Saucony (pronounced like "sock-any") has long been known for their legendary Grid technology that provides a great cushioned feeling that is surprisingly light. A few years ago, Grid was enhanced and evolved into the ProGrid which brought more bounce and even less weight. Last year Saucony debuted PowerGrid into their high end running shoes.  As you can deduce, PowerGrid provides even more bounce and cushion for about the same weight. Today, I'm pleased to report that the PowerGrid technology has finally been introduced into Saucony's go-to stability shoe, the Guide 7.  Yeah!

With PowerGrid, the Guide 7 has that premium feel - plush and responsive - without the premium price tag.   In addition to the upgraded cushioning, Saucony dialed in the fit of the upper so the shoe follows your foot and upgraded the outsole in a big way.  They removed the triangle lug pattern that made the shoe feel a little on the stiffer side and replaced it with a new tread pattern that provides all the flexibility you might want out of your everyday trainer...with improved durability.

With that kind of flexibility, you might be wondering if the new Guide 7 is still as stable as its predecessor.  The answer is "yes!"  With "engineered Geometry" (see pic at left) Saucony has strategically placed pieces of the outsole in just the right spot to give it the stability it always had, without feeling stiff.  Early reviews has runners raving about it - so much that it has been nominated for Shoe of the Year by the Independent Running Retailers Association.

If you are looking for a cushioned, stable shoe that won't weigh you down even on your longest runs (men's is 10oz flat, and women's is 8.6oz) or get in the way of your stride, check out the new Saucony Guide 7.  I think you will be very pleasantly surprised by the feel of it! 

Training during the winter (especially in CT) can be tough, but it is easier with friends which is why we're gearing up to host a plethora of programs for a variety of distances and abilities: 

Hyannis or Colchester Half Marathon: Starts Dec 7 - Register here

Bolton Road Race 5 Miler:  Starts Jan 4 - Register here

No Boundaries Beginning 5k:  Starts Jan 11 (run, run/walk and walk options available) - Register here

Additionally, Fleet Feet Sports is partnering with Adidas to offer a 12-week Boston Marathon Training Program with lots of VIP Perks including early Expo access, private bus to start and post-race recovery (free food and massages). 

The training program will begin the weekend of February 2-3, 2014.  Stay tuned for details! 

Not a day goes by without seeing a recipe for something delicious to serve at your Thanksgiving table. Magazines, blogs, and Facebook posts offer images of something new to add to your holiday menu. What about the day after? What do you do with all that leftover turkey?

Sure, turkey sandwiches with mayo, cranberry sauce and stuffing are a Black Friday tradition in some households, but i you are willing to be a little more creative and veer towards this Mexican soup, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. With a small amount of effort you can turn the turkey carcass into a flavorful broth unlike any you'd encounter in the supermarket. Making your own stock is very easy and you can make it as you clean up from dinner.  Let it simmer on the stove for four hours while you visit with company.

In October, I published a recipe for Pork and Hominy Stew and encouraged readers to pick up an extra can of hominy for this recipe. Use the hominy to make this smoky, spicy posole. Posole is like "taco soup" because guests add the toppings that suit them, building their own unique bow. This recipe is larger than most of the recipes I share. It serves 12, so let your guests linger and gather again around the table to feed them this tasty soup.

Chipotle Turkey Posole

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 23 chopped chipotles in adobo sauce
• 3 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
• Salt
• 4-5 cups leftover cooked turkey meat, shredded
• 2-3 14 oz cans of hominy, rinsed and drained
• 4 quarts of turkey stock
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 Tbsp dried oregano
• ⅛ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp cinnamon

Toppings (select your favorites):

• ½ head green cabbage, shredded
• 2 avocados, chopped
• 1 bunch radishes, sliced thin
• 8 oz Cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 large bunch cilantro, chopped
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 2 limes, cut into wedges
• tortilla chips

Directions:

1.  Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the chipotle pepper and cook for another 3 minutes.

2.  Add the tomatoes and the turkey meat. Next add hominy, followed by the stock. Taste and add salt if needed. Add the bay leaves and remaining spices. Add more water if the soup is too thick for your preference. Bring to a simmer and allow it to simmer for 45 minutes.

3.  Arrange the toppings on a platter or in separate bowls and let people add the toppings they wish to the soup.

Source: www.simplyrecipes.com

Fleet Feet is proud to offer free in-store monthly doctor clinics. We will be hosting a variety of doctors from different specialties to help keep you running healthy. The doctors will be available for a free 10 minute consultation between 6 - 7pm on the FIRST WEDNESDAY of every month!

This month we are pleased to welcome orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brett Wasserlauf from Connecticut Orthopedic Associates.  He is a an avid runner having just finished the NYC Marathon in under 4 hours.  

Please email Stacy to schedule your free consultation.  Only 6 appointment slots are available.

 SUGARLOAF MARATHON

MAINE

Building off the success of the Charlottesville spring marathon, Get Out N Play is launching another exciting destination marathon training program. In the winter of 2014, we begin training for the Sugarloaf Marathon in Carrabassett Valley, Maine.

On May 18th 2014, this long running marathon kicks off its 32nd year, in the shadows of the popular ski mountain.  Despite the surrounding mountains, the Sugarloaf Marathon is widely known as a fast course with the final 16 miles having an elevation loss of 980 feet. The course has been ranked one of the 15 fastest marathons in the nation.

Participants arrive in town on Friday, May 16th and get settled into our rented house, where you'll be spending the next three nights. On Saturday, we'll spend the day preparing for the race with yoga, packet pickup, a course preview, along with some time to kick back and relax. During your stay, you'll get four home cooked meals. Sunday is your day to tackle 26.2 miles. After Monday's breakfast, we'll depart back home.

Training begins on Sunday, January 18th. To start, you should be able to run eight miles. We'll be training as a group with runs on Sunday mornings and Tuesday nights.Throughout this program, you will have unlimited access to your knowledgeable coaches, Aubrey Schulz and Kurt Lindboom-Broberg.

If you are looking to get faster and/or learn about successfully running a marathon, this coaching program will surely move you in the right direction. A spring marathon is a perfect way to begin the 2014 season. After the holidays, you'll be ready to get into a training routine. Spend the chilly winter months training with a group and experience the camaraderie that comes along with it.  Arrive at the race well-prepared and injury- free with a huge foundation to surprise yourself and build confidence in your racing abilities. Make this marathon one for your record books!

Not quite ready for a marathon, but like the idea of training with a group? This race also features a 15K and we'll provide coaching and training for the shorter race too. 

If you register before December 31st, package totals range from $325-$875, including 18 weeks of coaching along with options for lodging, meals, race entry, and a t-shirt. On January 1st, the package prices increase to $350- $905, so act now!

Professionals from Advanced Chiropractic, Akua Ba, and Max Muscle will present on how to help you achieve ultimate fitness. Join the presenters and our Sports Medicine Director, Stacy, for a panel discussion after the lecture.

The lecture is free, but RSVP to Chris Chase to reserve your spot.

WHAT NOW?

Most athletes in our area are finishing up their racing season. Often, we are left with a feeling of  "What now?" You may need a break, but may be hesitant to do so because you are already thinking about 2013 races.  Or you just may be sick of running in general and need to do something else, but don't know what to do. I can relate to both of these!

Most importantly- always listen to your body! If you are feeling something wrong, or the beginnings of an injury, get it checked out.

Sometimes, it is our mind that needs a break. The monotony needs to be broken up. This is time to do something different. You can continue running, but take a few days a week to do yoga, cycle, swim, or whatever else you didn't have time for in the past few months. Have fun! Enjoy the season change. Check out a running group. You will NOT lose fitness by breaking from running and cross training.

It is important for our bodies to get balance as well. Engaging in activities that differ from your normal routine will help to strengthen and balance your body. When we are not racing we can push ourselves harder. 

Bottom line, maintain some base mileage but mix it up. Enjoy yourself.  If you exercise in not fun, then you are doing it wrong. 

If you're curious, come check out our class - Sundays at Fleet Feet 5.30p! Bring your skepticism! Talk to me! We are very informal. Let me know if you are a beginner, have any injuries, and where you are in your training cycle. Hope to see you on Sunday!!!

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