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Giving Thanks |
 I like that the holiday season begins with a day of thanks. It is like the calm before the storm. A day to escape the hectic daily routine (a routine that goes into overdrive through New Years) and just linger. Spend time with family and friends. Eat delicious food. Laugh. Play Wii (DDR!) Take a nap. Keep my laptop powered off (that one is for you, Mom). Be thankful for the many gifts in my life and remember all the reasons I have to smile.
One of my favorite quotes is by legendary runner Steve Prefontaine. He once said that "to give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift". Sometimes the gift is something as simple as celebrating being healthy by going for a walk or run. Other times the gift is much bigger and makes the world a better place. Sometimes one person's gifts are combined with others to do something really spectacular. This past Saturday was proof of that.
The morning started off with over 500 kids descending on the Bennett School's fields for the inaugural running of the Little Manchester Road Race. Organizing the kids was no small feat, and I am thankful for so many volunteers - from the HAM radio operators, to the Tolland High School XC Team, to the many parents who saw where help was needed and lent a hand (and their voices). Because of them, those kids got to experience the joy of running and the thrill of having hundreds of people cheer just for them. If you need a pick-me-up, check out our photos from the event here and here.
The day ended with an incredible turn-out at our Craig & Company Fights Back workshop where over 400 women united and learned to fight back. Together we raised over $7,000 for Jane Doe No More, money that will be used to better educate law enforcement agencies on how to handle sexual assault crimes and support the victims. No more blame. No more shame. No more fear. I was honored and humbled to be a part of this empowering event.
This Thanksgiving, all of us at Fleet Feet Sports give thanks to you for being a part of our community, our family on the run.
Be Fit,
Steph |
| Schuyler & Amy's Gift Guide |
Think of your favorite runner this Holiday season. What could he or she want most as a gift? A Get Out of Plantar Fasciitis Free card, perhaps? Or an effortless 30 second personal best in the 5k? A way to keep their gear organized and stink-free (OK, maybe that's what you want for them)?
We have tons of great ideas for your runner, but Steph is giving us limited space, so we can only share a few of our favorite things here. But come visit us at the store and we'll show you a whole lot more!
Garmin Watches: While kids may dream of sugarplums, runners dream of getting a Garmin. This year, Garmin has an impressive array of choices sure to meet the needs of any runner. Let's start with the sleek ForeRunner 110 & 210. These nearly identical looking watches are notable for what they lack: size, bulk and unusual shape. In fact, they look almost like a standard sport watch - not a GPS-enabled one.
The entry-level 110 is great for those who want a simple way to keep track of pace, distance and time while the 210 comes with a soft strap heart rate monitor and has advanced features like tracking limits and workouts. That means that if you want to run mile repeats or timed sprints, you no longer need access to a track. You can use the workout function to run them anywhere.
For the tech geek in your life, the Garmin 410 is an update of the popular 405. This watch, available with or without a soft strap heart rate monitor, is a little larger than the 110 or 210. Its innovative touch bezel uses iPod-like scrolling to choose menu options and settings. While the bezel in the 405 was sensitive to sweat and rain, the new and improved version will only respond to fingers.
If you're shopping for a triathlete, the Garmin 310 is the top-of-the-line triathlon watch, and the only GPS watch on the market that is fully waterproof for swimming. It automatically transitions between swim, bike and run, helps you track your transition times, and provides full workouts, alerts and limits. With the bike cadence and handlebar mount add-ons, the 310 can also function as your cycling computer.
Remember, for every $150 you spend at Fleet Feet, you earn a $15 rewards certificate. Buy a Garmin for $300 & earn a $30 rewards certificate to use at a later date!
 Stuffitt Shoe Savers: Wet...smelly...shoes...No Thanks! Does the runner (or teenager) in your life have a stinky shoe problem? Give them Stuffitts! This fantastic insert, resembling an overstuffed foot, is an effective drying and deodorizing system for shoes. Just put a Stuffitt into each shoe after wearing and let the 100% natural, eastern red cedar work its magic by absorbing moisture and odors and preventing premature breakdown of your shoes. In fact, your shoes will last about 20% longer when you use Stuffitts. Sweet!
 The Stick: Now is the perfect time to take care of nagging pains that you have been ignoring or do not know how treat (like plantar fasciitis). The Stick is a revolutionary device that compresses and stretches muscle fibers. It can be used to warm muscles up before activity, aid in muscle recovery post activity by removing lactic acid and treat over-used, over-stressed muscles, ligaments and tissue. If you have stubborn plantar fasciitis, come in and let us show you how The Stick can be used to release the trigger points that aggravate the fascia. It really works!
 Zensah Compression Sleeves: Compression is the hottest gear in running right now because it increases oxygen blood flow which helps leg muscles stay fresher longer during activity and hastens recovery afterwards. Go to any race these days and you will see Zensah's colorful leg sleeves. We love them because we can wear them with our favorite socks and with our Montrail recovery sandals. Plus the silverized fabric helps fight bacteria and regulates skin temperature. They make the perfect gift for athletes and anyone who is on their feet all day or travels a lot.
Gym Bags: A good gym bag is something many runners overlook when making their holiday Wish List, but chances are good that they could really use a new one. One that doesn't stink and has zippers that work. Now in stock are two great bags - a pretty one for women designed by Moving Comfort and a black duffle from Brooks that men and women alike will appreciate.
 The MC Gym Bag is the perfect-sized gear bag, not too small and not too big. It has plenty of zippered pockets (front, side and inside) and a matching cosmetic bag that can be used to store your swim cap and goggles. The bag also has a water bottle sleeve, detachable, padded shoulder straps and hidden backpack straps. The powder-blue color makes it stylish enough to use a daypack or large purse.
 The Brooks Boulder Bag takes a cue from rock climbing bags by featuring a pull out pad that gives you a dry place to sit and stretch or change your gear (triathlon transition comfort!). It is big enough to fit multiple changes of clothes so you are prepared for any weather and makes a perfect pack for traveling to races. There is even a separate side pocket that is big enough to store your shoes. No more mud on your gear!
 TrailHeads' Goodbye Girl Ponytail Hat: This hat is one of our best sellers each year. It solves the problem for women with ponytails that rub and get all bunched-up in a hat. TrailHeads, a CT-based company, created a hat that is "ponytail compatible". The hat features a strategically-placed hole in the back of the hat that is the perfect size for a ponytail to slip through. Even better, the hat is made with a wonderfully warm and cozy fleece that is lightweight and dries quickly. Some hats even have a cool HyperReflect strip for those early morning or late evening runs or walks. Don't have a ponytail? You can still wear this hat and look great!
 UCAN: It fuels Meb & the New England Patriots to greatness. Maybe it'll do the same for your runner. Unlike other sports drinks that are made with glucose/sugar that can cause an athlete to experience a "spike and crash" effect, UCAN is made from a unique energy source called SuperStarch - a naturally modified carbohydrate that utilizes fat as its fuel source to provide a sustained source of energy that is gentle on the stomach (no gastric distress!). It's gluten-free too!
The lemonade and pomegranate-blueberry flavors are great for pre-race fuel (some endurance athletes can complete a 4-hour workout on one package), whereas the vanilla and chocolate flavors contain whey protein making it perfect post-run and as a mini-meal throughout the day to control hunger. In fact, tennis pro Mardy Fish attributes his 30 pound weight loss and improved performance to drinking UCAN. |
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Featured Races | |
There are two great family-friendly runs to choose from on Sunday, December 5!
 Blue Back Mitten Run/5k:
Join our No Boundaries, Barefoot and Zoomerang runners during this great run around Blue Back Square. The race will be held rain, snow or shine (we're hoping for the shine). The Kids Fun Runs (1/2 mile and 1 mile options) will begin at 10:00am, followed by the 5k at 10:15am. The course begins near Town Hall and winds through the wide avenues of West Hartford, past festive shop windows and neighborhoods decorated for the season. It finishes in the center of Blue Back Square in the open area between Cheesecake Factory and the library.
The race is expected to have over 1,200 runners so plan on leaving early for the race so you can find parking. You can also save time by picking up your packet at Fleet Feet Sports on Saturday, December 4 from 2-5pm. Registration fee is $28 for the 5k and $10 for the kids run, if you register by Tuesday (November 30) and includes a long-sleeve t-shirt. You can upgrade your shirt to a long-sleeve tech tee for an additional $22.
The race also collects mittens, gloves, hats and scarves that are donated to the less fortunate through the "Town That Cares Fund". A collection box is set-up at Fleet Feet Sports to drop off your donations - and boxes will be available on race day too.
For more information or to register, click the logo above.
2010 Santa's 3.5 Mile Run
Be part of one of the largest races in the State! Santa's 3.5 Mile Run will be held at Noon on Sunday, December 5th (snow-date, December 12th). The run begins and ends at Glastonbury High School so there will be plenty of free parking, showers, bathrooms and an indoor warm-up area. This year's race will be computer-chip timed by Bay State Race Services so results will be available faster and more accurately. Division winners will receive plaques and there are lots of raffle prizes that will be awarded randomly. There is also a special costume contact so get creative!
You can register online here or in person at the Glastonbury Parks and Recreation Department. The first 150 people to register will get a free race tee (shirt will also be available for sale at the event). Registration fee is $15. |
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Learn to Tri - with Fleet Feet Sports | |
Have you ever thought of doing a Triathlon but didn't know how to get started? Or were intimidated by all of the details? Do you love to run and bike, but are afraid of swimming? Or maybe you love to swim and run, but don't know how to bike?
Fleet Feet is proud to announce its first Sprint Triathlon Program for Beginners. This 12-week training program will put an emphasis on creating a fun, comfortable and motivating atmosphere for learning the fundamentals of swimming, biking, running, transitions, equipment, nutrition and mental planning. Our goal race is one of the sprint tri at Lake Terramuggus which are held every Thursday evening during the summer so if you catch the Tri-bug (which we hope you do), you can enjoy an entire summer of tri-ing!
The head coach of the program is our own Ironwoman, Amy Viara. This past summer, Amy completed Ironman Lake Placid in a speedy 11:36:41 and will be earning her USA Triathlon coaching certification in January. She will be joined by guest swim, bike and run instructors who will give you lots of tips and tricks so that you are comfortable and confident in each of the three disciplines.
The program fee is $185 and includes:
- Detailed weekly training plans and e-newsletter
- Weekly coached group trainings and education clinics
- Swim Instruction at Cornerstone Aquatics
- Bike skill training and inclement weather rides
- at The Fitness Continuum
- Technical t-shirt
- Discount on Tri Team Kit (tri top and shorts)
- Lots of fun and comaraderie!
The training program will begin the week of March 7, 2011. It will be limited to 20 people in order to provide a low coach-to-participant ratio. We will hold two information clinics at Fleet Feet Sports in January and February, but you can email Coach Amy to reserve your spot now.
This training program is a GREAT gift idea for the aspiring triathlete in your life! |
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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, Nov 24; 6:00am
New Morning Fun Run
3-5 casual miles
No one will be left behind
Wear Reflective Gear!
Wed, Nov 24; 6:30pm
Fun Run & Walk
3-5 casual miles
Wear Reflective Gear! Mon, Nov 29; 6:00am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 casual miles
No one will be left behind
Wear Reflective Gear!
Wed, Dec 1; 6:00am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 casual miles
No one will be left behind
Wear Reflective Gear!
Wed, Dec 1; 6:30pm
Fun Run & Walk 3-5 Casual Miles
Wear Reflective Gear!
Thurs, Dec 2; 6:30pm
Track Workout
at Saint Joseph College
Wed, Dec 8; 6pm
"Run, Breath, Shop" with Fleet Feet Sports & Lululemon |
| 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. ******* 
Wed, Dec 8 @ 6:00pm: "Run, Breath, Shop" with Fleet Feet Sports & Lululemon: Take a sanity break this holiday season and do something good for your mind and body (your wallet will get a gift too!). Join us at Fleet Feet Sports for a 2-3 mile run or walk (your choice) that ends at Lululemon. Then, Lululemon's Ambassador, Kris Kory, will lead a stretching and abs class. Everyone who joins in the fun will receive a shop card worth 15% off at both Fleet Feet Sports and Lululemon until December 12. |
| 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. Now that it's dark, you must wear at least one piece of reflective gear. We have some vests, bands and jackets you can borrow, but it's first-come, first-served so come a few minutes early if you need to borrow something. |
| 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. |
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Hood To Coast Movie - Private Ticket Sale |  | |
Runners, mark your calendars for a special one-night event on 1-11-11: the much anticipated Hood To Coast movie premiere. This feature length documentary celebrates the adventure that is the world's largest relay race and the passion of runners everywhere. It is a motivational journey through the eyes of everyday runners.
The movie, short in stunning HD, follows four teams on their epic journey from the top of Mount Hood to the Pacific Ocean. Feel the runner's pain, relish their camaraderie and get a taste of the runner's high we all long to feel. Even if you are not a runner, watching this documentary will make you want to push yourself further than you have ever gone.
Fleet Feet Sports has partnered with the movie producers to bring it to the Buckland Hills 18 IMAX theatre. As a Fleet Feet Peep, you get secret access to tickets before they go on sale to the public on Friday. Tickets for this one-time showing are expected to sell out so don't wait too long to get your tickets. They are a great gift idea for the runner in your life.
Click here to purchase your tickets. To learn more about the movie and watch the trailer, click here. |
| BRICK Workouts |  |
Take the "ick" out of your bike/run workouts! Fleet Feet Sports has teamed up with the Fitness Continuum to offer a unique workout for triathletes this fall. This 6-week, progressive program begins on Sunday, November 28 at 12:30pm in the Fitness Continuum's Peloton cycling studio.
Your workout will consist of a 60 minute indoor ride followed by a 3-5 mile outdoor run (lead by Ironwoman Amy!). This is not just a spinning class (though, there are flat-screen tv's and rockin' music) - you will learn cycling techniques that will enable you to ride faster outdoors. As soon as the ride is completed, everyone will lace up their running shoes and head out for a refreshing run. Coach Amy will teach you tips to activate your running muscles faster (both mentally and physically).
The program cost is $120. To learn more or register, contact Wes at the Fitness Continuum: 860-540-5860 or wesley@thefitnesscontinuum.com.
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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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