Iowa State University Athletic's photo

The people who inspire me the most are those who display grace in defeat and use that experience to make a comeback of epic proportions. It's why I love the Olympics - especially the coverage of the athletes who have overcome incredible odds to get to the world's finest stage.

Like the story of Guor Marial who was born in what is now South Sudan in Africa. Marial was kidnapped by a gunman when he was 8 years old and forced to work in a child labor camp. He escaped with another child to a cave. The next morning, they followed the sun to their freedom. Several years later Marial and his uncle were given refugee status and were sent to a small town in New Hampshire.

It was there that his gym teacher noticed that he never got winded while running and convinced him to run track. His running ability earned him a scholarship to Iowa State where he became an All-American in cross country. Last year he ran his first marathon and achieved the Olympic Marathon "A-Standard" qualifying time with nearly five minutes to spare. His Olympic Dream was within reach, except that he is a man with no country.

He refused to run for Sudan since he believes it would betray his two million countrymen and women, including eight brothers and sisters, who died in the bloodshed of their Civil War and while he is a permanent resident of the US, Marial doesn't yet have his US citizenship. In a touching turn of events, the International Olympic Committee cleared him to run the marathon under the Olympic Flag. Even though he is not expected to medal, Marial will likely finish in the Top 20. What an incredible accomplishment that would be!

We all will experience obstacles, challenges and even defeat in our lives - maybe not as horrific as Marial's, but still significant enough to affect our lives. Heck, even a string of bad workouts or a few extra pounds can derail our intentions to live fit. What matters, though, is what we decide to do next. The strong make sure that defeat is temporary and keep moving forward. They get up the next day and run towards the sun.

Nike Printed Tempo Shorts for Women

Just in! The Nike Printed Tempo 3.5" Women's Running Short is here with its fun pattern and comfortable design! These shorts will help keep you dry and ventilated, while the built-in briefs will offer support for miles. Dri-FIT fabric wicks away sweat and the stretch  waist with interior drawcord provides a supportive and adjustable fit. Gotta love the interior pocket for storing keys, cards and a media player! Fun shorts give you that added boost of energy!  

Nike Sublimated Short-Sleeve Shirt for Men

This shirt is sharp! It has a bold style, featuring mesh side panels  and skinny stripes. So, if you're sick of plain 'ole t-shirts and are looking for a little spice, this shirt is for you! Designed for comfort with flat seams and moisture-wicking fabric, the Nike Sublimated Short-Sleeve Men's Running Shirt is breathable and well ventilated. It even has a reflective loop at the upper back for visibility in low-light conditions and to help keep media-player cords out of the way. This shirt will go fast, so don't hesitate!  

The Nike Relay Tank Top for Women

At first glance, you can't help but notice how pretty and soft this top is, but after wearing this top, you will realize if performs well too! Designed with soft, sweat-wicking fabric in a racerback profile, the Nike Relay Women's Running Tank Top provides  lightweight comfort and freedom of movement. The ruching and the racerback combo make this one stylish top!  

The Nike Twisted Tempo Shorts for Women

These are my favorite shorts... no joke! I rocked them at the  O'Hartford 5'k and ever since, they are the shorts that I first grab for training runs. The Nike Twisted Tempo Women's Running Shorts offer a modern fit and convenient storage for a media player, snacks and other running essentials. The color blocking is flattering and stylish, while the fit is loose enough to be comfy, but not too baggy. From short runs to 20 milers, I didn't have any chafing or riding up issues in these shorts.  

The Nike Dri-FIT Featherlite Hat (Unisex)

Featherlite... indeed! This hat wicks moisture for cool, complete comfort. Testers love the four black mesh vents, which increase breathability. And, the black underbill minimizes visual glare! Quick and easy adjustability. Great colors available!

Sugoi Fleet Feet Triat Tops & Bottoms for Men and Women

Looking for a quality triathlon training and racing outfit? Look no further! The Fleet Feet Triathlon Tops and Bottoms are soft,  breathable and stretchy-perfect for your next race or for training! These tops and bottoms are good looking! The fit and style create a polished look with performance in mind. Testers love the ventilation, fit and cut!

If your kids like to run, we've got a fun program just for them: Zoomerangs!  This non-competitive "open track" program is designed for kids aged 4-13. It gives them the opportunity to experience running in a fun, friendly atmosphere where the motto is "Will run for worms" (gummy worms, that is!).

  
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!

Thanks to our friends at the  Glastonbury River Runners, we will be again hosting a session in Glastonbury (at Smith Middle School) and one in West Hartford (at the University of Saint Joseph track).  Both will meet on Sunday's at 3:30pm.

For more information or to register your child(ren), click here. 

Also, email Steph if you would like to be more involved with the program.  We need helpers to pass out popsicle sticks, Silly Bandz, stickers...and give high-5's.

Our training program for the ING Hartford Half Marathon has begun - but you can still join us for the remaining 11 weeks!  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! Click here to register or learn more (fee is $125 and does not include the race entry fee).  Our group long runs will be on Saturday mornings.  Additionally, we will do a Tempo run on Wednesday evenings and a Track Workout on Thursday evenings.

While our goal race is the ING Hartford Half Marathon, this program is appropriate for other half marathons in October and Novemeber.

Swim like a sunny, bike the beans out, run, run, run!

Kids Who Tri Succeed is a great race for aspiring young triathletes.  This is the 7th year for kids ages 4-14 to put all their oozing energy into the combination of pretty routine, and likely well-practiced, summertime activities.

This kids-only triathlon will take place on Saturday, August 25 at 9:30am on the grounds of Mansfield Middle School and the beautiful Bicentennial Pond.  Race fee is $15 if you register before August 22. Since this is a USA Triathlon sanctioned event, a one day $10 membership fee will be charged if the racer is not a current USA Triathlon member.  All kids will receive a t-shirt, finisher's medal and bragging rights!

There will be four divisions based on age (4-6 year olds, 7-8, 9-11 and 12-14) with age-appropriate distances. For safety, the youngest group will swim in the shallow edge of the pond where the water is only waist-deep. Parents may ride and run alongside their children for the bike and run portions of the event.

Encourage the children in your life to stay fit and happy! For more details, as well as registration, click here.

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Summertime Salsa

Tomatoes are the gold medal favorite of August. The flavors and colors shine in summer dishes. A local farm stand or farmers' market is the best place to find various types of tomatoes.
A farmer may choose to grow heirloom tomatoes that are green, yellow, striped, purple and burgundy. You'll see names like Cherokee Purple, Green Zebra, Brandy Wine and Roman
Candles. Experiment with different varieties in your favorite recipes. Try this fruit enhanced salsa recipe on top of your favorite fish or grilled meat.

Ingredients: 

• 4 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 peaches, peeled and chopped
• ½ of small red onion, diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, diced
• 1 handful of cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• dash of salt 

Directions:  

• Combine all the ingredients and allow it to sit at room temperature to let the flavors deepen.

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Aubrey Schulz is a certified nutrition and triathlon coach with Get Out N Play .  She works with clients to help them reach their nutritional and athletic goals, both in the kitchen and out on the road.   

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