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It is not often that I am surprised, but at the Fleet Feet Sports National Conference a few weeks ago, I was almost rendered speechless when our store was awarded the franchise's "New Store Development" award, nicknamed "Rookie of the Year" because the winning store must be three years or younger. We were actually 3 years and 14 days old, but who's counting. With 90+ Fleet Feet stores nationwide, many of whom do amazing things, competition is tough to say the least.
It's tradition for the winning store to give a short acceptance speech. At first I could think of nothing to say, but then I thought about how raindrops are formed (once a weather girl, always a weather girl!) Every raindrop needs a nucleus - usually a microscopic dust particle that teeny-tiny water droplets can attach to. At first, the dust particle is so light that the updrafts/wind in a cloud sweep it higher and higher into the air. But, as more and more water droplets attach to it, it gets heavier and heavier until it is too heavy for the wind to carry it upwards any longer. It then falls to earth as a raindrop where it becomes an integral part of our ecosystem.
I like to think of our store as the nucleus and all of you as the water droplets. Without you (and my wonderful staff and coaches), we would just be another retail store. Instead, we are a vibrant, infectious community of runners, walkers and people striving to live fit. Together, we've raised thousands of dollars for charities, donated shoes to the homeless and less fortunate in both CT and abroad, helped keep the Reservoirs open to the public, encouraged and celebrated fitness through a variety of events and made new friendships. It is so rewarding to be a part of a movement that is so good and so strong!
So, thank YOU for making Fleet Feet Sports, Hartford the best rookie store in the nation! I can think of no better way to celebrate than with a run and cake with the founder of Fleet Feet Sports (and Ironman record holder), Sally Edwards. Sally will be visiting the store this Friday to promote her book, Be a Better Runner which, coincidentally features photos of several peeps including staffer, Schuyler. The event will kick-off with a 3 mile run at 6pm, followed by a party and then a short presentation by Sally at 7pm.
I invite you to come for part or all of the event. In addition to edible and drinkable treats, we will have raffle prizes and thank you gifts for everyone who attends. We'll even unveil our new trophy too (it looks so much cooler in real life than in the pic above)!
Be Fit,
Steph |
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Schuyler's Shoe Review - Saucony Trex & Mirage |
Saucony's Kinvara was the story of the year in 2010. That is, if your favorite stories involve midsole foam, sharp-looking design and comfortable fit. Running stores like ours had trouble keeping up with demand for this minimalist hit. You couldn't cross a starting line of a half-marathon or 5k without looking down and seeing an array of Kinvaras in any color imaginable.
In 2011, Saucony is expanding on the Kinvara's success with an array of new shoes built on the same last. While the Kinvara is adaptable to gym use, the new women's Trex is a cross-trainer ready for the most rigorous boot-camp, kickboxing, Zumba or other gym workouts. Most cross-trainers are already built on a more minimal, low to the ground platform for increased stability. This makes the Kinvara an easy fit. While the midsole is taken from the Kinvara, the Trex adds a snugger upper to control lateral foot movement. A grippy, non-marking outsole wraps around the side of the forefoot to allow for unmatched pivot stability.
 For men (and soon for women), the Mirage is a revolutionary trainer. While the minimalist neutral category is well-established, the Mirage is one of the first forays into minimalist stability. Often, runners with knee or shin pain can benefit from the lower heel a minimalist shoe provides (on the other hand, calf and achilles issues can be helped by a more traditional heel). However, not all runners are ready for or need a neutral shoe.
The Mirage fits this niche by making a few clever adaptations to the neutral Kinvara. A slightly firmer midsole will hold up to the stress of pronation, while a plastic arc through the arch provides pronation control without the extra weight of denser foam. Carbon rubber on the outsole makes the shoe a little stiffer in the midfoot while still maintaining excellent forefoot flexibility. Finally, a more traditional running shoe upper controls excess foot movement. Runners who need a lower heel with all the other benefits of a light stability trainer might find that the Mirage is no illusion. |
| Special Vibram Five Finger Gift w/Purchase! |  Ready to run barefoot or minimalist? Make sure to transition smart and injury-free. While supplies last, get a FREE copy of Michael Sandler's Barefoot Running book with the purchase of Vibram FiveFingers shoes (a $20 value). This book is THE resource for bareoot running. Learn exercises, drills, stretches and training tips to get the most out of this new way of running. |
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Amy's Gear Corner | |
 Fleet Feet Team Tri Top (Men & Women): We partnered with Newington Bicycle and H.E.A.T to create a sweet-looking tri top from Louis Garneau The bright, yet sleek looking zip-front, sleeveless top is sure to make you look - and race - fast! It is made with Power mesh, providing extreme airflow and quick drying features and Elastane which prevents chafing and is super comfortable. The back features an ideal-sized pocket for your biking and running nutrition.
Hera Headband (Women): If you like to look fashionable and coordinated while exercising, check out this fun set of headbands from Asics. The headbands feature a tapered silhouette for superior comfort and fit. Each package contains two headbands, one solid black with a reflective Asics logo for safety and blue one with a cute design that matches perfectly to the Asics Core Tee that just arrived in store. Just $15.
For you Sweaty Band fans, we just received a new shipment of 100 Sweaty Bands (thick, thin and "petite" sized) in great designs - including one designed just for our No Boundaries group!
 Core Tee (Women): Summer running is no fun when you wear cotton (think sweat-soaked shirt that sticks to you like glue). Instead, wear a technical tee and feel drier and cooler. Technical doesn't always equate to expensive - especially when you consider the Asics Core Tee. This economical staff favorite (just $25) is made with Asics' Hydrology fabric so it "breathes" and wicks moisture off your skin and has UV treatment so it protects your skin from the skin's deadly rays. It looks and feels great too - especially when paired with the matching Hera Headband and Favorite Shorts from Asics.
 Favorite Short (Women): Asics named this short appropriately since it's sure to become a favorite in your workout wardrobe. This featherweight short is made from Asics' buttery soft Hydrology fabric to keep you dry, cool and odor-free. This 3.5" inseam short may look skimpy and revealing on the hanger, but its fit is flattering and so comfy. It also features 50+ UV protection and a pocket for your key.
 Guy's, we haven't forgotten about you! We brought in some sweet new tops and bottoms from Nike and Asics for you as well! Check out this awesome yellow singlet from Nike made with super-lightweight Dri-Fit fabric to pull sweat off your skin and cut so you look as stylish as you are comfortable.
It pairs well with the new wrinkle-free, quick-dry split short from Asics. The short's featherweight crepe liner provides chafe-free moisture wicking comfort while the split leg allows for optimal range-of-motion so you can really open up your stride. There even are reflective design features for those early morning or evening runs. Together, this shirt/short combo is perfect for your hot summer run and races! |
| Half Marathon Training - Starts July 30 | |
Begins Saturday, July 30 at 8am
Info/Kick-Off Meeting: Thurs, July 28 @ 7pm
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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Apple Harvest 5 Mile Training Program
Starts Sat, July 30 |
 The Apple Harvest 5 Mile race in Southington is one of our most-favorite races. It is hosted by the Southington YMCA who is helping to partnering with us to offer this great summer into fall training program. By popular request, Coach Chris McKee will be back to lead this program. His energy is contagious so be ready to have some fun!
This training program is great for any runner who had recently completed at least a 5k (3.1 miles) - but is also good for those who can run a 10k (6.2 miles) and want to get faster. It begins on Saturday, July 30 at 8:00am and culminates with the Apple Harvest 5 Miler run on Sunday, October 2.
Most of the Saturday morning group runs will start/end at the Southington YMCA - though we will take a few field trips to West Hartford to run from Fleet Feet Sports (participants can take advantage of special discounts in the store on these days). There are optional runs on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm (from Fleet Feet Sports) and Thursday evenings at 6:30pm (at St. Joseph College track).
The registration fee is $100 (does not include race registration) - but does include your training plan, coaching with a low coach-to-participant ratio, a cool tech tee and other surprises along the way. Special mini-clinics will ensure that in addition to training properly, you're given the right knowledge about footwear, socks, insoles, sports bras, hydration and other important topics that can improve your enjoyment of running
Register online or in the store. |
| Disney Marathon Training - Starts in October | |
 Ever thought of running through Disney World? Read on because this might be the opportunity for you! We are teaming with Run Disney to offer a marathon training program to help train you to complete the Disney Marathon on Sunday, January 8.
 Fleet Feet staffer Deb Stroiney and her husband Dave Cilley will be coaching this program. Deb and Dave have run the Disney Marathon for the past 2 years - with Deb conquering the Goofy Challenge this past January! Whether you are a first time marathoner or looking to PR, Dave and Deb can help you on your way. Dave has run a 3-hour marathon and is currently training to go sub 3-hours while Deb knows how to get the most out of your Disney experience. Click here to view her pictures of the Goofy Challenge 2011 (yes, she stopped at every mile marker to get her photo taken with the featured Disney character).
The training program will start in October. Participants should be able to complete a long run of 11 miles before the first practice (Deb & Dave can create a training program to get you to 11 miles this summer). Program cost is $100 and includes your training program, coached long runs, mid-week speed workout, a cool tech team shirt, product samples, as well as Run Disney perks (discounted race entry fee and park tickets).
If you are running Disney and training on your own, you can join our group virtually for free and take advantage of special Run Disney Perks like discounted race entry fee and park tickets.
Contact Coach Deb for more details.
ALERT: the Disney Marathon is already 55% full - so don't delay registering if you want to do this program. |
| The Fleet Feet Urban Challenge! |
 Everyone who participated in last summer's urban challenge had a blast and requested that we do another one. So it is with great excitement that we announce this year's Urban Challenge - a combination running and trivia scavenger hunt sponsored by New Balance on Friday, August 12 from 6-8pm. The event begins at the store.
The event is similar to the television show The Amazing Race, with teams of two receiving clues, completing challenges at different locations throughout the Center & Blue Back Square, running from location to location and, in the end, racing to be the first team to the finish line. Knowledge of the area will give you an advantage, but teams can use their phones, Internet and people on the street to help them solve the clues.
Fleet Feet has teamed up with various businesses in the area, whose identities are secret until you figure them out from the clues. While we can't reveal who they are, we can tell you that there are some fun (and tough!) challenges in store for you.
The event fee is $25 per person ($50 per two-person team) and includes a high-quality tech tee and post-event all-you-can-eat BBQ. There will be prizes for the Top 3 teams, as well other fun categories such as team name, costume and most-spirited.
To register, complete this registration form and send it to the store with payment or register online . If you don't have a partner, we will match you with another solo participant. This event is family friendly and family members may compete together as one team (just register the two oldest members of the team).
Event is limited to 100 two-person teams so register early! Plus, everyone who registers before August 5 is guaranteed to get the shirt size they requested (late registrants will get a shirt, but sizes will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis).
Questions? Email Kate. |
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Featured Race: Winding Trails Tri Series |
 Whether you are a seasoned triathlete or just dipping your toes into the sport, you need to check out the Winding Trails Summer Tri Series which features an off-road sprint triathlon every Tuesday at 6:15pm at Winding Trails in Farmington, CT. Now in its 11th year, this wickedly fun triathlon directed by Fleet Feet Peep, Sharon McHale, averages almost 200 triathletes of all ages and abilities.
The main triathlon features a ¼ mile swim in beautiful (and calm!) Dunning Lake, an 8k trail bike ride and a 5k trail run. Cost per event is $10 for Winding Trails members and $20 for non-members.
If you're not ready to go the distance yet, there is a "Tiny Trail Tri" every Tuesday at 6:00pm that consists of a 200 yd swim, 3-mile trail ride and 1-mile trail run. Times for this event are not recorded so the focus is on building your confidence and having fun. Cost is $10/members and $15/non-members.
The series culminates with an end-of-the-year barbeque and awards ceremony after the last Tri on August 16. For more information on this great event, click here .
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| Race Numbers Needed | |
 We hope to wallpaper a wall in our new expanded space with race numbers/bibs signed and donated by peeps like you. If you would like to be forever immortalized in our store, find one of your race numbers,
autograph it (feel free to add your time or short note on it) and bring it into the store. Bibs are non-returnable - but you can come visit it anytime! |
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Heat Up Your Mouth - Not your Kitchen
By Aubrey Schulz |  With summer heat upon us in full blast, there is little desire to heat up the kitchen with a hot oven. Rather than go out to dinner, remain in control of your food and keep the stove off with these two great appliances: a blender/food processor and a spiralizer.
In most instances a blender and a food processor can be used interchangeably. However, it is best to contain liquids in a blender. Smoothies and chilled soups are perfect summer time reasons to use your blender. Combine your favorite seasonal berries, ice, coconut water and mint together to make a refreshing post run cool down beverage. Another option is to freeze the mixture to make popsicles. I reach for my food processor when I make my own energy bars. It does a great job of chopping up dried fruit and nuts. The food processor is also useful when making sauces and pesto's.
Another great tool is a spiralizer. It can be a challenge to justify having one more gadget in your already overcrowded kitchen, but I believe this one is worth it. This vegetable slicer easily cuts fruits and vegetables into ribbon-like slices. One medium sized zucchini feeds at least two people. Zucchini "noodles" are a nice, light, no-cook alternative to pasta. You can also use the spiralizer to cut other foods like, potatoes, apples, and cucumbers.
When you cook in your kitchen, you are in control. You can pronounce the ingredients and decide how much, or little, to include. At a restaurant, there is a great deal of uncertainty and it is easier to over indulge in foods. Resist the temptation to eat out because it is too hot to cook at home. Fire up the grill to cook up some protein and plug in your food processor to make a meal that won't heat up your kitchen.
Check out this recipe for Zucchini "Noodles" with Spicy Cashew Sauce . It is sure to heat up your mouth, but not your oven.
---------------------------------- 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, July 20 @ 6:00am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All abilities welcome
Wed, July 20 @ 6:30pm
Evening Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All abilities welcome
Thurs, July 21 @ 6:30pm
Track Workout
at Saint Joseph College
All abilities welcome!
Fri, July 22 @ 6pm
Meet Ironman Champion,
Author & FF Founder
Sally Edwards
Run + Book Signing + Food
Sat, July 23 @ 9:30-11am
FREE Injury Assessments
by Select Physical Therapy
Sat, July 23 @ 7am
Informal Marathon Training Group Run - 9 miles
Pace range: 8-12min/mile
Sat, July 23 @ 8am
Run/Walk Meet-Up
Meet New Training Partners
All abilities welcome!
Mon, July 25 @ 6am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All Abilities Welcome
Mon, July 25 @ 6:30pm
BRINK (Bike, Run, drINK!)
Saucony Shoe Demo's
at Hot Tomato's Restaurant
Meet at Bushnell Park Arch
Free & Family Friendly
Tues, July 26 @ 6:30pm
BRINK (Bike, Run, drINK!)
Union Street Tavern, Windsor
Free & Family Friendly
Wed, July 27 @ 6:00am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All abilities welcome
Wed, July 27 @ 6:30pm
Evening Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All abilities welcome
Thurs, July 28 @ 6:30pm
Track Workout
at Saint Joseph College
All abilities welcome!
Thurs, July 28 @ 7pm
Half Marathon Training
Program Info Night
Meet your coaches & get
your ?'s answered
Sat, July 30 @ 7am
Informal Marathon Training Group Run - 12 miles
Pace range: 8-12min/mile
Sat, July 30 @ 8am
Run/Walk Meet-Up
Meet New Training Partners
& Timex Watch Demo
All abilities welcome!
Fri, Aug 12 @ 6-8pm
Urban Adventure Race
sponsored by New Balance
Grab a friend & register in
store or online
Limited to 100 teams of 2
Sun, Aug 28 @ 3-6pm
XC Spike Spectacular & BBQ
Food, Fun & Freebies
Discounts & Team Competition |
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FREE Injury Assessments
Sat, July 23 - 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. Next in-store clinic will be Sat, Aug 6.
Can't make the clinic? Call or email Stacy at Select's FREE Injury Hotline:
1-877-MOBL-MED
(1-877-662-5633)
Stacy is a a licensed athletic trainer and Select PT's Director of Sports Medicine. Depending on the severity of your injury, she may give you instructions on how to care for your injury at home or direct you to one of Select Physical Therapy's 30 clinics in CT for a free evaluation. | |
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Book Signing Party & Run with Sally Edwards!
Fri, July 22 @ 6pm |  |
Don't miss your chance to meet and run with Sally Edwards, best-selling author, legendary runner and triathlete, Ironman record holder, Trek Women Triathlon Spokeswoman, and founder of Fleet Feet Sports!
Join us on for a fun evening with the dynamic Sally Edwards as she discusses her latest book, Be A Better Runner which features photos of several Fleet Feet peeps including our own Schuyler Schuster!
The evening will begin with a fun run led by Sally, followed by a meet-and-greet autograph session with refreshments and raffles and an informative multi-media presentation by Sally where you will learn how to avoid the "black hole" running zone, discover the "13 Lessons" to maximize your workouts, and find out about the latest training tools-including Sally's new iPhone App for runners, Upbeat Workouts.
The event is FREE (unless you want to purchase one of Sally's books for her to autograph). Runners, walkers and triathletes of all ages and abilities are welcome to attend any or all of the events. See you there!
6-6:30pm: 3 Mile Fun Run
6:30-7pm: Meet & Greet
7-8pm: Sally's Presentation |
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BRINK #1 - Hartford
Mon, July 25 @ 6:30pm
Sponsored by Saucony! |  |
Grab a friend, your kids or colleagues and join us for our second BRINK (Bike, Run, drINK) in downtown Hartford.
We will again meet at 6:30pm under the Arch in Bushnell Park and will end 30-45 min later at Hot Tomato's restaurant by the train station. Several folks from Saucony, including one of the shoe designers, will be on hand with Saucony shoes for you to demo on the run - and some fun raffle prizes.
Hot Tomato's will be offering happy hour pricing on beverages and $12 gets you access to an all-you-can-eat buffet of their delicious eats (the garlic cheese bread last week was scumptous!)
The BRINK is on rain or shine - RSVP if you think you might come so Hot Tomato's knows how much food to make.
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BRINK #2 - Windsor
Tues, July 26 @ 6:30pm | |
We're going on another field trip! Our friends at the Union Street Tavern in Windsor have invited us to BRINK (Bike, Run, drINK) with them!
We will meet at 6:30pm at the Union Street Tavern and run their 3.5 mile "Tavern Trot" loop. We'll end back at the restaurant for cheap (but delicious) eats & drinks!
The BRINK is on rain or shine - RSVP if you think you might come so the Tavern knows how much food to make.
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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.
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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Informal/FREE Marathon Training Support Group
Sat or Sun @ 7am |  |
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! This weekend the training plan calls for 9 miles (next weekend, they'll do 12 miles). Paces range from 8-12 min/mile with some runners utilizing run/walk intervals. Women AND Men are welcome to join in the fun! There will be a group leader with copies of the routes on both Saturday and Sunday at 7am so choose the morning that works best for you. Meet in front of the store and make sure to bring your hydration belt or bottle! |
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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! |
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Buy any triathlon top or bottom (or both) and save 15% off the original price AND receive a free package of ibungee Speed Laces! These cool elastic shoe laces turn any shoe into a slip-on so you don't waste precious seconds in the transition zone tying your shoes.