Mother Nature has treated us to an incredible "winter" this year with temperatures running almost 12 degrees above normal and a lack of snow - though it looks like we may a few inches of the white stuff Wednesday night to herald the start of meteorological spring on March 1. I guess Mother Nature isn't going to let us off so easy this year after all.

For many of us, the mild conditions meant less indoor workouts and more time training outside. It also means that the mundaneness of training may kick in sooner since we didn't have varied conditions to keep our workouts interesting. I know that's the case with me. Even my favorite trails seem boring and un-scenic when everything is brown and lifeless. In fact, some runs feel more like work than fun.

To counter the monotony on this morning's run, my sister and I brainstormed ways to keep our runs fresh. Here is what we came up with:

Run backwards. No, not physically backwards, but directionally. If you normally do a loop clockwise, switch it up and run counter-clockwise. It'll feel like an entirely different course, yet you'll still be in the same comfortable surroundings. Last weekend I ran a favorite trail backwards and paying attention so I didn't take a wrong turn kept me engaged all run long.

Change your terrain. If you're a road runner, head into the woods. You'll be amazed at how peaceful it is. Plus, you won't have to fight traffic or worry about being hit by a distracted driver. CT has miles and miles of awesome trails ranging from smooth dirt fire roads to technical climbs strewn with roots and rocks that require you to be balanced and light on your toes. It's a combo run and core workout sure to make you stronger!

Change your workout. Do you run the same pace every time? Vary it up. Go slower, but increase your distance. Go shorter, but add some bursts of speed. Run hill repeats. Do a track workout. Schuyler's Track Workout is returning on Thursday, March 14 - it's free and doable for all abilities and ages!

Change your shoes. Worn out shoes are at the heart of many sluggish runs. If you typically get a new pair every April, but have been exercising more this winter than usual, there is a good chance your shoes are ready to be replaced. There is nothing more motivating to me than going for a run in new shoes. Soo cushy & comfy. Ahhh!

Do something different. Try your hand at an adventure run like the Tough Mudder or Warrior Dash which combines running with obstacles. Or join our triathlon training program and see why triathletes claim that three sports are better than one. No experience necessary - Coach Amy and her knowledgeable coaching crew will prepare and support you every step of the way.

Live by the "C's": Calories, Compression & Cold. When I told Coach Amy that I've been struggling to complete my workouts, she recommended that I eat/drink 200-300 carb and protein-rich calories within 20 minutes of ending my workout, donning compression shorts and socks and icing sore muscles to achieve optimal recovery before my next workout.  

Share your secret for keeping your workouts fresh on our Facebook page. The tip with the most likes by Noon on Friday, March 2, wins a prize pack including a tech tee, wicking socks and a fresh Nike reflective hat.

Be Fit!

Steph

Triathlon season is right around the corner and we've got what you need to train right and race hard (and look good in-between). We are thrilled to expand our triathlon offerings to include more tri-specific gear than ever before including apparel, goggles, swim caps, swimwear, swim aids, cool t-shirts and gear bags. Come check it out and get equipped for what is sure to be an exciting year of local triathlons!

Zoot Ultra Tri Tank & Short (women): This outfit is SLEEK & SHARP - especially the black and turquois combo! Both top and bottom feature ULTRArevo fabric which supports muscles almost like kinesiotape , pulls moisture away from the body and features UPF 50+ sun protection.

The popular Tri Tank provides ULTRA BIOwrap support with an integrated bra which means you can unzip for added ventilation on hot days without being concerned about coverage. Genius! The 6" shorts feature just the right amount of compression and have a plush chamois pad. The TekSheen gripper provides ultimate comfort and doesn't constrict.

Zoot Performance Tank & Short (men): This kit is perfect for both training and racing; it provides needed protection and comfort without sacrificing style. Testers love all the pockets on both the top and shorts, as well as the UPF 50+ sun protection and flat draw cord. The 8" short is Zoot's top-selling tri short year-after-year because it simply performs!

Zoot Swimsuits (men & women): Zoot's swimsuits are as tough as your workouts, providing increased muscle support and modesty over a standard suit. I love the Endura fabric, which has over 280 hours of chlorine resistance from its high performance spandex!

Zoot Visors: What screams "triathlete" more than a visor, especially one adorned with the Zoot logo? Well, maybe compression socks, but we'll save that for another edition! Besides looking cool, they really do keep you cool. Haha! I wear a visor because it wicks sweat, keeping it out of my eyes on the run and keeps my head cool. I also like how it keeps my race-day unruly, knotted, sweaty hair out of the way and somewhat hidden from the public...which makes them great post-race too!

Splish: We are so excited to offer Splish swimwear and swim caps! These products rock! Many triathletes and swimmers on the West Coast are wearing these fun and flirty suits and we're ready to bring the trend east! We have both men and women's suits, many of which are sure put a smile on your face and on the faces of those around you.

Ladies, check out designs including "Wonder Woman", "Beautiful Koi", "I will swim everyday", "Bling Bling" and "Super Star"! Fellas, we didn't disappoint for you. We've got lightning bolts, retro checks and flames for you to show your fast and fun side! The Splish swim caps are great too with their spunky sayings and images.

Goggles: We did our research and are psyched to offer Zoggs (branded "best fitting goggle in the world!") and Aquasphere goggles. With so many styles and lens options, we are confident that you will find a goggle that works for both your indoor and open water swims. Now is the time to experiment to see what is going to be your 2012 race goggle!

Aqua Sphere ERgoFlex Hand Paddles: Need help with your stroke mechanics? This great swim aid is perfect for providing structure and resistance, while maintaining flexibility and a feel for the water. The contoured fit mimics the correct hand position and flexes to fit individual stroke mechanics. They are adjustable, so that you get that perfect fit! We have two sizes to choose from!

Aqua Sphere P2K: I love this thing! I have never seen a swim aid product like it! It doubles as both a kickboard or pull buoy! I am aware of the excessive exclamation marks, but I can't help it. No more schlepping tons of gear to the pool or hoping your pool has one of these tools available. The pull buoy part provides flotation and isolated upper body swim training; and, the kickboard part strengthens the lower body. The E.V.A foam is light and durable. Love the bright, fun orange color too!

Fleet Feet Hartford's sports bra fit process is all about you. Proper fit will provide all women with the freedom to be active with confidence and comfort.

Did You Know:

• Sports bras and shoes are the two most essential pieces of equipment for active women?
• 8 out of 10 women wear the wrong sized sports bra
• When used regularly, a sports bra should be replaced every 6-12 months
• A woman should be re-measured for a sports bra after major weight loss/gain or pregnancy

Do any of the above facts have your wondering about the sports bra you own? If so, now is the perfect time to visit us to get re-fit and/or check out our huge selection (nearly 20 styles!) of sports bras we have available from trusted brands like Moving Comfort, CWX, Enell, Nike, Champion and Shock Absorber.

We also invite you to join us on Wednesday, March 14 as we help Moving Comfort celebrate their 35th birthday with a Cuperware Party! They will be treats, gifts and special savings on all Moving Comfort sports bras. Email Amy or call the store to reserve an appointment today and save 10% off one bra and 20% off two or more Moving Comfort bras!

Celebrate another St. Patrick's Day in "style" while benefiting 3 wonderful non-profit organizations: Camp Care, Covenant Preparatory School of Hartford and the Miracle League of Greater Hartford.  Everyone is invited to come out to run, walk, push strollers or just be festive with family & friends in the Second Annual "Johnny's Jog for Charity" 5K on March 24 at 11am.  The race begins and ends at the West Hartford Town Hall which means plenty of free parking and space to stretch before the run.    

Bagpipers will send you off and welcome you home after winding your way through the neighborhoods surrounding West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square. There will be plenty of Irish festivities including face painting, Irish muscia and more! Come dressed in your best Irish garb and you may win a prize!

Click here to register - cost is $35. To register by mail, email johnnysjogforcharity@gmail.com.

Johnny's Jog for Charity is inspired by a young child, Johnny Moran, who has bravely battled an unknown neuromuscular condition since the day he was born. With the unending love and support of so many individuals and organizations, Johnny continues to persevere through life's seemingly unbearable challenges. The vision of "Johnny's Jog for Charity" is to bring the community together with a grand St. Patrick's Day event benefiting local non-profit children's organizations so these organizations can touch other families in the same way they have touched Johnny's family

To learn more, check out Johnny's Jog's Facebook page here. 

Are you someone who doesn't like vegetables? Think about the flavors and textures you enjoy. Sweet? Salty? Crunchy? All of these can be created within a salad. The starting inspiration for this recipe was a Cobb salad, that turned away the bacon and cheese and embraced bananas, strawberries and a fruit preserve jam.

A dish like this illustrates that when assembling a salad there is room for variation and creativity. Gone are the days when a salad was simply iceberg lettuce, a slice of tomatoes, carrots and onions. This salad gains its appeal from the sweetness of the fruit and the crunch of the lettuce. Miss the creaminess of avocados? There are no rules to follow, so add it in.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups romaine lettuce
• 1 cup mixed greens
• ½ head iceberg lettuce, cored and shredded
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 cup chicken, cooked and shredded
• 4 eggs, hard boiled, peeled and sliced in half
• 2 bananas, sliced lengthwise
• 8-12 strawberries, sliced

Dressing:

  Makes 8 servings. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days

• 2 Tbsp orange marmalade or cherry jam, or other jam/preserve
• 1 Tbsp chopped red onion
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup canola oil
• 1 tsp jalapeno (optional)

Directions:

1. To make the dressing: Place all the ingredients, except oil in a blender. Turn the motor on to a low speed and slowly drizzle in oil until a nice thick consistency is reached.
2. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Toss greens in a bowl with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt. Gently toss in the toss in the chicken.
4. Plate the greens and chicken and divide the remaining ingredients onto each plate.
5. Top with dressing and serve.

Adapted from: The Feed Zone Cookbook 

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STORE HOURS:

Do You Think/Know You Have High Blood Pressure?

Are You Between 18 to 55 Years of Age?

Are You a Non-Smoker?

Do you want more energy and less stress?

If you answered 'YES' to ALL of these questions you may qualify for our study of how different forms of exercise affect your blood pressure.

For your participation in this study you will receive:

• Two Exercise Stress Tests
• Regular Blood Pressure Measurements
• Financial Compensation ($150.00)

SPACE IS LIMITED. For more information, call Garrett Ash at the University of Connecticut at (860) 486-8976 or email garrett.ash@uconn.edu

Study conducted by the University of Connecticut Department of Kinesiology and Hartford Hospital Department of Cardiology.

This study has been approved by the University of Connecticut Institutional Review Board; Protocol # H11-065HH