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Be the Movement |
 | | (click to see our manifesto in action!) |
This is our new manifesto. The driving force behind what we do and why we do it. Fleet Feet Sports is about more than just selling shoes. Our goal is to build a community of people who want to lead a fit and healthy lifestyle - and share that lifestyle with others. We want to be the "Cheers" of the running and walking community - a place where everyone knows your name (or at least your favorite sneaker). A place where you come to get advice, motivation, inspiration, camaraderie - and happy feet.
Seeing our community develop and grow over the past two years has been remarkable. It is like watching cells divide and multiply under the microscope in biology class. During our first track workout we had one runner join us (Ron Carbone who still runs with us almost every week). Now, almost 70 people regularly attend Schuyler's Thursday Night Track Workouts.
By the end of this year, our 5k, 10k and half marathon training programs will have graduated nearly 1,000 people, many who never thought that could be a runner. The momentum is even reaching kids in our community who are trading their videogames for sneakers. Just last Sunday, over 100 kids participated in our Zoomerang youth running program and ran a combined total of 164 miles...in just 30 minutes! That's like running from Hartford to Boston - with a few scenic detours!
Our little community has become a full-blown movement. A vibrant, energetic and welcoming movement that is open to everyone regardless of age, shape, size or speed. Be a part of the movement and help us changes lives, one shoelace at a time! Be fit!
Steph |
| Schuyler's Shoe Review |
Mizuno Ascend: Leaves dotting the trails in yellow and red means that it must be the peak of trail-running season. Whether you are headed to the Reservoir, Penwood, McLean, Case Mountain or any of the other troves of trails that central Connecticut has to offer, you will need a great shoe to keep you upright and enjoying the scenery rather than a faceful of trail.
 Mizuno's Wave Ascend has been a stalwart trail running shoe for four consistent versions. While not as flashy in color as many trail shoes, and lacking gimmicky lacing systems or materials, its no-nonsense approach has led runners back again and again. The shoe takes the best components of the Mizuno road line and filters them through dirt, mud, rocks and roots to make them trail-specific.
 While the traditional Wave Plate cushioning creates a gap in the midsole, Mizuno fills this in on the Ascend 5 to provide full ground contact. The rubber outsole is designed with a special compound that cuts through water and grips even the most slippery surfaces. A sewn-in tongue prevents pebbles, twigs and other debris from entering the shoe and ruining your run. When the trails get muddy, mucky and leaf-covered, the Mizuno Wave Ascend 5 can keep you and them on friendly terms.
(P.S. October is Mizuno Month. Purchase a pair of Mizuno shoes and receive a free aluminum water bottle. Plus, you'll be entered to win some great Mizuno prizes in our month-end drawing). |
| Sarah A's Picks of the Week | |
 Get "Race Day Ready" with these marathon must-haves (we'll bring these items and more with us to the race Expo on Oct 7-8).
Nip Guards: Yes men (and sometimes ladies) it is an unpleasant fact that chafing and your nipples don't mix. Protect them with Nip Guards and save yourself a lot of pain and some pretty unbecoming photos of you wearing a bloody shirt during the race.
Body Glide: It is also a fact that chafing happens in more places than just your nipples. Slide this on your feet, legs (especially your thighs) underarms and, for ladies, around the band and straps of your sports bra to prevent sore, raw skin mid run.
Compression Socks and Sleeves: Get the blood flowing, warm up or relax your muscles, protect against fatigue and injury and recover quicker with compression leg sleeves and socks from CEP and Zensah. October 2 is Zensah Saturday. Get 10% off Zensah compression sleeves - lots of cool, bright colors are available!
Nutrition: Gels, Beans, Chomps and Bloks, oh my! Don't bonk during your race. Make sure you top off your fuel tank before the race begins and then every 30-60 min during the race. Running is no fun when there is a monkey on your back.
 Fleet Feet Race Singlets: Represent Fleet Feet Sports and BE UNSTOPPABLE with this orange racing singlet for men and women. If it's chilly on race day morning, wear the singlet with arm warmers or over a compression top like the Mizuno Stretch Crew.
 Mizuno Breath Thermo Stretch Crew: Mizuno makes some of the best cool weather apparel on the market thanks to their Breath Thermo technology. This Stretch Crew top (available for both men and women) is a great example of how a simple long sleeve can make all the difference in your run on those days when the temperature starts to drop. Breath Thermo is a cool (or should I say warm?) technology that actually changes your body's moisture into heat to efficiently keep you from getting cold. This Stretch Crew fits snug so it works as a great base layer or can be worn alone.
 Nike Running Scapris: A little bit of style is only going to make you feel good on race day. This Nike skirt/capri combo keeps your muscles warm and your curves in check with a flattering cut and seamless back. The Scapris feature a zip pocket that can store nutrition, Dri-FIT fabric to maintain breathability, and flexible stretch material for comfortable movement. Whether you are running a 5k or a marathon, this bottom will see you through looking fabulous, fit and fast. |
| Featured Race |
 The Hartford Marathon Foundation's premier event is less than 2 weeks away. On Saturday, October 9, there will be a medley of races including the ING Hartford Marathon, ING Hartford Half Marathon and the ING Hartford 5k. Pre-registration is up 20% so don't delay - especially if you want to run the half marathon or 5k - as those races may sell out before race day. Click the logo above for all the details.
This year the starting line for the full and half marathon has been moved to Capitol Street where runners will get one last nugget of inspiration before the race as the sun shines bright on the golden Capitol dome. Both courses have been redesigned to make the race more favorable for the runners - including having runners tackle the hills in the first few miles (instead of the last) and bringing the half marathoners through the beautiful wide, tree-lined streets of West Hartford. All races begin at 8am.
Packet pick-up and race registration will take place during the Health & Fitness Expo at the XL Center in downtown Hartford from 11am-7pm on Thursday, October 7 and Friday, October 8. Fleet Feet Sports will have a booth at the expo with a selection of "race day essentials" like energy gels, Body Glide, compression socks, and beautiful new necklaces for women created by a local jeweler. We will also have Vibram FiveFinger "shoes" available - please don't run the race in them unless you've been training in them. They're a great training tool, but injury will occur if you
don't slowly implement barefoot running into your training.
Run with Christopher McDougall!
Christopher McDougall, avid bare foot running enthusiast and author of the New York Times bestseller Born to Run, is the Hartford Marathon Foundation's featured guest this year. McDougall will lead a barefoot run around Bushnell Park on Friday, October 8 at Noon, and then at 7:15pm (under the white tent in Bushnell Park), he will share athletic achievements, cutting-edge science and the inspiration from his book - an epic adventure that began with one simple question: Why does my foot hurt? Attendees will have the opportunity to meet McDougall after the talk and purchase an autographed copy of his book
If you are attending the "Eat Pasta, Run Fasta" party, you will get free admission to McDougall's talk as long as you reserve your seats by October 1. If you are not attending the pasta party but would still like to attend McDougall's session, seats will become available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning October 1 for a donation of $10 to the ING Run for Something Better program. Contact the Hartford Marathon Foundation at 860-652-8866 for details. |
| Couch-to-5k Program - Starts Sept 29 |
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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| The Little Manchester Road Race | |
 Fleet Feet Sports is proud to partner with the Manchester Road Race Committee and Henkle to host the inaugural Little Manchester Road Race - a miniature version of the famed Manchester Road Race just for kids on Saturday, November 20 at 10:00am. The event is open to all kids aged 12 and under and will feature three separate races: ½ Mile, 1 Mile and 2 Miles, but everyone is encouraged to stay for all three races to cheer and give high-fives! All finishers will receive a t-shirt, race number, medal and post-race treats.
The races will start and finish at Charter Oak Park in Manchester - just 1/4 mile away from the Bennett Academy where the Manchester Road Race Packet Pick-up & Expo will be held from 8am-Noon that same day. Parking at and around Charter Oak Park and Bennett Academy is plentiful.
To pre-register, click here to download the registration form and mail it to Fleet Feet Sports (1003-B Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT 06107) or register on race day during the Manchester Road Race Expo at Bennett Academy (1151 Main St in Manchester) from 8-9:45am. |
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Salad for Breakfast
by Nutritionist Aubry Fleszar | |
 Looking for alternatives to the sugar spiking sweetness of a morning pastry? Want more energy and fullness for more than two hours? Try eating a salad for breakfast. Before you snicker, think about what you normally eat. Does your morning physical and/or mental activity require a sharp mind and energized body? If your morning meal is not meeting your needs, perhaps you should experiment with a breakfast salad.
In Christopher McDougall's book, Born to Run, the author seeks out nutritional advice from Dr. Ruth Heidrich in preparation for a long endurance run. Dr. Heidrich suggests salads in the morning help your body rehydrate after a night's sleep. It can provide an extensive supply of antioxidants and makes a sizeable dent in the day's veggie requirements. It offers slow burning carbohydrates which are great to sustain you through your morning activities.
How do I do it? Variety is one of the joys of this breakfast. One morning, I used half a container of spring mix, a small amount of leftover quinoa, leftover roasted cauliflower, a small handful of golden raisins and almond slivers and dressed it with olive oil, vinegar, sea salt and pepper. To keep preparation to a minimum, choose only a few vegetables to chop up. I also like to keep my pantry stocked with an assortment of flavor enhancers, like seeds, nuts, and vinegars to change the flavor experience.
Give it a try. I have enjoyed the energy and lightness I feel from a creative, tasty breakfast salad. If you were to start your day with a colorful, healthy, nutritious breakfast salad, what's the best thing that might happen?
Aubrey Fleszar is a certified nutrition and triathlon coach with Get Out N Play. Aubrey works with clients to help them reach their nutritional and athletic goals, both in the kitchen and out on the road.
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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 29; 6:30pm
Fun Run & Walk
3-5 casual miles
(featuring pace groups
from 7-12 min miles)
Wed, Sept 29; 7:00pm
No Boundaries "Couch-to-5k"
Program Kick-Off Meeting
Thurs, Sept 30; 6:30pm
Track Workout
at Saint Joseph College Sat, Oct 2; 8:30am No Boundaries "Couch-to-5k" Program begins Mon, Oct 4; 6:30
McLadden's Pub Run
Meet at store - end at the pub
Free Food! Wed, Oct 6; 6:30pm
Fun Run & Walk
3-5 casual miles
(featuring pace groups
from 7-12 min miles) Thurs, Oct 7; 6:30pm
Track Workout
at Saint Joseph College Thurs & Fri; 11am-7pm
ING Hartford Marathon
Health & Fitness Expo
& Packet Pick-up
Sun, Oct 10; 11am-2pm
"Roll Out the Miles"
Marathon Recovery Clinic
Ice, heat & injury assessments,
smoothies, massages, trigger point therapy - FREE!
(at Select PT - 29 North Main St
in West Hartford Center)
Wed, Oct 13; 6:30pm
Timex GPS Global Trainer
Demo Run Wed, Oct 20; 6:30pmBrooks Nightlife Fun Run Illumiting gifts for everyone! Thurs, Oct 21; 6:30pmMizuno Night at the Track
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| 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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Mon, Oct 4; 6:30pm: McLadden's Pub Run: Join us for another fun Pub Run. The 3-mile run will start from the store at 6:30pm and is open to all ages and abilities. We will finish at McLadden's on LaSalle Rd in West Hartford Center for food, drinks and friendship. We will offer a secure bag check, 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.
After the run, head to the reserved back room at McLadden's where we'll be treated to some free eats. If you ran up an appetite, they also have monster burgers and a delicious Sheppard's Pie. Those of legal age can enjoy McLadden's "Perfect Pour" of several delicious brews on tap, while those under 21 can enjoy a cold soft drink.
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Sun, Oct 10; 11am-2pm: FREE "Roll Out the Miles" Marathon Recovery Clinic: Come roll out the miles at our special Recovery Clinic hosted by Fleet Feet Sports and Select Physical Therapy at Select's West Hartford office (29 North Main St). Select's physical therapists and athletic trainers will be offering injury assessments as well as ice and heat treatment for sore muscles. Therapeutic Bodyworks will be offering free massages. Robeks will be giving away tasty smoothies. Anytime Fitness will have trainers helping you stretch and Fleet Feet Staffer Deb Stroiney will teach you how to use Trigger Point Therapy to flush the lactic acid from your muscles and release trigger points. We are also working to have FOX 61's coverage of the race replaying on the big screen so you can relive the race while sharing stories with fellow finishers.
The first 20 people in attendance will receive a really cool limited edition finisher's tech tee (the shirt will also be available for $20), and everyone will have a chance to win fun raffle prizes including a Recovery Gift Basket filled with over $200 worth of products. It's going to be a great event! |
| 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. |
Cheerleaders Needed
Sat, Oct 9 - 8-10am |  |
The ING Hartford Half Marathon features an all-new course this year that will take runners into West Hartford for the first time ever. We want to help make this new course an awesome experience for both the runners and the community by creating a huge Cheer Zone around Mile 7 near the UConn campus at the corner of Trout Brook Drive and Asylum Ave.
There will be live music and free ING orange cheer gear (cow bells and sunglasses) to get the you in the mood. Our goal is to have a couple hundred people lining the streets and making a whole lot of noise to encourage the runners.
We are looking for individuals and organizations (scouts, soccer teams, clubs, bands, etc) to work the Cheer Zone. No experience necessary - you just need to know how to shout, clap, give high-five's and ring a cow bell.
If you are interested, please park at the UConn campus on Trout Brook Road by 8:15am so you can be in place for the first runners who will pass through the Zone around 8:30am. The last of the runners should arrive by 9:45am (these are the runners who really need our support and encouragement).
It's just 90 minutes of your day, but it will mean the world to thousands of runners. Please join us! |
| ACS Needs Volunteers | |
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The American Cancer Society is one of the official charities for the 2010 Hartford Marathon. We are looking for volunteers to help support our cause and our team of Determined runners who have dedicated their participation in this event to the fight against Cancer. We are looking for volunteers for the following positions:
Packet Pick Up
Thurs, Oct 7: 2pm - 7pm
XL Center, Hartford, CT
ACS Booth
Thurs, Oct 7: 11am - 3pm &
3pm - 7pm
Fri, Oct 8: 11am - 3pm &,
3pm - 7pm
XL Center, Hartford, CT
Race Day - Start/Finish Line
Sat Oct 10; 7am to 2pm (partial shifts are available as well)
Bushnell Park, Hartford, CT
For more info contact Kate at 802.872.6307 or kate.kerrigan@cancer.org
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| 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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