If you are like me, you probably celebrated Independence Day yesterday by sleeping in a bit and barbequing with friends and family - maybe even doing a little shopping at Fleet Feet Sports.  As I was headed home last night, it struck me that I didn't do anything to honor the true spirit of the holiday by remembering those who fought - and still fight - for our freedom and the freedom of others around the world.

I thought of my grandfathers who fought in WWII and lost so many of their friends.  I thought of all those who went to Vietnam and never returned - and of those who did return, but got the cold shoulder.   I thought of my childhood friend Tyler, who was killed in Afghanistan a few years ago, and how his kids will grow-up not knowing their dad.  Then I remembered Cliff.   

Back in January, CT Native and FF Peep, Cliff Paquette, decided that he wanted to celebrate the gift of life and freedom on his 30^th birthday by thanking those who gave their lives to defend it.  Specifically, he wanted to run one mile for each of the service members from Connecticut who have fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan.  At the time, the number was 52, but the ugliness of war raised that number to 58 in the following months. 

The Run for Connecticut's Fallen is this Saturday (July 9).  Cliff has partnered with Team MAD and the national Run for the Fallen organization to make this an event for every age and ability.  Cliff will begin his honor run in Sterling, CT.  Fifty-eight miles later, he will finish with a lap around the Glastonbury High School track (sometime between 1:45-2:15pm). 

Team MAD is putting together teams of runners to join Cliff for 10 mile segments (the last segment will be 8 miles).  The goal is to have at least two people running with Cliff, one of whom will be carrying an American Flag.  Cliff's pace will be around 10 min per mile.  Teams can have up to 10 runners who can switch out as many times as needed during the 10 mile segment (support vehicles will be there to pick-up runners).

Additionally, from 11am0in on Saturday, participants are invited to run or walk as many miles as they want around the Glastonbury High School track to honor the memory of a serviceman or woman.  Miles will be recorded by volunteers and be reported to the national Run for the Fallen organization.  Food and drinks will be available to participants thanks to a few generous sponsors. 

If you are interested in participating in this wonderful, non-partisan event honoring our country's fallen heros, please email Volunteer Run Coordinator, Jody Barr.  Click here to learn more about the event. 

Be Fit,

Steph

A huge shipment of Nike clothes for men and women has just arrived.  Here are just a few of my favorite pieces:

Printed 2-in-1 Shorts (Men):  These might be the coolest men's shorts we have ever brought in - the plaid print is wicked cool.  Nike's Tempo short for men features a 7 inch inseam and an inner compression short (not a skimpy brief) so you get the 3 "C's": compression, comfort and coverage.  Plus, the fabric is high-tech Dri-Fit to keep you comfortable and dry.  There is even a zip pocket for your keys, cash or fuel. 

Racing Shorts (Men): It's a real scorcher out there and we're not just talking about the temperature. Racing season is in full force and these are the shorts that the fast guys are wearing.  Whether you like the traditional 2 inch split short or the slightly longer 4 inch racing short, you will love the full-range of leg motion they allow along with light, quick-drying fabric, vented hem and a fitted media-player pocket. This short smokes!

Running Skirt (Women):  Ladies, the wait is over - the super-popular Nike running skirt is back in stock!  No need to sacrifice style for function when wearing this skirt because besides being ultra-cute and flattering, it has Nike's famous Dri-FIT moisture-wicking performance fabric that pulls sweat off your skin and provides supreme ventilation. The flat-seams reduce troublesome chafing and the reflective elements make you more visible in low-light conditions.

Long Sport Top (Women): Hot summer weather calls for cool clothes like this tank top with a built-in bra from Nike.  Why layer when it is so warm outside?! The lightly padded bra in this top provides shape, modesty and support for up to a c-cup while the tank features mesh panels and DRI-FIT fabric to wick sweat and moisture away from your skin.  These colorful tops coordinate well with the Nike skirt and shorts in stock.

Begins Saturday, July 30 at 8am

Is finishing a Half Marathon on your Bucket List?  Join us this summer for our 12-week training program and cross "Finish a Half Marathon" off your list this fall.

The program is designed to culminate with the ING Hartford Half Marathon on October 15, but you can use the training to run a different fall half marathon.  Your training plan includes three group runs a week including a Saturday morning long run (first run is at 8am - then we will move to 7am), a Wednesday run of 3-5 miles (6:30pm) and a speed workout on Thursday (6:30pm).  You do not have to make all of the practices - but training is more fun with friends! 

This training program is best for runners who can sustain a 12:00 mile for 6 miles (run/walk intervals are fine).  The program cost is $125 and does not include your 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.

These free clinics will be offered every other Saturday through the year (next clinic will be Saturday, July 23).