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Game on Mr. Frost! |
The annual showdown with Jack Frost has begun. He does his best to thwart my plans to run outside with frigid air, gusty winds, icy roads and frosty precipitation. I counter with heavy artillery comprised of running gear (armor?) that is designed to withstand anything Jack can throw at it and a bag of tricks learned from other Winter Warriors. It is a battle that will last through March. A battle I intend to win.
The key is acclimatization: getting out there right now, when the weather actually isn't too bad. These past few days have been raw especially with 30mph winds, but I know winter will get worse. If I can convince myself to run when it is 28 degrees this week, it won't seem that bad when it is 18 degrees later this month which, in turn, will make it easier to run when it is in the single digits.
If I hibernate now, there is not a snowball's chance in Bermuda that I will run in the bitterness of January or February. And with a spring marathon goal, I need to get out now (or convince myself that treadmills are enjoyable). So I set out my running clothes before I go to bed, putting them in front of the heater or in my bed so they are warm when I put them on, and start chanting "feet on the floor, get out the door" as soon as the alarm goes off. Lingering under the warm covers only makes things worse. If I am driving to meet a friend or run the trails, I use the heat sparingly lest I get too comfortable in the car.
Once I get started, an amazing thing happens. I warm up and begin to enjoy the refreshing briskness. I am motivated by the motorists who give me that "you are crazy" look, the stillness of the woods and the satisfaction I will get when I record my run (and weather conditions) in my log book. Before I know it, the run is over and I am celebrating winter victory with a steaming cup of Joe and a hot shower. Ahhhh, I highly recommend it!
Just be sure to dress appropriately which includes not over-dressing since your sweat transfers heat from your body 70 times faster than cold air does. Trust that you will feel 20 degrees warmer after a few minutes so prepare to feel a little cold (errr, refreshed!) at the start. Not confident that you will be warm? Bring an extra layer to put on if you are not warm after 5 minutes. And remember that your ears, nose, fingers and toes freeze first so keep them covered.
Be Fit,
Steph |
| Schuyler's Shoe Review |
 Track is back, even if the weather makes it feel more like ski season. While high school track runners need warm gear for training outside, they also need fast and light spikes for racing circles around the competition. This winter, we are proud to offer a quality selection of spikes and competition shoes for all events.
 Distance runners might find themselves coming back to some old stand-bys. Last year's popular Adidas AdiZero Cadence is built like a minimal road flat with more protection and cushion than most spikes, all in a bright green package. Saucony is bringing back the popular Velocity for its fourth year, and this is a shoe that seems to be picking up steam with each version. Nike's industry-leader Victory spike returns unchanged except for a hot new blue color. For those who want a more basic spikes, the Nike Rival D takes the light FlyWire upper of the Victory and places it on a more substantial platform.
 Middle distance runners will be seeing some changes and some exciting new options. Last year, we brought in the Saucony Endorphin MD because another shoe was out of stock. After seeing it sell out in a matter of weeks, we decided to carry it in greater numbers this year. The Endorphin is fast, sleek and low to the ground, ready to get you onto your toes for the final stretch of that 800. Our most popular mid-distance spike from last year, the Adidas Spider, returns in a streamlined package with a snugger toe and a more aggressive spike-plate to crush the competition from the 400 to the mile.
 Sprinters going for the gold might just find it with the Nike MaxCat, a sprint spike in bright gold colors with a full-length carbon spike-plate for amazing energy return. The Adidas SprintStar remains largely unchanged from last year, besides some of the loudest colors of any spike. Saucony replaces the Crescent spike of the past few seasons with the Spitfire, a more aggressive shoe for 55m-400m and hurdles.
 Field athletes should not feel left out, as we offer spikes for a range of field events. From New Balance, the LJ1010 is built specially for the long jump/triple jump athlete. For those with an even broader set of events, the Adidas Jumpstar Allround can help you jump far in the long or triple while helping you clear the bar in the high jump or pole vault. For throwers, the Adidas Throwstar Allround is a heavy-duty rotational shoe for the shot-put, discus or hammer throw.
Now through Monday, December 13, middle and high school tracksters get 10% off their spikes and trainers and get a free tech-tee (while supplies last). Plus, the team with the highest percentage of athletes shopping at Fleet Feet Sports will receive a season's supply of Gatorade to keep them hydrated and fast this winter. Conard HS won our participation contest for XC. Will your school win this season? |
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Amy Gear Corner | |
 Women's Nike Element Half Zip: I couldn't put this top down when it arrived yesterday. It is soooo soft, but tough too. The suede-like fabric is made with Nike's proprietary Dri-Fit fabric that wicks away sweat and keeps you dry and warm and spandex fibers that provide an athletic fit without rubbing or chaffing. There are mesh underarm vents to cool this high heat/sweat area and a reflective strip on the zipper for those early morning or evening road adventures.
 Foot Wheel: This ingenious product developed by doctors is the perfect gift for anyone who has achy, tired feet or a stubborn case of plantar fasciitis. Just gently roll it under your sore foot for 30 seconds several times a day to stretch and relax the fascia tissue on the bottom of your foot. You can feel the tender fascia and knotty muscles just melt away. It is even small enough to fit in a coat pocket or purse for optimal portability.
 DryMax Socks: We recently discovered these high-performance synthetic socks and were very impressed. Rather than being "just" moisture-wicking, DryMax socks are hydrophobic (i.e. they hate water). This means that while a traditional synthetic sock allows sweat to move away from the foot, DryMax fibers actively move it out, resulting in faster drying and less loss of heat from the foot than any other brand of socks. It is the scientifically-proven fastest drying sock on the market. Check out this video to see the technology in action.
Want to try a pair of these socks for free? Come to our DryMax Demo Fun Run next Wednesday (Dec 15). You get to keep the sock! |
| Running Out of Gift Ideas? Look Here! |
 Adidas Ion Bracelet: Get charged up with positive ions! Supposedly our phones, computers, TVs give off negative energy and the magnets in this bracelet will help balance those bad vibes with negative ions. Band is made of silicone and has dual 1,000 Guass magnets. It can't hurt, right? And it does look pretty darn cool on our wrists.
 Chrome Auto Emblems: Just in today are these classy chrome emblems in various designs for the marathoner, half-marathoner and triathlete in your life. They affix via a special automotive adhesive foam tape that is auto paint-safe so you can remove it from your car safely - but it won't come off in the car wash or in harsh weather. They are "Made in the U.S.A." and are guaranteed not to chip, fade, or fall off like cheap plastic imitations.
 Thorlo "Taste of Chocolate" Gift Pack: We have a special promotion for Thorlo Sock lovers: a 4-pack of Thorlo's famous aero-dynamic Experia socks (all the cushy goodness of Thorlo socks without the bulk) in "chocolate" colors, packaged in a cellophane gift bag with some gourmet chocolate feet to ear. Just $42 (normally $56).
 Holiday Socks: With the temperatures dropping, a warmer sock is necessary, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice fashion for functionality. Sock Guy, the maker of those "cute socks", has developed a material they call Turbowool. It is a blend of deluxe merino wool and polypropylene to keep your feet toasty and dry. It five times the durability and strength of regular merino wool and is itch free! Plus, it comes in a cute snowman or sock monkey design. Wool not your thing? We just brought in a selection of fun new Sock Guy sock designs sure to add some fun to any athlete's foot.
Even More Ideas:
Run Safe: Road ID , reflective vest, blinking light, pepper spray
Run Warm: Hats, gloves, wool base layers, fuzzy mid layers,
waterproof outer layers
Run Fueled: Fill a bag w/Gu, SportBeans, UCAN, Nuun, etc
Run Clean: Sport Wash, Stuffit Shoe Savers, Sneaker Balls
Run Supported: Compression socks, sleeves, shorts and tights
Run Timed: Garmin, Timex, Suunto & Nike watches and HRM's
Run Cute: Sweaty Bands, Sock Guy Socks
Run Loose: Foam Roller, Foot Rubz, The Stick, Biofreeze
Run in Snow & Ice: Kahtoola & Due North shoe traction devices
 Gift Certificate Ideas for the:
Beginner: Gift card to join our No Boundaries Program
Half Marathoner: $13.01 gift card + 13.1 sticker
Marathoner: $26.01 gift card + 26.2 sticker
Triathlete: Our sweet "Multi-Sport Gift Pack" contains four $100 gift cards - one each to Fleet Feet Sports, Newington Bike, Theraputic Bodyworks (massage!) and the Fitness Continuum (good for 10 peloton indoor cycling classes) - an insulated coffee mug, water bottle, sweat towel and gear bag. A $450 value for $300.
PLUS: Purchase a single gift card of $150+ and receive a pair of Tifosi Alpe sunglasses FREE ($40 value). Gift them...to yourself! |
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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 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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| No Boundaries in 2011 | 
Congratulations to our newest (and biggest!) class of No Boundaries graduates - you were amazing at the Mitten Run on Sunday. Ten weeks ago you didn't think you could do it, but there you were sprinting and smiling across the finish line. I hope you are as proud of your accomplishment as your coaches and I are. Want to be inspired? Check out these race photos taken by Coach Kathy.
We are finalizing details on our next No Boundaries beginning running program which will start on Saturday, January 8 at 9:00am (we are also hoping to have a class on Tuesday mornings at 9:30am - email Coach Rich if you are interested). Yes, it might be cold outside (and there may be some snow on the ground), but this program will give you super human strength to persevere and do what you didn't think you could do.
No Boundaries is designed for people who don't run, those who have a hard time sticking to a running program, are unsure what to do or just want to run with a great, supportive group of people who become like family. We use the "Galloway Method" which includes run/walk intervals and slowly ramps-up the time spent running and distance covered. In just 10 weeks, you'll go from the couch to crossing the finish line of the O'Hartford 5k in mid-March. It's an amazing experience.
More details about the program, including a link to register, will be available on our web site later this week and in the next Extra Mile e-newsletter on Dec 14. For our graduates and those who can already run 3 miles, we will have a special Next Steps program for you to keep your distance up so you can continue to run strong in 2011.
We will also be offering another "Bare It All" program to train you to run a 5k barefooted, in Vibram FiveFingers or other minimal shoe. Special kudos to the inaugural Bare It All members who braved frozen streets and 20 degree temps at the Mitten Run - especially Steve and Jessie who ran completely barefooted! And congrats to Coach Schuyler who placed 3rd overall sans shoes! Born to run! |
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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, Dec 8; 6:00am
New Morning Fun Run
3-5 casual miles
No one will be left behind
Wear Reflective Gear!
Wed, Dec 8; 6:00pm
"Run, Breath, Shop" with
Fleet Feet Sports & Lululemon
See below for details
Wed, Dec 8; 6:30pm
Fun Run & Walk
3-5 casual miles
Wear Reflective Gear!
Thurs, Dec 9; 6:30pm
Track Workout
at Saint Joseph College
Mon, Nov 13; 6:00am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 casual miles
No one will be left behind
Wear Reflective Gear!
Wed, Dec 14; 6:00am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 casual miles
No one will be left behind
Wear Reflective Gear!
Wed, Dec 14; 6:30pm
DryMax Fun Run & Walk 3-5 Casual Miles
FREE SOCKS for Everyone
Wear Reflective Gear!
Thurs, Dec 15; 6:30pm
The Adrenaline Track Workout
at Saint Joseph College
Sponsored by Brooks
Someone will run away
with a new Brooks Adrenaline shoe |
| 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 Duncan & 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 -
Buy Your Tickets Now |  | |
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.
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. |
| Get Sronger, Healthier & Faster This Winter |  |
Winter is a good time to heal, rebuild and reevaluate your training, but sometimes it is hard to know where to start. If you are serious about your training, consider visiting Coach Al Lyman at his new performance laboratory in Old Saybrook.
Coach Al has teamed with Dr. Kurt Strecker (a certified Chiropractic Sports Physician and triathlete) to offer a holistic approach to help runners and triathletes that begins with a thorough analysis of your mechanics using sophisticated digital video recording and gait analysis software. They follow that analysis with a full-body functional muscle and joint examination to provide you with a comprehensive and technologically advanced evaluation. Finally, they create a customized plan designed specifically to eliminate your weaknesses and enhance your strengths.
They have helped athletes of all ages and abilities to get stronger, faster and more injury resistant. For more information, visit their web site. |
| 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.
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 - 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).
Classes are Sunday's at 12:00pm and cost $20. For more information, 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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