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Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
-- Margaret Mead
During my junior year at college, I volunteered at an Earth Day celebration and was given a t-shirt with that quote screened on the back. Initially, I didn't think much of it except that I had a nice new t-shirt to wear to the gym. But that evening back at the dorm, I had an epiphany. I had a choice. I could go through life as an observer and "play along" or as an active participant who could strive to make the world a better place. The idea literally changed my whole philosophy on life.
I realized that the people I had read about in history books and newspapers began as ordinary people just like me. What made them extraordinary was that they chose to do something and teamed-up with other like-minded individuals to create momentum. Change may be impossible if it is you versus the world. But get together a group and your odds of success increase as your momentum becomes an unstoppable force.
As silly as it sounds, I had proof thanks to Papa Smurf. One of my favorite episodes of the Smurfs was one in which Papa Smurf was rallying the Village to take on Gargamel. He picked up a single stick and snapped it in half. Then he picked up a bundle of sticks and tried to break them, but couldn't. He said that if only one Smurf took on Gargamel, he would surely be defeated. But if the Smurf Village banded together, they would be strong enough to win. The power of teamwork!
Since then, I've seen more valid proof just in my small circle including the store's epic Shoe Drive for Haiti with 96.5 TIC-FM, our Run for Boston and working with the CT Forest & Park Association in their efforts to keep the MDC Reservoirs open to the public (just last week, CFPA spearheaded another successful human-driven campaign to prevent the Meshomasic State Park from being turned into a firing range). Amazing things happen when we work together.
This week there is another opportunity for our community to come together and support one of our own. In the morning hours on October 27, 2010, one of our fellow runners was raped while on her daily run on Fern Street in West Hartford - just about a mile from the store. Her rapist is currently serving 15 years for previous crimes and was offered a plea bargain that allows him to serve his 18 year rape sentence concurrently which essentially means that his punishment for rape has been commuted to just 3 years.
The sentencing is this Thursday at 3pm at the Hartford Superior Court (101 Lafayette Street). There is a small chance that the judge will reject the plea deal and give a stricter sentence. The victim welcomes supporters to attend (though, she asks that you leave the first row of seats for her family and friends) and stand as one with her. During the sentencing, we will read a letter to the judge on behalf of the Fleet Feet Community and would be happy to include your letters with ours as well (email them to me).
We runners are good at defying the odds and are hopeful that we can inspire change. Even if we fail at changing this sentence, our voice will be heard and may benefit future victims. As for our friend, she is touched by the support of this incredible community and thanks you for helping to keep her strong through all of this.
Live Fit!
Steph |
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Schuyler's Shoe Review: Saucony Peregrine |
Editor's Note: This is a bittersweet review as it will be Schuyler's last. He and his wife Tessa (whom he met at the Track Workout!) are moving to the Seattle/Tacoma area. Schuyler has accepted a job with Outdoor Research - an innovative company that makes awesome gear for outdoor adventures. A perfect match for Schuyler. It isn't enough to say we wish him all the best and thank him for 8 years of dedication at Fleet Feet Sports. We will miss you!
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In five years of shoe reviews, I have reviewed a few shoes I wear regularly and many more that I do not. While I try on every shoe that we carry, each of us has a unique set of feet with different fit and biomechanical needs. Customers ask me what shoes I wear, thinking that whatever the shoe guy wears must be the best. My answer always begins with, "Your feet won't be the same as mine, but..." For my last shoe review, however, it seems only appropriate to wax a bit rhapsodic about one of my favorite running shoes.
 I bought my first pair of Saucony Peregrine a few days before I left for a 15-day trip to Singapore and Thailand, having realized that I had no good lightweight shoe for hiking and travel. I wore the shoe around Singapore, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai, on hikes to waterfalls, and up to a few gorgeous views. After getting home from that trip, I began to wear the shoe for all of my trail runs, and then later took them as my primary shoe for my honeymoon. There I wore them around Buenos Aires, hiking on the trails in Patagonia, and on the most beautiful trail run of my life in Torres del Paine National Park in Chilė. Last night, I took one of my last runs with a Fleet Feet co-worker on some favorite trails at the reservoir, with the Saucony Peregrine between my feet and the rocks, roots, and mud.
 This is not a typical shoe review. I could tell you that the midsole and outsole are the same, that the sticky rubber grips well on wet terrain, or that the upper of the new Peregrine 3 should hold up for more mileage than the Peregrine 2. I could compare it to other trail shoes on the market from Brooks, New Balance, or Pearl Izumi. I could write about all the color options. But what tonight's review will consist of is a bit simpler than that. I found a trail shoe that makes me want to get out and explore new trails and cruise over old ones. No shoe review I write can say more than this piece of advice: whichever shoe you wear, it should make you feel the same.
Schuyler's Parting Shoe Wisdom:
- Moisture is bad for your shoes. Don't put them in the washer, and if they do get wet stuff them with newspaper or a Stuffits Shoe Saver to dry them as quickly as possible. Remember to remove the sock-liner or insole so that moisture doesn't get trapped between the layers.
- Heat is bad for your shoes. Never put them in the dryer or dry them near a heater or radiator. Hot cars in the summer also make a poor home for your favorite shoes.
- Top of foot pain? Foot swelling? Even the best-fitting shoe can sometimes be improved by skipping eyelets or using elastic laces.
- Use your shoes for the right activity. Cross-training in running shoes wrecks both the shoes and your ankles. Running in cross-trainers can cause some nasty pounding. Running trails in road shoes, especially stability shoes, can result in a quick spill. Running roads in trail shoes can shred up the tread like sandpaper.
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Stacy's Sports Medicine Corner
The Important of Single Leg Balance | |
"I have bad balance." I hear this phrase every day, sometimes multiple times per day. When I am evaluating someone for an injury, I typically ask them to stand on one leg so I can see what their foot, ankle, and hip stability looks like. Usually, before they even try it, they say "I have bad balance." Often times, poor balance is at the root of their problem!
When we run, we spend time on one foot (single leg stance) for a fraction of a second before pushing off and landing on the other foot. Essentially, running is a series of single leg squat jumps, occurring quickly and repetitively.
 Being able to stand comfortably on one leg is an important piece of the puzzle to staying injury free. While there is a difference between static single leg stability (just standing on one leg) to dynamic single leg stability (i.e. running), static stance is a good starting point. If you can't control yourself while balancing on one foot, it is going to be difficult to dynamically perform a single leg squat jump over the course of a few miles while you are running.
Running requires power in the legs. Power is the ability to generate force quickly. We have to have stable levers (ankle and hip) in the body in order to generate the force needed to run. Trying to run with unstable levers is difficult. Think about sitting in a soft couch versus a hard wooden chair. When you go to get up and push yourself out of the chair, which surface is easier to push off of? The hard chair provides a stable base for you to push off of, so it's easier. If you have a stable body in a single leg stance, you will be able to generate more power more efficiently.
So where does proficiency in single leg balance come from? We have to think of the kinetic chain from the bottom up and the top down. Focusing on hip and core stability as well as stability of the foot and ankle will ensure that the body is working together as a unit. Where does the knee come into play? The knee is obviously in the middle of the ankle and hip. The knee doesn't necessarily control itself, but it is greatly influenced by what's going on in the joints above and below it. So working on single leg balance can help in avoiding the onset of knee pain.
Today we are going to focus specifically on single leg balance from the foot and ankle. Try a barefoot single leg balance and notice how much movement there is in your big toe, and how often the ball of your foot comes up off of the ground. If these two areas of your foot frequently lose contact with the ground, there is a deficiency in your foot and ankle in single leg balance.
Click here to read more...
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Stacy Provencher is a certified Athlete Trainer and Fleet Feet's Sports Medicine Director. She conducts free in-store injury assessments and helps fit customers with medical issues and injuries from 2-7pm on Mon & Wed and 10am-2pm on Thurs & Fri. Appointments are encouraged, but not necessary.
To contact Stacy, call 860-233-8077 or email her at
Learn about common injuries and treatments in Stacy's Sports Medicine section on our web site. |
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What the FF Staff is Wearing | |
 Gabrielle - Anue Sutra Tank:The Anue Sutra Tank is a unique yet versatile piece that effortlessly blends fashion and comfort . I spend more time in workout gear than I care to admit and the Sutra tank is only going to encourage this habit!
 When I first tried on this tank, I had to keep looking down to make sure I had something on! Its eco-friendly micro-fiber construction, combined with flat lock seems, banded hem and draped body provide an extremely comfortable, flattering and functional fit. The open back is a refreshing detail and the cowl neck provides full coverage in the front. I paired the tank with my equally comfortable and incredibly soft Anue capris and had the perfect outfit for yoga, weight training, or just running errands.
With summer around the corner, this tank could be worn over your swim suit for a day at the beach; it's so soft, even after a bit too much sun, it would be just as comfortable to slip on for the ride home. Help, I think I need one in every color!
 Kevin - Garmin Forerunner 10: As a college student on a budget, it's hard to find a good GPS watch that I can afford. I love to run and keep track of every workout, but iPhone apps just don't cut it. Carrying a large phone around while running is uncomfortable and it never gives me accurate results. The Garmin FR10 was exactly what I was looking for and the price was right ($130).
This watch gives me an accurate, easy to read display of my current mileage, total time, pace, and calories burned. It just takes one button to start your run and one button to finish your run; it's that easy! When I finish, I can just save the workout and log on to theGarmin Connect website to see a detailed description of all my runs. There's nothing better than setting a new personal record, and this watch tracks your progress and improvements.
You are probably thinking "I don't want one of those bulky, hard to manage GPS watches that look like computer screens on my wrist". No worries! The Garmin FR10 is sleek, easy to use, and looks great with everyday attire. Plus it comes in a variety of colors (including purple and orange!) for men and women. Whatever your style or exercise goals, this watch is a must have for any runner or walker.
 Anna - New Balance Momentum Tank & Shorts: This tank and shorts combo is the perfect answer to the question "what should I wear at my next race". It's sporty, fun and fits great. The streamlined tank is made from 100% recycled polyester is super light, soft and moisture-wicking. It features front and back reflectivity and a stretch mesh back that allows great range of motion. I really love the sunburst print along the one side. Makes me look and feel fast!
 The shorts are fantastic as well and usually fly off the rack because they fit so well. No bunchy, poofy fabric, just a super-flattering cut that looks awesome. Don't be afraid of the 2.5" inseam - it's really not as short as it sounds. Rather it hits the sweet-spot on the top of your thigh and makes your legs look long and lean. I'm a fan of the back envelope pocket and reflectivity as well.
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Open Water Swim Simulation
Wed, May 22 at Trinity College Pool (6-7:30pm) | |
 Join Team Training New England for OPEN WATER SWIM SIMULATION practice at the Trinity College pool. This is a rare opportunity to have access to the entire pool -- with no lane lines -- for open water swim practice in the comfort (and clarity) of a pool.
Over the past 9 years, TTNE coaches have developed drills that simulate what it's like to swim in open water with a large group of people. These drills help fine-tune skills necessary to swim in open water securely and efficiently. Don't miss this opportunity to experience a coached practice on open water swim skills -- including sighting, drafting, turning around buoys, navigating around people, swimming the gauntlet and steady state swimming in a pack-- BEFORE you jump into open water this season.
Go to the TTNE website and sign-up for one or more drop in sessions, including 5 consecutive Saturday morning open water swim practices beginning June 8th!
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New Duathlon Series: Dip N Dash
Alternating Monday's - beginning June 3 |
 There is a fun new summer series for those who love to swim and run: the Dip N Dash! Bill Honeck, the Lake Terramugus Race Director, and Aubrey Schulz of Get Out N Play have teamed with Morris Parks and Recreation to offer athletes an enjoyable, low-key race every other Monday evening beginning June 3. Each race begins with a swim in Bantam Lake, followed by a run on the local streets.
Race Dates and Distances are:
June 3rd: 400 yd Swim & 3 mile Run
June 17th: 400 yd Swim & 4 mile Run
July 1st: 500 yd Swim & 3 mile Run
July 15th: 500 yd Swim & 4 mile Run
July 29th: 600 yd Swim & 3 mile Run
August 12th: 600 yd Swim & 4 Mile Run
Registration opens at 5 PM, with a race start of 6:30 PM at the Morris Town Beach on East Shore Rd in Morris, CT. The race will be chip timed by Timing Plus New England. The weekly race entry fee is $25.
Plus, each week we'll also feature a kids race, The Little Dippers! All children under 12 are welcome to swim/dash across the roped off swimming area and then run a 1/2 mile around the ball fields for a race of their own. The Little Dippers race is free with a paid adult entry or $10 otherwise.
Visit the website for more details. |
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Race to End Domestic Violence: 5k Trail Run
Saturday, June 8 @ 9am | |
 Where: Youngs Farm in Newington, CT (located behind John Wallace Middle School)
Race Beneficiaries: Peter Lavery Scholarship Fun, Ciara McDermott Scholarship Fun & the Prudence Crandall Center
Registration: $35 ($10 for kids under 12).
Web Site/Registration: http://www.peterlavery.org/run_5k.htm
Details: This trail 5k is hosted in memory of Officer Peter J. Lavery and Officer Ciara McDermott and seeks to raise awareness, provide support and remember those affected by domestic violence. |
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Run Back to the 80's
Saturday, June 15 @ 9:30am | |
 Get ready to run, walk or flashdance this totally tubular 5K at Rentschler Field and celebrate at a rad finish party! Loads of '80s music and giveaways on the course; beverages, prizes and more music to keep you rockin' afterwards. Get amped for this 5K party because isn't it time to let your awesome self out to play?
A totally awesome aspect of Run Back to the '80s is choosing your start wave. You don't have to sport a look to match your wave theme, but we hope you do!
 Your entry fee includes a t-shirt, fun goodies at the on-course Chill Stations (fun stuff like candy necklaces, Jelly bands, slap bracelets), finish party with music and adult beverages - plus a portion of your entry fee will be donated to the Nutmeg State Games.
Click here to register for this family-friendly 5k. Select the Fleet Feet Sports Team, enter promo code "HART13" and register before May 31, to pay just $25 (that's $10 off the regular fee). Then join our packet pick-up 80's Party on Friday, June 14 from 4-7pm to get your goods before race day. Leg warmers, sweatbands and AquaNet encouraged! |
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Raw Califlower Salad
By Aubrey Schulz | |
 Summer unofficially begins this weekend. Over the course of the three day weekend, it's likely you'll enjoy something cooked on the grill, perhaps in the company of others. This salad is perfect for a potluck gathering. It assembles quickly and can sit at room temperature for an extended period of time. Plus it's all veggies and full of color, something that is often lacking in a typical potluck party. Your friends who follow a paleo or raw lifestyle will especially love this salad.
Raw Cauliflower Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cauliflower, grated
- 2 carrots, grated
- 2 red peppers, chopped
- ½ cup kalamata olives, drained and cut in half
- 2 Tbsp capers, drained
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Sea salt
- Pepper
Directions: Combine all the ingredients together in a bowl and allow to sit for an hour for the flavors to deepen.
Serves 6
Adapted from: tastykitchen.com
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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 summer she is directing a 3-day intensive "Long Course" Triathlon Training Camp at Camp Mattatuck from June 21-23. Click here for more information. |
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STORE HOURS:
Mon-Thurs: 10-7
Fri: 10-6
Sat: 10-5:30
Sun: 12-5
Closed Memorial Day
Phone: 860-233-8077
www.fleetfeethartford.com
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EVENT CALENDAR
All events are at Fleet Feet Sports unless otherwise noted. | |
Wed, May 22 @ 6am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All abilities welcome
More Info HERE
Wed, May 22 @ 6-7:30pm
Open Water Swm Simulation
at Trinity College
$25 - RSVP thru TTNE
Wed, May 22 @ 6:30pm
Evening Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All abilities Welcome
Thurs, May 23 @ 6:30pm
Track Workout
at St. Joseph Univ Track
All Abilities Welcome
Fri, May 24 @ 6am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All Abilities Welcome
More Info HERE
Sat, May 25 @ 9:30-11am
FREE Injury Assessments
by Select Physical Therapy
No Appointment Necessary
Sun, May 26 @ 5:30pm
Yoga for Runners
Bring a mat, towel & $10
Mon, May 27 @ 6am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All Abilities Welcome
More Info HERE
Wed, May 29 @ 6am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All abilities welcome
More Info HERE
Wed, May 29 @ 6:30pm
Evening Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All abilities welcome
Thurs, May 30 @ 6:30pm
Track Workout
& Newton Shoe Demo
Univ of Saint Joseph Track
All abilities Welcome
Fri, May 31 @ 6am
Morning Fun Run
3-5 Casual Miles
All Abilities Welcome
More Info HERE
Fri, May 31 @ 4-6pm
Amica Iron Horse Race
Packet Pick-up
Save time on Race Day!
Sun, June 2 @ 5:30pm
Yoga for Runners
Bring a Towel, Mat & $10
Fri, June 14 @ 4-7pm
Run Back to the 80's
Packet Pick-up & Party
Mon, June 17 @ 7-8pm
Meet & Greet with
Barefoot Ken Bob
(made famous in "Born to Run")
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Sat, June 1 @ 6pm
Raffle Drawing for a
FREE Ironman Race Entry
courtsey of Newton Running!
Must be present to win
[Raffle Tickets will be given out from May 27-June 1 to the first 500 customers who try on a Newton Shoe. Tickets also feature a scratch-off game with great prizes like hats, shirts and Newton Shoes!] |
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FREE Injury Assessments
Sat, May 25 - 9:30-11am | |
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 staffed by certified Athletic Trainers from Select Physical Therapy.
These free clinics will be offered every other Saturday. No RSVP necessary.
Can't make the clinic or need an assessment sooner? Email or call the Select PT FREE Injury Hotline:
1-877-MOBL-MED
(1-877-662-5633) | |
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| 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 3-5 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. Runners are required to wear reflective gear and lights when it's dark (we have gear for you to borrow) so everyone is seen and safe!
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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Thurs Track Workout
6:30pm |  |
Do you feel the need for speed? Or maybe your workout routine needs a little spice?
Join us each Thursday at 6:30pm at the University of Saint Joseph Track off of Asyulm Rd in West Hartford for a fun track workout that caters to both beginners and more experienced runners.
Don't be intimidated by the name. These workouts are designed for runners of ALL abilities. We regularly have 50-70 people whose paces range from 5-12 min/mile. The goal is to help you get stronger and faster...while having fun and meeting some great fellow runners.
Please park in the upper parking lot (NOT the O'Connell Gym lot or we risk losing our permit to use the track).
Can't make it to the workout? Email Coach Chaz to receive his Weekly Workout email so you can still get your speed-fix in! |
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Yoga for Runners
Sunday's at 5:30pm - $10
(for competitive people who can't easily touch their toes) |  |
Is Yoga for Me?
It is important to ensure that your yoga practice will compliment your athletic activities.Our practice at Fleet Feet is very simple and usable. We take a few moments to settle into class. This is followed by core strengthening exercises such as abdominal work and plank holds. Once we are warmed up we move into poses that focus on typical runner weaknesses such as hips, legs, and/or chest muscle openers. We typically close with poses that allow us to lay on the ground and relax such as a reclining low back twist.
You can take these stretches and poses and use them at home pre and post run. To warm up, you can use very gentle stretches, core work, and balance to get your body ready for your workout. After your workout, when you are warm and most pliable, use some hip-opening poses, forward folds, and twists to cool down. *Please note that workouts lasting longer than 2.5 hours should only include a very gentle stretching routine. Your ligaments, tendons, and muscles have already been taxed; there is no reason to further tax and potentially damage your body.
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Meghan's Web Site
Twitter: @MegColFanning
Facebook |
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Summer XC & Track
Run Series for All Ages | |
Cross country courses & track meets aren't just for high schoolers, they are perfect for adults and kids of all ages. Grab your singlet, favorite pair of split shorts and some someglasses & have some fun this summer!
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The towns of Newington and Bolton both host a summer fun cross country series open to runners of all ages.
The Bolton XC Series are held every Wednesday evening beginning on June 26 through, August 7. They are perfect for the whole family as well as both new runners and competitive long-time runners.
The races are held at the Bolton Heritage Farm (aka Rose Farm). There is a toddler 100m race at 6pm (free), kids' mile at 6:10pm ($2) and a 2.3 mile race at 6:30pm ($3). The max family charge for one night is $10. All races are off-road (no traffic!) and all profits support the Bolton High School Track Team. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the series. For more info, click here.
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The Newington Park & Rec Dept will host their FREE fun runs on the cross country trails at John Wallace Middle School in Newington every Wednesday at 6:30pm beginning on July 10 through August 17. There will be both a 5k (3.1 miles) and a shorter 3k (about 2 miles) course. Ribbons are awarded to all finishers. For more info, email Jay Krusell at
jaykrusell@yahoo.com
These runs are hosted in honor of Mr. Frank O'Rourke who was a longtime Newington High School XC Coach. Participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who needs to sign the program waiver.
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Track more your style? The Southington High School Track & Field Team will be hosting a Summer Track Series at their track on July 21 and August 13. This meet is open to the public, anyone from elite runners to novice athletes are invited. The meet will be electronically timed by Northeast timing services. Field events athletes are welcome as well.
For more information, click here or email Coach Matt Shea at Sheam@live.com. |
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Summer School for
High School Runners | |
The key to a successful XC Season is getting in a good base of summer miles - but it can be hard to get motivated to run in the summer heat when you are all alone.
That's why we are going to host Summer School for high school runners beginning July 2 through mid August. We will host a 3-6 mile run on Tuesday's at 6pm (meet at the store) and a track/speed workout on Thursday's at 6:30pm (meet at University of Saint Joseph Track). Along the way, we'll have guest experts to teach you proper form and dynamic warm-ups, nutrition samples, gear demos...and prizes for attendence!
The program is FREE though you'll need your parents permission. More details to come, but join our Facebook group to stay in the loop.
Special thanks to Paul Cashman at Fairfield Prep HS for helping make this program possible! |
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Corporate Lunch & Learns
Schedule Yours Today
(Free!) |  | |
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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Resources for
Heathcare Providers |  |
We like to work closely with area healthcare professionals to find solutions for people who have injuries or foot problems because, oftentimes, a multi-faceted approach is needed to stop the cycle of injury.
We are proud to offer a variety of services and products to help you treat your patients and get them on the road to recovery. |
| 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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