Be The Movement

THE EXTRA MILE

Issue #117

 

 November 20, 2012

Thanksgiving Weekend Specials

 Turkey on the Run!* 20% Off Winter Apparel

 

 * $100 Off Garmin Forerunner

                   610 GPS Watch

 

 * 60+% Off Sale Apparel &

                          Select Shoes 

 

 * Buy 3 Socks, Get the 4th Free 

   (Lowest price sock is free)

 

 * FREE Brooks "Run Happy" Fleece Hat with

   purchase of $100+ gift card

 

 * FREE Arm Warmers with $100+ purchase of

   Saucony Shoes, Apparel or Accessories

 

Valid November 23-25, 2012.  May not be combined with other coupons or discounts or on previous purchases.  All discounts are limited to in-stock items - no special orders.

Take Time

Calvin & HobbsIn a runner's life, there is a time and place for speed. Racing the Mitten Run? Yes. Running the Manchester Road Race? Depends on whether you have a seed card or are wearing a costume. Rushing the holidays? No.

 

I wish that every retailer would follow Nordstrom's lead of "taking one season at a time" and refuse to decorate for the holidays or offer Black Friday Door-Busting Deals until after Thanksgiving. Give everyone a chance to take a deep breath and celebrate the goodness in our lives before the chaos and stress of the holidays goes into over-drive.  

 

As I drove home the other night, my mind was stressing over holiday preparations, shopping strategies and how I was going to get everything done, when a truck towing a big boat zoomed past. As I settled in behind it, the boat's name caught my eye: "Take Time II". I think somebody was trying to tell me something.

 

So many of us are focused on the next event in our life that we forget to enjoy and be thankful for the good around us now - which can leave us with sadness and regret when things go wrong. Life is too short to wallow in regrets. This Thanksgiving we should all take a step back from the holiday hype and hurry. Instead, we should slow down, take time, savor the journey and appreciate those important to us. Even if just for a day.

 

In that light, I want to take a moment to thank my wonderful, patient family and friends, incredible staffers and generous folks like you for being an important part of my life. You make my dream of owning a running store (that won't decorate for the holidays until next week) and being part of a community a reality. Life is good!

 

Be Fit!

Steph

Pearl Izumi Shoe Premiere VIP Party

Wednesday, Nov 28 @ 6-7:30pm

Pearl Izumi VIP Party 

Schuyler's Shoe Review: Winterized Shoes

Schuyler

Last year, a few weeks after our freak October snowstorm, I praised the Nike Shield line for providing high-visibility, water-resistant shoes in unexpected weather conditions. Available in both the Nike Lunarglide 4 and the Nike Structure 16, the Shield option packs in the perfect mix for cold, wet, and dark months of running or walking. This year's update of the line hits all the same great features as last year, while adding a little bit of stealth to the mix.

 

Runners and walkers can expect the same cushion, stability, and fit that they would feel in the regular Lunarglide or Structure. The durable water-repellent (DWR) coating on the Shield shoes keeps your feet dry from rain, puddles, and wintry slush without making feet sweat like some waterproof shoes. A gussetted tongue prevents moisture from finding its way in through the top of the shoe.

 

Nike ShieldLast year's Shield shoes looked a bit like space boots: shiny silver from top to bottom that reflected blindingly bright under streetlights or a car's headlights. This year's models look almost entirely different. While they still have the same reflective material, it is now hidden under a thin engineered mesh upper. Hundreds of tiny openings in the material hide the space-age looks while still providing the same visibility as soon as light hits the shoe.

 

Adrenaline GTXPeople looking for a winterized shoe that's a little more technical might find their match in the Brooks Adrenaline ASR GTX. Besides a whole bunch of letters, this shoe adds a few more features to this long-time favorite stability model. A more rugged outsole can help you grip on ice, slush, and snowy roads or sidewalks. A full Gore-Tex upper with gusseted tongue provides exceptional waterproofing, windproofing, and warmth. Walkers, who might not generate as much body heat as a runner, will appreciate this extra protection. With the right shoes, merino socks, and warm gear, even the nastiest winter days can just make you stronger.

Stacy's Sports Medicine Corner:

Minimal Running?  Focus on Your Achilles Tendon

Stacy Provencher

If you are thinking of transitioning to a minimal shoe, or want to incorporate some barefoot training into your running routine, focusing on the Achilles tendon can help prevent pain and injury from occurring.

 

Achilles TendonWhy is the Achilles tendon so much more of a focus of a minimal runner versus someone wearing a traditional shoe? A traditional shoe has a 12mm height difference (or "drop") from the heel to the toe while a minimal shoe typically has a 4mm or less drop. This decreased heel to toe drop places additional strain on the Achilles tendon. If it is not strong enough or flexible enough to handle this, problems can occur.

 

Click here to read more and learn a few simple exercises that can make a big difference in your running.

Amy's Gear Corner:

Turkey SocksTurkey Trot Running Socks: Whether you are running or walking at a turkey day event or just enjoying your holiday feast, celebrate in style with these limited-edition socks from Sock Guy!   These fun socks also high-tech and sweat-worthy with five channels of padded cushioning and four channels of mesh for increased air flow. Gobble, gobble!

 

Pearl Izumi JacketsInfinity Windblocking Jacket (Men & Women): If you're looking for a high-quality shell to wear during chilly outdoor workouts and adventures, this one from Pearl Izumi will not disappoint! It combines a wind and water resistant Softshell Fabric with thermal fleece to keep you warm and comfortable. I particularly like how this non-bulky jacket breathes so your base layer doesn't get soaked. I also love its clever features like a full length internal draft flap with zipper garage, internal fist mitts, two handed pockets, rear zippered pocket and reflective piping. This is sure to be your "Go-To" jacket for the long haul.

 

Thermal Half-ZipThermal � Zip (Men & Women): I wear-tested a sample of this top last year and absolutely loved it! It is the ideal mid-weight thermal pullover for many different weather scenarios. During cool mornings, I wear it next-to-skin as a stand-alone top, but when it gets cold, I pair it with a base-layer to keep me warm. On really cold mornings, I use it as an insulating mid-layer topped with a wind-resistant jacket so I'm really toasty.

 

I appreciate the tops thoughtful features like a back zipper pocket and a 10" front zipper so I can better regulate my body temp as I warm-up. Plus, the thermal fleece is so soft and comfy, the semi-form fit is flattering and the style is just plain sharp! The women's top comes in two fun, bright colors (purple and turquoise) which is sure to brighten up a cold, gray morning while the men's features sleek black with pops of color and reflectivity for added safety.

Icebreaker Wool  

Icebreaker Wool Tech (Men & Women): Wool-tech gear is an investment...but it will pay dividends both in terms of comfort and durability. This is not your scratchy wool of your youth, it is super smooth pure merino from the finest sheep in the New Zealand Alps. It will keep you warm when it's cold, comfortable when it's warm, doesn't stink even after 2 weeks of workouts without washing (making it perfect for travel) and looks as good as it performs. In fact, many of us staffers wear it in the store when we want to look really good!

 

Our winter shipment has arrived and we are fully stocked with underwear, base layers, mid-layers, pants, the most scrumptious wool-fleece outer layers and wonderful accessories like hats, gloves, earbands, balaclavas and last year's best-selling Flexi Chute: a neck gaiter, hat, headband and balaclava all in one! Layer up and embrace the cold during your next winter running/skiing/climbing/hockey/sled-riding adventure!

Featured Race: Mitten Run 5k

Sunday, December 2 @ 10am

MittenRunLogoThis is one of our favorite races of the year thanks to a great course, awesome race organization and because it's the graduation race for our final No Boundaries Training Program of the year. The 5k race will be held rain, snow or shine (we're hoping for the shine)

 

The course begins near Town Hall and winds through the wide avenues of West Hartford, past festive shop windows and neighborhoods decorated for the season.  It finishes in the center of Blue Back Square in the open area between Cheesecake Factory and the library. 

 

The race is expected to have nearly 2,000 runners so plan on leaving early for the race so you can find parking. If you like a little warm-up before your run, plan to park at Fleet Feet - then join us for some post-run treats after the race.

 

Registration fee is $28 for the 5k and $10 for the kids run if you register by Sunday, November 25 and includes a fun long-sleeve cotton t-shirt.  You can upgrade your shirt to a long-sleeve tech tee for an additional $25. 

 

The race also collects NEW mittens, gloves, hats and scarves that are donated to the less fortunate through the "Town That Cares Fund".  A collection box is set-up at Fleet Feet Sports to drop off your donations - and boxes will be available on race day too. 

 

For more information or to register, click the logo above.

Yoga for Runners: Sunday's at 5:30pm

(for competitive people who can't easily touch their toes)

  

Yes, You Do Have Time for Yoga.

Yoga for Runners

 

You may not have time to devote an hour to a yoga class, but you can always find a few minutes to sneak in a pose. Spending time stretching and focusing on key areas will help you gain more flexibility, strength and balance. You can benefit by adding a few yoga poses to your training. Your next workout is only as good as your last recovery.
 

The Lying Spinal Twist is a great BACK RELEASE pose:

 

Yoga PoseTry holding this pose for 1 minute. Breathe and don't force it. Avoid stretching at your maximum as you move into a pose. This will only further stress your muscles. As you loosen up and relax, your body will naturally fall deeper into the pose.

 

 

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet on the floor. Bring your arms out to the side for support. On exhalation, allow your knees to drop to the left while keeping the right side of your shoulder and upper back on the floor. Feel free to adjust your arms so that you are comfortable. If you would like an extra stretch in your chest and upper arms, you can place your arms at 90-degree angles at shoulder height in a goal-post position. If your shoulders aren't comfortably resting on the floor, lower your arm(s) to avoid shoulder stress. Breathe. Repeat on the opposite side.

 

Meghan is a certified yoga instructor and a certifiably crazy ultra-runner. Catch up via her web site, blog, Facebook page, Twitter (@MegColFanning) or email: endurancenow@gmail.com

 

 

Just $10/class - A portion of the proceeds will go to FoodShare. Please bring a Yoga mat, blanket or towel, and wear comfortable clothes.

Butternut Squash w/Apples & Cranberries

By Aubrey Schulz 

Get Out & Play - & Soak-up Vitiman D

I imagine your household has its traditional foods that make a yearly appearance on the Thanksgiving table. This dish has been a staple at the Fleszar household for at least 10 years. I no longer remember where I got this recipe. It's scribbled down on a sheet of blank white paper, now stained with remnants of squash. If you are looking for something new, I encourage you to try this recipe featuring classic autumnal foods. Peel and cut the squash and set it aside. It comes together very easily in the last 20 minutes before the turkey is served.

 

Butternut Squash with Apples and Cranberries

 

Ingredients:

  • Butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 2 apples, peeled, cored and chopped
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • Olive oil

Directions:

  1. Place squash in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover saucepan and steam 15 minutes or until tender. Remove from steamer basket and set aside in a bowl covered with aluminum foil to retain heat.
  2. Cook apples over medium heat for 8 minutes, stirring frequently.
  3. Stir in cranberries and cook 4-5 minutes or until the fruit is tender and liquid is evaporated.
  4. Add the apples and cranberries to the squash. Finish with the olive oil and gently stir to combine.

 ----------------------------------

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.   This winter she is teaming up with Lake Terramuggus Triathlon Director Bill Honeck for a destination marathon training program. The group training program begins in November and culminates with a March marathon. 

STORE HOURS:

 

Mon-Thurs: 10-7

Fri: 10-6

Sat: 10-5:30

Sun: 12-5

 

Closed Thanksgiving Day

 

 Phone: 860-233-8077

www.fleetfeethartford.com

 

EVENT CALENDAR

 All events are at Fleet Feet Sports unless otherwise noted

 

Wed, Nov 21 @ 6am

Morning Fun Run

3-5 Casual Miles

All Abilities Welcome

 

Wed, Nov 22 @ 6:30pm

Evening Fun Run/Walk

3-5 Casual Miles

All Abilities Welcome

  

Sat, Nov 24 @ 9:30-11am

FREE Injury Assessments w/Select PT

No appt necessary

 

Sun, Nov 25 @ 5:30pm

Yoga for Runners

bring a Towel or Mat

$10 - portion goes to

FoodShare

 

Mon, Nov 26 @ 6am

Morning Fun Run

3-5 Casual Miles

All abilities Welcome

 

Wed, Nov 28 @ 6am

Morning Fun Run

3-5 Casual Miles

All Abilities Welcome

 

Wed, Nov 28 @6-7:30pm

Pearl Izumi eMotion

VIP Shoe Premiere Party

RSVP to Chaz

 

Wed, Nov 28 @ 6:30pm

Evening Fun Run

Meet Our Friends

from MuttsTri

3-5 Casual Miles

All Abilities Welcome

 

 

Sun, Dec 2 @ 5:30pm

Yoga for Runners

Bring a Mat or Towel

$10 - portion goes to

FoodShare

 

Tues, Dec 4 @ 4-7pm

Gear-Up for Indoor Track

Celebration for High Schoolers

 

Thurs, Dec 6 @ 5:30-8pm

West Hartford Center

Holiday Stroll

Corporate Lunch & Learns

Schedule Yours Today!

Lunch & Learn 

Did you know that the experts at Fleet Feet Sports offer free presentations and workshops that are perfect for corporate wellness Lunch-and-Learn series?

 

Choose from a variety of topics including Injuries & Proper Footwear Selection, Core Health, Minimal Running, Intro to Triathlons and an on-site Fit Clinic. We can also assist with starting a Running and/or Walking Program to help you and your co-workers live fit!

 

For more information and to schedule a lecture, check out the Community Section of our web site.

Stacy's Office Hours for

FREE In-Store Injury Assessments

Injured?  Select Physical Therapy can Help!

 We now have a Sports Medicine Director & Certified Athletic Trainer in the store! Stacy will be available during the below hours to offer free injury assessments and help fit customers with medical issues and injuries. Appointments are encouraged, but not necessary.

 

To contact Stacy, call 860-233-8077 or email her at stacy@fleetfeethartford.com.

 

Learn about common injuries and treatments in Stacy's Sports Medicine section on our web site.

 

Mon: 2-7pm

 

Wed: 2-7pm

 

Thurs: 10am-2pm

 

Fri: 10am-2pm

 

Sat: 9am-Noon

(every other Saturday when Select PT is not present)

FREE Injury Assessments

Sat, Nov 25

9:30-11:00am

Select PT Hotline

Injured?  Don't know whether you can run/play sports or if you should really see a doctor?  Come to our FREE Injury Assessment Clinic and see one of Select Physical Therapy's certified Athletic Trainers.

 

These free clinics will be offered every other Saturday.  No RSVP necessary - but you can call us to reserve a time (860-233-8077).

 

Can't make the clinic or need an assessment sooner?  Call and leave a message or email Brian at Select's Free Injury Hotline:

 

1-877-MOBL-MED

(1-877-662-5633)

Injured Runner

Indoor Track Gear-Up Night with Nike & New Balance

Tues, Dec 4 @ 4-7pm

 Gear-Up Night   

High School Tracksters mark your calendar for this special event sponsored by Nike and New Balance! Come get professionally fit for your spikes and trainers and save 10%. All attendees will also get this season's limited edition t-shirt and other fun freebies.

 

Check out our extensive selection of track spikes from Nike, New Balance, Saucony, and Adidas. In addition to a wide variety of spikes, for sprints, mid-distance, long-distance, jumping, and throwing, we also have the new carbon-fiber Nike Victory Elite - the same spike worn by Leo Manzano for his silver-medal 1500 performance in London.

 

Since we know that the only thing "indoor" about Indoor Track is the racing, we're also going to offer a sweet deal to keep you warm, dry and visible with $30 off a Winter Kit that includes a pair of pants/tights, long-sleeve base-layer and a high visibility jacket.

 

Can't make it Tuesday? We're sending Spike Week Savings Certificates to your coach so you can take advantage of these special deals from Dec 1-9.

West Hartford Center

Holiday Stroll

Thurs, Dec 6 @ 5:30-8pm

   Holiday Stroll  

Looking for a way for you and your family to get into the holiday spirit? Then join us for the Annual West Hartford Center Holiday Stroll. This family-friendly event includes visits by Santa & Mrs. Claus, horse drawn carriage rides, musical performances, holiday treats (we're serving hot Nuun!), special sales, and a holiday window display contest among all the local shops.

 

This year our display is (literally) coming to life thanks to real live models posing in the windows. Email Chaz if you're interested in being a part of the modeling fun.

 I Run This Town

T-Shirts

I Run West Hartford T-shirt

At the last Old Wethersfield 5k/10k, the race directors asked participants to wear clothes that displayed their hometown pride. Disappointed that she didn't have anything that said "West Hartford" or even "Hartford", Fleet Feet Peep Shawna Kitzman decided to start her own business that designs town-based cotton t-shirts for runners.

 

"I Run My Town" is now open as an online shop and ready to create a unique holiday gift for your favorite runner.

Wed Night Fun Runs
6:30pm (at the store) 
Fun Run Crowd

Join Duncan & a great group of Fleet Feet Friends for a casual fun run each Wedensday night at 6:30pm.  We go between 1-5 miles (a route for all abilities).  All paces (including walkers) are welcome to join us. 

It's a great way to meet new friends and running partners.  

 

Meet at the store.  Now that it is dark when we run, please wear reflective gear and lights so everyone is seen and safe! If you don't own any reflective gear, we have a limited supply you can borrow courtsey of Pearl Izumi!

Note: Fun Runs are canceled during snow and thunder storms and when roads/sidewalks are too icy and dangerous.  Check our Facebook page on Wednesday's for status of run.

 Thursday Track Workout

**ON WINTER HIATUS*

 Next-Up: Saturday Speed Winter Workouts

Stopwatch

Our Thursday night Track Workouts are on hiatus until March, 2013. 

But don't be sad, Coach Schuyler is going to be offering a Saturday Speed Workout every other Saturday at 8am. 

Workouts start and finish at Fleet Feet Sports, and will feature a nice mix of intervals, tempo, and fartlek runs. Workouts are free with no need to pre-register.

Workout Schedule: 

December 8

December 22

January 5

January 19

February 2

February 16

 March 2

(all workouts start at 8am)

 

Can't make it to the workout? Email Schuyler to receive his Weekly Workout email so you can still get your speed-fix in!

 

 

 

We're on Facebook!
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Become a "fan" of Fleet Feet Sports Hartford and be the first to know about new events, participate in interesting discussions and view great photos of our Fleet Feet Peeps in action. 

 

Check out our page by clicking here.
Return Policy
Save $15!
We believe in the PERFECT FIT - it's part of our Fitlosophy.  If you are not 100% satisfied with the fit of your shoes, socks, sports bra, insoles, etc, we invite you to bring the item back within 30 days of purchase.  Even if you wore the item outside. 

 

Give us an opportunity to find a better solution for you.  We want to help you get the proper tools to live fit!
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on your Run or Ride

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