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 Sometimes we don't realize the amazing things we can do. We play it safe or worse, assume that we can't. We come up with excuses like we are not qualified or that we are too old, too out-of-shape or too busy. We stay within our comfort zone - scared to try lest we fail.
But amazing things can happen when we try. Just ask Kate McAvoy. Kate started running just over a year ago and quickly fell in love with the sport. She is a frequent participant in local races (even running a 5k on the morning of her wedding - wearing white, of course!) and leads our 6am Fun Runs on Monday and Wednesday's. She was hesitant to run the 8 Furlongs Classic on Sunday because she didn't think she was "ready". With a little encouragement (err, guilt) from her FF friends, she toed the start line and proceeded to run a personal best by about 20 seconds and placed 3rd overall. You can imagine how psyched she was!
A few minutes later the Family Fun Mile started. As I watched staffer Mike's three-year old son Jack run his very first race, it struck me that we need to be more like kids again. They don't worry about failing so much. They do things for the experience and the thrill. They don't know when they can't do something. Instead, they believe that they can do ANY thing. There was no question in Jack's mind whether he could finish - though all of us adults were skeptical that he would make it past 100 yards. But he impressed us all as he crossed the line in 12:36. Not sure who was beaming more at the finish, Jack or his dad.
Failing is not a bad thing. It's a part of life. As Alfred tells a young Bruce Wayne in the movie Batman Begins, we fall so "we can learn to pick ourselves up again". Even the most successful people will tell you that they stumbled many times along the way. In fact, much of their success is because they learned from their mistakes and got stronger. If everything in life was easy, you would never get to feel that incredible sense of accomplishment and pride that your hard work paid off. Life would be pretty boring.
Take a lesson from Jack and all the other 3 year olds out there and believe you can do anything. You will never know what you are capable of until you try...
Be Fit,
Steph |
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Schuyler's Shoe Review - Brooks Summon 3
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Brooks running shoes are rising fast: this year, they overtook Asics to become the number one running shoe in running specialty shops like Fleet Feet Sports. This is in large part due to their high-tech developments like MoGo, a midsole material with unbeatable durability, and DNA, a cushioning system that adapts to each runner's weight, foot strike and running surface. This winter, their Pure Project shoes will seek to redefine minimalism. But all of these improvements would be for nothing if they didn't come packaged in a shoe with great fit and feel.
The Summon is Brooks' shoe that proves you can get back to basics and still provide one of the best fits on the market. The shoe utilizes old-school midsole foam and Brooks' tried-and-true HydroFlow (the precursor to DNA). Its outsole features a simpler grippy rubber than some higher-end shoes' podular designs with three or four different rubber varieties. This shoe proves that you don't need cutting-edge technology (or prices) to have a great ride.
 Like the Brooks Ravenna stability trainer, the Summon features a slightly upturned toe for an improved transition and faster feel. The midsole is filled-in through the arch, which allows for great ground contact and a fit that can accommodate neutral runners and walkers with high and low arches alike. This straight last also makes the Summon an ideal fit for orthotics. We've yet to see an orthotic that can't slide easily into this shoe. For those concerned about fashion, the Summon now boasts colored midsoles for additional flash. The shoe may be back-to-basics, but it will still get you noticed.
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Amy's Gear Corner - Gear Up For Summer
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Body Glide - Dealing with chafing, rubbing or irritation on your  long runs or rides? Body Glide goes on clean like a deodorant stick and keeps you comfortable through hot summer miles. The petroleum-free ingredients don't stain clothing or come off with sweat. Planning on doing some triathlons? Body Glide can help you get your wetsuit on and off without damaging the material. Body Glide comes in three sizes (including a nice small travel size), as well as a "For Her" version that includes Aloe and Vitamin E for healthy skin.
Garmin Bike Accessories - Taking your bike out this summer? Garmin has a range of accessories that can turn your existing Forerunner watch into a state-of-the-art bike computer. Use the handlebar mount so that your watch attaches in an easy-to-read position without having to move your hands. The Speed/Cadence sensor links wirelessly to your watch to give you real-time cadence and the option of getting speed from GPS or from your wheels. Finally, you can get the 310XT Quick-Release kit to quickly move your watch fr om wrist to bike in a triathlon. With the exception of the Quick-Release kit, all Garmin bike accessories are compatible with the FR60, 305, 310XT, 405, 410 and 610.
Tifosi Sunglasses - If the sun in your eyes makes you squint, a good pair of running shades is essential. Wearing sunglasses has even been proven to keep the rest of your body relaxed during  exercise. Tifosi sunglasses hit the sweet spot between performance and price. They range from $40-$90, rather than the $150+ of some other top brands. But for that price, you get a whole lot. All styles feature non-slip nose and temple pads as well as anti-fog technology. Many come with interchangeable or polarized lenses. Special Fototec styles darken in the sun, so that you can wear them early or late without worrying about your shades being too dark or too light.
New Nuun Flavors (coming soon!) - Nuun is one of the best options for staying hydrated without the extra sugar. Drop a tablet into water, and in two minutes it dissolves to a sugar-free electrolyte drink with a great flavor. Coming in next week are five new flavors to keep your summer runs hydrated. Strawberry Lemonade (a staff favorite), Lemon Tea, Grape, Tropical and Fruit Punch will join the existing flavors of Tri-Berry, Lemon-Lime, Orange, Citrus, Cola and Banana. Better yet, try making a "Nuun cocktail" by mixing two or more flavors.
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| Summer Training Programs - Start Saturday | |
Learn more about our summer training programs during our Training Program Open House on Wednesday, June 22 from 70in. If you are unable to make this meeting, plan on coming to your first practice about 20 minutes early to register and meet your coaches.
No Boundaries "Couch to 5k" Program
sponsored by New Balance
Who: First-timers and those who want to improve their 5k
Start: Saturday, June 25 at 9am
Goal: Old Wethersfield 5k on Sunday, August 28
Cost: $95 (does not include race entry fee)
Register in store or online. Contact Coach Rich for more details
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10k Training Program
Who: Beginner/Intermediate Runners. Must be able run 3 miles at a steady pace
Start: Saturday, June 25 at 8:30am
Goal Race: Old Wethersfield 10k on Sunday, August 28
Cost: $100 (does not include race entry fee)
Register in store or online. Contact Coach Amy for more details
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ING Hartford Half Marathon Training Program
Who: Intermediate/Advanced Runners: must be able to run 6 miles at 12:00 mile pace (or faster) before the first practice
Start: Saturday, July 30 at 8:00am
Goal Race: ING Hartford Half Marathon on October 15
Cost: $125 (does not include race entry fee)
Sign-up in store or online. Contact Coach Randy for more details
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Disney Marathon Training Program
Who: Intermediate/Advanced Runners: must be able to run 11 miles at 12:00 mile pace (or faster) before the first practice
Start: October (exact date TBD)
Goal: Disney Marathon, January 8, 2012
Cost: $100 (does not include race entry fee)
If you are running Disney and training on your own, you can join our group virtually and take advantage of special Run Disney Perks like discounted race entry fee and park tickets).
Contact Coach Deb for more details. |
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Fall Marathon Training/Support Group | |
 Are you training for a fall marathon like Hartford, Chicago or Niagara Falls and looking for training partners? Join this FREE group led by the Sole Sisters - a group of amazing women who met while training for their first 5k in Fleet Feet's No Boundaries Program in January of 2009. Since then, they have gone the distance at the VT City Marathon, completed a triathlon and the Bermuda Challenge (where, on the flight home, the Race Director for the Niagara Falls Marathon invited them to run). They believe in having fun on the run...and off the run too!
Nearly 20 people showed-up last weekend to run (including a few men!). This week, the main group will be meeting at Fleet Feet on Sunday at 7am for a 9 mile run at various paces between 8-12 min/mile - but we'll have the route available for those who want to run on Saturday. Just meet at the store at 8am. Make sure to bring your hydration belt or bottle!
For more information, email Debbie or Lisa. |
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Featured Race: Firecracker 5k |
Our friends at the Glastonbury River Runners are hosting their 3rd Annual NRG Energy Firecracker 5k on Sunday, June 26 at 9am. The course begins and end at Rotary Field on Olde Stage Road in Glastonbury and features gently rolling terrain through the Buttonball neighborhood. In addition to the 5k, there is a two mile walk and a ¼ mile fun run for kids (free). .
Registration is just $20 and cane be completed online or in person on race day beginning at 7:30am.
The first 150 registered participants will get a free t-shirt and awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers in eight age groups. |
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Kitchen Tools: Dehydrators
By Aubrey Schulz |  As we move into the summer months, certain fruits will be available in abundance. A great way to enjoy the bounty throughout the rest of the year is create your own dried fruit with a dehydrator. Before you dismiss the idea as too much work, consider the value of owning a dehydrator.
A food dehydrator is designed to remove the water content from food. Low heats are used for extended periods of time to slowly evaporate away the moisture. With the moisture removed, food is less likely to spoil, even at room temperature. When purchasing a unit, look for a unit with a fan to circulate the air. Most machines have stackable trays. In some types you can increase the number of trays. I like this feature. You can start with a smaller investment and as the interest and talent for drying expands, purchase more trays. An adjustable thermostat is another important feature. Meats and fruits dry at different temperatures. A timer is also recommended. Nobody wants to plan their day around their dehydrator. I've loaded up my dehydrator at night and in the morning the food is ready to be stored away.
Forget spending lots of money on packaged dried fruits. When blueberries are in season, gather a group together to go berry picking at a local farm. Keep an eye out for sales in the grocery store or farmer's market. Supermarkets often feature weekly sales. When shopping keep your eyes open for foods you can add to your dehydrator. Having dried bananas and grapes (raisins) on hand are welcome treats to add to your morning oatmeal, granola or midday snack.
With a dehydrator, you control the ingredients. Dried cranberries, bananas and other fruits often have added ingredients and sugars. When you dry your own, you know what's in the foods. Many of our favorite fruits (strawberries, apples, peaches, pears, nectarines, cherries, raspberries) are grown with high concentrations of pesticides. By choosing organic, you are reducing your intake of harmful chemicals.
I find that if you know how much work went into making your dried snack, you are less likely to overindulge. Most of us have a sweet tooth. We know chocolate cake shouldn't be part of a runner's regular diet. When it comes to fruit, well, we can eat those dried apricots by the handful, right? A half cup (65 grams) of dried apricots has 156 calories and 35 grams of sugar. After a run, that amount is a perfect part of a post workout meal. However, mindlessly grabbing handfuls of them will quickly boost your caloric intake. If they are homemade, you might just save them for flavoring your granola or Moroccan Beef Stew, rather than wolfing them down right out of the jar.
Dehydrators can be used to make other foods. You can make your own beef jerky. This is especially good if you know a hunter who is kind enough to share some of his or her catch with you. Remember Fruit Roll Ups, those sugary treats with the cellophane backing you had to peel away? To create your own version, puree fruits in a blender and pour the mixture onto the special sheets and dry them. Backpackers will love having another option for dinner. Create an entire meal on your stove top and dehydrate it. At camp, just add water, bring to a boil and enjoy a meal that feels like the kitchen is only a few steps away. I recently made a Tempeh Quinoa Chili that tasted fabulous.
Dehydrators might not be for everyone. It can be just one more gadget in an already crowded kitchen or pantry. With use it does have the potential to offer you much back in return. For runners who have an interest in feeding their bodies the best quality foods, with top notch flavors, it is useful tool to own.
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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
July 4: 10am-2pm
Phone: 860-233-8077
www.fleetfeethartford.com | |
EVENT CALENDAR
All events are at Fleet Feet Sports unless otherwise noted. | |
Wed, June 22 @ 6:00am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All abilities welcome
Wed, June22 @ 6:30pm
Evening Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All abilities welcome
Wed, June 22 @ 7-8pm
Summer Training Program
INFO NIGHT
5, 10k, Half & Full Marathon
Thurs, June 23 @ 6:30pm
Track Workout & Adidas Racing Flat Demos/Shoe Bar
at Saint Joseph College
All abilities welcome!
Sat, June 25 @ 9:30-11am
FREE Injury Assessments
by Select Physical Therapy
Sat, June 25 @ 8am
Run/Walk Meet-Up
Meet New Training Partners
All abilities welcome!
Mon, June 27 @ 6am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All Abilities Welcome
Mon, June 27 @ 6:30pm
BRINK (Bike, Run, drINK!)
at Abigails in Simsbury
Free & Family Friendly
Wed, June 29 @ 6:00am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All abilities welcome
Wed, June 29 @ 6:30pm
Evening Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All abilities welcome
Thurs, June 30 @ 6:30pm
Track Workout
at Saint Joseph College
All abilities welcome!
Sat, July 2 @ 8am
Run/Walk Meet-Up
Meet New Training Partners
All abilities welcome! |
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FREE Injury Assessments
Sat, June 25 - 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, July 9).
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BRINK - Bike, Run, drINK!
Mon, June 27 @ 6:30pm |  |
Grab a friend, your kids or colleagues and join us for our next BRINK (Bike, Run, drINK) starting/ending at Abigails Restaurant in Simsbury.
Last time we had over 30 runners, walkers and bikers (including Roger on his "Thrall Mobile") - it was a blast!
We'll meet in the Abigails parking lot corner of Routes 10 and 185 - directions here) at 6:30pm and head out for about 30-45min of fitness fun (bike, run, walk, hop, scooter, etc) on the Rail Trail, before reconvening at Abigails for tasty food, cold bevs and good fun. All participants will get happy hour pricing all night long (that means their delicious pizza is just $5!).
The BRINK is on rain or shine - RSVP if you think you might come so Abigails reserves enough space for everyone. |
| 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. |
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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.
For more information, check our official "Meet-Up" group web site. |
| 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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Buy 3, Get 1 FREE |
Purchase any three packages of socks and get the fourth free! You may mix-and-match sizes and styles, but a 2 or 3-pack of socks counts as one package. Offer not valid on special orders or previous purchase, nor may it be combined with any other coupon (except your $15 Personal Rewards certificates). | | Offer Expires: Sunday, June 26, 2011 |
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