In by popular demand, is the Hoka One One Clifton!  The Clifton may well be the most absurdly, impossibly cool shoe so far. 

Everyone already knows that Hoka has legendary cushion and a superior smooth ride...but they can be a little heavy, the downfall of a crazy amount of cushioning.  So Hoka took their Conquest, which was already one of the lightest shoes they had and stripped down both the SpeedFrame upper and their brand new HIP CMEVA midsole to form a super light, but cushy and very durable ride.  In fact, a size 9 men's shoe weighs in at a whopping 7.7 oz!  Hoka's shoe designers also added an "early stage metarocker" to provide a super smooth transition from heel to toe. 

We like to say that Hoka shoes are perfect for two types of runners: ultra and "broken" runners because both need the added cushion to make it through their workouts.  If you are a fan of Hoka or just love cushioning, the Clifton may become your go-to shoe for racing a half or full marathon (or any race for that matter). Think Saucony Kinvara...but with more cushioning!   

We have a limited number in stock for now, but they are going quick so act fast in order to get your own pair of this history making shoe.

Our friends at Iris Photography are celebrating women with a special - and FREE - Girls Night Out party that highlights many of the women-owned businesses in West Hartford Center (Fleet Feet Sports is proud to be included with this diverse, passionate group!). 

The party will take place in and behind Iris Photography's studio on LaSalle Rd (across from Starbucks).  There will be amazing pastries crafted by hand from Alexandra of La Petite France Bakery and wine from Toast.  Our favorite fashionistas at BK & Co, Silkworm, Kimberly & Sight will showcase the hot new styles while Sugar will let you take a spin in their chair for a free hair consultation.  We'll be there too to offer complimentary sports bra fittings - and there will be lots of great raffle prizes!

Ladies - mark your calendar, it's going to be a fun night out!

Building off the success of the Charlottesville spring marathon, Get Out N Play (www.getoutnplay.biz) is launching another exciting destination marathon training program. In the late fall of 2014, we begin training for the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

On Sunday March 22nd 2015, this beachy marathon will kick off the race in the spirit of the St. Patrick's day holiday. The race is flat and fast, so it's a perfect chance to set a personal record (PR) or qualify for Boston. With a large expo, on course and post race entertainment, and a large field, this will surely be wonderful escape out of New England.

Participants arrive in town on Friday, March 20th and get settled into our rented house along the Atlantic Ocean, where you'll be spending the next three nights. On Saturday, we'll spend the day preparing for the race with yoga, packet pick-up, 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, November 2nd. To start, you should be able to run eight miles. We'll be training as a group with runs on Sunday mornings and Thursday nights. Throughout this program, you will have unlimited access to your knowledgeable coaches, Aubrey Schulz and Bill Honeck.

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 2015 season. 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 half marathon and we'll provide coaching and training for that race too.

If you register before October 13th, package totals range from $495-$995, including 20 weeks of coaching along with options for lodging, meals, race entry, and a T--shirt.

Visit the website to learn more!

At the farm where I have a CSA, the eggplant has been plentiful. Some evenings I'll spend a little more time in the kitchen, assembling a ratatouille or eggplant Parmesan. Other nights I don't have the time or ambition. This roasted eggplant with its tomato vinaigrette is an easy dish to prepare. Trader Joe's sells a refrigerated container of prepared lentils that I like in this recipe. 

Last night, I simplified this recipe by taking the roasted eggplant innards and mixing it with a dash of sherry vinegar and salt.  This mixture was spread on top of a toasted baguette, making for a yummy side dish.

Roasted Eggplant

Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant
• olive oil
• ¾ cup cooked or drained canned lentils
• large handful cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Halve eggplant lengthwise and score the cut flesh with a fork. Place on a tray, lightly coated with oil, skin side down and rub the skin with oil.
2. Bake for 30-45 mins or until eggplant is super soft and golden.
3. When the eggplant is almost done, heat a few tablespoons olive oil in a small saucepan. Add lentils and tomato and cook until hot.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in the vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve eggplant halves topped with the lentil & tomato vinaigrette.

Source: www.stonesoup.com

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Select Physical Therapy is bringing their popular Performance Running Clinics to their clinic in Farmington.  These free clinics are appropriate for both new and experienced runners and triathletes who are looking for ways/tools to improve their performance and stay healthy.

Dr. Karl Dauphinais, doctor of internal medicine who specializes in sports medicine (and is a triathlete and avid runner himself) will lead off the clinic by presenting on common running injuries, causes, recovery and prevention tips.  Next will be Mike Distefano, an athletic trainer who specializes in Dartfish Video Motion Analysis will present, followed by interactive stations to include injury assessments, foam rolling how-to, mini-gait analysis and good form running tips. 

All attendees will get a Select PT VIP card entitling them to discounts such as 20% off Dart

fish Analysis as well as a chance to win a $50 gift card to Fleet Feet Sports!

This clinic is limited to 25 runners. Please e-mail your name and phone number to Skylar Miers to claim your spot. Also, let Skylar know if you would like to have an official Dartfish Gait Analysis performed at the clinic (your VIP card will entitle you to 20% off).

This 5K run/walk event is being run in honor of former Newington Mayor Dominic Mazzoccoli who is currently fighting ALS. Proceeds from the event will benefit the ALS Therapy Development Institute.

This is a great local event featuring a flat and fast, this course starting and ending at the Mortensen Community Center in Newington - perfect for seeing all that summer training pay off. Come set your own PR and honor those who are fighting ALS.

The race will be a 9:00am start. Awards will be given to top 3 overall male/female, as well as top 3 male/female age group winners. There will be an aid station at the halfway point and post-race food/beverage available for all participants.

Register online here or learn more about the race and Dom by clicking the race logo above.

Former Fleet Feet staffer (and now an English teacher at Old Lyme High School) Amy D'Anna rocked the Ironman Mount Tremblant and earned a coveted slot to the Ironman World Championship in Kona, HI - a lifelong dreams for her!  To help afford the trip to Kona, our friends at Newington Bike and Lake T Triathlon race director, Billy Honek, are hosting a fundraiser at 2 Hopewell Restaurant in South Glastonbury.