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 When I was growing up, Title IX, the landmark amendment that gave women equal rights in academics and athletics, was just in its infancy. While I was lucky enough to play on organized sports teams since the first grade, there weren't many female athlete role models to inspire girls beyond Nadia Comaneci and Billie Jean King. I wasn't much of a gymnast or a tennis player, so my hero for a long time was Pete Rose. I admired his hustle - even on routine plays.
All that changed in the fall of 1978 as I watched the New York City Marathon on TV with my dad. I was mesmerized by a Norwegian schoolteacher in pig tails. She was just supposed to pace the women leaders for the first half of the race and then drop out. Instead, she kept on going - pushing through pain, cramps and blisters - and went on to win, setting a women's marathon world record by an incredible 2 minutes. Not bad for a woman who had never run more than 12 miles. After the race, Grete threw her running shoes at her husband and vowed that she would never run a marathon again. She went on to win the NYC marathon 8 more times...
Grete (along with Joan Benoit Samuelson) proved that women were tough enough to go the distance. They made me realize that running was more than just exercise. It was a sport; a sport that I wanted to excel in. Grete became my hero and inspiration - especially during tough runs.
During my first marathon my legs cramped at 9 miles. I grunted in pain with every step. My dad later told me that he was sure I was going to quit. But with each step, I replayed Grete's first marathon in my mind, remembering how she persevered despite the pain and found the courage to finish. As I crossed the finish line, I vowed never to run a marathon again. But, like Grete, I feel in love with running long and always striving to push my personal limits.
Last Tuesday, one day after the incredible Boston Marathon that shattered the men's world record, Grete Waitz died after a six-year battle with cancer. She was just 57 years old.
I had the amazing privilege last year to meet Grete last year. True to her reputation, she was gracious, humorous and friendly despite not feeling well. She spoke of how running and walking, even just a slow mile or two on her treadmill, helped her fight the cancer and made her feel human again. We agreed that in both sickness and in health, running makes us feel human and alive.
As one of the founding mothers of road racing, Grete's legacy will not soon be forgotten. May her spirit soar and give us a gentle push to carry on when the going gets tough.
Be Fit,
Steph |
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Schuyler's Shoe Review - Montrail Lithia Sandal |
You know the scene: it's a hot summer day, you just finished your long run, and after some stretching and a smoothie, you're ready to kick back and relax. So you slip on your flip-flops, the pair from the fancy clothing store with the nice soft foam, and head out to do some errands. Your feet felt great on your run, so why are your arches starting to get sore? Is it that old plantar fasciitis flaring up again? All of a sudden, you aren't so sure you will even be able to run tomorrow.
 Unfortunately, the care that many of us take in selecting a supportive, well-cushioned running or walking shoe does not extend to our choice of casual wear. Among all the footwear available, the standard flip-flop is one of the least supportive. Often they are built with cheap foam that breaks down quickly and unevenly, with no arch and with a strap that can cause blisters and irritation. And while you might spend an hour each day running or walking, you can easily spend a full day walking around in a flip-flop that fails to support your foot.
 Fortunately, Montrail's Lithia sandal provides a supportive platform to keep your feet healthy, comfortable and cool all summer long. The full-length Integrafit footbed is comfortable out of the box, cradling the foot and providing support for the arch and fascia tissue. If strong initial support is not enough, you can customize the sandal by heating it in the oven and molding it to your foot. The Gryptonite outsole ensures traction on a variety of surfaces from the mall to the beach.
For those who are worried about the fit, both a flip-flop and slide version are available. The loop on both is made of a stretchy fabric in order to prevent irritation commonly associated with sandals. A variety of colors ensure that the Lithia can match your outfits wherever the summer days take you. |
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Amy Gear Corner | |
Some of the coolest clothes from Mizuno has just arrived!
 Rider Tee (Men & Women): Mizuno's ultra-flattering and functional Rider Tee for men and women is made of 100% Mizuno DRYSCIENCE - a lightweight material designed for rapid moisture  evaporation. The tee also features anti-stick fabric, anti-abrasion labeling, UPF 15 and a reflective logo. The men and women's specific fit aligns with the contour of your body while still allowing for ease of mobility. The men's shirt is white with yellow accents that really pop, while the ladies can choose between the classy black with turquoise accents and white with hot pink.
 Inspire Graphic Tee (Men & Women): Mizuno celebrates its Japanese heritage with this cool "feels like cotton, but it's really a moisture-wicking poly" tee that features an "Inspired 2 Run" design on the back. The shirt is available in hot pink for women and a nice bright yellow for men. What's also appealing about this tee is that it looks like an everyday t-shirt, yet it wicks sweat extremely well so you can wear it on-the-run or on-the-go.
 Ascend 2 IN 1 Short (Women): Chafing? No-thank-you! Want a little more coverage at the gym or while hiking? Going longer and those shorter shorts are irritating you by riding up? Well, we have the short for you! This clever short has a DryLite™ Boxer Liner (think built-in compression shorts) and a stretch shell outer fabric for mobility and comfort (OK, fashion too). The side zipper storage pocket is great for those little essentials.
 Mustang Shorts (Men & Women): Add some horsepower to your run with this great short. Made with Mizuno's Dynamic Plus fabric, the short reduces friction and enhances mobility to help you hit your stride. Inseam length is 4" for the men and 3.5" for the women. Carrie loves this short because it is comfortable, highly-functional (zippered side pocket!) and has sculpted curves in all the right places so she looks as good as she feels.
 Meridian Skirt & Tee (Women): If you are proud to run like a girl, this outfit is for you. Both pieces are made from a silky soft DryLite fabric that wicks moisture so the shirt feels dry next to your skin. The skirt features black compression shorts and pleats on the back for added fashion flair. The matching top is made with 2-way stretch material and features a scoop neck and princess seams. So cute!
MTCI Running Pants (Men): These Mizuno Track Club International pants are a stylish update to the old track pant. Ideal for pre or post workout, these technical pants feature 10" locking leg zippers, side zipper pockets as well as a combination knit and woven fabric that just looks plain sharp. These pants may look a little funny on the rack, but Schuyler put them on and WOW! |
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FF/Weight Watchers Walk-!T 5k |
Join us on Sunday, May 22 for the Fleet Feet Sports/Weight Watchers Walk-!T 5K. This non-competitive 5k walk will take place at Riverfront Recapture's Great River Park - the perfect off-road setting! Everyone who registers by April 22 will receive a free tech-tee, along with a souvenir to commemorate your accomplishment. Recruit your family and friends and we'll see you there!
Click here to learn more and register - or email Kate.
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Give Back & Volunteer!
 We are in need of volunteers to help us host the Weight Watchers Walk It 5k Challenge on Sunday, May 22 at Riverfront Recapture's Great River Park. With nearly 500 walkers already registered, we're expecting a large crowd!
We need folks to help with packet pick-up at the store on Saturday, May 21 (from 12-5pm) as well as on-site registration, start/finish line set-up, parking attendants, course marshals, water stop workers and medal passer-outers on Sunday morning (time commitment on Sunday is anywhere from 7am-Noon depending on your role). Even volunteering for an hour or two would be very helpful.
Without your greatly appreciated assistance, this event would not be possible. To volunteer or more details, email Kate. All volunteers will get a free tech-tee! |
| Gear Swap - May 17 at the JCC |
 If your closet and garage look anything like mine, I bet you have some exercise gear, clothes and gadgets (some with the price tag still on) that are gathering dust. Some stuff doesn't fit anymore, other stuff I just don't use. It's all in great condition so I don't want to throw it away, but what to do with it?
We've got just the solution for you! Fleet Feet Sports has teamed up with Team Training New England and the Mandell Jewish Community Center to host a Gear Swap on Tuesday, May 17. The Swap will take place at the JCC from 6-9pm.
We will be accepting gear from 6-7pm. Gently used and laundered adult workout clothes (no kids clothes please), bike pumps, watches, tennis raquets, swim fins, yoga mats are just a few of the items you can bring to this green-minded event. For each piece of gear you donate, you will get a ticket - up to a maximum of 5 tickets (you can bring more than 5 items - but will only get 5 tickets).
You are also welcome to bring bikes (kids and adult), golf clubs, skis and other high-end items to sell during the Swap.
From 7-9pm, we will call out ticket numbers in random order. When your number is called, you can pick out the item you want. While you wait for your numbers to be called, you can enjoy snacks, massages and learn bike skills like fixing a flat and achieving the right fit from the experts at Newington Bike, Bloomfield Bike and Central Wheel.
Whatever is left over at the end of the night will be donated to an inner-city youth running program and IRIS.
The event is also a fundraiser to benefit the JCC Scholarship Fund so it's $5 if you register in advance here - or $10 at the door. Click here for full details and FAQ's. |
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Triathlon Training Program for Kids | |
 Last summer, the Coaches Lynn & Renee from Team Training New England put together an amazing triathlon training program for kids aged 6-13. I am excited to announce that TTNE is offering their training program again this year and will be hosting two kid-specific triathlons (one in West Hartford and the other in Coventry).
The Kids Tri Training Program will be the week of June 20 (Monday-Friday) from 9am0in at Eisenhower Park in West Hartford. During the week, the campers will work on the skills necessary to complete a triathlon including how to train for a race as well as good eating and fitness habits. Kids must be able to swim 1 lap (25 yards) and have a bicycle without training wheels and a helmet.
Registration is through West Hartford Leisure Services and is $135 for WH Residents and $145 for non-residents. Sign-up here.
The Triathlon Kids Races will take place on June 26 (West Hartford) and August 28 (Coventry). New this year at the West Hartford race will be a Family Relay where parents and kids can work together to complete the event. Awesome family fun!
More information on this program can be found here.
And Mom's - it's not too late for you to train to complete your first triathlon as well. Team Training New England offers a training program just for women. You don't have to be in shape - you just need to know how to swim, bike and run for 20 min. Click here for details. |
| Gardeners: Perennial Donations Needed! | |
 This may seem like a strange request in a newsletter for runners and walkers, but I'm sure there are a few of you who have a green thumb in addition to your winged foot. My mom is one of the gardeners who tends to the Hill-Stead Museum's beautiful Sunken Garden. Every year, she and her friends host a plant sale at the Hill-Stead's family-friendly May Market event on May 6th & 7th.
With spring's late arrival, they don't have as many plants as they usually do and need your help. If you have extra perennial or woodland plants that you would be happy to part with, please bring them to Fleet Feet Sports before May 5th. Everyone who donates plants will be entered to win two tickets to May Market and special gift from Fleet Feet.
To learn more about the Hill-Stead's May Market, click here. If you have questions about donating plants, email me. |
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Food Focus: Quinoa
By Aubrey Schulz | |
 It is important to fuel up with carbohydrates to provide energy for your runs. A great alternative to pasta and bagels is the whole grain quinoa. Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) has a strong nutritional profile and can be cooked in less than 20 minutes, a plus for time crunched cooks. Often called a grain, quinoa is actually a seed that grows on the high plains of the Andes Mountains in South America. It is said the Incas were able to run such long distances because of this powerful grain.
The nutritional profile of quinoa really stands out. It is a complete source of protein. It has all nine essential amino acids, the amino acids that your body is not able to produce on its own. In a quarter cup serving, there are 6 grams of protein, along with 160 calories, 2.5 grams of fiber and 30 grams of carbohydrates. It is gluten free grain making it a wonderful addition to the tables of those with gluten sensitivities.
Quinoa is a very versatile grain. After cooking, it becomes fluffy and creamy, yet slightly crunchy. It has a delicate, somewhat nutty flavor. While the transparent yellow color is the most common, orange, red, and black varieties can be found. Quinoa can be served along with nuts and fruit as a breakfast porridge. Mix quinoa together with chopped cooked root vegetables. To save time, cook up a bunch at once and eat it many times. Combine chilled quinoa with pinto beans, pumpkin seeds, scallions and cilantro for a quick south of the border inspired salad.
Before cooking, it is a good idea to rinse it under cold water in a fine mesh grain strainer. To cook, add one part grain to two parts water in a saucepan. After it has come to a boil, reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for five minutes covered. Use a fork to fluff the grains. Stirring it with a spoon can damage the delicate grains and make them mushy.
Purchase some quinoa this week and try this easy Quinoa and Parsley Pestorecipe. It makes a great post workout meal, as well as a great side dish at dinner. I encourage you to add some variety to your weekly meals. Eat foods that give you something back. In the case of quinoa, it offers fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals.
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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. |
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STORE HOURS
Mon-Thurs: 10-7
Fri: 10-6
Sat: 10-5:30
Sun: 12-5
Phone: 860-233-8077
www.fleetfeethartford.com | |
EVENT CALENDAR
All events are at Fleet Feet Sports unless otherwise noted. | |
Wed, April 27 @ 6:00am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All abilities welcome
Wed, April 27 @ 6:30pm
Evening Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All abilities welcome
Thurs, April 28 @ 6:30pm
Track Workout
at Saint Joseph College
All abilities welcome!
Sat, April 30 @ 9:30-11am
FREE Injury Assessments
by Select Physical Therapy
Sat, April 30 @ 8am
Run/Walk Meet-Up
Meet New Training Partners
All abilities welcome!
Sat, April 30 - 3-7pm
CFPA Gear Expo
Weselyn Info
See Event Description below
to get FREE tickets
Mon, May 2 @ 6:00am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All abilities welcome
Tues, May 3 @ 5:30-8:30pm
Fashion Show & Expo
at the Pond House
EVENT CANCELLED
Wed, May 4 @ 6:00am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All abilities welcome
Wed, May 4 @ 6:30pm
Evening Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All abilities welcome
Thurs, May 5 @ 6:30pm
Track Workout
at Saint Joseph College
All abilities welcome!
Sat, May 7 @ 8am
Run/Walk Meet-Up
Meet New Training Partners
All abilities welcome!
Tues, May 17 @ 6-9pm
Gear Swap at the JCC
RSVP here
$5 in advance/$10 at door
Sun, May 22 @ 9am
Fleet Feet/Weight Watchers
WALK-IT Day 5k
Register here
Sun, June 19 @ 8-11am
8 Furlongs Classic
Mile Race thru WH Center
Free Nike Tech-Tee
Entry Fee Increases May 1
Register here |
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FREE Injury Assessments
Sat, April 30 - 9:30-11am | |
Injured? Don't know whether you can run/play sports or if you should really see a doctor? Come to our free injury assessment clinic staffed by a certified athletic trainer from Select Physical Therapy. No appointment is necessary.
These free clinics will be offered every other Saturday through the year (next clinic will be Saturday, May 14).
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CFPA Gear Expo
Sat, April 30 - 3-7pm |  |
Join the CT Forest & Park Association for an expo of all types of outdoor gear. Fleet Feet Sports and other local outdoor gear stores will be there showcasing product, CFPA will have tables detailing their programs, how-to clinics & demonstrations by experts (everything from hiking boots, barefoot running, backpacks and bikes to GPS and fishing) and a silent auction of great gear (art, photography, jewelry, books, etc).
The event takes place at the Fayerweather Beckham Hall at Wesleyan University. Click here for directions.
There is no charge for CFPA members to attend the Expo. Tickets will be available to the general public for $5.00 - or you can come into Fleet Feet and we'll give you two tickets for FREE while supplies last! |
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The 8 Furlongs Classic
One Mile Race & Nike High School Elite Mile
Fee Increases on May 1 |  |
Join us from 8-11am on June 19 in West Hartford Center for a one mile road race with a party atmosphere!
Eight furlongs is the equivalent to one mile - or, back in medieval days, it equated to the distance that a team of oxen could plough without resting. The mile is one of the most exciting distances to race - but when is the last time you raced it? Which is why we partnered with Nike to bring back this celebrated distance and make it a fun event for the whole family.
Our race will take place on Father's Day with the first of 9 waves kicking off at 8am. In addition to a family wave, men/women's master waves, men/women's open waves, there will be a special high school team competition and the Nike High School Elite Mile featuring the fastest kids in New England. The first 1,500 people to register get a sweet Nike Dri-Fit shirt - and the winners (overall and age group) will walk away with significant cash or Fleet Feet gift certificates. So brush off your racing flats and start training.
Join us for what promises to be THE racing event of the summer. Click here to register.
We'll see you at the Classic! |
| Galloway Marathon Training Program - Registration is OPEN! |  |
Jeff Galloway's unique low-mileage run-walk program makes it possible for almost anyone to experience the feeling of completing their goal. Even the most out of shape and inactive individuals can complete a marathon at the end of the training period by adhering to Jeff's run/walk approach to training.
The goal race of this 30-week program is the ING Hartford Marathon, though you can choose to do another full or half marathon that fits your schedule. The first practice will this Saturday, April 30, at 8:00am at the West Hartford Reservoir. Everyone is invited to join and try the run for free. If you like it, you can register online here.
Cost is $159 - $99 if you are a Galloway alumnus or a Fleet Feet Peep!
For more information, email Galloway's Hartford Program Leader, Debbi Zimbler. |
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Run/Walk Meet-Up Group: Every Saturday at 8am |  |
Every Saturday we will open our doors at 8am to runners and walkers looking to meet-up with others. We will have a place to hold your keys and change of clothes, as well as provide a bathroom, water and a book of routes ranging from 1-18 miles for you to select from. Our goal is to help match people of similar paces and training distances so no one has to run alone.
There is no charge to participate in the Meet-Up. If you already have a group of friends you run with, you can still take advantage of using Fleet Feet Sports as your meeting location from anytime between 8-10am.
Attention Walkers! Join our Calhoun Walk Club and train to walk the Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge Walk on June 11. Top fundraisers will attend a UCONN men's basketball practice and meet Coach Calhoun. Go Huskies!
For more information, check our official "Meet-Up" group web site. |
| 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.
Note: Fun Runs are canceled during snow and thunder storms 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 are Back!
Join us every Thursday - 6:30pm at Saint Joseph College Track. Please park in the upper parking lot (NOT the O'Connell Gym lot or we risk losing our permit to use the track).
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 subscribe to his Weekly Workout email. 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. |
| 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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