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 Winter Apparel Sale!
30% off most* winter apparel items
* Does not include CWX tights or new arrivals |
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Newton's First Law of Motion | |
 That was a cruel joke Mother Nature played on us. When I left the store Monday evening it was still in the 50's and a group of peeps were meeting for a run, including Todd B. who was sporting shorts. Ahhh, there is something so refreshing about seeing shorts after a long winter. I couldn't help but smile and get excited for my Tuesday morning run. That is, until I woke up this morning to temps back in the teens and winds gusting to 30mph. On I pulled my fuzzy tights, windproof top, hat and mittens. Those shorts will have to wait a few more days.
I wasn't really in the mood to deal with the cold today so my run was slow-going and felt a lot like work. About halfway in, I turned onto a street with a big hill. Ugh. I braced myself for the huffing and puffing and quad burning I would soon feel. A quarter of the way up the hill, the wind started to blow - hard. But for once, I wasn't running into it - the wind was at my back. I floated right on up that hill. It was the push I needed to finish strong and enjoy the run.
Right then, I realized that no matter how in-shape or successful we are, everyone needs a little push every now and then (sometimes, we need a big push). Physics proves it: Isaac Newton's First Law of Motion states that a body in motion tends to stay in motion while a body at rest wants to stay at rest - but because earth is subjected to a force called gravity, we need little pushes along the way to keep us in motion (my high school physics teacher was right - physics does explain everything!).
Hands-down, this has been the toughest conditions our No Boundaries beginner running program has experienced. But week after week, the participants return - 70+ strong! It is absolutely inspiring to see them on a Saturday morning when they take over the streets of West Hartford. If you ask them, they will tell you their "push" comes from many places: their own personal goal to complete Max's O'Hartford 5k, amazing coaches who make running fun even when it is 5 degrees and snowing outside and the great running friends they've made through the program.
Friends definitely are the best sources for a push. They are more consistent than a perfectly-timed gust of wind too. It's hard to skip a workout when a friend is waiting for you - and vice-versa. Sometimes we need the wind. Sometimes we are the wind.
Be Fit,
Steph |
| Schuyler's Shoe Review - Brooks Ravenna |
The Brooks Ravenna hit the sweet spot for mild overpronators looking for a fast and light shoe. A replacement for the bulkier Infiniti, the Ravenna took the mild stability and fast forefoot transition of the former shoe and removed excess bulk and weight to make a trainer that could hold up to mileage as well as faster days. For forefoot strikers, the shoe provided a natural ride without sacrificing the heel cushioning that the majority of heel strikers require.
 Now, with the expansion of Brooks' new DNA cushioning through its line-up of shoes, the Ravenna 2 takes everything that runners loved about the original and tweaks it just enough so that new feet can enjoy it as well. DNA in the forefoot and heel provides improved responsiveness. This revolutionary compound responds to impact so that lighter and heavier runners can enjoy consistent cushion across a variety of surfaces. BioMoGo surrounds the DNA with a midsole foam that is resilient and environmentally friendly¬-it breaks down in just fifty years in a landfill.
 While the original Ravenna was a great fit for many feet, its low volume construction made it feel too narrow for some. The Ravenna 2 has higher-volume construction to allow for more room and runners with wider forefeet. Old fans should not have any worries, however, as elasticized eyelets connected to the arch saddle and Brooks' new "Tongue Tied" lacing system still allow for a snug feel when needed. And in anticipation of all the ice melting away, the Ravenna comes in fresh new colors for both men and women that bring springtime to your feet.
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| Run, Sail, Eat...Repeat | 
Last summer my sister and I took our summer vacation on a beautiful wooden schooner out of Rockland Maine. The Stephen Taber has been sailing since 1871, making it the oldest sailing vessel in continuous service in the US. While it is a National Historic Landmark, it has been updated with modern amenities like electricity, running water, bathrooms and cozy private cabins.
 Perhaps the best feature on board is a vintage woodstove that produces five-star meals at the hands of a talented chef. We're talking handmade breads, soups, risotto, gnocchi, roasts and delectable deserts - complemented by fresh ingredients from local gardens and the sea. There motto is to error on the side of decadence. It's no wonder Rachel Ray is a huge fan! We would have surely gained 10 pounds if it wasn't for Captain Noah rowing us ashore to picturesque villages and pristine coastlines along the Maine coast to go for a run.
Which is how the idea for a "Running Cruise" began. I am thrilled to say that we've gone from idea to reality: our first Running Cruise has been scheduled for August 16-20. Four days and nights of running, sailing, eating and relaxing. It is the perfect combination of adventure and pampering. It might just be the most fabulous vacation you have even taken.
 This trip is open to everyone 18 years and older. The trip fee is $825 and includes everything -like an all-you-can-eat lobster feast, wine with dinner and a commemorative running jacket.
To be tempted even more, check out the Stephen Taber's web site. When you are ready to make your reservations and join me, call Captain Jane at 1-800-999-7352 or email info@stephentaber.com. Be sure to mention that you want to reserve a spot on the Fleet Feet Running Cruise. Only 14 bearths left! |
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Amy Gear Corner |
 CEP Compression GREEN Sportsocks: Do you have a St. Patty's run coming up? Or maybe you are going to the CT Whale Bowl and are looking to show your support...while being supported yourself? If you answered "yes" to either question, we have the perfect sock for you: CEP's amazing compression sock now comes in bright green (in addition to black, white and hot pink for women). CEP Compression Sportsocks are highly sophisticated socks created by medical compression specialists. The tubular knit tech fabric applies the ideal amount of pressure for better performance, endurance and recovery and wicks moisture away to keep your foot cool and blister-free. The socks can be worn before, during and after exercise (they are especially great on long air flights)
 Brooks' Shamrock Mesh Cap: Lucky is what you will be when you wear the ultra-stylish Brooks' Shamrock Mesh Cap. This moisture-transfer mesh cap has an embroidered shamrock, promising the "luck o' the Irish" at your next event. It is one size fits all and comes in white or black. This item sells out every year so don't wait too long to get yours.
 Nike Swift Running Bra: Nike doesn't disappoint with the high impact, Swift Running Bra. The adjustable UBACK design provides comfort, support and full back closure-three qualities that most women desire from a sports bra. In addition, this bra has DRI-FIT, which wicks sweat, while keeping you dry. Many tester will agree that this bra is ultra-supportive, yet doesn't feel suffocate. We have it in a fresh, clean white and in a nice pink shade with a gray trim.
Reminder: February is "Love Your Girls" month. Free gift with sports bra purchase + automatic entry to win a Moving Comfort gift bag valued at over $100!
 Training Log Books: Successful training involves analysis, self-knowledge, motivation, accountability, troubleshooting and confidence. One of the most effective tools to making every workout count and  progressing towards your goals is a training log. In store now are two logs - one for runners and one for triathletes. Both undated logs feature pages for you to record your workouts, record race results, track nutrition, as well as helpful training tips. They are great for those new to the sport as well as more seasoned athletes.
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| Featured Event: Johnny's Jog for Charity |
Celebrate this St. Patrick's Day in "style" while benefiting 4 incredible non-profit organizations. Everyone is invited to come out to run, walk, push strollers or just be festive with family & friends in the First Annual "Johnny's Jog for Charity" 5K on March 19 at 11am. The race begins and ends at the West Hartford Town Hall which means plenty of free parking and space to stretch before the run.
Bagpipers will send you off and welcome you home after winding your way through the neighborhoods surrounding West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square. There will be plenty of Irish festivities and all participants will receive a goody bag filled with coupons from local businesses in West Hartford Center. Come dressed in your best Irish garb and you may win a prize!
Click here to register - cost is $35 and includes a t-shirt and goody bag. Kids 13 and younger are FREE! To register by mail, email johnnysjogforcharity@gmail.com.
To learn more, check out Johnny's Jog's Facebook page here. Read more about this year's charities you will be helping:
3rd and Goal Foundation
Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness
Camp Care
Covenant Preparatory School of Hartford |
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The Low-Down on Vitamin D
By Aubrey Schulz |  Look at all the great gear available for training. Wool hats, fleece gloves and wicking base layers are fantastic items to have. That is, until we consider sunlight. They keep us covered and we miss out on receiving beneficial rays of the sun. Since the sun's rays do not contact our skin we are unable to produce vitamin D.
Vitamin D is produced when the UVB rays of the sun are absorbed by our skin, particularly our face, hands, arms, and back. In the Northeast, our latitude prevents us from producing vitamin D between November and February. As we approach the spring and warmer weather, we should consider reducing some layers to get some sun exposure. Sunlight during the midday offers the best angle to start the process of vitamin D production. Vitamin D acts like a switch to turn on cells that are important for the immune system, cardiovascular system, muscular function, bone health, inflammatory responses and mental state. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency are silent and easily overlooked. Muscle and joint pain and fatigue could be a sign of over training or related to vitamin D deficiency. The only way to truly know is to have a 25(OH)D blood test performed. Certain factors limit us from having optimal levels of vitamin D. A lifestyle with limited exposure to the outdoors is problematic. Indoor treadmill running does not allow the body to produce vitamin D. Also by running early in the morning or later in the evening, the angle of the sun's rays is such that you are not making vitamin D. Doesn't that describe most of us? We run before or after work and miss the opportunity to run when the sun allows us to produce vitamin D. The healing rays of sunlight cannot penetrate glass, when you are at home, work, or in your car. Having a higher percent body fat is a challenge to vitamin D production. Sunscreen use also hinders absorption of sunlight. The chemicals in sunscreen are designed to protect our body from skin cancer. However, these same chemicals also prevent us from absorbing sun rays necessary for producing vitamin D. The recommendation is to spend about 15 - 20 minutes in the midday sun most days of the week and then apply sunscreen. Those with darker skin tones need more time in the sun than those with a fairer complexion. The body produces 10,000 IUs (international units) from 20 minutes of sun exposure. Food provides us with only small amounts and limited sources of our necessary D levels. Top on the list is cod liver oil. One tablespoon provides 1,360 IUs, followed by Mackerel (3oz = 388 IUs), Wild Sockeye Salmon (3.5 oz = 360 IUs), Shrimp (3.5oz = 172 IUs), Vitamin D fortified Milk (1 cup = 120 IUs) and Orange Juice (1 cup = 100 IUs). The newly updated Recommended Daily Allowance for individuals 9 - 70 years old is 600 IU. The upper level for that age group shifted from 2,000 IU up to 4,000 IU. Which means, that to get the required vitamin D levels and to boost a body that is deficient, supplementation may be necessary. Results from a blood test will assist your health care provider to determine if supplementation is appropriate for you. It is common and safe to start with 1,000 - 2,000 IU/day. Vitamin D supplements are sold in two forms, natural vitamin D3 or synthetic vitamin D2. As we approach spring, try to take advantage of warmer weather with better angles of the sun to help your body produce vitamin D. Twenty minutes of sun exposure a day could help prevent a deficiency in vitamin D. Supplementation gives you added security by boosting those levels. If vitamin D is truly the vitamin that prevents certain disease you'll be covered. ------ Aubrey Schulz 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. |
| Spring Fashion Show - Grab a Friend! |
 Put down those black tights and say goodbye to the dreariness of winter for an afternoon of fun at our "Bring On Spring" Fashion Show on Sunday, February 27 from 20in at the Fitness Continuum (20 Isham Rd - across from Whole Foods in Blue Back Square).
This free event is hosted by Fleet Feet Sports, Newington Bike, The Fitness Contiuum and Theraputic Bodyworks which means we'll be featuring the latest in run, bike and tri clothes for women and men from Brooks Running, Pearl Izumi and Louis Garneau. Plus, we there will be tasty snacks, cold drinks, free massages, prizes, discounts and a great schwag bag!
There is no cost to attend the event, but it is limited to the first 50 people who RSVP by emailing Kate. Don't wait too long to RSVP - this event is sure to sell out quickly!
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STORE HOURS
Mon-Thurs: 10-7
Fri: 10-6
Sat: 10-5:30
Sun: 12-4
Phone: 860-233-8077
www.fleetfeethartford.com | |
EVENT CALENDAR
All events are at Fleet Feet Sports unless otherwise noted. | |
Wed, Feb 16 @ 6:00am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All abilities welcome
Wear reflective gear!
Wed, Feb 16 @ 6:30pm
"Light-Up the Night" Fun Run
Sponsored by GoMotion
3-5 Casual Miles
All abilities welcome
Prizes + 10% Discount on GoMotion Gear
Wear reflective gear!
Thurs, Feb 17 @ 6:00pm
Ragnar Relay Info Night
Learn about the event
& find teammates
Mon, Feb 21 @ 6:00am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All abilities welcome
Wear reflective gear!
Wed, Feb 23 @ 6:00am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All abilities welcome
Wear reflective gear!
Wed, Feb 23 @ 6:300pm
Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All abilities welcome
Wear reflective gear!
Sat, Feb 27 @ 2-4pm
Run, Bike & Tri Fashion Show
Food, Schwag, Discounts
at The Fitness Continuum
RSVP to Kate
Wed, March 2 @ 6:30pm
"Glow" Fun Run
Sponsored by Brooks
3-5 Casual Miles
All abilities welcome
Glow Sticks & Discounts!
Wear reflective gear!
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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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Thurs, Feb 17 @ 6-7pm; Ragnar Relay Info Night: You and 11 of your closest friends running 200(ish) miles, day and night, relay-style, through some of the most scenic terrain North America could muster. Add in crazy runners, inside jokes and a mild case of sleep deprivation. The result? Some call it a slumber party without sleep, pillows or deodorant. We call it a Ragnar Relay.
Learn more about the greatest adventure involving 24 feet during our Ragnar Relay Information night. While there are 15 Ragnar Relays across the U.S., this meeting will focus on the New England race on May 20-21 which starts in New Haven and ends in Boston. Teams consist of 12 members who will each run 3 legs. The distances of the legs vary between 3-8 miles so there is something for every running from elite to novice.
If you don't have 11 crazy friends to join you, no worries! Just come to this meeting and make some new friends. We'll help you find a team!
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| 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 - and traction aids are strongly recommended. 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.
Note: Fun Runs are canceled during snowstorms and when roads/sidewalks are too icy and dangerous. Check our Facebook page on Wednesday's for status of run.
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| 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. |
| Looking for a Coach? |  |
Fleet Feet peep, Nathan Cropper, has combined his passions for running, fitness and mental well-being to start his own company called "Nathan Everett's Body & Mind Fitness". Nathan earned his MS in Community Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. He is also a USA Track and Field, Level I Certified Track and Field Coach and has completed 15 marathons - including last year's VT City Marathon where he was selected to be a pace group leader (his group finished the marathon right on time!)
By day, Nathan is a professional counselor using his knowledge of family therapy, motivational enhancement and cognitive behavioral therapy to help adults with addiction and mental health problems. By night and on weekends, Nathan is a self-proclaimed "Track nerd" who understands running biomechanics, training programs and techniques (like core strength routines) to help his athletes be stronger, more durable runners.
The more he worked with his patients and runners, the more he realized that running and mental health wellness are interconnected and complimented each other. Out of this, Nathan designed a holistic approach to fitness - using the latest in evidenced based therapeutic techniques to help people achieve mental well-being and integrating motivational and cognitive behavioral techniques to help athletes achieve their running goals.
Nathan has worked successfully with all levels of athletes ranging from milers to marathoners, adolescents to adults, individuals to couples to entire families. If you have ever struggled to maintain a fitness program or train for a race like a 5k or marathon because you weren't mentally "into it", Nathan may be the trainer you need. His creative approach will help you discover the blocks and challenges that are preventing you from exercising - and show you the solutions to overcome those challenges!
For more information, email
Nathan |
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Attention Charities -
Become Team MAD's
2011 Beneficiary |  |
Team M.A.D. (Making A Difference) is a group of Connecticut-based volunteers looking to make a difference in the lives of others. Their goal is to help support local charities by raising money through participation in endurance events like the ING Hartford Marathon. Since 2006, Team M.A.D. has raised over $120,000.
Team M.A.D. is currently accepting beneficiary applications for 2011. In addition to completing the application here
qualified charities need to have the ability to work closely with Team M.A.D. throughout the training and fund raising season, be able to demonstrate a need for funds, and must have a 501(c) 3 status.
For more information, go to Team MAD's web site or contact Selection Committee Coordinator, Laura Hanson. Applications are due by February 25, 2011. |
| 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 |  |
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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| Our Manifesto |  | |
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Save
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Think Spring & Save Big!
Here's a fun coupon to boost your savings on our Winter Apparel Sale Items. Your discount will be based on the current temperature. If the outside temperature at Bradley Airport is in the 30's, you will get 30% off your winter apparel purchase. Temps in the 40's = 40% off. Temps in the 50's = 50% off. And if Mother Nature really heats things up and we reach into the 60's, you will get 60% off. If the meteorologists are right - Friday will be a great day to shop!
Offer not valid on previous purchases or in combination with other discounts or coupons (except for your Frequent Buyer Rewards Certificates).
| | Offer Expires: Monday, February 21, 2011 |
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