FF Hartford Logo
THE EXTRA MILE 
Issue #55
 
 July 6, 2010
Help Save the Reservoirs!
Photo by Charlie BeristainMy favorite place to run in CT, hands-down, is the West Hartford Reservoir.  I remember my first run there after I had moved from the Washington, DC area.  It had been hot, humid and stagnant in DC the week before I left, but I awoke to dry, cool weather my first morning in CT.  I ran clockwise around the paved loop and when I reached Reservoir #3 at the top of the hill, the view and sensory experience took my breath away. 
 
The deep green trees popped against the vibrant blue sky.  The water shimmered as if it were topped with a million diamonds that sparkled and danced in the wind, and the crisp air smelled of fresh pine.  I slowed down to take it all in.  Normally, my daily runs took me through busy neighborhoods.  I would only be treated to a view like this when I ran in the mountains on vacation.  I couldn't help but smile at the thought that the Res was now a "home course" - a loop I could run whenever I wanted.
 
But now the entire MDC reservoir areas (including Lake McDonough) may soon be closed to all forms of recreation including running, walking, hiking and biking due to a liability issue that makes the MDC vulnerable to lawsuits if an accident occurs on their land.  Granting the MDC immunity would require the State Legislature to pass a law, but the legislature is not scheduled to reconvene until January 2011.  A solution must be found before then to continue public access to these beautiful areas. 
 
The MDC will be holding a public hearing on Tuesday, July 20 at 5:30pm the West Hartford Town Hall Auditorium.  I encourage everyone who is concerned to attend the meeting and/or sign the online petition located here.  Closing the MDC recreational areas would be a big step backwards in keeping CT healthy - not to mention my personal trail running fix and goal to finish the entire Kilkenny loop without stopping would go sorely unmet! 
 
To learn more, visit www.savethemdctrails.org.

Be Fit!
Steph
Schuyler's Shoe Review
Schuyler
Saucony Kinvara:  If any one word changed the running world in the past year, it would be "minimalist." In response to books like Born to Run, many runners are incorporating supplemental running in barefoot and minimalist footwear to help strengthen their feet and legs. Anecdotal evidence from many podiatrists and orthopedists, however, shows an increase in injuries due to people doing too much too soon or running barefoot on surfaces that are too hard or flat.

Men's Kinvara by SauconyFor those runners who want protection for the foot without overbuilt features, Saucony has introduced the ultra-light and ultra-bright Kinvara. Weighing in at a scant 7.7 ounces for men and 6.7 ounces for women, the shoe competes on weight with the average racing flat with a far more flexible ride. Racing flats, the original minimalist shoes, tend to be rather rigid to provide energy return at toe-off in a race or workout situation. While the Kinvara's flexibility does not feel quite as fast, it provides a full range of motion on a variety of surfaces.
 
Women's Kinvara by SauconyThe minimalism of the upper provides comfort to complement the minimalism of the midsole and outsole. Bonded overlays keep the foot free from irritating seams and stitches. And its release came at the right time of the year, with a wide-open mesh for breathability. Don't be surprised if people ask you about your new shoes: it might be because they follow the minimalist-running movement, or it might just be because the bright colors of the Kinvara get everyone's attention.
Sarah A's Picks of the Week
It's Saucony Month at Fleet Feet Sports!  We've got several fun events planned with great raffle prizes (earn extra raffle tickets by wearing Saucony shoes and/or clothes). 
 
Saucony's RXT Burn "2-in-1" ShortSaucony Men's RXT Burn Short: Don't let the clean look and simple style fool you, this short is a great performer. The fabric is light weight and comfortable, not stiff, and of course breathable. There is also plenty of storage with pockets on both side seams and a zip space in back. With built in boxer briefs to provide support and added comfort, reflective logos, and medium length 7 inch inseam, this pair can easily become a favorite. 
 
Saucony's PE Revival ShirtSaucony Women's PE Revival Short Sleeve Top: This Saucony top has a feminine cut and flattering v-neck, purple racer stripes and UPF 50, you can't get better than that. Oh, but you can. The Revival Short Sleeve top is also constructed with chafe resistant, flat seam stitching to prevent irritation and has soft, lightweight fabric that wicks away sweat and moisture. And Ladies, it's under $35.00. 
 
CEP Compression SocksCEP 02 Compression Socks: Running a fall marathon?  This sock is a great tool to help you recover from those long training runs and get on with the rest of the week faster and feeling better.  Wearing the sock post-run will help increase circulation and removal of lactic acid for a quick recovery but that is not the only time it can be beneficial.  Wearing the sock before exercise will activate muscles and wearing it during will actually improve performance.  A padded sole, ventilation panels, and CellTex� Fiber finishing fabric, prevent blisters, keep the shin and foot cool and make the sock a comfortable wear.  Now comes in white, black and hot pink!
 
Trigger Point Therapy Starter KitTrigger Point Products: Trigger Point is a self massage tool to help you work out the kinks from the source. Using the different rollers and blocks you are able to hit the knots and aches on your own. Each of the pieces are designed to mirror the feeling of a human hand allowing for a natural therapy and massage at any time. The idea is that when used often, you decrease muscle tension and improve biomechanics, so this is not simply injury or ache treatment but prevention as well.
 
We offer a full-range of Trigger Point products including the Starter Kit, Ultimate 6 Kit, the GRID, and individual tools including the TP Ball and Quadballer.  No matter what your activity of choice is, Trigger Point will help you do it longer and easier.
Featured Race: Red Dress Run for Women 
Red Dress Run for WomenAttention Ladies!  The 13th Annual Red Dress Run/Walk for Women is this Saturday at 8:30am.  Last year over 800 women of all ages participated in this event which celebrates women's fitness in a non-intimidating environment. 
 
The 5k run/walk begins (and ends) in Elizabeth Park's beautiful Rose Garden where over 15,000 roses are expected to be in bloom.  The rest of the 3.1 mile course travels over wide, well-paved roads through shade covered neighborhoods.  After the race spend some time in the Finish Line Village which is a vibrant festival of tents filled with information, goods and service that help women live fit.  There is also music and a wonderful post-race buffet featuring the run's signature, guilt-free, fresh strawberry shortcake!  Yum!!
 
Online registration for this event has closed, but you can register at Fleet Feet Sports on Friday, July 9 from 3-5:30pm (cost to register is $35).  If you have pre-registered already, you are encouraged to stop by the store during this time as well to pick-up your race packet, shirt and timing chip.  It will save you time and stress on race morning.  Plus, you'll be able to upgrade your race tee to the cool custom-designed Red Dress Run tech tee which sold out last year.    
 
Don't forget to bring the kids as there will be a special fun run for them at 8:15am.  Cost is $10.
 
For more information, click on the logo above.
Train w/Us: Downtown 5k & Half Marathon
NO BOUNDARIES 5K- DOWNTOWN

No Boundaries Logo

Back by popular demand: another No Boundaries beginning running program for those who work downtown!
 
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 10-week program.  The program is geared towards beginners, but all levels of walkers, runners and couch potatoes are welcome. 
 
The goal of the program is to introduce you to the lifetime fitness activities of running/walking and encourage you to live a healthier lifestyle in a fun and supportive environment.  We use run/walk intervals and slowly ramp-up the time spent running and distance covered.  If you are a recent NoBo graduate, you are invited to join us again and challenge yourself to complete the training runs without walk breaks.   
 
Thanks to our partnership with New Balance, the $95 registration fee includes a moisture-wicking shirt, a low coach-to-participant ratio, a proven training plan, weekly group training runs, a weekly motivational newsletter with guidance and advice on topics like proper nutrition, stretching and choosing the right gear, special savings certificates to use at the store and other surprises along the way.
 
Practices will be held on Monday evenings at 5:30pm.  Our first practice is next Monday (July 12) at 5:30pm.  We will meet under the Arch at Bushnell Park.  Our goal race is the Travelers' 5k on September 16.    
 
Register online here - or stop by the store.
 

HALF MARATHON TRAINING PROGRAM: 
 
BreniGo the distance at the ING Hartford Half Marathon this October!  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 5 miles at an 11:00 mile pace before the first practice.  
 
This 12-week training program will begin on Saturday, July 17 at 8am (meet at the store).  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.
 
Learn more at our "Meet the Coaches Open House" on Wednesday, July 14 at 7pm (at the store), visit our web site or emails the coaches.    
 
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!
   
Run Motivated
CT Running Camp: July 12-17
CT Running Camp - for High School XC RunnersFleet Feet Sports and Pearl Izumi are proud to be a part of the Connecticut Running Camp - a day camp for high school cross country runners, including those entering 9th grade or having recently graduated.  The week-long camp is being held from July 12-17 (8:30am-3:30pm) at Rocky Hill High School. 
 
Coached by Brian Graca (head coach at Rocky Hill HS) and Peter Oviatt (NCAA All-American), the camp focuses on establishing a solid summer base and develops the fundamentals of successful training and racing based on the "One Percenter" principal: the belief that 99% of your running ability is derived from your typical running.  The final one percent - the percent that separates champions from middle-of-the-packers or a PR from a "decent race" - comes from seemingly simple practices like nutrition, cross training, plyometrics, proper form, visualization and relaxation. 
 
While the goal for many runners is to get faster, these One Percenters will teach athletes to train in a healthy, consistent manner that is enjoyable and sustainable.  As a testament to the success of the program, many of the camp's past graduates have gone on to achieveAll-State and All-New England honors - even in their first year of running at the high school level. 
 
To learn more, click here. Cost for the weeklong camp is $415.
Kids Triathlon Camp: Aug 9-13

Team Training New England Tri Camp for Kids

West Hartford Human & Leisure Services and Team Training New England Kids invite you to join them in the West Hartford Kids Triathlon and Camp at Eisenhower Park.
 
From August 9 -13, 2010 kids aged 6 - 12 years old can participate in a triathlon camp that will focus on the skills necessary to complete a triathlon.  Kids will learn how to train for a race as well as good eating and fitness habits. 
 
On August 14, 2010, kids will have the chance to participate in a triathlon event.  The event will feature different distances appropriate for ages 6 - 12 years old.  
 
To participate in the camp, children must be able to swim one lap of a pool (25 yards) and have a bicycle and helmet.  They will be coached by Renee Kleinman and Lynne Tapper - both USA Triathlon certified coaches (Fleet Feet Peeps!).  For more detailed information, click the logo above.  
 
Give your kids a fun challenge that will get them moving in the water, on their bikes and on the road!
Run Disney in 2011!
American Liver FoundationLiver Life Challenge Teams are forming now around the country to train and fundraise for the Disney World� Marathon and Half Marathon taking place in Orlando, Florida on January 8th and 9th, 2011!  This American Liver Foundation� endurance training program will help you conquer the challenge while raising awareness about liver disease, a disease that affects more than 30 million Americans.
 
By running the Walt Disney World Marathon with the Liver Life Challenge Team, you can change the face of liver disease. Your commitment will ensure the American Liver Foundation can fulfill its mission to facilitate, educate, and promote education, support and research for the prevention, treatment, and cure of liver disease.
 
Discover the Challenge informational meetings are taking place in communities across the state on how to join Team Connecticut! Sign up to find out how you can run or walk a marathon or half marathon and experience the challenge of a lifetime!  Plus, everyone who signs-up at the info session will get FREE registration (a $135 value)!
 
Thursday, August 5thfrom 5:30 - 6:30pm
Black Bear Saloon, Hartford
187 Allyn Street
 
Friday, August 6th from 5:30 - 6:30pm
Hanafin's Irish Pub, New London
310 State Street
 
Wednesday, August 11th from 5:30-6:30pm
ALF Office, North Haven
127 Washington Ave, Garden Level
 
Wednesday, August 18th from 12noon-1:00pm

Grants, West Hartford Center
977 Farmington Ave
 
For more information or to register, please visit www.liverfoundation.org/walk or contact Marla at (203) 234-2022 or [email protected].
Help Kids "Lose the Training Wheels"! 
Lose the Training Wheels CampDo you remember the joy of learning to ride a bicycle as a kid?  While at first tentative and frustrated as the bicycle teetered left and right, you progressed to confident pedaling and finally became unstoppable as the bicycle remained upright, the breeze swept across your face and the blur of the blacktop underneath you led way to a new freedom and joy.  You were invincible!!!
 
The joy of cycling and being independent is one of the goals that the West Hartford Kiwanis Club of West Hartford is striving to provide to 40 local children with disabilities.  Through use of specialized bicycle riding equipment, experts and volunteers, these special needs children will learn to ride a bicycle without the need for training wheels over a five-day period. The goal is to change the lives of children by teaching them a skill that will build self-confidence, provide inclusion with their peers and give them a lifetime of fun and exercise! 
 
Have fun & help kids!The week-long "Lose the Training Wheels" camp is only one in Connecticut and is entering its 5th year in West Hartford.  To make this program a success, volunteers are needed to help provide strong legs and lots of high-fives.  The camp takes place at Conard High School from July 26-30.  There are five 75 minute sessions offered each day.  Even if you can volunteer for one session, you will make a difference.
 
For more information, click the logo above or contact Tom Proietti at 860-561-0313 or email [email protected].
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, July 7; 6:30pm
PeppeRUNi
Fun Run & Walk
for kids & adults
1/2 - 3 mile routes
FREE Pizza Party afterward
Please RSVP here
 
Thurs, July 8; 6:30pm
Track Workout
at Saint Joseph College
 
Fri, July 9; 3:00-5:30pm
Red Dress Run Packet
Pick-up & Registration
at the store
 
Sat, July 10; 9:30-11am
FREE Injury Assessments
with Select Physical Therapy
 
Mon, July 12; 5:30pm
No Boundaries Beginning
5k Training Program Starts
Meet at Arch in Bushnell Park
click here to register
 
Mon, July 12; 6:30pm
Saucony Pub Run
Test Run the new Kinvara
Raffle Prizes & Gifts for all!
Meet at the Store
Finish at McLaddens
 
Wed, July 14; 6:30pm
Fun Run & Walk
3-5 casual miles
(featuring pace groups
 from 7-12 min miles)
 
Wed, July 14; 7:00pm
Half Marathon Training
Program Kick-Off
 
Thurs, July 15; 6:30pm
Track Workout
at Saint Joseph College
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. 
 
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 Select PT - Free Injury Assessments
 
Sat. July 10; 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 24 from 9:30-11am).
 
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Pizzeta Fire Truck

Wed, July 7; 6:30pm: PeppaRUNi Fun Run/Walk & Pizza Party: The Company 77 Pizzetta Fire Truck is coming to our fun run and will be serving-up their amazing gourmet pizza baked on a solar-powered pizza oven atop a fully restored pumper fire truck.  The truck also serves ice-cold organic 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.
 
We're hoping to have over 100 Fleet Feet Peeps join us for this fun and completely FREE event.  We'll have a � mile route for the little kids (kids can do as many laps as they want) and a 3 mile route for the big kids. 
 
Walkers, baby joggers and well-behaved dogs are welcome.  It is going to be a great way to spend a summer evening with family and friends! 
 
To ensure that we have enough pizza for everyone (and to accommodate any requests for gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan pies), please email your RSVP to Sarah. 
To learn more about the truck, click here.
  
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Saucony Logo 
McLadden's Irish Pub 
 
Mon, July 12; 6:30pm - Saucony Pub Run: Saucony is hosting the Pub Run which means extra fun!  Matt from Saucony will be have Kinvaras to demo, as well as a cool (bright!) gift for everyone and some great raffle prizes.  Of course, the run will end at McLadden's Irish Publick House in West Hartford Center where there will be ice water, frosty brews and free appetizers.  
 
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) 
Fun Run Crowd
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
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.
Study Participants Needed
UConn Health Center
Investigators from the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Connecticut & Preventive Cardiology at Hartford Hospital are examining how common cholesterol-lowering medications affect your response to exercise.
 
Investigators from the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Connecticut & Preventive Cardiology at Hartford Hospital are looking for healthy individuals aged 40 years and over to participate in a 6-month study examining how common cholesterol-lowering medications affect your response to exercise. 
 
The study involves taking an FDA-approved cholesterol lowering medication or a placebo for six months, one visit to Hartford Hospital for cardiovascular testing and 6-8 visits to the Human Performance Laboratory in Gampel Pavilion or Hartford Hospital for questionnaire completion, blood samples, and fitness testing.  At the end of the study, subjects will be paid $720 and receive information on their health status.

To qualify for the study, you must be at least 40 years old, have your own transportation and not currently being treated for high cholesterol.  For more information, contact Katie at 860-486-2812 or  [email protected]
 
This announcement is on behalf of Dr. Linda Pescatello, PhD, FACSM, Professor & Director Health/Fitness Research Lab, University of Connecticut, Department of Kinesiology.  This study has been approved by the University of Connecticut Institutional Review Board; Protocol # H08-016.
Summer Conditioning Program for Student Athletes
Ladder Exercises are Fun!
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
Injured?  Select Physical Therapy can Help! 
1-877-MOBL-MED
(1-877-662-5633)
 -or-
Send an Email to Eleni
 
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.
 
Select Physical Therapy
 
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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!
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