Operation Brighten a Life = Success! | |
 Thanks to generous people like you, we collected nearly 100 Care Packages for folks who lost their homes in Hurricane Sandy. Special thanks to Mike Cunningham and the students at Solomon Schechter Day School who donated 15 over-stuffed kid-themed care packages that included nutritious snacks, gift cards and toys that would encourage outdoor play like jump ropes and baseball bats/balls. Thanks too to Adidas for their assistance transporting the packages and to The North Face for donating over 50 pairs of high-quality socks.
 Stacy and I hand-delivered many of the packages to folks in Toms River, NJ right before Thanksgiving. We were humbled as the residents gave us a tour of what was left of their homes which have to be striped to their foundations leaving just a lattice work of 2x4 boards and exposed walls. Many yards were strewn with various "gifts" from the sea like boats, jet skis, and gazebos. It looked like the war zones you see in the movies - not something that actually happened to people's real homes.
But the spirit of those who lost nearly everything was amazing. Everywhere you looked, neighbors were helping neighbors. Those who have are sharing with those who have not. One generous woman opened her two-bedroom home to not only her best friend, but her friend's son and his family which included a baby and a 3 year old.
 The best moment of the day came when we gave each of them a care package. The stress, worry and sadness disappeared from their faces. The little boy couldn't get enough of his new book and stuffed bunny while his little sister knew exactly what to do with her teething ring. The adults appreciated their treats like socks, shoes, coffee mug (with coffee coupons!) and gift cards that will help them purchase much-needed items. They were especially touched by the cards, notes and quotes of care and strength.
In the eyes of everyone who received a care package, you could sense that the spirit of the gift and knowing that they hadn't been forgotten was far more important than the items in the package. For a little while, the kindness of strangers from CT brightened up their lives and gave them renewed energy to face the long road to recovery. The best holiday gift they could get!
Be Fit!
Steph |
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Schuyler's Shoe Review:
Mizuno Wave Rider 16 & Wave Inspire 9
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Back in September, I had the opportunity to join representatives from over fifty other retailers at Mizuno's national Dendoshi Summit in Georgia. Dendoshi is the Japanese word for storytelling, and over three packed days we learned the story of Mizuno's Japanese heritage, footwear design process, and engagement with runners. We also got to share stories from our stores, so that Mizuno can further focus on the core runner. One of the most interesting moments of the summit was a presentation in which three footwear designers traced Mizuno's process from whiteboard to running specialty stores.
What impressed me most about this presentation was a singular focus on the running experience. Rather than chase faddish technologies, every design decision was based on a smooth ride for the runner. With this in mind, their otherwise substantial updates to the Wave Rider 16 and Wave Inspire 9 make perfect sense.
 Pick up last year's Wave Rider in one hand and this year's in the other, and you'll feel a substantial weight difference. This year's version is over a full ounce lighter, blurring the line between lightweight and standard neutral shoe. They could have produced a Wave Rider this lightweight years ago, but it would have sacrificed cushioning, durability or ride. This year, with advances in materials, the weight savings comes along with the same smoothly cushioned underfoot feel as Wave Rider fans have come to expect. Weight savings come primarily from the upper, which is made from recycled bottles. A less bulky upper accommodates bunions in a way that no previous version has, while allowing more dynamic movement with the foot.
Changes to the Wave Inspire are no less dramatic. With a similar weight savings to the Rider, the shoe's stability is enhanced by a slightly more structured upper. In both shoes, the WavePlate that provides dynamic cushioning and stability is unchanged from last year. The updates to these sibling shoes mean that both neutral and overpronated runners (and walkers) can experience shoes that are designed to feel like part of your feet. Because in the end, a shoe is a shoe. You have to get out on the roads to tell your own story.
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Stacy's Sports Medicine Corner:
Winter Time: Keys to Improving Your Running |
With the winter ahead of us, now is a good time to focus on what we can do during these cold, dark months to improve our running. While a run is the snow is always fun, there are just some times when the weather doesn't allow for safe running. This is the perfect opportunity to involve some cross training into your routine. There are three areas in particular that you can focus on; dynamic flexibility, core strength, and non-weight bearing activity.
Many of the injuries that runners develop can be traced to muscle imbalances and overuse. Running takes place in the sagittal plane, meaning that the movement occurs in a front to back motion. As a result, the same muscles are used to perform the movement over and over again, and certain muscles become shortened and others become weakened. Over time, the body will begin to compensate for this imbalance, and eventually, injury can occur. Increasing the dynamic flexibility of these muscles can help to reduce injury and improve overall running performance. Dynamic flexibility is the ability of the body to achieve a range of motion by actively contracting muscles to obtain that motion. It differs from static stretching which is the action of passively holding the body in a certain position for a period of time to lengthen the muscle. Dynamic flexibility is the flexibility that our body has while it's in motion, making it a very functional type of flexibility to have for running.Key muscles to focus on are the hamstrings, calves, and hip flexors.
Click here to continue reading Stacy's winter running tips.
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Amy's Gear Corner: Holiday Gift Ideas
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Holiday music is starting to play...it is getting a little chilly out and peppermint coffee drinks are back! Time to buy holiday gifts for your loved ones! Here you will find gift ideas, from stocking stuffers to the perfect main present.
Trailheads: We have an assortment of Trailheads products perfect for the winter warrior in your life! Trailheads is a Connecticut-based company and makes many functional and fun hats, gloves and headbands, along with other fabulous products. We have their famous ponytail hats and headbands, and kids' hats too! Make sure to check out the Twister Beanie with its cool new spiral design. And, for those times when you say, "I'm going out there in any weather," grab the storm-tested balaclava! All Trailheads products are comfortable, quick-drying and lightweight! (Stylish too!)
Stuffits: Stinky shoes? Wet shoes? Say goodbye to awful odors with Stuffitts® Originals. These handy odor fighters are the most complete portable drying system for shoes! It has a shaped foam forefoot and odor-removing cedar insert, providing complete toe-box coverage. A detachable carry strap makes Stuffits ideal for hanging or transporting shoes. So, if you or a loved one suffers from stinky, wet shoes-look no further and get a pair of Stuffitts!
 Foot Rubz™ Massage Ball & Accuball:
One of the best gifts, hands down! This little massage ball stimulates acupressure points in your feet, hands and body, relieving pain and soreness. It really feels good! This easy-to-use Massage Ball is small enough to fit in the palm of the hand, and is great for use anytime, anywhere.
The Accuball is the premium massage ball; it comes in two different sizes and can be heated or frozen for hot/cold therapy! It relaxed tight muscles, enhances joint movement, reduces nervous system irritation and simulates blood flow. This really is a simple and effective way to improve flexibility, decrease recovery time between workouts and races. This is a fantastic gift for athletes as well as for the less active... we all can benefit from some TLC!
Balega Socks: What a deal! $30 for 3 pairs of Balega socks! We have a men's variety pack as well as a women's variety pack. The men's variety pack includes an Enduro 2 Quarter sock, a Hidden Comfort Sock and a Hidden Dry sock. The women's variety pack has three different colored pairs of Enduro No-Show socks. These socks rock! They feature Drynamix fabric, which manages moisture, keeping you dry! They all come in a nice gift box too! You can even let us do the gift-wrapping.
 Nike Bonanza: Who doesn't want Nike apparel as a gift?! Nike products are so nice! Characterized by high quality and cutting edge technology, Nike apparel is all of this and fashionable. We have too many awesome pieces of apparel to highlight, so don't hesitate and stop by to see them all! From Dri-Fit wool tops, high performance jackets, insulating base layers, functional hoodies, tights, and pants, we have you covered for your Nike enthusiast!
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The Perfect Gift: Training + Massages! | |
 Give the gift of fitness and good health! We're partnering with Bonita Weisman at West Hartford Massage Therapy to offer a fun gift package that includes gift certificates for a Fleet Feet Sports Training Program and two (2) hour-long massages with Bonita who will massage away your aches and pains so you can run stronger than ever before. Train hard and enjoy the rewards!
Package price is $250 and also includes a gift to keep your runner hydrated and happy! |
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Train With Us: 5k, 5Mile & Half Marathon | |
 Do you dream of becoming an athlete? Maybe you want to return to the fitness level of your youth. Maybe you want to be in the best shape of your life. Maybe you want to run your first 5k...10k...half marathon...or become a triathlete. Whatever your dream may be, Fleet Feet Sports can help you make it come true in 2013.
Train with us and discover your inner athlete. Experience a way of life that gives back more than you invest in it. Become healthier and stronger - inside and out. Become more confident and courageous in all aspects of your life. Meet new training partner, partners who will become favorite friends. See a world of possibilities open before you.
- No Boundaries Couch to 5k Program in partnership with New Balance will give you the skills and confidence you need to run or walk, the Max O'Hartford 5k. Begins Saturday, January 12 at 9am (sign-up online here).
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- Next Steps 5-Miler program will enable you to go the distance and conquer the hills of the Shamrock 5 Miler. Begins Saturday January 12 at 9am (sign-up online here).
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- Half Marathon program will keep you running all winter long! This 12-week training program culminates with the Danbury Half on April 7. Begins Saturday, January 19 at 8am (sign-up online here).
In February, we will be offering a First Steps Walking Program for those with a BMI > 30 and/or have recently undergone bariatric surgery. Stay tuned for more details or email Stacy if you would like info to be sent to you when its available.
Click the program names above to learn more - or plan to come to our Training Program Open House on Thursday, January 10 at 7pm.
It doesn't matter how old you are or how out-of-shape you might be, we have training programs that are safe and effective and coaches who are simply amazing. You can do this! |
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Featured Race: Springfield Holiday 5k
Saturday, December 15 @ 9am | |
Road Trip! Springfield, MA is closer than you think - and the site of a fun 5k put on by our friend Jack Toner and the Springfield Rotary Club and benefits a homeless shelter because "No one dreams of a shelter bed, they dream of having a permanent place to lay their head".
The Springfield Rotary's Holiday Showcase 5k is on Saturday, December 15 at 9am. On-site registration opens at 7:30am. Register before December 14 for the $25 Early Bird rate ($30 on race day).
Sweet cash prizes for the overall winners ($300 for 1st place, $150 for 2nd and $75 for 3rd), as well as $50 for each Age Division winner.
Get more information or register online here. |
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Yoga for Runners: Sundays at 5:30pm
(for competitive people who can't easily touch their toes)
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Oh, My Aching IT Band!
The Iliotibial Band or IT Band extends from the outside of the pelvis, over the hip and knee, and inserts just below the knee. The IT band stabilizes the knee during running and cycling and may become inflamed and sore with repeated strain.
A yoga pose to address low back and IT Band tightness is Standing Wide Leg Forward and Side Fold:
 Spread feet wide, bring your hands to your waist, inhale and lift your chest, when you exhale fold forward keeping your back flat. Place your hands on the floor and hold this position. If you are not a very flexible person, spread your legs VERY wide. This may seem counter intuitive, but it will allow your hands to touch the floor. If you are more flexible, bring your feet closer together. Hands should be able to touch the floor. Next, take both hands and grab your right foot or shin and hold. Repeat on the other side. To move out of the pose, place your hands on your waist and inhale back up to standing.
Hold each 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.
Just $10/class - A portion of the proceeds will go to FoodShare. Please bring a Yoga mat, blanket or towel, and wear comfortable clothes.
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Meghan is a certified yoga instructor and a certifiably crazy ultra-runner. Catch up via her web site, Facebook page, Twitter (@MegColFanning) or email: endurancenow@gmail.com
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Brazilian Shrimp Soup
By Aubrey Schulz | |
This time of year a quick meal is always appreciated. Once the onion, garlic and peppers have been chopped, the soup comes together quickly. The coconut milk's rich flavor will nourish and warm you after a busy evening of holiday shopping or an evening run.
Brazilian Shrimp Soup
Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup jasmine rice, uncooked
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups water
- 1 14 oz can unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 ½ lb medium raw shrimp, shelled
- ¼ tsp freshly ground peper
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the onion and cook for 5-8 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the pepper and stir occasionally until softened about 5 minutes.
- Add the rice, red pepper flakes, salt, tomatoes and water to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the rice is almost tender, about 20 minutes.
- Stir in the coconut milk. Bring back to a simmer and then stir in the shrimp. Stir occasionally until the shrimp are done and no longer pink, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add in the black pepper, lemon juice and parsley and serve.
Source: Quick from Scratch: Soups & Salads
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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. 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. |
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STORE HOURS:
Mon-Thurs: 10-7
Fri: 10-6
Sat: 10-5:30
Sun: 12-5
Phone: 860-233-8077
www.fleetfeethartford.com
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EVENT CALENDAR | |
All events are at Fleet Feet Sports unless otherwise noted
Tues, Dec 4 @ 4-7pm
High School Indoor Track Gear-Up Celebration
10% off Spikes & Trainers
Free Gift with Purchase
Wed, Dec 5 @ 6am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All Abilities Welcome
Wed, Dec 5 @ 6:30pm
Evening Fun Run/Walk
3-5 Casual Miles
All Abilities Welcome
Thurs, Dec 6 @ 5:30-8pm
West Hartford Center
Holiday Stroll
Carriage Rides, Santa, Peformances & more!
Sat, Dec 8 @ 8am
Sat Speed Workout
with Schuyler
meet at store
Sat, Dec 8 @ 9:30-11am
FREE Injury Assessments w/Select PT
No appt necessary
Sun, Dec 9 @ 5:30pm
Yoga for Runners
bring a Towel or Mat
$10 - portion goes to
FoodShare
Mon, Dec 10 @ 6am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All abilities Welcome
Wed, Dec 12 @ 6am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All Abilities Welcome
Wed, Dec 12 @ 6:30pm
Evening Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All Abilities Welcome
Sun, Dec 16 @ 5:30pm
Yoga for Runners
Bring a Mat or Towel
$10 - portion goes to
FoodShare
Sat, Dec 22 @ 10a-5p
Balega Sock "Stocking
Stuffer" Sale
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Corporate Lunch & Learns
Schedule Yours Today! | |
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. |
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Stacy's Office Hours for
FREE In-Store Injury Assessments | |
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) |
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FREE Injury Assessments
Sat, Dec 8
9:30-11:00am | |
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) | |
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Indoor Track Gear-Up Night with Nike & New Balance
Tues, Dec 4 @ 4-7pm | |
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. |
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West Hartford Center
Holiday Stroll
Thurs, Dec 6 @ 5:30-8pm | |
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. |
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Local Swim Practice
Times & Locations |  |
Looking for cross-training opportunities? Thinking about completing your first triathlon in 2013?
Then look no further than... SWIMMING! This terrific form of exercise is a great way to balance out your running and keep your fitness through the winter.
Westminster's Swim Center One (Simsbury): Benidorm Bikes worked with Swim Center One to get this up-and-running last winter. Hour-long, coached practices take place on Sundays (1-2:00pm), Tuesdays (6-7:00am), and Thursdays (6-7:00pm). The cost is approximately $8/practice. Click here for more info. (Hint: Mention "Benidorm Bikes" and the annual Program Pass is half-price.) For those of you on facebook, there's also a "Westminster Masters Swim Team" page.
Plainville YMCA: For the past two years, HEAT has put together Sunday, hour-long, coached workouts at the Plainville YMCA, beginning in December and running through early-May. The cost is approximately $100 for the entire session; free to YMCA members. See the HEAT Forum for additional information and to sign up.
Central Connecticut State University(New Britain): Coached masters workouts generally take place on Sundays (11-12:30pm) and Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings (5:30-7:00am). Cost is $45 for 15 practices, or $5 for walk-ins. Click here for further information. |
| Wed Night Fun Runs
6:30pm (at the store) |  |
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.
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Thursday Track Workout
**ON WINTER HIATUS*
Next-Up: Saturday Speed Winter Workouts |  |
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!
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| We're on Facebook! |  |
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 |  |
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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Be Safe - Carry ID
on your Run or Ride |
 | | click to order your ID |
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