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THE EXTRA MILE 
Issue #60
 
 Sept. 14, 2010
Wooly Worm Winter Predictions
Wooly Worm in Steph's YardFall is in the air.  The nights are getting cooler, leaves are starting to turn at the Reservoir, pumpkin ale is on tap at McLaddens, runners are doing their last long runs before tapering for the ING Hartford Marathon and our first shipment of cool weather clothes has arrived.  It is also the time of year when wooly worms start to molt and give us a clue as to the kind of winter we are going to have.
 
Weather folklore has it that these fuzzy, fat caterpillars are expert winter prognosticators.  Typically, these worms (the larval stage of the Isabella Tiger Moth) are black on their ends and reddish brown or orange in the middle.  The thickness and orange-ness of the middle band is said to be indicator of how severe the winter will be.  If the worms feature a thick, orange band, a mild winter is likely.  A narrow strip of brownish red predicts a harsher winter.
 
The other day I saw the wooly worm pictured above in my yard.  As a lover of snow, I was none too excited to see that it had a big, fat orange band which indicates a mild winter.  Of course, as a former meteorologist, I wanted to back-up this prediction with some scientific data so I consulted the long-range weather charts.  Unfortunately, they continue the dry weather pattern we have experienced this summer.  It looks like another light snow year.  Though, we meteorologists (and our wooly worm counterparts) have known to be wrong... 
 
On a much better note, the cooler, drier weather we have had this past week is perfect for autumn colors.  This is because cool temperatures and bright sun destroy the chlorophyll that make leaves green and promotes the formation of anthocyanins (pigments in the leaf that create the beautiful red and purple colors).  The dry weather also enhances anthocyanin production as the water level in the tree decreases and sugar concentration of its sap increases.  It is the recipe for optimum colors and beautiful scenery that will be hard to resist. So get out there and enjoy it! 
 
Be fit!
Steph
Schuyler's Shoe Review
Schuyler
Pearl Izumi isoShift: Look at a Pearl Izumi running shoe, and the first thing you might notice is its roomy upper and flashy colors.  On closer inspection of a stability model like the SyncroPace, you will probably see the SyncroFrame, a plastic foot cradle that provides stability without the extra weight and rigidity of a medial post typically featured in other stability shoes.  While this frame works wonders for stability and weight, some people found the shoe a bit firm underfoot for their tastes.

Pearl Izumi isoShift - Women'sEnter the isoShift: the next generation Pearl Izumi stability shoe.  Doing away with the SyncroFrame, this shoe introduces the 1:1 Graduated Guidance System, which looks like a SyncroFrame made of foam instead of plastic.  This system is designed to provide greater stability on a softer platform, while maintaining Pearl Izumi's light weight.  The shape of this piece, and the midsole as a whole, also fits almost any orthotic exceptionally well.

Pearl Izumi isoShift - MenThe shoe's upper sees some changes as well.  Gone are the brightly-colored open mesh uppers, replaced with a finer mesh accented with thin welded overlays.  The inside of the isoShift remains seam-free like its predecessor, which can help for bunions, triathletes looking to wear the shoe barefoot, and overall comfort.  Also carried over is a full carbon-rubber outsole.  While this adds a negligible amount of weight, it gives the shoe greater resistance to wear than most similar models.  The isoShift represents a shift in Pearl Izumi's typical shoe design that should keep existing wearers happy while earning new ones.
Sarah A's Picks of the Week
While the official first day of fall has not passed just yet, the seasons chilly mornings and crisp air are definitely a reminder that it's coming!  But with fall comes some of the best running and racing conditions of the year.  Get geared up for those big fall testers, the ING Hartford Marathon and the Manchester Road Race to name a couple favorites, with these finds at Fleet Feet Sports. 
 
Saucony's AMP PRO2 - RecoverySaucony Amp Pro: Saucony knows a secret. A no B.S. training secret that can give you the edge to go faster, train harder, push further, jump higher, crank out those extra squats, and then be ready to do it all over again.  It's called AMP PRO2, and it's the next great innovation in technical apparel.
 
AMP PRO2 unites the benefits of compression with a specially formulated responsive fiber to improve oxygenated blood flow up to 32% more than compression alone - critical to boosting athletic performance and enhancing recovery.  The secret ingredient is Celliant, an innovative fiber that that absorbs energy emitted by the body and recycles this energy back through the skin, causing circulation to become more efficient and increasing oxygenated blood flow in the body.
 
Now in stock is AMP PRO2 Recovery long sleeve shirt and the tight - both of which can be worn under your regular clothes or while sleeping at night to help promote circulation and enhance recuprerative sleep which is key to waking up feeling refreshed and ready to work out hard again.
 
Race Number Tabs - fit on any beltFuel Belt Race Number Attachment: If you are planning to wear your hydration belt during your race, you will love this new item that enables you to attach your race number directly to your belt. No more ruining your shirt with safety pins or having to wear a separate race number belt in addition to your hydration belt.  These small reflective loops slip right onto your existing hydration pack and adjust to hold your race number comfortably and conveniently. And it's a bargain at only $6.00.
 
Jeff Galloway's GymBossGymboss: This new product from Jeff Galloway is a great way to keep track of your run/walk intervals. It can be set for any two that range from just a couple seconds to intervals that are minutes long.  So, go ahead and customize your workout so that it is tailored for you. Another great feature is the option to not only have the timer beep, but it can vibrate as well. Even if you aren't doing run/walk intervals you can still set this timer as a reminder to take nutrition, hydration or it can even be used during circuit training and weight lifting. It is versatile & easy to use.
Featured Races
 Farmington YMCA Fall Classic 5k
YMCA Fall 5k Classic
Sunday, September 19 at 9am
 
The 7th Annual Farmington Valley YMCA 5k Fall Classic Road Race is this Sunday,.  The race course begins and ends at the Farmington Valley YMCA in Granby and winds its way along scenic local neighborhood streets in between.  It is a certified 5K course (and a "Manchester Qualifier Race") that includes rolling hills and a fast downhill last mile back to the YMCA.
 
New this year is the addition of a "Pump and Run" category where you earn a 15 second deduction off of your 5k finish time for each bench repetition performed (weight pressed will be a percentage of your body weight to make the competition fair for everyone). 
 
There is also a free Kids Fun Run at 8:40am, plus Jennifer Lahmers from FOX 61 news will be this year's emcee!  Other race features include: free onsite babysitting, great raffle prizes, showers and changing facilities.  Walkers and wheelchair participants are welcome.
 
Register online by clicking here or register on race day beginning at 7:45am.  For more information about this race which raises money to provide assistance to families through the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, click the logo above. 
 
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 Mari's Miles of Smiles 10k
Saturday, September 25 at 9am

Looking for a 10k to test your endurance and speed?  Check out the inaugural Mari's Miles of Smiles race that begins at the Norton School in Cheshire.  Proceeds from the run will benefit special education and early intervention services and programs.  The race is held in honor of Mari, the autistic daughter of Fleet Feet Peeps, Lisa and Matt Hall. 
 
This USATF certified 10k features rolling hills, a stretch along the Farmington Canal path, computerized timing and a $100 prize to the top male and female, plus medals for the Top 3 winners in male and female 5-year age divisions.  To make the event fun for the family, there will be a moonbounce, face painting, dancing and on-site massages. 
 
Registration is just $30.  You can register online by clicking here or print out a registration form here.
 
For more information on the Mari Hall Foundation, click the Mari's Miles of Smile logo above. 

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Pratt & Whitney Runway 5k
Wednesday, September 22 at 5:15pm
 
The Fleet Feet Team was narrowly defeated last year by the Pratt & Whitney Power System Group (comprised of my dad and his co-workers) so we're out for revenge this year.  This unique 5k takes place on the aircraft runways around Rentschler Field in East Hartford so it is COMPLETELY flat - not even a speedbump to slow you down. 
 
The race is a perfect speed tune-up for the ING Hartford Marathon.  Register online here or you can register on site on race day.  Cost is $25 and all proceeds from the event are donated to the United Way.  Last year, there were great prizes for age-group winners and random raffle drawings - plus if you are one of the first 150 people to register, you will get a great tech tee!. 

Everyone is invited to join our team and help us reclaim our title.  If you plan on running, email your shirt size to Steph and we'll bring your Fleet Feet Team shirt to the race.
Couch-to-5k Program - Starts Sept 29

No Boundaries Logo

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.

Run Motivated

Zoomerang Registration - 13 Slots Left!

Zoomerangs

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 [email protected].
Jane Doe No More says THANK YOU!
 
Jane Doe No MoreDonna Palomba from Jane Doe No More wants to thank everyone who came out to our Balega Pub Run & Fundraiser on Monday night.  Not only was the run a lot of fun, but we raised $350 for this great organizatoin that helps victims of sexual assult (an estimated 1 in 6 women) - thank you!
 
Want to help Jane Doe No More even more?  Run your next half or full marathon as a Jane Doe No More charity runner.  Visit their web site to learn more.
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, Sept 15; 6:30pm
Fun Run & Walk
3-5 casual miles
(featuring pace groups
 from 7-12 min miles)
 
Thurs, Sept 16; 6:30pm
Track Workout
at Saint Joseph College
 
Sat, Sept 18; 9-11:30am
Select PT's Mobile Sports Medicine Center on Site
FREE Injury Assessment
& Lower Extremity Screens
 
Wed, Sept 22; 6:30pm
Fun Run & Walk
3-5 casual miles
(featuring pace groups
 from 7-12 min miles)
 
Thurs, Sept 23; 6:30pm
Track Workout
at Saint Joseph College
  
Tues, Sept 21; 6-8pm
Grand Opening of Anytime Fitness
Food, Massages, Injury Assessments & Gait Analysis
No RSVP necessary
 
Sun, Sept 26; 4:30pm
Zoomerange Kids Running Program Begins
at Saint Joseph College
 
Wed, Sept 29; 7pm
No Boundaries "Couch-to-5k"
Program Kick-Off Meeting
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's Mobile Sports Center 
 
Sat, Sept 18; 9-11:30am: Select Physical Therapy's Mobile Sports Medicine Center On-Site: Have a nagging injury that you aren't sure what it is, how to treat it or when you can start working out/exercising again?  Or maybe your son or daughter got injured during a sporting event and you are not sure what to do. 
 
Select Physical Therapy is bringing their Mobile Sports Medicine Center (a 16' trailer with two treatment tables) to Fleet Feet Sports to provide on-site injury assessments, lower extremity screenings and tips on injury prevention and treatment. There will be multiple athletic trainers and physical therapists on site to reduce wait time. 
 
If you have never been to one of our injury clinics before, you should come.  It is really informative - and painless!  Plus, it is all free and no RSVP's are needed (first-come, first-served).
 
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Anytime Fitness

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 with Lisa Hughes of Theraputic Bodyworks, 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!!
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.
Attention Kids K-8:
 Walk It, Bike It to School
Walk It, Bike It, Connecticut
Fleet Feet Sports is teaming up with Walk It, Bike It to School, Connecticut in support of a year-long promotional campaign for the federal Safe Routes to School program. The objective of the campaign is to promote a healthy lifestyle by motivating children to walk and bike to school, including those with disabilities. 

Originally the program was just open to elementary and middle schools, but the organizers made a special exception so Fleet Feet Sports could have a team.  Any child who is 5-14 years old is welcome to join our team.  All you need to do is come into the store to complete a pledge form and email us your total mileage every week.  We'll keep track of the rest! 
 
Our main goal is to walk the approximate distance of the perimeter of Connecticut (375 miles), though, the team with the most miles accumulated by April 15, 2011 will be awarded a prize during an award ceremony at the State Capitol on May 19, 2011.
Go Bare & Make New Friends
Fleet Feet Peep and self titled "barefoot savage", David Payne, has started a "Barefoot Runners Club of Greater Hartford for runners who like (or want to learn how) to run barefoot or in minimal shoes.  Through a free Meetup group, he plans organized runs at various locations in and around Hartford every Saturday morning at 8am.  If you would like to join the group or learn more, click here.
 
We're on Facebook!
Facebook Logo
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
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!
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
 
Join Our Mailing List 

Extra 20% Savings Pass!

All Summer Apparel* is currently 20% off - but you will get an ADDITIONAL 20% OFF when you present this coupon.  It's time to refresh your wardrobe for next summer
 
Who are we kidding, Mother Nature has one more heat wave in store for us this year!
Offer valid through September 26, 2010.  All sales final.  Discount may NOT be used with other discounts, coupons, special orders or on previous purchases.
 
* Offer NOT valid on bras, underwear or socks (shirts, shorts & hats are fair game!)