Long time readers may remember me listing "Run an Ultra Marathon" as one of my decade goals back in January 2010. Once I decide that I want to do something, my impatience kicks into overdrive and I can't stop thinking about making it happen - especially when I see first-hand all the people who join our training programs and conquer their goals, goals they didn't think were achievable. Their joy and confidence is infectious. I want to be empowered like that!

Unfortunately an injury in 2010 squelched all running-related goals that year, and 2011 found me training with a friend for her first marathon. But 2012 was fair game and my friend was gullible enough to ask "What Next". Since we usually end our runs at Dunkin Donuts, I thought it only appropriate to answer her question with a customized gift card that read: "I'm not telling you it's going to be easy; I'm telling you it's going to be worth it. 50k in 2012". How could she resist?

We started building our base in January, but after a few weeks of awful runs, my friend said that she was probably out. I thought about going it alone until I got into a worn-down rut and could barely complete 6 miles. Not good when your race distance is almost 32 miles. I called to tell my friend that I was out too, when she said, let's just try to enjoy our runs and see what happens.

Little by little, we started feeling stronger and our runs got longer. Soon we were back on track with our plan, but neither of us would formally admit to being in training until her husband cooked us a scrumptious brunch after a successful 16 miler. With full bellies, we celebrated the halfway point of our training and decided to take the plunge and sign up for the North Face Endurance Challenge - a 50k on trail that included over 3,000ft of elevation change.

The last half of our training was tough thanks to the highest weekly mileage I've ever run. Ninety percent of the miles were on trail which, while gentler on the body, meant more hills, more focus and more time on our feet. We ran from the Reservoir on Farmington Ave to Penwood State Park and back and every side trail in between. We ran up big hills, through grassy meadows, danced over rocks and roots and forded shallow creeks in an attempt to replicate the trails we'd be racing on. By the time June 2 came around, we felt prepared. Well, almost...

We didn't account for tornadoes, high winds and downpours the night before our race that flooded the course and peppered it with downed trees and branches. The first - and last! - eight miles of the course was a river of 4" deep oozy mud bordered by stinging nettles (I learned that the hard way!). There was more slipping-and-sliding than running going on, and it was a pure test of core strength and balance to stay upright. I was aided by my trusty Saucony trail shoes that had incredible traction despite being coated with at least a pound of mud. Pity the fools who wore road shoes for they paid dearly with some massive wipeouts!

To make things interesting, there were a few knee-deep stream crossings that de-mudded us and lightened our shoes if only for a few moments. From mud-ville, we entered a dense forest for four miles of beautiful single-track with rolling hills (glorious dry hills!), then onto Great Falls Park where we rock-hopped along the cliffs high above the raging rapids of the Potomac River. Spectacular!

Along the way, we were part of the amazing, super-supportive culture that is ultra-trail running. The atmosphere is very un-race like where even the leaders will stop to make sure you're OK, and runners in front of you will wait at a stream or slippery spot to give you a steady hand. We met a wonderful experienced ultra-runner named Patti who kept us company for nearly 20 miles with her lively stories and homemade energy bars. She was 10 years my senior, yet ran so effortlessly. I don't think she broke a sweat. I so want to be like her when I grow up!

As we crossed the finish line with arms raised in victory, I was felt that intense pride and sense of accomplishment that I have seen so many times in our training graduates' faces. I think they would agree, like my friend, that the challenges and work leading up to that moment was worth it.  Most definitely!  

Be Fit!

Honey Stinger Chocolate Waffle!! There was a buzzzz about this new flavor and it doesn't disappoint! (sorry, couldn't resist the pun) Honey Stinger makes honey-based nutrition products and is co-owned by Lance Armstrong. Inspired by "stroopwafels" that are popular among cyclists in Europe, these small, tasty waffles are certified USDA Organic and contain 160 calories, 80 mg of sodium, 9 grams of fat and a mix of sugars. They are a tasty treat with their subtle chocolate flavor and perfect fuel for your outdoor adventures. Our staff is known to devour these especially when paired with a hot mug of coffee or tea (put the waffle on top of the mug and let the steam melt it a little - amazing!)

Splish Swimsuits & Caps (Men & Women): All the rage in triathlon towns like Boulder, San Diego and Tucson, these sassy swimsuits from Splish are perfect for the pool, lake or beach. Check out our line of fun and playful swimsuits - and be amazed by their flattering fit (especially the thin-strap version for women). Retire that boring suit this summer and get your Splish on!

Zoot Swimsuits (Men & Women): Zoot swimsuits are flattering, stylish and functional! Best of all, they feature a high-performance Spandex yarn that is chlorine-resistant up to 280 hours, offersUPF 50+ sun protection and supports your muscles! Available in a modest one-piece for women and jammers for men.

USA! USA! USA! Just in - Limited Edition Olympic Gear from Nike!

Channel your inner Olympian and show your support for the American team this summer! The perfect gift for Graduation or Father's Day!

Featherlight Hat (Unisex): Nike's most popular tech hat is now available in a trio of patriotic colors, each emblazed with USA. The hat features Dri-FIT fabric that pulls sweat away from the skin, mesh insets to provide ventilation and a Velcro adjustable strap to create the perfect fit. Whether you wear it on the run, playing golf or hanging out at the beach, you'll be cool and comfortable all summer long.

USA Miler Singlet (Men & Women): Grab this ultra-cool singlet and run like an Olympian! Nike's best-selling Miler Singlet sports a bold "USA" logo across the front to show your team spirit. Made from Nike's Dri-FIT fabric, this sleeveless top features ergonomic seams for a no-chafe, flattering (fast!) fit. Racerback-style for the ladies won't show your sportsbra; while the men's fit is a bit looser. Thanks to mesh panels on the back and sides, this top is lightweight and wicks sweat to keep you dry and comfortable 

Element Half Zip (Men & Women): The perfect pre and post-run top! This super-soft half-zip is full of high-tech details designed to perform during your toughest workouts, yet it is so cozy that it is sure to become your go-to top for casual-wear. Plus, the heathered-grey color for men and bold red for women are embroidered with USA and just look plain sharp. Whether you are a spectator or athlete, rock your 2012 games enthusiasm in this high-quality top!

Triathlon Summer Sampler - Begins June 25:

This summer training program is an 8-week swim course with pool-time at Cornerstone Aquatics, hands-on clinics covering topics like transitions, Bricks, nutrition and course previews, and a talk series geared towards preparing athletes for the Lake T Olympic Triathlon in late August. However, athletes competing in other races and distances (including those new to triathlons) can benefit!

Sign up for the whole series and receive a custom training plan for your event, tech tee, swim video analysis and a post-race party! Or, feel free to pick and choose your sessions and pay a $15 drop-in fee.

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Marathon Training Program - Begins June 23/24

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Half Marathon Training Program - Begins July 28:

The half marathon is the perfect distance - and the ING Hartford Half Marathon course is one of the best around as it weaves its way through West Hartford including a jaunt in Elizabeth Park. This program is appropriate for those who can run/walk 6 miles at an 11:00 mile pace (or faster) before the first practice. Train with us and see how much fun 13.1 miles can be!

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 10k Training Program - Begins June 23:

If you have successfully run a 5k in the last 6 months and are ready for your next challenge, join our 10k training group.  This 10-week program is designed for our No Boundaries graduates and anyone who can currently run/walk 2-3 miles comfortably.  We will help you over the "4-mile barrier" and into distances that require two hands to count as you train for the Old Wethersfield 10k on August 26. 

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No Boundaries 5k Program - Begins June 23

Sponsored by New Balance

Have you always wanted to run or walk a 5k but didn't know how to begin training?  Maybe you are nervous or don't want to do it alone?  Maybe you have had a hard time sticking to a training program in the past.  If you answered "Yes" to any (or all!) of the above, this is the program for you! 

We use run/walk intervals and slowly ramp-up the time spent running and distance covered until you can complete a full 5k (3.1 miles). We offer lots of encouragement, a low coach-to-participant ratio and teach you the elements of Good Form Running so you can actually enjoy life on the run!

While No Boundaries focuses on beginners, all levels of walkers and runners are welcome. We will offer a special training group for those who have successfully completed a 5k before to help you run even faster and more comfortably...and to introduce you to new running friends.

If you are training for a triathlon, preparing for the swim portion can be the most challenging.  Swimming laps is, well, swimming laps.  How do you replicate the experience of the open-water swim, the aquatic commotion of swimming in a large group and the start of a race?  

Team Training New England has the answer with a series of outdoor swim clinics and BRICK workouts in June and July.  They've been preparing people to do their first (or fifth) triathlon since 2005 and are here to get you ready in a fun, safe and communal atmosphere.
 
The drop-in workouts are on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings and cost $25 (discounts available for 5 & 10 session packages). Some of the swim workouts are at the outdoor pool at the West Hartford JCC's swim and tennis club in Bloomfield (they have the entire pool!), the rest are split between open water in Coventry and South Windsor.  There are also several bike/run workouts and a mini-tri.

Workouts for the next two weeks are listed below, but click here for the full summer schedule. For information on exact locations, what to bring or to register, please go to www.ttne.us, email coach@ttne.us or call 860-256-4491.
 

DROP-IN SCHEDULE (see web site for more dates): 

• Sat, June 9 (7-9am) - Open Water Swim in Coventry
   
• Wed, June 13 (6:30-8pm) - Pool Swim at the JCC Swim & Tennis Club in Bloomfield

• Sat, June 16 (7-9am) - Swim/Bike Workout in Coventry. A short-distance race that will give you a taste of what the race experience will feel like.  You'll experience the swim-bike transition (T1) and feel what it's like to get onto your bike after getting out of the water, and stitch all your training up into a neat package.

Practice your strokes.  Learn to swim in a world without lanes.  Get ready for your races.  Have fun.

Join us for The 25th Annual Celebrate West Hartford 5k this Sunday! You can't get more local than this race that starts just a few blocks from the store!  Join our No Boundaries and Zoomerang kids as they complete the race they've been training for during the last 10 weeks.  After the race, plan on staying to enjoy the community fair that includes an arts & crafts show, great food, entertainment, games and rides.  It's fun for the whole family!

The USATF certified 5k begins at 9:30am and is open to runners and walkers of all ages.  The mostly flat course starts and ends near Whole Foods in West Hartford Center/Blue Back Square.  Competition is always tough as this race features great prizes, like Fleet Feet gift certificates, for all age group winners.  
 
There will also be a � mile kids Fun Run that starts at 8:30am.  All kids aged 10 and under will receive a race number and a finisher's medal!

For more information or to register online, click here.

STORE HOURS:

One of the highlights of 2011 was chartering a beautiful wooden schooner and sailing Penobscot Bay in Maine with a great group of Fleet Feet Peeps. Four days and nights of sailing, gourmet eating and relaxing - sprinkled with a few run/walks in picturesque island villages (including one run to Black Dinah Chocolatiers on Isle Au Haut where we ate our fill of their award-winning sea salt caramels!). The trip was the perfect combination of adventure and pampering.

I'm thrilled to announce that we'll be hosting another chartered "Running Cruise" (though, you don't have to run - you can walk, swim or just relax) on the Stephen Taber this summer from July 31 - August 4.

The trip will be led by our Events Manager, Kristen, and her husband Dave. While the Taber is a National Historic Landmark, it has been updated with modern amenities like electricity, running water, bathrooms and cozy private cabins. The all-inclusive trip fee is $788.

Perhaps the best feature on board is a vintage woodstove that produces five-star meals at the hands of a talented chef.  We're talking handmade breads, soups, risotto, gnocchi, roasts and delectable deserts - complemented by fresh ingredients from local gardens and the sea and perfectly paired wines.  Their motto is to error on the side of decadence.  It's no wonder Rachel Ray is a huge fan!    

To be tempted even more, check out the Stephen Taber's web site.  Call Captain Jane at 1-800-999-7352 or email info@stephentaber.com to reserve your spot on the Fleet Feet Sports Running Cruise.  

Run, Sail, Eat...Repeat!