Like many companies, we regularly have staff trainings to learn the latest technologies in running shoes, apparel and gear so we can better fit and support you. This past Friday, we had a slightly different kind of staff training - one that produced copious amounts of sweat. It was all in the name of "product testing". Ok, so we  wanted to see who the fittest staffer outside of running is.

Our training took place at The Playground - Glenn Marcella's new "gym" in the parking lot behind Jos. A. Bank clothier on LaSalle Rd. The Playground is based on Glenn's popular book "DUH. The Workout" which features exercises based on activities we did as kids to get into the best shape of our lives. Honestly, we thought it would be fun and easy. We were wrong.

We started with an easy warm-up to get our heart rates up. It also showed how tremendously uncoordinated and unsynchronized we runners are. After we showed signs of heavy breathing and perspiration, Glenn went to work creating a circuit of exercises using standard playground equipment like a swing for one-legged lunges, bars for pull-ups, ropes to climb, a slide and hurdles to crawl through, steps to "mountain climb" and, of course, monkey bars.

The objective was to do each exercise for a minute, take a minute break and then move onto the next exercise. It all looked pretty innocuous, and we were excited to begin the first of our two planned circuits. I chose the rope climb station first because that was one of my favorite activities in grade school gym. I loved the burn in my arms and being one of the few girls able to climb all the way to the top (over two stories) and slap the ceiling.

I had high hopes to recreate that feeling (despite Glenn's rope only being 8ft tall), but I could barely lift my weight off the ground. Glenn let me "cheat" and keep my feet on the ground my arms could climb a few feet. The burn in my arms was not as pleasant I had remembered...

Coming off tough trail run the day before, I hoped to prove my decent fitness level on the next exercise: mountain climbers. I've done mountain climbers before, but Glenn put slider disks under our feet and had us climb up and down a short staircase with our arms as we slid our legs in and out. I think that was the longest minute of my life. I went from tiny beads of perspiration on the tip of my nose, to huge droplets of sweat dripping from all parts of my face. Now my legs and arms were both on fire.

I recovered a bit crawling under the hurdles and slide and even managed a few pull-ups, but the monkey bars loomed. After my experience over the last 5 minutes, I knew it wasn't going to be as easy as I remembered. In fact, just hanging on the bar with one arm was hard enough, let alone trying to build momentum to swing my other arm to the next rung. How the heck do kids make it look so easy? And when did I get so weak?

Fortunately, I wasn't alone. There wasn't a sweat-free, non-pained staffer in the room. Glenn took one look at us and decided that we would just do one circuit. Our collective sigh of relief sounded like someone letting air out of a balloon. We were exhausted. Even the guys who can run sub 5:30 miles.

Lesson learned: we may be in great running shape, but our overall fitness was weak, at best (pathetic is the term Glenn used). It was humbling and got me wondering how much better I would be running if the rest of me was strong. I thought back to my marathon last spring when I looked like T-Rex because my arms and back were all scrunched up. If my upper body was stronger, maybe I would have been more relaxed and those late miles wouldn't have been such a struggle.

I thought of the Warrior Dash and Tough Mudder events that combine running with crazy obstacles like climbing over walls and under barbed wire. To really succeed in those runs, you need to have 360 degrees of fitness.   This type of training is perfect for those events.

I thought of being strong enough to perform the activities of daily living like reaching into a cabinet, opening a can of soup, walking down a flight of stairs and putting on my coat when I get older. I never believed it could happen to me, but when I realize how much strength and coordination I have lost since my childhood, I respect the aging process a bit more.

Time to be more like a kid and go play!

Steph

Spring gear is arriving daily! Here is a selection of what's new:

2-in-1 Shorts (men and women): This gym or cross-fit workout essential piece gives you the extra coverage you need without bulk. Instead of a regular brief liner, these shorts feature a longer boxer/compression short that also work to keep your muscles warm. Some of the shorts feature stealth black inner shorts, while others are a bit more fun and feature bright colors like red and blue . Currently in store are options from Nike and Brooks and various inseam lengths from 5-7".

Lucky Headband (women): These ultra-stylish headbands from Moving Comfort are going fast! They stay dry, stretch and tame your locks! The contoured band features a comfortable elastic connector, is wide enough to stay put and comes in an assortment of fashionable colors and patterns. Many customers are grabbing them up for running, walking, yoga, gym workouts and even for everyday use!

Nike Cyclone Vapor Jacket (women): Prepare for the Elements! This jacket is ready for any weather thrown at it. It's lightweight and packable (in its own pocket!), but strong enough to block out rain and wind. The durable rip-stop fabric is designed for long-lasting wear and features an adjustable hood and waist hem. Most customers and staff agree, though, that the jacket's super cute style, pale lilac color and soft polka dots make this jacket a must-have!

Nike Soft Hand Hoodie (women): Three-quarter sleeves, modern stripes...and a hood! It was love at first sight! I was so excited when these tops arrived at our store. We have them in three colors: green, turquoise and purple. (I may have to get one in all three colors!) This hoodie is perfect for yoga, the gym, walking, hiking and as that cozy pre/post-race top worn over your singlet. The motion-friendly design flatters, and the brushed Dri-Fit fabric rapidly moves sweat away from the skin to keep you comfortable. Gotta love that it has reflective features too!

Other awesome Nike apparel now in-store includes:

• Relay Tee's (men and women): like a favorite pair of faded blue jeans. Super soft, stylish (the women's top features a racerback and double-straps) and built to withstand your toughest workout.
• Skull Tee (men): wicked tough! Only one left in stock - more coming next week.
• Miler Tees (men & women): Nike's best-selling tee comes in short sleeves for men and long sleeves for women. Cozy soft, UV-50 protection and Dri-Fit fabric (available in Plus sizes)
• Sublimated Tees (men): High-tech, fast...sharp!
• Skapris (women): Skirt + Capri. Classic black or funky purple stripe? Girl Power!
• Capris (women): Soft compression and an ergonomic fit that flatters and moves with you whether you run, walk, hike, cross-fit, zumba, yoga or spin
• Tempo Shorts (men and women): Nike sells millions of this short every year. Fun colors and prints, including a Hurley-designed polka dot for women, liven up your wardrobe!

The 20th running of the Colchester Half Marathon is Saturday, February 25 at 10am. The Hartford Track Club event begins and ends at Bacon Academy (Colchester's high school) which means warmth pre and post-race, plus access to showers!

Rich Konon, race director for the Colchester Half Marathon, told me that this half marathon is his way of giving back to the running community which supports so many charities through their race entry fees. That's why he keeps the entry fee for this first-class race just $12 ($15 on race day). While you won't get a shirt or a goody bag, you will definitely get your $12 worth of endorphins, fun, food and drink!  

This hilly and chilly half marathon is not for the faint of heart, but it is a favorite race of many runners. The USATF certified course features hills, dirt roads, rural scenery, cows and more hills. After the race, the organizers host a tasty hot-buffet featuring lasagna, chili, baked ziti, salad, and beverages along with post-race massages and plenty of opportunity to commiserate with other runners.

Happy Valentine's Day. Rather than fighting the masses in a crowded restaurant, I am content to make a special meal at home. I frequently use food to show gratitude to the ones I love and present food as a gift. With a few skills in the kitchen, you can easily create an entire meal or a dessert. For someone who is eating gluten free, these Chocolate Macaroons might be one of the best gifts they've received.

Chocolate Macaroons

Ingredients:

  ● 1 ½ cup blanched almond flour

  ● ¼ tsp salt

  ● 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut

  ● ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  ● 3 egg whites

  ● 1 cup agave nectar

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, combine almond flour, salt, coconut and cocoa powder. In a medium bowl, whisk egg whites to stiff peaks with a handheld mixer.
• Blend in the agave nectar.
• Fold the wet ingredients into the almond flour mixture.
• Spoon 1 Tbsp of dough onto the baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each macaroon.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown around the edges. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 30 minutes, then serve.

Makes 24 cookies

Source: The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook by Elana Amsterdam.

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