I felt like I was on one of those reality home/restaurant make-over shows last week as we hustled to reach our goal of reopening in the new space on schedule. If you saw the space last Monday night, you would have thought that our goal was unachievable: exposed walls, dangling wires, pock-marked floor and plastic drapes over everything. But never doubt what a team of dedicated (and highly caffeinated) people can do in 72 hours!

The amount of work that was completed in three days still blows my mind. From sunup to way past sundown, the store was a beehive of activity with construction workers, carpenters, electricians, flooring professionals, plumbers, a very busy painter, a myriad of deliverymen, the design duo from 3 Dots Design who helped translate my vision into reality, as well as various members of the Fleet Feet crew (including my parents and Dottie Dillon), and especially, staffer Rich who I'll be forever indebted for managing the entire project and keeping me sane.  

Big credit goes to my general contractor, Marc, who spearheaded the finely orchestrated production and wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty to keep us on track whether it was taping sheetrock, building walls or installing our wall fixtures with an amazing attention to detail. I loved that he is as much as perfectionist about his work as I am about mine. Even when I offered-up shortcuts, he refused, ensuring that we had a quality product inside and out.

That's not to say that there weren't a few hiccups along the way - like missing lights and floor fixtures, shoe forms that got mysteriously shipped to my old house in Maryland and the custom cabinet that turned out to be a foot longer than it should have been. Fortunately, Marc wasn't there to see my dad sawzall off the extra foot so that it framed the wall like it was intended to do.

But the (almost) finished product is amazing. Even fully stocked with products, there is space to do cartwheels - and strides! I especially love the monster-sized photographs that former staffer Sarah Amato took of customers in their favorite running spots and the six 7 foot long benches that make up the shoe fit area (the old store had just two 5' benches). It's our way of saying, "Come on in and stay awhile!"

My dream of creating a Clubhouse for Runners of all ages and abilities (especially those who don't know they are runners yet) is just about complete. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Be Fit,

Steph

Whether you are battling the elements outdoors, sweatin' it up in the gym or just want to be cozy and stylish as you run errands, we have the gear for you!

Shoe Charm & Hairband/Bracelet: Katherine Switzer is best known as the first woman to run the Boston Marathon with an official bib number (#216). Today Katherine owns a company called Marathon Woman that celebrates the Legend of 261 and the fearlessness of women athletes everywhere. We are proud of offer her sweet pewter shoe charms (can also be strung on a necklace) and nifty bracelet/hairband.

Each charm is the size of a nickel and features an engraved "261 race bib" and an image of Katherine in the 1972 Boston Marathon on one side, and "Marathon Woman - Fearless" on the other. The charms come two to a pack so you can share with your running friend ($10).

The bracelet/hairband is made from black, no-pinch black elastic with a silvertone band embossed with "Marathon Woman" on the outside and "Fearless" on the inside. Forget your hairband before a run? No problem, this bracelet doubles as a hair tie. Both items make great gifts for runners, as well as non-runners who strive to live fearless ($6)!

Asics Knee Socks and Hat (women): These socks and hat make the perfect gift for your running partner, child's teacher...or you! The knee-high Tegan socks have a turquoise and gray ski-bunny inspired design that looks tres chic, but the socks are made with a fantastic moisture-management fabric to keep your feet dry, a "Y"-shaped heel so they don't slip and seamless toe design. The hat features a coordinating knit fabric on the outside and fuzzy, warm fleece on the inside.

Nike Thermal Tops (men and women): Nike's cold weather gear hits the mark every time: excellent construction, superb high-performance fabrics that feel as great as they look and colors that pop - all at a reasonable price. This best-selling top is oh-so-soft both inside and out. The women's top comes in three styles: half-zip, jacket and hoody (all with fold-out mitts and thumbholes). For men we have the half-zip and the jacket with a full-length, two-way zipper to adjust ventilation.

Nike Hyperwarm Crew (women): You will be warm from the inside out in this top. It is a perfect layering piece for cold weather workouts with its warm brushed interior fabric. Don't let the softness fool you, the fabric also features Nike's famous Dri-FIT technology to wick sweat away and a Spandex to keep the top snug. The crew neck is non-restricting and the raglan sleeves and underarm gussets enhance mobility. Love thumbholes? This shirt has them, keeping the cuffs in place for additional warmth. Available in bright solid colors or an outrageous orange print!

Nike Compression Top (men): Dress like the pro's with Nike's famous Pro Combat compression top. Wear it alone or as an essential base-layer on chilly days. The Dri-FIT fabric wicks sweat to keep you dry and comfortable, while the compression fit moves with you, supporting - and showcasing (!) your muscles.

Saucony Fleece Hoody (women): This hoody is the perfect outer layer for walking or for pre/post gym or yoga. It is warm and stylish with a functional and fashionable hide-away hood that converts to a funnel neck, zippered storage pockets and a multi-colored zipper tape. Super cozy!!

Trays of colorful cookies are ubiquitous in the month of December, as many people lovingly bake holiday treats. Typically these sweet confections are filled with sugar, fats and many calories. However, a little searching can turn up recipes that forgo these unhealthy additions. Apple sauce, bananas and dates help eliminate the need for sugar and butter.

One of my favorite food bloggers, Heidi Swanson, released a delightful cookbook, Super Natural Every Day, this summer. She has a recipe for festive, ornament looking, Carnival Balls. These gluten free and sugar free treats combine the beloved flavors of chocolate and peanuts with the unexpected addition of popcorn. I made these last night and they were a hit. She also features a popcorn-free version on her website.

Ingredients:

    ● 3 ripe Bananas, mashed

    ● 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    ● ¼ cup coconut oil, slightly warmed

    ● ½ cup almond meal

    ● 1 ½ cup oatmeal

    ● 1 teaspoon baking powder

    ● ½ teaspoon cinnamon

    ● ½ teaspoon salt

    ● 1 cup chocolate chips

    ● ⅔ cup peanuts

    ● 1 ½ cups popped popcorn

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350.
2. Combine bananas, vanilla and coconut oil in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, combine almond meal, oatmeal, baking powder, cinnamon and salt together.
4. Mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients.
5. Next add in chocolate and gently stir together, followed by the peanuts and finally the popcorn
6. Form the dough into one inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 14-17 minutes, rotating the position in the oven halfway through baking. Move them to wire racks until cool.

Makes 24 balls.

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