduating with honors!  Half of the group ran in last Saturday's Komen Race for the Cure in downtown Hartford.  Lead by Coach Rich (who wore a pink shirt to honor his wife Dottie - a breast cancer survivor and NoBo graduate), the group was awarded the Top Fundraising Fitness Team!   
 
Congrats to the Komen NoBo Graduates: Barbara Boyd, Carmela Ciniglio, Dominic  Ciocotto, Dottie Dillon, Tara Dillon, Shaunessy Egan, Janet Flynn, Gina Gadue, Katherine Gallagher, Emily Guay, Kathy Kudravi, Marilee Medina, Melissa Persaud, Nancy Pogg, Janet Ralston, Danielle Roy, Pam Rekow, Sara Ryan, Gretchen Sausville, Karla Shea, Jennifer  Spino, Anne Tapier, Jill Tierney, Lauren Zeligson
 
And to future NoBo's" Amber Kaldy, Amanda McKee and Jonna Urban who painted their hair pink and finished the Kids K in style! 
 
Also, best of luck to the rest of the Spring 2010 No Boundaries group who are running Celebrate! West Hartford this weekend & our downtown No Boundaries group who will be running the BlumShapiro 5k at the Travelers Championship.  Go Team!
 
Celebrate! West Hartford 5k: Betsy DeBlieux, Chris Eichar, Amy Frey, Gina Gadue, Christina Gerard, Rebecca Gerard, Claudia Jones, Crystal Jones, Bridget Kaldy, Marty Musselman, Lucy Nolan, Sally Nolan (who decided to run in the Iron Horse 5k and won her age group!), Janet Ralston, Ana Ramos, Janice Reilly, Kate Riley, Kevin Riley, Danielle Roy, Tim Roy, Alicia Russell, Lauren Zelligson and Carolyn Zolty
 
BlumShaprio 5k at the Traveler's Championship: Jacqueline Alessi, Maria Arroyo, Bradford Babbitt, Kevin Benner, Jacklyn Cardenas, Anne Constantine, Cheryl Constantine, Barbara Costas, Deborah Cruz, Isaac Cruz, Joan Cruz, Kathleen Cunningham, Donald Dixon, Donna Estabrook, Yizza Galdamez, Giselle Gamble, Angela Gervais, Gwen Goldsnider, Carol Goodyear, Rebecca Grady, Pam Greenwell, Nathalie Hagan, Sharon Koonze, Leah Landrie, Renee Lavoie, Frances Leon, David Lesieur, Rene Livingston, Diana Logodicio , Alba Martinez, Erica Mills, Darniel Mojica, Ivellise Montanez, Katie Morel, Lisa Moriarty, Maggie Moro, Jennifer Nadeau, Greg O'Connell, Nelidya Perez, Helen Polak, Kim Richard, Eliza Ricordi, Amy Rodriguez, Darlene Rodriguez, Virginia Ruez, Haley Ryan, Wilnelia Santos, Betsey Shannon, Lorilee Smith, Dario Sote, Michael Teiger, Sandy Tew, Amanda Thomas, Beth Valente, Sara Van Keuren, Betsy Vandeventer and Hilary Waldman

For me, coaching the 10K group was such an amazing experience.  Nearly 20 women (and one man  - yeah Dwight!) showed up every week determined to run and run well.  Although there were runners ranging from 8-11 minute miles, everyone found someone to run with. 
 
I watched friendships grow every single week.  Girls were making plans for mid-week runs, absolutely motivating one another.   The best part for me was the willingness of the runners to push themselves beyond what they thought they were capable of - especially when we played with a little speed work.  To see these women push and realize that they had that in them was amazing.  I could truly see a change in some of these women.  They were moving and they felt so strong!!!! 

I could see that as the miles started increasing, they grew a "mental toughness" that allowed them to enter the 10k with confidence and finish strong.  Their commitment to themselves, each other and us coaches was inspiring!  I am so proud of everyone who had the courage to take the first step and join our training program.  You did it!!
 
Jennifer Buccheri, Kristin Buchanan, Melissa Burke, Karen D'Elia, Becky Eleck, Elysa Gordon, Katrina Goyco, Mary Eberhardt, Dwight Hernandez, Deb Kantrowitz, Annie Keith, Rebecca Kohl, Deb Kosior, Jeannette Kulas, Valerie Payne-Masse, Pam Powell, Chevaughn Shaw, Valerie Sorensen and Sharon Taylor.

 

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. June 12; 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, June 26 from 9:30-11am).

 

*********

 

Thurs, June 10; 6:30: UCAN Taste Test (Saint Joseph College Track):  Shaun Gagnon from Generation UCAN, the sports drink of choice for Meb KaKeflezighi, will be bringing UCAN samples to the track for a taste-test after the workout.  UCAN makes a great recovery product that optimizes muscle recovery and enhances fat burn.  If you use products like Hammer's Recoverite or Whey Protein, you should try UCAN! 
  

I've completed both your beginning 5k and the 10k training programs and have been trying to think up some sort of testimonial for your training programs. 

 

I considered writing about how I've lost 57 pounds over the past year and a half through healthy eating and healthy living, but I really believe that the majority of that weight has come off because of running - and I credit Fleet Feet for helping me enjoy running.

I also thought about writing how I've always envied people who can just go out for a run and enjoy themselves, as I was always a person who had to focus too much on breathing to find it relaxing.  Now I'll get up at 4am and jog for an hour, just because I know it'll help me get through a 13 hour shift and maintain my sanity. 

 

Running consistently with Fleet Feet has really helped me "get there."  I didn't even notice the transition until last week.  I run for fun now, because it's part of my week.  I've never had a day with Fleet Feet when I wasn't having fun.
 
But I think my biggest "testimonial" is about your coaching staff.  I've had dozens of coaches.  I played soccer all through elementary and middle school, and I swam competitively from 3rd grade through high school.  I have never had a coach that even noticed me.  They all knew my name, but they focused on the "real athletes" in the group, the players that really won the game. 
 
This realization came to be about Mile 5.5 during the Iron Horse 10k on Sunday as I was coming up to the finish line and I saw Coach Chris running toward me.  He has been with me every step of this journey.  I may be one of the slowest runners in our group, but he always took time to drop back, run with me, and encourage me to pick it up just a little.  He would email me while I was in Haiti (Becky is a doctor and volunteered in Haiti for almost a month during the training) to encourage me to keep exercising so I could keep up with the group.  On race day, he came back and finished with me.  He helped me push to the end and finish laughing.  I have never had a coach like him, and I am eternally grateful to him and to Fleet Feet.
 
I have grown to love running. It's made me healthier, helped me to relax, and taught me to believe in myself.  I'm looking forward to many more programs with Fleet Feet!
 
-- Becky Eleck