This week I celebrate my third anniversary of owning Fleet Feet Sports.  So much has changed in the three years since Alice turned over her keys and entrusted me to the store she created.

For one, I know my way around town much better.  For the first year, I rarely ventured off Farmington Ave since doing so guaranteed that I'd get lost.  The staff used to take bets to see how long it would take before I called them, lost and in a panic.  Fortunately, Farmington Ave had most everything I needed - work, home, food, coffee and good running.  It was a momentous day almost a year later when a friend invited me to the Corner Pug for housemade kettle chips and a pint of beer.  I didn't even get lost on my way home!    

Second, there are so many familiar faces that come into the store now.  When I first moved to CT, the only people I knew were my Mom & Dad.  But now, I feel like I have friends visit me at the store every day.  Customers like you that share your passion for running and living fit. 

We've built quite a community - one that welcomes everyone regardless of age or ability.  Over 1,000 people have graduated from our training programs, and our track workouts and fun runs can top 50 people even in the heat or snow.  Many are like Schuyler's mom, Amy, who never thought she could be (or even want to be) a runner, but has since fallen in love with running.  After almost two years of running 5k's, Amy conquered her first 10k on Sunday - clocking an impressive time and proving that Schuyler gets his running skill from his mom!

I have enjoyed watching your kids grow-up and find their own joy in running.  I remember when Mary Painter first brought her toddler son into the store.  He would just sit in his stroller and stare at me quietly.  I couldn't get him to smile or laugh at me.  Fast-forward to this weekend when he bounded into the store telling me all about dragons and then later, running a whole mile at Zoomerang practice - grinning and giving me a high-five after every lap.    

Just as your kids have been growing, so has my "baby".  We now have nearly 20 dedicated staffers who give one of the best customer experiences around.  Many have been with me since my first summer - with Schuyler celebrating his six year anniversary this July.  That's almost unheard of in retail, but then again, we don't think of ourselves as just another retail store.  We are self-help specialists and daymakers who are fortunate to love what we do - and do what we love.

It's the reason why our new store managers, Noelle and Sean Coughlan, uprooted their family to CT this March.  They were working at a small Fleet Feet store in Stuart, FL and loved it so much that they decided to pursue opening their own Fleet Feet.  They have come to CT to learn all there is to know about "running" a store.  I think we got the best end of this deal because the Coughlan's are wonderful - so enthusiastic and knowledgeable and will help us to build an even better community.  Starting with a much bigger store. 

That's right, we are going to be expanding!  Later this summer, Harry's Pizza will be relocating to a new spot across from Town Hall, and we will be building out their space, along with updating our current space to create a new store over double our current size.  While I'm not looking forward to the impending construction, I am super excited about having more space to make shopping - and visiting - more comfortable.  If you have any neat ideas for our new space, let me know.  I want the store to be a reflection of our community - and a place that continues to empower and inspire!

Thanks for an amazing three years!  

Be Fit,

Steph

Garmin 610 GPS Watch: Garmin leaps ahead with this new full touchscreen running and cycling watch.  This compact package delivers quick satellite acquisition, up to four display fields at once, and connectivity with heart rate and bike speed/cadence devices.  It is easy to input and save detailed custom interval workouts (either run, bike or combine both for a "brick") on the watch for easy access in the future. 

Asics Sol Shade 2-in-1 Hat:  Need a cap with maximum sun protection? This cap is the one for you! It has 50+UPF rating so you will be protected in the harshest of climates. It has a back cinch, 360 degree reflectivity and wind/water resistance. The sun skirt protects the ears and neck, but can be easily snapped off. The headband is ultra soft and dries very quickly. 

HVAC Diva Short (Women): 

These shorts are super light, but they do not skimp on technology. There are pockets to tote gels, while the inner lining, wicks moisture, regulates your temperature and combats odor. These cute and popular shorts have hints of the Diva print, meaning that you will be one stylish runner or walker!

Essential 5" Short (Men): 

The Essential 5" Short is lightweight and will definitely keep you cool this summer! The mesh insets, woven moisture-transfer polyester shell, and 100% moisture-transfer crepe liner will keep you dry and comfortable. Also, adding to the comfort factor is the drawstring, elastic waistband. The waistband has the popular internal key/I.D. pocket, while the back of the shorts have a secure zip pocket, large enough for a slim tri-fold wallet. Simple, yet intelligent design, make this short a staple in many runners' wardrobes.

RunLite Airstretch Belt: It's heating-up out there - time to make sure you stay hydrated on the run with this cool new water belt from Amphipod that stretches to fit perfectly on your hips (not your waist!). This hydration belt doesn't have many of the little glitches that some other belts have. It can be so annoying when your hydration belt keeps bouncing.  The Amphipod RunLite AirStretch Belt provides bounce-free comfort, so that you can concentrate and enjoy your workout. You can even fix the bottles anywhere on the belt for personalized access and comfort! Isn't it nice when you can get to your nutrition or other essentials quickly, rather than wrestle with a zipper or the belt? This belt also meets the demand for quick fueling demand for a quick-access stretch pocket. The SnapFlasks "click" in and out with one hand so you can be reassured they are in there. The 100% leak-free 10.5 oz. bottles with hi-flow spout also can give you confidence that all your fluids will be there mid-run.

Their first group run - an 8 miler - will be on Saturday, June 18 at 8:00am (meet at Fleet Feet).  If you aren't ready to go 8 miles and need to go shorter - or want to go further - you are welcome to do that as well.  Weekend long runs will alternate Saturdays and Sunday's and will be hosted at various running hotspots in the Hartford area. 

For more information, email Debbie or Lisa.

These free clinics will be offered every other Saturday through the year (next clinic will be Saturday, June 25).