Last week I had a revelation while running. I was thinking about whether I should continue to do something for work the same way I've always done or if I should try a different approach. The voices in my head debated for a while until a light bulb went off: when I train for a race, my training consists of various types of runs: long/short, fast/slow, track/road/trail. Sometimes my "runs" even consist of lifting weights in the gym or sleeping in an extra hour.

If I just stuck with one modality, chances are high that I would plateau and never get any better - or burnout and risk failure. Change is good and necessary for success. It keeps things fresh and forward moving. I realized that principle wasn't just run-specific, but that it applied to other areas in my life as well. This got me thinking about all the other life-lessons running has taught me:

The most-rewarding things in life require effort. Don't be afraid of a little sweat.

A (training) plan and the right tools always increase your chance for success - and enjoyment.

There are hills in life. You can get over them. You will get over them. Just take it one step at a time and focus your eyes in front of you.

Enjoy the company on your run. Even if you run alone.

Life is not a sprint. Go too fast and you risk burning out. Not to mention, you might miss out on many of the little things that make life meaningful and fun.  

Life isn't a race. Slow and steady still earns you the same medal the first place finishers received.  

Life is more like an endurance event in the Alps. There are many miles to travel with multiple peaks and valleys. Some roads are smooth and fast, other twisty and exhilarating, and still others incessantly uphill. Embrace the terrain and enjoy the journey.

Sometimes the side roads and detours lead to awesome adventures that enrich your life.

Don't exhaust your body so much that you can't enjoy the celebration at the finish line.

You are never too old for new challenges. In fact, the later you take up running in life, the fresher your knees will be!

Just go. Standing still won't get you where you want to go.

Be Fit!

Steph

Wetsuits! A variety of wetsuits from Blue Seventy just arrived yesterday! Currently in stock is their most popular wetsuit, Reaction, in both the full-length and long-john styles. The Reaction has 100% Yamamoto Neoprene with a SCS (SUPER COMPOSITE SKIN) coating providing a low drag external surface and impressive buoyancy. It delivers high performance flexibility and buoyancy. Testers love the core buoyancy which raises the position of the hips, making swimming easier and faster!

We are also carrying the full-length Fusion wetsuit. It offers the best blend of flexibility, durability, and comfort, and is a great value for the price conscious customer. This suit has a great buoyancy rating, the ratio between the lower body and upper torso creates an optimal body position. The Yamamoto panels in the hips and legs focuses buoyancy in this area lifting the lower half of the body up and into alignment with the chest and head. This creates less drag by improving body position improving speed, and conserving energy.

In-R-Cool Shirt (Men and Women): This short-sleeve runningtop from Pearl Izumi features In-R-Cool technology that actually cools your skin by up to 5% thanks to Xylitol being embedded in the fabric (the same compound that makes peppermint gum so refreshing). This is a fantastic lightweight top that provides optimal skin cooling and moisture management even during your sweatiest workouts. Both the men's and women's versions come in sharp colors and pair well with the Infinity Short.

Infinity Short (Men and Women): Pearl Izumi's Infinity Short uses a full Minerale™ liner that dries 50% faster than regular performance polyesters. The fabric also provides optimal moisture transfer and odor-protection. This short fits fabulously thanks to the elasticized sides and back with stretch drawcord = super comfy! Add a zippered back pocket and reflective elements and you too will see why this short was a staff-favorite last year (Duncan actually bought two pairs!)

Sport Tank (Women): Flirty, Fun & Flattering! But, don't let the fashion and sass mislead you, this top is made for your toughest workout! It features a built-in shelf bra, moisture-transfer fabric, and reflective elements, making it ideal for a wide range of activities including running, walking, hiking, yoga, strength training and Pilates. Or you can be like us, and wear it as an everyday, around town kind of top.

Gear Bags: Whether you need a bag for the gym, travel or for race day (especially you triathletes), check out these two great options from Zoot that are perfect for both workouts and races. Both bags feature a "pocket" for your bike helmet, sealed compartments for your wet/dirty laundry and wetsuit, fleece lined pockets for your sunglasses, mp3 player or other valuables and a race day triathlon checklist printed on the inside so you don't forget anything. The bags are lightweight, yet durable and have dual zippers for easy access. The storage options are endless!

KICK-OFF/INFO MEETING

WED, APRIL 11 @ 7pm

You've seen the photos. Watched the video. Heard the stories. And despite it all, you are still crazy enough to want to do it. Fortunately, we've teamed up with Glenn Marcella and The Playground to make sure you are ready to conquer the Tough Mudder on July 14-15!

The Tough Mudder is an event like none other. It consists of 10 miles of hills and mud on Mount Snow in VT (over 13,000ft of elevation change!) and 25 military-style obstacles designed by the British Special Forces. Think walls, barbed-wire, monkey bars, mud pits, tunnels, fire, ice water and electric shocks. It's a fearsome challenge and an epic adventure!

Our 12-week training program begins on Tuesday, April 24 and will consist of coached hill runs on Tuesday's at 6pm, "fun"ctional strength workouts at The Playground (you choose your workout days/times) as well as weekend trail runs and "discomfort training" field trips lead by Tough Mudder veterans (i.e. swimming in cold lakes, learning how to get over walls, speed crawl under barbed-wire and through pipes, etc). This program will give you the physical and mental toughness AND the camaraderie needed to finish this race.

Our goal is the Tough Mudder New England #2 event on July 14-15. The Training Program fee is $295 and includes your training plan, knowledgeable coaches, a three-month membership to The Playground for unlimited Tough Mudder-inspired strength workouts, and a cool team shirt. The fee does not include your Tough Mudder race registration.

Sign-up online or in the store.  Our program kick-off meeting will be on Wednesday, April 11 at 7pm.  Come and meet your coaches, fellow participants and past Tough Mudder graduates - plus, get your Playground Membership card and training plan.

If your kids like to run, we've got a fun program just for them: Zoomerangs!  Now in our 8th season, this non-competitive "open track" program is designed for kids aged 4-13.

It's a great place for kids to run safely, correctly using good form, make friends and get stronger/build endurance so they can perform better in other sports (or rock the mile in gym class). Most of all, our goal is to empower kids to accomplish their goals and instill in them a lifelong love of running. It's also a great opportunity for mom and dad to spend quality time with your kids - and get in shape too!

Practices will be held on Sunday afternoons beginning April 22. Kids can choose between two program locations: Saint Joseph College Track in West Hartford (4:00pm) or the Smith School Track in Glastonbury (3:30pm). Practices will last about 45 minutes.  The program will culminate with either the Celebrate West Hartford 5k (Sunday, June 10) or the Firecracker 5k in Glastonbury (Sunday, July 1).

Program cost is $50 per child and includes a Zoomerang Team t-shirt, road race entry, gummy-worms and "lap rewards". Scholarships are available.  Register online or in the store.

Questions or if you would like to help volunteer at the practices, email Steph. 

Strength training can help you run faster, longer, and more efficiently. A study published last year in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research showed that runners who add three days of resistance training exercises to their weekly program increase their leg strength and enhance their endurance. If you increase your strength, you'll also increase your joint stability, reducing your risk of repetitive stress injuries.

Learn valuable information and great exercises from one of our certified personal trainers. Please don't miss out on this FREE workshop at Anytime Fitness West Hartford (behind Whole Foods in Bishops Corner).

Email Andy to RSVP or learn more.

Want to see the latest fitness fashions while dining on a scrumptious lunch and supporting a great organization? Join us on Thursday, May 3 at 11:30am at the Tumble Brook Country Club for the American Cancer Society Auxiliary's Annual Spring Luncheon.

This year's guest speaker is Jennifer Rizzotti who will speak about living fit, as well as her experiences as the head coach of the University of Hartford's women's basketball team and as a player for UCONN. The luncheon will also feature a Fitness Fashion Show presented by Fleet Feet Sports and Lucy. Funds raised will be used locally to support the Auxiliary's Food for Health and Diva programs.  

For more information or to reserve your seat, please email Janet Selden.

 The 3rd Annual CT Walks for Haiti is this Saturday. Registration begins at 10:30am at Saint Peter Claver Church (47 Pleasant Street, West Hartford) - the walk begins at Noon.

This family-friendly walk-a-thon focuses attention on the needs of Haitian people. It begins with a 2.5 mile walk through West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square and ends with a festival complete with food, music, crafts, children activities and a silent auction back at the church. All monies raised are donated to one of five established charities that support medical and education outreach in Haiti. This year's MC is FOX-CT meteorologist, Joe Furry! 

Can't attend the walk, but still want to help? Purchase a "CT Walks for Haiti" t-shirt at Fleet Feet Sports. Your entire $15 is donated to CT Walks for Haiti!

To learn more, visit their web site here.

Dust off your pink running gear and join us for this Sunday's 2nd Annual Spicy Green Bean Run Diva Run:  a 5K road race, 2-mile walk & quarter-mile children's race hosted by the Glastonbury River Runners in support of Team Towanda Foundation.  Team Towanda is a US charity which "works to inspire friends and breast cancer patients to tap into the power of friendship, laughter and kindness in the fight against breast cancer.

The race begins and ends at Riverfront Park in Glastonbury and features a pancake flat course.  Stick around after the races for great food, raffles and awards (including awards for the best costume!).  Remember tiaras, boas and all things pink are encouraged!

Registration fee is just $20.  You can register online here or in person on race day beginning at 7:30am.  The first 150 registrants will get a free t-shirt. 

Our friends at Thomas Hooker Brewing are sponsoring a premier cycling and fundraising event on Saturday, June 16 at Ski Sundown in New Hartford, CT and hope that you'll join in the fun to help make this innagural year super successfull!  

 

The 1st Annual Village Ride offers a memorable day of cycling and fun through beautiful towns of Litchfield County, as well as the personal satisfaction of completing a challenging ride and doing your part to support children in need through the Village for Children organization.

 

Three challenging and beautiful courses are offered: 100K, 50K and a 25K. Choose one that's right for you!

 

When you cross the finish line you will be invited to a fully catered lunch, Thomas Hooker beer, live music and more. All routes will start and finish at picturesque Ski Sundown in New Hartford, CT.

 

Registration for any ride distance is $35 - but raise $500+ and you will receive a special commemorative Village Ride bike jersey. Click here for more information.

STORE HOURS: