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Pay It Forward |
 Besides my love of all things running, my main reason for wanting to open a running store was the thrill and challenge of being a business owner. I was excited to put the business skills I had learned to the test and see if I could beat the statistic that over 80% of new businesses fail in the first two years. But after my first two years of owning the store, the "business" part of it is my least favorite part of the job. It is almost like work. What I love most is being a part of a community and being in the position to be able to "pay it forward" and make a positive difference. Until I became a business owner, I didn't understand the power of shopping local. Not only does it create jobs and tax revenue, but it provides support to many other local organizations and individuals. Because you choose to shop at Fleet Feet Sports, we have been able to donate money, prizes and resources to over 100 local road races and school/community fundraisers. Together, we have donated over 15,000 pairs of used shoes to Haiti and to homeless shelters in CT. My hands-down favorite group to support, though, is young runners who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford a pair of running shoes - especially the kids at Capitol Preparatory Magnet School in downtown Hartford. Thanks to the love and dedication of Coach Scott Wojnarowicz, this program has gone from just a handful of runners to over 40 kids strong. Kids that might otherwise choose gangs or drop out of school have found success through running (they won the CSC Championships for cross-country, indoor and outdoor track this year!). Below is part of a speech given by one of those student-athletes - an amazing young woman named Britteni. Circumstances have required Britteni to grow-up way too fast. She has to take care of her mother who is battling cancer and her brother who is mentally ill. She has had to give up her cell phone, forgo new clothes and pick-up food for her family at a food shelter. But as you will read, running has made all the difference in her life: "I began running for Capital Preparatory Magnet School during my freshman year of high school, and I am quite happy to say that you helped start my running career. The team and I didn't have sneakers, the most effective product known to feet, yet you gave us each a pair. The sneakers gave us the boost we needed to continue running. "Your caring and generosity made me feel welcomed to the sport of running. I appreciate everything from the spikes to trainers to socks. You have been beyond generous and helped me learn another part of kindness: love. Love for a sport that relives stress. Love for a sport that helps you meet new people. Love for a sport filled with aggressiveness. I thank you for all that you have done." In the State Open Track Meet earlier this month, Britteni ran a 5:16 mile - a personal best - and was undefeated in every event she ran in conference competition! Even better, she is on track to graduate next year! Be Fit - and keep paying it forward!
Steph |
| Schuyler's Shoe Review |
New Balance 759: New Balance has spent a century at the forefront of running shoe design. In the past decade, however, there existed a large gap in the form of a moderately-priced neutral shoe. Last year, that oversight was corrected with the smash hit 758, a shoe that provided great cushion, light weight and a smooth ride all for $90.  With the updated 759, New Balance took to heart the advice to not mess with success. But that didn't stop them from shining it up a little. The overall shape of the shoe and the light cushion remain unchanged. Feet that loved the previous version's snug fit (yet roomy enough in a wide) and the deep heel to accommodate orthotics will be happy that those features remain untouched.  The parts of the shoe that have been tweaked include a revamped upper that grips the forefoot more securely. The N-Lock system, which snugged the arch but added bulk and occasionally failed and popped, has been removed to streamline the design. As a result, all the best features of the New Balance 758 are maintained while the shoe loses a substantial amount of clunkiness. The best part: the shoe is just $95, one of the best values in performance running footwear. |
| Sarah A's Picks of the Week |
Mizuno Kaze Men's Short
With the summer heat in full swing, shorts are  now a must
wear. The Mizuno Kaze Men's Short is a perfect pick with a 9 inch inseam,
stretch shell fabric, mesh ventilation in back, and cool reflective logo and
accents in front. A stretch brief and drawstring waist add to the comfortable and
supportive fit. Car keys or cash in tow?
The zippered pocket on the right side seam stores essentials. This versatile pair is great not only for the
run but the added length makes it an easy choice for the gym or errands too.
Nike Old Skool Tempo 3.5" Women's Running Shorts and Sports
Bra
This set is a fabulous combination of fun, fit and function.
In addition to the graphic designs on
mesh panels, these shorts and bras are made of Dri-FIT material to vanish sweat
and keep you cool. The shorts have a built in brief, elastic and drawstring
waist, and an internal media pocket to keep music players secure. The bra features wider straps for added
support and an elastic hem line to fit to your body, which makes it the perfect
choice for high impact sports. All of
this, 3 sweet color combinations and a Nike Swoosh: what an awesome way to run
in style.
Garmin Forerunner 110
The simplest Garmin device yet, the Forerunner 110 will tell
you how far and how fast you're going with foolproof setup and programming. For the first t ime 5ker or the experienced
competitive athlete, this device quickly and accurately provides the essential
information you need on your run. Some versions of the Forerunner 110 include a
heart rate monitor that displays in beats per minute and includes caloric
computations based on heart rate. Get motivated and review previous workouts to
set goals and see your improvements by downloading data to the Garmin Connect
website. The Forerunner 110 also has a simple look, clean style and great price
point.
Nuun 4 Pack
Your favorite sugar-free electrolyte hydration is now sold
in a 4 pack. Try a new flavor or stock up on the ones you know you love
by getting 4 tubes in 4 different fruit flavors for the price of 3! If you haven't
tried Nuun yet, this is a great way to replenish electrolytes without the added
calories, sugar or bulk. Drop a tablet into 16oz of water, wait two minutes
(no need to shake) and refresh.
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| Featured Race: The GE 5k Road Race | |
The third annual Petit Road Race has a new name this year, the GE 5k Road Race, but still promises to be one best community 5k's in CT with all proceeds benefiting the Petit Family Foundation. This year's race takes place on Sunday, July 18. The day kicks off with a fun run for kids aged eight and under at 8:30am (all kids earn a medal). The 5k Race/Fitness Walk begins at 9:00am. The 5k race courses through Route 10 in Plainville and is very flat (think PR-flat!). There are clocks at the 1-mile and 2-mile markers, as well as a water stop. All pre-registered participants will receive a t-shirt along with the first 100 race day entrants. After the race, enjoy food and beverages, massages, live music, display of Stanley Works Sprint Cup race car, mascot appearances by "Rocky" from the New Britain Rock Cats and Spiderman. There will be a drawing for raffle prizes. You can purchase raffle tickets online now, at the pasta dinner and on race day. New this year is pre-race packet pick-up on Saturday, July 16 from Noon-5pm at the GE building in Plainville, as well as a pasta dinner from 5-8pm. Adult tickets are $5 and children 12 and under are free. Live music during dinner will be performed by the Key West Trio Band. Come carb-load with family and friends!
Register before July 16 to get the early-bird rate of $25 (otherwise it is $30 on race day). The fun run is FREE! Click here to register. The Petit Family Foundation was set up in the wake of the senseless tragedy in 2007 that took the lives of Jennifer, Hayley, and Michaela Petit. The Foundation's mission is to honor the kindness, activism, and idealism that were personified in these three women. The race motto, "Be the Change" stems from those sentiments. The Foundation uses its funds to foster education, especially for women in the sciences; improve the lives of those affected by chronic illnesses; and to support efforts to protect and help those affected by violence against women. For additional information about the race, click the logo above. |
| PeppeRUNi Fun Run/Walk - July 7 @ 6:30pm |
 This just may be the coolest event we've had yet: the Company 77 Pizzetta Fire Truck is coming to our fun run on Wednesday, July 7 to serve up some delicious pies for everyone! This fully restored1983 Pierce Arrow pumper truck (originally used by the Noank CT Volunteer Fire Department) has been retrofitted with a solar-powered pizza oven that bakes up gourmet pizza pies - including gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan varieties! The truck also serves Farmer's Cow lemonade and ice tea and has fun features like a photo booth, live ariel camera, flat-screen TV and Bose stereo system so we can rock-out on Farmington Ave.
The PeppeRUNi Fun Run/Walk starts at 6:30pm. We will have courses mapped out ranging from ½ mile to 3 miles so bring the kids. It is going to be a great way to spend a summer evening with family and friends! The event is completely FREE, but please email Sarah if you/your family plans on coming so we have enough pizza for everyone. Also, let us know if you will want regular, gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan pizzas.
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| 5k, 10k, Half Training Programs - Register Now! | |
Summer 2010 No Boundaries Participants | This is the last week to register for our beginner 5k and 10k programs. We had a great group (over 60 people!) come out for the first practice on Saturday. Everyone returned from their run/walk sweaty, but smiling! Don't think about it any more, just come join us. It's a lot of fun - and you'll get in shape for swimsuit season!
The 10k group begins practice at 8:30am and the 5k group starts at 9:00am. If you haven't registered yet, please come 20 minutes early. Both programs last 10 weeks and culminate with the Old Wethersfield 5k & 10k on Sunday, August 29.
Our Half Marathon Training Program kicks off with an Info Session on July 14 at 7:00pm. The first practice will be on Saturday, July 17 at 8:00am. The program lasts 12-weeks and will culminate with the ING Hartford Half Marathon (though, you may pick any fall half marathon - we'll help customize your training). All paces are welcomed, but we ask that you be able to run/walk 5 miles by the first practice. For more information on all of our programs or to register, please visit our web site at www.fleetfeethartford.com or email the coaches.
All program participants receive:
- Technical Running Shirt
- Workouts supervised by experienced Coaching Staff
- Seminars on relevant topics by area experts (core training, nutrition, massage, Pilates, proper shoe and bra fit, injury treatment)
- Personalized Training Program
- Weekly newsletters and motivating emails
- A fun and supportive environment
- Post race party
- Special shopping perks at the store!
Challenge yourself to achieve a goal you have only ever dreamed about. The hardest part is taking that first step. You do that and Fleet Feet Sports will help you the rest of the way!
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| Run a Marathon with DetermiNation! | 
Training for an endurance event, like the ING Hartford Marathon, is a huge commitment. By training and racing as a part of the American Cancer Society DetermiNation program, you'll receive the support you need to achieve your personal victory ... and you'll have the strength to endure because you'll know with every mile you conquer, you are saving lives. We know you have what it takes! As a member of the DetermiNation program, you'll be dedicating your training and participation to creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Your American Cancer Society will be with you every step of the way providing you support, training tips, and online fundraising tools. To learn more about the program, please join us at Fleet Feet Sports this Thursday, June 24 at 6pm for an Information Session about how you can get involved. Plus, if you sign up with us that night, we will waive your $25 registration fee! We hope to see you there. And remember, together we are saving lives by helping people stay well, get well, by finding cures, and fighting back! If you want to learn more but can't make the information session,click the logo above or email Kate Kerrigan - she'll tell you everything you need to know about this great program! |
| Where Do You Get Fit? | |
Next time you are in the store, check out our cool new "Where Do You Get Fit" map and place a sparkly-star sticker on the city(ies) where you have run, biked, hiked, walked, swam, Zoomba'ed, etc this year. Bring in a photo of you getting FIT in that city while wearing a Fleet Feet Sports Shirt, and you'll get $10 off your next pair of shoes! |
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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.
Fun Run & Walk
3-5 casual miles
(featuring pace groups
from 7-12 min miles)
Thurs, June 24; 6:00pm
Track Workout
at Saint Joseph College
FREE Injury Assessments
with Select Physical Therapy
Sun, June 27; 5-6:15pm
Triathlon Training Course
with Coach Julia Pack
at Cornerstone Aquatics
(see below for more info)
Fun Run & Walk
3-5 casual miles
(featuring pace groups
from 7-12 min miles)
Thurs, July 1; 6:30pm
at Saint Joseph College
PeppeRUNi
Fun Run & Walk
1/2 - 3 mile routes
FREE Pizza from the Pizzetta Mobile Pizza Fire Truck!
Kid-Friendly
McLadden's Pub Run
Meet at the Store
Finish at McLaddens
Wed, July 14; 7:00pm
Half Marathon Training
Program Kick-Off |
| 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. June 26; 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, July 10 from 9:30-11am).
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Sun, June 27; 5-6:15pm: Triathlong Training Course: Turbo charge your training this summer with a great indoor triathlon training program coached by triathlon fanatic, Julia Pack.
The 6-week program takes place at the Cornerstone Aquatics Center in West Hartford. Classes begin this Sunday, June 27 and end on Sunday, August 8 (no class on July 4). Class runs from 5:00-6:15pm and will include all three disciplines in each workout.
Cost is $98 for Cornerstone members and $149 for non-members. Each 60+ minute session will provide you with a rigorous workout and expert coaching on technique, training strategy and more. Workouts will include cycle training on the underwater bikes, running training on the underwater treadmills, deep-water running, shallow-water sprints, and open-water swim simulations. Water-based workouts allow you to train harder and with less impact. For more information email Coach Pack. ********
Mon, July 12; 6:30pm - McLadden's Pub Run: It's time for another Pub Run sponsored by McLadden's Irish Publick House in West Hartford Center. Join is for a casual three mile run/walk (shortcuts optional) that ends with a frosty brew and free food at McLadden's Irish Pub on LaSalle Rd in West Hartford Center.
We will offer a secure bag check at the store, so you can leave your keys and other items with us and we'll bring them over to McLadden's for you after the run. Food, Fun & Friendship: this is what running is all about! |
| Wed Night Fun Runs
6:30pm (at the store) |  |
Join Fleet Feet staffers Duncan, Shannon & Sarah, plus 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 |  |
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. |
| Summer Conditioning Program for Student Athletes |  |
Select Physical Therapy will be offering a special "Summer Conditioning Program" geared especially for high school and college-aged athletes (and interested adults). The one-on-one training sessions will include strength, flexibility and dynamic/plyometric exercises designed to improve the efficiency of the motions used in your child's sport and prevent injury.
The program is designed and staffed by the athletic trainers at Hall High School and Northwest Catholic High School who are both NSCA certified strength and conditioning specialists and understand the special needs of student athletes and a wide-range of sports including football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, baseball and cross country/track.
Cost is just $35 for each one-on-one training session, though multi-session and partner packages are available. These workouts are the perfect complement to the sport-specific skills honed in camp/practice and will give you an advantage this fall. For more information, please email Stacy Ciarleglio, Sports Medicine Program Director at Select Physical Therapy and Athletic Trainer at Hall High School. |
| 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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