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 I will admit that I am a geek of dual proportions: weather and running. I get as excited about an approaching storm system as I do about the latest gear for runners. I am in my glory, though, when I can "product sample" both the weather and new running gear at the same time.
I love putting technology to the test and proving whether it works like it claims. Last Wednesday morning I confirmed that I can stay toasty warm in 16 degree temps and 35mph winds with just a single layer (my New Balance windblock top). In the cold dampness on Sunday morning, I tested my new Mizuno Breath Thermo top (I couldn't resist the sharp looking purple/black color this year). Within 5 minutes I felt like I was wearing an electric blanket. Good purchase! In fact, sometimes the only thing that motivates me to run is justifying all the running gear I've bought.
I especially like to celebrate meteorological events and extremes with a run. Some of my most memorable runs have been during ridiculous weather conditions. Like the time my sister and I ran during a tropical storm in Washington, DC. We were training for a marathon and needed to do 16 miles. We thought it best to stay off the roads so we went to one of our favorite running trails along Rock Creek Parkway. In addition to the pouring rain (over 3 inches fell during our run), the water on the trail was up to our knees at times. I felt like a salmon trying to swim upstream. Needless to say, we didn't need - or want - a shower after that run!
I thought briefly about trying to commemorate last night's rare occurrence of a total lunar eclipse on the Winter Solstice (making it the shortest, darkest day since 1638) with a run under the red moon, but at 3am, the clouds were obscuring the moon and it just felt dark and cold. Even my new Super6 Cap Light couldn't motivate me to leave my warm bed. Maybe it will still count if I get on my treadmill and watch the incredible time-lapse video that William Castleman from Gainesville, FL shot.
Or maybe I'll just wait for the next bout of "fun" weather Mother Nature has in store for us to hone our product sampling skills. In fact, there is a good chance for snow on Saturday night. Maybe I can finally try out those snowshoes I got for Christmas LAST year!
Be Fit & Enjoy the Holiday!
Steph |
| Schuyler's Review |
This past week, I had a chance to try out what might be the coolest backpack I've ever seen, the Nike Cheyenne pack. I know what you're thinking. How cool could a backpack be? The Cheyenne was designed at Nike in consultation with run and bike commuters. This past summer, I rode my bike to work most days. In the winter, however, I am unashamed to admit that I am a wimp. While I can bundle up for winter running, biking requires more effort to block wind, more gear and more risk due to ice, so a few people suggested that I try run-commuting for the winter. While I found that a run commute was a great, environmentally-friendly way to both get to work and save time getting my daily run in, the backpacks I tried was bouncy or uncomfortable.
 Perfect timing, then, that we got our shipment of the brand-new Cheyenne pack on Thursday. Friday, I ran to work with the pack, which has a shallow yet wide construction to hold weight close to the body. Padded shoulder, waist and sternum straps kept me from feeling any chafing. A separate shoe/laundry compartment in the bottom of the pack keeps everything else clean. My initial worry was that this compartment would be wasted space if unused, but the divider actually expands to make either the shoe or main compartment as small or large as you would like. The true test came when I ran home from work.
I ran three miles to the supermarket, loaded my pack up with groceries, and ran another three quarters of a mile home. Even loaded with fresh fruits and veggies, there was almost no bounce. The highly visible color and reflective components kept me confident that I would be seen in the dark. While it stayed dry the whole way home, the pack also sports a packable rain-cover to keep your clean clothes dry on your run or ride. While designed for commuters, the Cheyenne is also a perfect pack for high school runners. The shoe compartment can hold spikes while the rain-cover could prove indispensable at a rainy cross-country or outdoor track meet.
 The other innovative accessory that I got to try this week was one of Steph's favorites. For a few winters, now, she has said how the Kahtoola Microspikes, which slip over any pair of shoes or boots, offer incredible traction for icy trail running. With an impending hike up Mt. Greylock, I bought a pair for myself, my girlfriend and my brother. After reaching the summit, we descended down a steep sheet of ice that covered the first half-mile of Appalachian Trail. Where normally this would provide for scary footing, desperate grabbing at trees, or even some slips and spills, we sped comfortably down it like it was textured concrete. With the surprising comfort they provide, I see my first season of winter trail-running-and more winter hiking-in my very near future.
Every two weeks, I write about shoes: neutral, stability, motion control. Every now and then, I'll branch out and write about minimalist shoes, track or cross-country spikes, or insoles. In honor of the holidays, however, my gift to you, our readers, is a column free from any discussion of midsoles, medial posts, arch support or forefoot width. This is the holiday season, and the holidays are all about accessories. |
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Amy Gear Corner & Last Minute Gift Ideas | |
Fun T-Shirts: These inexpensive ($20!) sassy tees were featured in Glamour magazine in October. The women's tee features a scooped-neck and clever sayings like "No Run = Cranky + Moody", "I love Running/I Hate Running" and "Running: It's a Family thing" (this saying is available in kids' tee sizes too). These poly-cotton tees make fantastic gifts for the runner in your life, but they're so awesome, you will probably want one for yourself as well!
 BottleCap Magnets:
Local artist Stefanie Marco made these super cute bottlecap magnets. At $4.00, they make the perfect stocking stuffer or teacher gift!
Super6 Cap-Light:
This neat light attaches to the brim of your hat (or other surface) with a magnetic claw-clip for hands-free lighting on the run, bike, hike - or even while grilling at night! The Super6 rotates 360 degrees horizontally and 90 degrees vertically,  allowing convenient illumination in every direction. It's lightweight, water-proof and shock-proof and features 6 bright LED bulbs and a glow-in-the-dark power switch. The light has four modes: 2 LED's on, 6 LED's on, 6 LED's flashing or 6 LED's flashing in S.O.S. mode.
 KT Tape: After the 20th customer asked if we carried kinesiotape, we figured it was time to bring it in. KT Tape is a revolutionary sports medicine solution for treating and preventing common sports injuries such as ITBS, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, knee pain and more. It is highly effective at providing pain relief, stability & support, & faster recovery for injured or sore muscles and joints-without sacrificing comfort or freedom of movement. Plus, it is simple to use and apply - though, we are going to host a Hands-on Kinesiotaping Seminar on Wednesday, January 19 at 7:00pm. Everyone in attendance will get a free demo pack of tape to use in class!
 Nike's Shield Tight: Conquer the cold with this tight that features a brushed-fleece interior for softness and warmth and wind/water resistant panels that block whatever Mother Nature throws at you. The flat seam construction helps avoid chafing, the center back zip pocket keeps your phone/MP3 player or key safe and the reflective graphics keep you visible on the roads. These tights are sure to become your favorite go-to winter tight!
 Bob Revolution Stroller: If babies could get a gift for their running parents, this would be it! The B.O.B (baby on board) Revolution Stroller is the Ferrari of baby joggers thanks to its pivoting front wheel that swivels for quick, easy, all-wheels-on-the-ground turning - even in the tightest of spaces. The wheel can also be locked for maximum stability while using on a run. The state-of-the-art suspension system and ultra padded seat gives baby a smooth, plush ride, and portability is a breeze with a quick two-step fold-up design. |
| Featured Race: SJC Indoor Triathlon | |
Ladies, mark your calendars! Registration for the very popular 5th Annual Saint Joseph College Indoor Triathlon & Expo opens on Monday January 3 and is certain to sell-out quickly. The all-female sprint triathlon coordinated by Team Training New England takes place on Sunday, February 13 at 9:00am and features a 20 minute pool swim, 20 minute bike spin and 20 minute run - all within the safe, dry and warm confines of the O'Connell Center at Saint Joseph College.
The triathlon celebrates National Girls and Women in Sports Day and is open to women of all ages and sizes. It is a good test for the upcoming triathlon season for veterans or a chance for beginners to get a taste of what triathlons are all about. Results will be calculated by distance traveled during the set allotted time for the swim and run.
Registration is $20 ($10 for students and SJC faculty, staff and alumni). Download the application on the Team Training New England web site beginning in January. All proceeds will go towards the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Pink Zone program that raises funds for women's cancer research.
Challenging and Fun Workout + Expo + Raffle Prizes = Great Fun! |
| No Boundaries in 2011 - Registration Open! | 
Our next No Boundaries running program begins the week of Jan 2. Participants will have the option to practice on Tuesday mornings at 9:30am or Saturday mornings at 9:00am. We will offer beginner and an advanced groups. 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.
Registration is $95 for the 10-week program. Fee includes your training plan, coaching, a tech-tee, coupon booklet and lots of great tips and tricks to keep you going. Register online here.
Not ready to run? Join us for a 10-week walking program. Start 2011 out on the right foot and meet some fun new friends with like minded goals. Group will meet on Saturday's at 9am. Email Steph for more information. |
| Now Hiring - Great Perks, Fun Work! |  Thanks to loyal customers like you, Fleet Feet Sports is growing! To help us to continue to provide extraordinary customer service to runners, walkers and anyone who needs a comfortable pair of shoes, we are looking for a few exceptional people to join our team!
We are currently seeking applicants for long-term/permanent positions including an Inventory Specialist, Events Coordinator and a Staff Manager. You do not need to be a shoe or biomechanics expert to apply (we'll teach you that!), but you DO need to:
- Enjoy working with people
- Love sharing your passion for living fit
- Be energetic and lively
- Multi-task and be comfortable in a fast-paced environment
- Communicate effectively and be a good listener
- Not mind touching bare feet
- Be available to work weekends
The Inventory Specialist will help manage our inventory to include performing weekly inventory counts of product to ensure accuracy, storeroom organization, prepping products for sale, as well as shipping and receiving. The job will take 20-30 hours per week (Tuesday-Saturday) beginning at 8am. You must have be good with numbers, comfortable with computers, have amazing attention to detail and an interest in running related products. Please note that this position entails working mainly in the backroom so there is not a lot of customer interaction with this role.
The Event Coordinator will plan, promote and implement a wide-variety of events both in and out of the store including seminars, training programs, fun runs, group shopping nights, health fairs, FIT Clinics, corporate lunch-and-learns, races and expos. They will build relationships and work with local organizations and vendor partners and update our web site and Facebook pages. Due to the nature of our events and programs, this position will have many weeknight and weekend hours. Candidates should have previous marketing and events experience.
We also are seeking a Staff Manager to our team. This person will preferably have 1-2 years of management experience and be comfortable in a retail environment. They will hire, lead, develop and coach staff and have primary responsibility for all floor activities and scheduling. Most importantly, they will help create a fun, positive and energetic workplace environment that encourages professional growth.
If you - or someone you know - is interested in one of these positions, please email Steph your resume, a short description of why this position would be perfect for you, and confirmation of your schedule and availability (hours and days you are available to work). Please note that all positions are for long-term employment and require working some evenings and weekends.
Fleet Feet Sports - A great place to shop. A great place to work!
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From all of us at Fleet Feet Sports -
Happy Holidays! |  |
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Store Hours
Mon - Thurs: 10-7
Fri: 10-6
Sat: 10-5:30
Sun: 12-4
HOLIDAY HOURS: Fri. Dec 24: 10am-3pm Sat. Dec 25: Closed Sun. Dec 26: 12-6pm Fri. Dec 31: 10am-3pm Sat. Jan 1: Closed Sun. Jan 2: 12-4pm Phone: 860-233-8077
| | Store Calendar |
All events are at Fleet Feet Sports unless otherwise noted.
Wed, Dec 22; 6:00am
New Morning Fun Run
3-5 casual miles
No one will be left behind
Wear Reflective Gear!
Wed, Dec 22; 6:30pm
Holiday Fun Run & Walk
3-5 casual miles
Jingle Bells for Everyone!
Wear Reflective Gear!
Mon, Dec 28; 6:00am Morning Fun Run 3-5 Casual Miles No one will be left behind Wear Reflective Gear! Wed, Dec 29; 6:00am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 casual miles
No one will be left behind
Wear Reflective Gear!
Wed, Dec 29; 6:30pm
Fun Run & Walk 3-5 Casual Miles
Wear Reflective Gear!
Thurs, Jan 6; 7:00pm
No Boundaries Information & Meet the Coaches night Sat, Jan 8; 9am-Noon"Run Strong in 2011" Running Clinic at Select PT in Newington FREE - RSVP here
Wed, Jan 19; 7:00pm
KT Tape Seminar
Free demo pack
to everyone in attendance
Sat, Jan 22; 9am-Noon
"Run Strong in 2011"
Running Clinic at
Select PT in Avon
Sat, Jan 29; 9am-Noon
"Run Strong in 2011"
Running Clinic at
Select PT in Glastonbury
Mon, Feb 7; 6:30-8:00pm
Free Injury Assessments
by Select Physical Therapy
at Anytime Fitness |
| 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, Jan 19 @ 7:00pm: KT-Tape Workshop: Mark Maleri, Athletic Trainer and Certified Kinesiotape Practitioner, will teach us the what, when, why and how of kinesiotaping. Everyone in attendance will receive a free demo pack of tape to practice the taping techniques for various running injuries.
*******
Various Saturday's in January from 9am-Noon: "Run, Strong & Injury Free in 2011": Back by popular demand! Fleet Feet Sports is once again teaming up with Select Physical Therapy to offer a series of free Running Clinics in January. The theme of the clinics is "Run Strong & Injury Free in 2011".
During the 3 hour clinic, you will:
- Learn how to prevent and treat common injuries
- Discover firsthand the benefits of foam rolling and trigger point therapy
- Participate in a dynamic workout designed to strengthen your core (prepare to sweat!)
- Have your lower extremity strength and balance tested
- Find out what type of running shoes are best for you
Additionally, Mike DeStefano, athletic trainer and Performance Enhancement Specialist from Select PT, will be offering Dartfish video gait analysis of your running both barefoot and with shoes on for just $75 (normally $200).
This state-of-the-art technology is utilized by professional athletes and is featured during television coverage of the Olympics to show viewers the frame-by-frame motion of figure skaters and skiers. The service includes a personalized video with an analysis of your biomechanics and recommendations to correct deficits and inefficiencies.
Clinics dates and locations are as follows (times are all 9am-12pm)
Jan 8 - Select PT, Newington
Jan 22 - Select PT, Avon
Jan 29 - Select PT, Glastonbury
For more details or to RSVP, email Stacy Ciarleglio - but don't wait too long to RSVP, our clinic last year filled to capacity
quickly.
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Mon, Feb 7 @ 6:30-8pm; FREE Injury Assessments: Injured? Don't know whether you can run/play sports or if you should really see a doctor? The Select PT Mobile Sports Medicine Center will be on-site at Anytime Fitness (behind Whole Foods in Bishops Corner) to take a look at any injury (sports-related or not). No appointment is necessary. |
| 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 |  |
Track Workouts have been suspended for the season - see you again in the spring! To do the workout on your own, email Schuyler to subscribe to his 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. |
| 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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