Mizuno has been on the rise for years.  Each year, they finely tune their trainers to come in at the lowest weight on the market while providing great fit and comfort.  After a refresh of their motion control shoe, the Alchemy, in 2010, they have moved their sights to the two flagship shoes of the line, the neutral Wave Rider and the stability Wave Inspire.  These shoes last saw a full update two years ago, and the 2011 versions show just how far two years can take you.

Both shoes see similar updates, the main differences between the two remaining the stability level.  The Mizuno WavePlate absorbs shock by deforming, similar to the human arch.  By reinforcing the WavePlate on the medial arch of the foot, it can also account for increased pronation.  The benefits of this system are decreased weight and a more gradual midfoot transition than in many similar shoes from other brands.

The first major change from the Wave Rider 13 and Wave Inspire 6 to the Wave Rider 14 and Wave Inspire 7 is a detached top eyelet for the laces.  This eyelet is separated from the rest of the upper to allow a more natural flex with the foot's movement.  A more subtle change is the Dynamotion Fit.  This stretched upper material is used so that when the forefoot rolls into toe-off, the material above the forefoot will un-stretch rather than bunch up.  Both of these features enhance comfort and reduce blisters and irritation.

Under the foot, these shoes are just as innovative.  Both are gender engineered, providing unique midsole densities, heel strike angles and strike paths for men and women.  For both, the new foam that makes up the midsole is now 30% more durable, similar to compounds employed in recent years by Asics and Brooks.  And going into winter, looks count.  For the first time, Mizuno has introduced a colored midsole.  With a darker-colored upper, these unique colors mean that even if you've worn more Wave Riders or Wave Inspires than you can count, someone will ask you, "Hey, what's that cool new shoe you have on?"

Think Global & Run/Walk Local!  Kick off your Super Bowl Sunday celebration by running or walking 3.1 miles to raise funds and awareness for the thousands of refugees that have settled in Connecticut. 
 
The fourth annual Run for Refugees takes place on Sunday, February 6 at 10am.  You can chose to either run or walk the 5k distance.  Participants are encouraged to dress in costume or wear their favorite team's jersey.  The best costumed athlete will win a case of Honest Tea and a gift certificate to Archie Moore's restaurant. 
 
The race starts at New Haven's Wilbur Cross High School and goes through picturesque East Rock Park.  The first half of the course is uphill; the second half is downhill.  Splits will be provided at the 1 and 2 mile marks to keep you on pace.  The finish line features a great INDOORS post-race party including live music and yummy food. 
 
Race proceeds go to the Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS) whose executive director, Chris George, is a Fleet Feet Peep.  Over the past 25 years, IRIS has resettled over 100 refugees each year.  Several of the refugees are runners who can't afford shoes, let alone a pair of running shoes.  Fleet Feet Sports is proud to help these runners by providing them with gently-used running shoes donated by customers like you!

Race registration is $22 ($16 for students) if you register before February 4, otherwise it is $25.  All registered runners get a t-shirt.  Register online.

"Learn to Run" - Beginner Program

Sponsored by New Balance

Sessions Start Sat, Jan 8 & Tues, Jan 12

Info Meeting - Thurs, Jan 6 at 7:00pm

Have you always wanted to run or walk a 5k but didn't know how to begin training?  Maybe you are nervous or don't want to do it alone?  Maybe you have had a hard time sticking to a training program in the past.  If you answered "Yes" to any (or all!) of the above, this is the program for you! 

In just 10 weeks, you'll go from the couch to crossing the finish line of the O'Hartford 5k.  Our goal is to introduce you to the lifetime fitness activities of running/walking and encourage you to live a healthier lifestyle in a fun and supportive environment.  We use the "Galloway Method" which includes run/walk intervals and slowly ramps-up the time spent running and distance covered. 

Our next No Boundaries program begins this Saturday.  Participants will have the option to practice on Tuesday mornings at 9:30am or Saturday mornings at 9:00am.   We will offer beginner and 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. 

You can register online or at the store.  Program fee is $95 and includes your training plan, coaching, a tech-tee, coupon booklet and lots of great tips and tricks to keep you going. 

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. 

In January of 2009, several women decided to get up off the couch and get fit.  They scoffed at predictions for a cold winter and signed-up for our No Boundaries Beginning 5k training program.  They didn't know each other on that first day, but by the end of the program, they were more than just friends.  They were Sole Sisters. 

After finishing their first 5k, they decided to up the ante and sign-up for our 10k Training Program where a few more ladies joined the sisterhood.  Next, they completed our Half Marathon Training Program where even more women joined in the fun.  The group surpassed 20 ladies as they created their own training group for the VT City Marathon and, later that summer, a triathlon (which was impressive because several of the women didn't even know how to swim) and mountain climbing.  Through it all, they have cheered each other's victories and provided support and encouragement during the rough spots on the roads, in the water and in their personal lives.  

Next weekend, they are celebrating their two year anniversary in Bermuda.  Sounds warm and relaxing until you hear what they are planning to do when they get there: the Bermuda Triangle Challenge.  The challenge consists of running a 1 Mile race on Friday, 10k on Saturday and then a Half Marathon on Sunday.  Yeah, they are that crazy!  

All of us at Fleet Feet Sports are SO proud of you and wish you safe travels, no blisters and many miles of smiles!

The Sole Sisters are always looking for new recruits.  You don't have to be fast or be able to run far - just know how to laugh and want to have a good time.  For more information, check out their Facebook page or email Debbie Dorman. Many of their runs start/end at the store (well, they actually end somewhere with hot coffee and mimosas...).