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| THE EXTRA MILE |
Issue #59
August 31, 2010 |
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Labor Day Sale!!! |
Save:
10% on 1 piece of summer apparel*
20% on 2 pieces of summer apparel*
30% on 3+ pieces of summer apparel*
PLUS, all XC runners get 10% off their trainers and spikes + a cool (warm?) gift! |
*Offer valid from September 1-6, 2010. You can mix-and-match any combination of tops, bottoms and hats.
Offer NOT valid on sports bras, underwear or socks. All sales final. Discount may NOT be used with other discounts or coupons or on previous purchases. |
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Save the Ta-Ta Socks Save the Day! |
 We've got another great story of a Fleet Feet Peep coming to the rescue. This time our story takes place over 2,000 miles away on a mountain top in Wyoming. Fleet Feet Peep and half marathon training participant Anna Namnoum was vacationing with her family last week at the Red Rock Ranch just outside of Grand Teton National Park. As part of her training plan, she was supposed to run 9 miles. Running a few miles while on vacation in unfamiliar territory is hard enough, let alone 9 miles at elevation...in bear country. So when Addie, one of the ranch owners, invited her to go on an 18 mile hike up a 4,000ft mountain to a pristine mountain lake, Anna jumped at the chance. Joining her on the hike were two other men, including an oral surgeon named Dale. About four miles into the hike, Dale's hiking boots fell apart. The rubber outsoles completely separated from the leather upper. Being a surgeon, Dale had the brilliant idea to use an extra pair of shoelaces he had packed to reattach the two pieces. This did the trick until they reached the lake at the top of the mountain and the shoelaces disintegrated. Now, he was stuck 4,000 feet up and 9 miles away from civilization. In a scene reminiscent of Apollo 13, Anna said the four hikers all started rummaging through their backpacks to try to find a solution that would help him get down off the mountain safely. Unfortunately, no one had any more string, duct tape or glue. Just when Dale was about to head down the mountain barefoot and risk injury to his foot, Anna had an idea: socks! What if Dale slipped a sock over the outside of his boots to hold the two pieces together? It was worth a try, and as luck would have it, Anna had packed an extra pair of socks in her backpack (in fact, it was a last minute idea to bring that extra pair in case she felt a blister coming on). Of course, these weren't just any socks. They were her bright pink "Save the Ta-Ta's" socks from Fleet Feet. Turns out the socks were perfect. They fit super tight over the boot, holding the two pieces together as if they had never separated. Everyone in the group thought the fix would only last a few miles considering the rough terrain, but the socks held up for the full 9 miles back to the ranch. Now that's one tough sock! As a memento of their adventure, Anna came into the store on Monday to buy Addie and Dale a new pair of pink "Save the Ta-Ta's" socks. We decided she deserved a pair on the house to replace her well worn ones. She's going to keep them in her purse. You never know when they might come in handy!
Be fit!
Steph |
| Schuyler's Shoe Review |
Vibram FiveFingers: Have you got five fingers on your feet? The Vibram FiveFingers provide the closest simulation you can get to being barefoot while still providing a thin layer of rubber to protect feet from rocks, broken glass, and doggie deposits. These shoes are great for supplementing your supportive running or walking shoes to stimulate ankle and foot strength, as well as gym use, weightlifting, hiking, and beach or boat wear. Which model you choose depends on what your planned usage entails.  The Bikila, the new star of Vibram's line, is designed for running on road, treadmill, track or any other relatively even surface. It will also work for almost any gym use. Featuring a single strap across the midfoot and a thin Vibram rubber layer for grip, this shoe is also reinforced in the toe to prevent tearing.  If you plan to get off-road for some running, hiking or trekking, the TrekSport is the shoe for you. The shoe is modeled off the older KSO model, with a more lugged outsole for traction and a toe reinforced like the Bikila. The midfoot strap links into a heel strap to pull the shoe extra-snug around your heel and prevent dirt, pebbles and other debris from entering. This shoe works well on all-terrain, so moving back and forth between the gym and the trails should prove no problem.  While many people find that they can get all of their toes into the Vibrams rather quickly, the Sprint is a great model for those who struggle with the fit of the other models. Featuring an open-top design, the Sprint allows you to directly manipulate your toes into their pockets with your hands. Because the shoe is so open, it is more appropriate for gym or treadmill use than outdoor use.
If you are unsure of how to use a shoe so minimal without risking injury from doing too much too soon, we are offering a Bare It All 5k training program, on Wednesdays at 6pm beginning September 1, to help you train your feet to "run bare." Our goal will be to bare it all (well, just our feet) at the Mitten Run 5k in December. |
| Bonus "Schuyler Review": Copper Superfeet |  When Superfeet developed the DMP (Dynamic Molding Process) insole, they were first thinking of diabetics. A diabetic often needs an insole that prevents hot spots that can create further complications, so a platform that prevents such spots is needed. At the same time, they knew from years of insole design that a soft foam fails to provide adequate support. The solution they found was to fit 3-layers of a dynamic molding memory foam atop a firm heel cap and platform, allowing for both support and custom-molded comfort.
While the insole was marketed to diabetics, people with sensitive feet and, due to the molding process relieving hot spots, those who had to stand in one spot for long periods of time, Superfeet found that many people ran or worked out in the DMP insole. The rubberized top-cover often stuck to socks, making vigorous activity rather uncomfortable.
Responding to real customer usage, Superfeet released the Copper DMP a few weeks ago: the same molding insole, but with a traditional fabric top-cover. This new insole is still a great option for diabetics and people who require long periods of standing like nurses, doctors and teachers. But if you have an active job (e.g. in a restaurant) or want to go for a run, walk or hop on the elliptical, the Copper DMP will give you unprecedented comfort as well, all backed by Superfeet's 60-day Guarantee. And at $50, it's a bargin compared to custom orthotics. |
| Sarah A's Picks of the Week |  Xtenex Laces for Kids: It only makes sense that these easy, no-tie laces come in kids sizes too and we've got them just in time for back to school. In red, blue, pink and white, match any first day outfit and rock the hallways in style. Another great feature (besides the crazy-cool look) is that they can fit in any shoe with standard size eyelets; running shoes, basketball sneaks, casual kicks, anything. It's an easy switch to streamline those school day mornings.
 Fairfax CamelBak: The best part of CamelBak hydration is that it is hands free! There is no struggling to reach for bottles on the back of a belt or fumbling to return the bottle while the run jostles you. One sling of the pack over your shoulders and enjoy 50fl oz (or coverage for about 1 to 2 hours of exercise) of cool, clean hydration. Zip pockets on the sides can store keys, gels or other items you may need while reflectors on the pack allow for greater visibility on the road. It's breathable, Air Mesh, backing ventilates and keeps you cool. Not a bad combination of cool features and practical use.
 Garmin GSC 10 Speed/Cadence Bike Sensor: Monitor speed and cadence as you pedal with the Garmin Speed/Cadence Bike Sensor. It snaps onto your bike wheel and keeps track of your strokes per minute. This device is self calibrating so it's easy to use and is compatible wirelessly with the Garmin 310, Forerunner 405, and the FR60. A valuable training tool, the Garmin GSC 10 is a great way to optimize your performance and understand how and why. |
| Featured Race: Bob Veillette 5k Run & Walk |
 Meet and run with legendary marathoner Bill Rodgers at the annual Bob Veillette 5k Road Race and Walk on Sunday, September 12. The run/walk begins at 1:30pm at Library Park (corner of Grand and Meadow streets) in Waterbury. At 2:30pm, there will be a Kids Fun Run for children aged 10 and under. Register online by September 9 and the entry fee for the run and walk is just $20 for adults and $10 for kids under 12. On race day, the fees go up $5. T-shirts and goody bag are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Click here to register online.. All funds raised by this event go toward defraying ongoing medical expenses for Naugatuck resident Bob Veillette, 64, a former runner, journalist and jazz pianist who suffered a massive stroke in 2006 that left him paralyzed from the nose down. Like Rodgers, Veillette loved to run the Litchfield Hills Road Race and did so annually before his stroke. Veillette even met Rodgers at the LHRR in the 1980's. "I met Bob, his wife Bonnie, and their children at the race last year, and I just want to say it is an honor to take part in it again because I know Bob gave so much to Waterbury and because I admire greatly his courage, as well as his history as a runner and musician," Rodgers said. "And how can you not be impressed by more than 400 people who run, walk or volunteer their time to raise money so Bob can remain with his family rather than be separated from them by life in a nursing home? What a great sport and a superb event." In addition to running the 5k, Rodgers will be on hand to meet participants and sign autographs. To learn more about Bob Veillette, visit his web site at www.BobVeillette.com. |
| "Bare it All" 5k Training Program |  Run Bare... or almost there!Curious about the barefoot/minimalist running movement? Read Born to Run? Want to try barefoot running but don't know where to start? Our Run Bare training program is a 14-week coached group to get you ready to run the Blue Back Square Mitten Run 5k barefoot or in minimalist shoes like Vibram FiveFingers or Saucony Type A4s. The group will meet every Wednesday at 6:00pm, beginning on September 1, for 30 minutes of barefoot running, drills, and education. Runners are then invited to participate in the Fleet Feet Sports Wednesday Fun Run - using shoes but practicing barefoot running techniques. Registration for the program is $50, which includes 14 weeks of coaching, a moisture-wicking t-shirt, weekly e-mails with your full training plan and a coupon book for great savings. It is recommended that you have three types of footwear to participate: a pair of properly fitted running shoes, a pair of minimalist trainers, and your bare feet! Click here to register or contact Schuyler for more information. |
| Apple Harvest 5 Miler (& 5k) Training |
 We are partnering with the Southington YMCA to host a training program for their Apple Harvest 5 Mile & 5k road race on October 3. The 5-week program begins on this Saturday (Sept. 4) at 8:00am - meet at the store. All practices except the one where we test-run the actual race course will be at Fleet Feet Sports. This 5 Mile training program is recommended for our recent No Boundaries and 10k training program graduates or anyone who can currently run 4 miles (run/walk intervals are OK). Since the Southington YMCA just added a 5k race on the same day, you can also train with us to run that race. If you have questions about which training program is right for you, please email us at coach@fleetfeethartford.com. Cost for the program is $45 and includes a technical running shirt. It does not include the Apple Harvest race entry fee. Register at the store or online here. |
| Couch-to-5k Training Starts Sept 29 |
Congratulations to our latest No Boundaries graduates on your successful completion of the Old Wethersfield 5k (our advanced 10k training group did awesome too)! You all looked great out there on the course - lots of smiles, PR's...and a few age group award winners too!
If you have thought about running a 5k and looking as fit and happy as the group above, join us for our last training program of the year. We will start at the at the end of September and end with the Mitten Run/5k in Blue Back Square on Sunday, December 5.
Our popular "Learn to Run" program is designed for people who don't run, those who have a hard time sticking to a running program or are unsure what to do. We use run/walk intervals and slowly ramp-up the time spent running and distance covered until you can complete a full 5k (3.1 miles). For those who have successfully completed a 5k before, we will offer a separate training program for you designed to help you run faster and more comfortably.
The 10-week program officially begins on Wednesday, September 29 at 7:00pm with a Kick-Off/Meet the Coaches Event. Our first practice is Saturday, October 2 at 8:30am (meet at the store). In addition to our regular group practice on Saturday mornings, you will be encouraged to join the Fleet Feet group on Wednesday and Thursday evenings for an optional run (we will have routes that coincide with your training schedule).
You do not need to make every practice in order to successfully complete the program - though, participants that come to at least half the practices will earn themselves a sweet running jacket courtesy of New Balance! No one is too old or too slow for this program so be courageous and join us! Register online or in the store. Program fee is $95. 
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| Zoomerang Registration is Open! | |
If your kids like to run, we've got a fun program just for them: Zoomerangs! Now in our fifth season, this non-competitive program gives kids ages 4-14 the chance to experience running in a fun, friendly atmosphere where the motto is "Will run for worms" (gummy worms, that is!). It's a great place for kids to run safely, make friends and get stronger/build endurance so they can perform better in other sports (or rock the mile in gym class). Most of all, our goal is to empower kids to accomplish their goals and instill in them a lifelong love of running.
This 8-week program begins on Sunday, September 26 at 4:30pm. All practices take place at the Saint Joseph College Track and last about 45-60minutes. After a group warm-up, kids are encouraged to run at their own pace and complete at least one mile each practice (by the end of the season, many kids are running 3+ miles). This year we will be training for the first annual "Little Manchester Road Race" which will take place on Saturday, November 20. We will also have a special "Track or Treat" event on Halloween.
Parents are welcome to join their kids and run a few laps (if you can keep up).
Registration is limited to the first 100 kids who sign-up online here.
Cost is $50 per child and includes a t-shirt, race entry fee and $15 off their next pair of running shoes.
Questions? Email Coach Lisa at zoomerangcoach@gmail.com. |
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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.
Wed, Sept. 1; 6pm
"Bare it All" 5k Training
Program Starts
Cost: $50
Wed, Sept 1; 6:30pm
Mizuno Mad Mini Marathon
Think "Amazing Race"
Fun, Run & Prizes!
Limited to 50 Teams of 2
Thurs, Sept. 2; 6:30pm
Run Las Vegas & raise money
for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
Thurs, Sept 1; 6:30pm
Track Workout
at Saint Joseph College
Sat, Sept 4; 8am
Apple Harvest 5 Mile
Training Program Starts
Cost is $45
Meet at store
Wed, Sept 8; 6:30pm
Fun Run & Walk
3-5 casual miles
(featuring pace groups
from 7-12 min miles)
Thurs, Sept 9; 6:30pm
Pearl Izumi's "Run Like an Animal" Track Workout
Free Swag!
at Saint Joseph College
Mon, Sept 13; 6:30pm
Balega Socks Pub Run
Fundraiser for the Lesedi Project & Jane Doe No More
Pint Glass for all who donate
Raffle Prizes too!
Tues, Sept 21; 6-8pm
No RSVP necessary |
| 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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Wed, Sept 1; 6:30pm: The Mizuno Mad Mini Marathon is a running and trivia scavenger hunt. The event will be similar to the television show The Amazing Race, with teams of two receiving clues, completing challenges at different locations all throughout the Center & Blue Back Square, running from location to location and, in the end, racing to be the first team to the finish line.
Fleet Feet has teamed up with various other businesses in the area, whose identities are secret until you figure them out from the clues.
In addition, Mizuno will be awarding a free pair of shoes to each winning team member and Whole Foods is donating a $50 gift card to the second place team. We will also be giving away prizes for other fun categories like best team name and most Mizuno-ized team. The race will be FREE and you can pre-register at Fleet Feet in West Hartford during store hours. There will also be day of registration open at 5:30 on Sept. 1st. Click here to print a registration form to bring in or e-mail sarah@fleetfeethartford.com for more information. Event is limited to the first 50 teams to sign-up so register early!
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Mon, Sept 13; 6:30pm: Balega Pub Run: Everyone always feels great after our monthly pub runs, but this run is going to do something great for two special organizations. Balega, our favorite sock company, is sponsoring the September 13 Pub Run to help raise awareness about the Lesedi Project - a joint-venture between Balega and Fleet Feet Sports stores nationwide. The Lesedi Project raises money for the Ethembeni School - a school for disabled Zulu children in South Africa near the Balega production facility. A portion of the proceeds from the purchase of every Balega sock is donated to this project. Two years ago enough funds were raised that we were able to donate a new bus to the school. Now, we're raising money to build the kids a therapeutic playground. As much as the Ethembeni School needs our help, they, along with Balega, also want to help us give back to our local community so they ask that half of all the money we raise be donated to a local charity. For this pub run, we have selected Jane Doe No More as our recipient.
Jane Doe No More is a CT organization that is raising society's awareness about the crime of sexual assault and helping victims get the support they need to heal. It is estimated that 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men are victims of sexual assault. Every 2 minutes someone in the US is sexually assaulted - many times by someone they know.
Sadly, only 20-40% of all cases are ever reported and even less successfully bring the perpetrators to justice. Many times the victims are not believed or are accused of lying.
Jane Doe No More is working to resolve this and was instrumental in getting a bill passed that eliminated the statute of limitations on six of the most serious sexual assault crimes in which DNA evidence was involved. More work needs to be done - especially to raise awareness about this important cause. We hope our Balega Pub Run will help.
Our 3 mile pub run/walk begins at the store and will end at McLadden's Pub. Everyone who donates $10 will receive a free Fleet Feet Sports pint glass (courtesy of Balega) - the perfect vessel for a cold post-run beverage. McLadden's will be donating free appetizers, and we will have several pairs of Balega's most awesome socks to raffle.
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Tues, Sept 21; 6-8pm: FREE Injury Assessments and Gait Analysis at Anytime Fitness. Join us at the grand opening of Anytime Fitness behind Whole Foods in Bishops Corner. Check out the club (new equipment, super clean, private bathrooms, open 24/7, under $40/month), get a massage, sample some tastey eats, have your injury looked at by Select Physical Therapy and visit the Fleet Feet table for a shoe/gait analysis. FREE!!
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| 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. |
| Saturday Fun Runs
8am |  | |
Our friends at lululemon (on LaSalle Rd - across from McLadden's Irish Pub) have begun a Saturday morning Run Club hosted by their Running Ambassador, Sarajean Walsh. All Fleet Feet Peeps are invited to join in this non-competitive run designed for women and men at all levels of fitness. Each run will be safely organized and mapped.
Whether you are training for a specific event or just want to meet some new running friends, join us in front of lululemon every Saturday at 8am. So dust off those sneakers and kick them on your feet! It's time to hit the pavement, sweat, smile and get healthy every day. |
| We're on Facebook! |  |
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! | | FREE Injury Hotline/Email |
 1-877-MOBL-MED (1-877-662-5633) -or- 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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