Live Fit!

Steph

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Andrew - CWX Pro Shorts: My go-to tight in winter is CWX's Stabilyx Tights. My muscles appreciate the perfect combination of compression and support from its unique Support Web system provides (think kinesio-taping). Research shows that the Web reduces workload in the pull phase of running, as well as increases circulation to reduce fatigue. But tights are way too hot in the summer which is why these shorts from CWX featuring Cool Max are perfect! My IT band, hamstrings and glute get the support and protection they need without fear of over-heating. The shorts can be worn on their own or as a baselayer.

Casey - Nike Apparel: Our first shipment of Nike's fall apparel has arrived, and it is full of awesome pieces! Training for a marathon justifies my need to expand my running wardrobe. Plus, when you look great, you feel great. Two of my favorite pieces from this new collection are the Element Hoodie and Epic Run Capri.

The Element Hoodie is an unbelievably comfortable, lightweight layer that is perfect for the cooling weather. Made with a beautiful Dri-FIT heathered fabric and a touch of Spandex, it wicks away sweat, keeps its shape and is stylish enough to wear when you're not working out. As a bonus this hoodie has the ever popular thumbholes with fold over cuffs for extra coverage and a snug fit, as well as a kangaroo pocket for storage and hand-warming as you wait for your running partner.

Colder weather also means it is time to put away your summer running shorts and go long...but not too long! Nike's new Epic Run Capri fits that niche perfectly. True to its name, these capris are epic! The ergonomic seams and extra Spandex not only feels luxurious, but hugs your body's natural curves, reduces bulk and provides great range of motion. The butter-soft fabric wicks moisture to keep you dry, mesh inserts on the back of the knees enhance breathability in that high-heat zone, and storage isn't an issue with a secure zipper pocket on the center-back and two internal drop-in waistband pockets. Pairs superbly with the Element Hoodie!

Chaz - Nike Pre Tech Tee: Steve Prefontaine is a legend among runners. He once held the record for every distance event from 2,000m to 10,000m. Tragically, his life was cut short in a car accident - he was just 24 years old. Pre was an aggressive runner who went out hard and pushed the pace instead of hanging back to win strategically. He won 120 of the 153 races he entered. Celebrate Pre's spirit and your dedication to the run with this sweet tech tee from Nike. Available in white or grey.  

Duncan - Salted Caramel & Passion Fruit Gu: Energy gels have gone gourmet with two new flavors from Gu Energy Labs. The Salted Caramel, featuring a Yeti named Salty, tops off your electrolyte stores thanks to the addition of more sodium and potassium than usual Gu gels and 20mg of caffeine to help your body absorb it all the faster. Perfect for long runs or rides in the sun and humidity. Plus, who can resist a wooly bully, Abominable Snowman, hairer-then-your-uncle-winter-wildebeast as its Pitchman?  

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 3-11. 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 and Autism Families CONNECTicut (AFC), we will again be hosting three different sessions - two for typical kids and one for individuals with Autism:

Zoomerangs East (Glastonbury): begins Sept. 15

Zoomerangs West (West Hartford): begins Oct 6

Zoomerangs on the Spectrum (West Hartford): Sept 8

For more information and registration for the Zoomerangs East or West programs, click here. Registration is $45 per child and includes entry into the Race to Fill the Pantry or the Little Manchester Road Race.

For more information and registration for Zoomerangs on the Spectrum with AFC, click here. Thanks to the generous support of AFC, the program fee is just $25 and there will be experienced therapists on hand to help with the program. 

Kids Who Tri Succeed is a great race for aspiring young triathletes aged 4-14.  This is the 8th year of this awesome event that shows kids how much fun working towards a fitness goal can be - and increased their confidence.

This kids-only triathlon will take place on the grounds of Mansfield Middle School and the beautiful Bicentennial Pond.  There will be four races by age group (4-6 year olds, 7-8, 9-11 and 12-14) with distances getting longer as the kids get older (there is a new course for the two oldest age groups).

This is a wonderful triathlon for kids just starting out since the kids can swim in the shallow end 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.

Race fee is $20 if you register before August 20 (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 racers will get a cool t-shirt and be professionally timed and photographed. There is a limit of 150 kids (about 80 spots are remaining at the time of this writing) and will sell-out so don't delay.

Click here to register or learn more. 

Do you enjoy nature and trails? Then join the Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) for the 2nd Annual Run for the Woods on September 7 at Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area in Burlington. It's not just another run and fundraiser, it's a celebration of the outdoors!

With the support of Run for the Woods partners Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) and Fleet Feet Sports, this year's events include a 10K Trail Race (8:30 a.m.), 5K Trail Race (9:00 a.m.), and 5K Walk (9:15 a.m.), all on beautiful, wooded trails that meanders through wetlands with a beaver pond where you might catch of glimpse of the pileated woodpecker, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, ruffed grouse and broad-winged hawks.

Registration fees are $25 for the 5K run or walk, and $35 for the 10k run. If you sign up before August 26, you will get a free copy of CFPA's Tree ID booklet. Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. on the day of the race.

If you can't join in the events, consider pledging a donation dedicated to one of the runners or walkers. All donations go to the protection of Connecticut forests and trails. For more information on the race, the CFPA and pledging guidelines click here.

To register click here.

During the August-days of summer, veggies prepared on the grill are delectable way to make use of summer's bounty overflowing from local gardens and farmer's markets. Cooking vegetables on the grill, along with a few pantry staples, is a simple, weeknight meal.

I'm frequently searching for easy, tasty ways to grill veggies. I like that this recipe is not elaborate and comes together in under 20 minutes. This recipe has a been in a regular rotation at our house, since the weekly arrival of eggplant in our CSA (community supported agriculture) share.

Grilled Eggplant with Feta Cheese and Tomato

Ingredients:

• 2 medium eggplants
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Pinch of sugar
• 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
• a few stalks of parsley, leaves only, chopped
• salt and pepper
• 4 oz feta cheese

Directions:

1. Slice the eggplant into rounds about ¾ of an inch thick. Salt lightly and set aside.
2. Heat the grill to high heat.
3. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar and sugar. Let the eggplant marinate in the mixture for about 3 minutes.
4. Place the eggplant directly on a heated grill (or use a special grill pan) and cover. Cook for about 6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are as soft as you prefer.
5. Meanwhile combine the tomatoes, parsley, cheese and a little salt and pepper.
6. Top the eggplant with the tomato mixture and serve.

Adapted from: www.thekitchn.com

STORE HOURS:

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.

 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!

We've all been there. Whether it was something you ate, too much liquid or just bad timing, sometimes you just gotta go during your run. And many times, there are no public facilities to be found.

One of our Peeps is researching this issue and needs your input about what you do in situations like these. He would appreciate 2 minutes of your time to answer this short 7 question survey - thanks!

CLICK HERE for Survey

If you are one of the many who kick off their Thanksgiving Day celebration with the Manchester Road Race, stay up to date and fuel the excitement by becoming a fan of their new Facebook Page.

Enjoy fun facts, trivia contests, news, countdowns, photos and the opportunity to be one of the first runners to register for this classic race that promises to sell out again this year!

Click here to become a fan.