This week marks the return of a long time favorite of ours. The Adidas Adizero Boston, now with Boost! 

For those of you who don't know what boost is already, it is a patented material from Adidas that has exploded over the past two years. It has insane energy return properties, and vastly improved flexibility over the traditional EVA foam that is most commonly used... Basically, it's awesome.

 

The Boston, more specifically, has always been the lightweight trainer that wants to go fast. With the addition of Boost, it basically got a turbo charger, with an even more plush ride, giving you the best of both worlds. The upper has been changed to have the same sort of fit and feel of the world famous Adios, making it a great light trainer for people trying to run faster, or even a good marathon shoe for people who still need more than the super-light racing shoe.

Of course, it still has the Continental Tires rubber on the outsole making sure you keep your grip, and giving you premium longevity of your shoe.

Overall, the Boston feels fast, responsive, light, and cushy enough to still do your long runs, or marathons. Come in and try it to find out why it is one of the staff favorites!

We've curated a great collection from Saucony's TotalRun System that target three main areas: keeping you dry, warm and shielded from the elements (including amp'ing your visibility so autos can see you).  As a result of engineering to these principles, you can create a comfortable and technical environment that keeps you running strong. 

Sonic Reflex Jacket (men & women): What looks like a regular wind and water resistant jacket in a sharp carbon-grey color is really a super high-viz jacket that provides 360 degrees of brightness thanks to fully reflective fabric.  Jackets feature extra back-length for coverage, two zippered hand pockets for safe storage, and ventilated panels under your arms, elbows and back for maximum breathability.  The perfect jacket for those who don't want to look like a highlighter on the run!

Omni LX Tight (men & women): Saucony's best-selling tight thanks to stretch-thermal fabric that keeps you dry and comfortable and reflective tape that runs from hip to ankle to increase your visibility when you're sharing the road with cars.  We also love the zippered back storage pocket, zippered leg openings with ankle grippers and a little pop of color for added style!

Boston Pant (men & women): A time-honored favorite among runners!  Saucony bought the pattern for Hind's famous Munich Pant and upgraded the fabric to one with a super soft-hand to make it wicked comfortable.  Pants feature zippered legs for easy-off and zippered side pockets for safe storage.  Every runner needs this pant in their wardrobe!   

Dash Hoody (women): Soft and stretchy with a fantastic silhouette!  A great lightweight hoody for chilly mornings and evenings.  The off-center zipper helps you let off steam mid-stride without chafing your chin.  We also love the holes for your thumbs and ponytail, as well as reflectivity dots along the front, back and sleeves.  Cute colors too!

Runderpants (women): A girl's gotta have some fun!  Super stretchy, ultra-comfortable, cotton-free (i.e. moisture-wicking) undies with sassy messages on the bum.  Too fun!

Feetures! Merino+ Socks: Soft as silk, but tough as nails thanks to a unique blend of super fine Merino wool and silky soft Rayon from bamboo.  These wool-blend socks regulate the temperature of your feet in winter AND summer, wick-moisture like crazy so your feet stay dry, as well as blister and odor-free and feature Feetures! patent-pending Power Arch, anatomical-fit (i.e. left and right foot specific socks) and the "Perfect Toe".  Available in no-show and quarter lengths.

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 3-12. 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!).

Our West Hartford-based program begins on Sunday, October 5 at 3pm at the Kingswood-Oxford fields (many thanks to the K-O athletic department for allowing us to use their beautiful fields!).  We will practice every Sunday at 3pm through November 16 with the program culminating in the Little Manchester Road Race (the race has sold out, but all registered Zoomerangs will receive an guaranteed entry!)

Click the button below for more details.

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!

This past weekend we celebrated my son's first birthday. His party featured a nautical theme, complete with chevron pennant banners, mason jars of goldfish crackers, chicken salad served on crabby croissants and clam chowder.

I reviewed recipes for both New England and Manhattan clam chowders. With a house full of people arriving at noon, the Manhattan chowder was the simpler of the two recipes. It called for sautéing the onions, carrots and celery. Followed by adding the rest of the ingredients and simmering for 40 minutes.

Those 40 minutes were valuable time for me to work on other party details. Plus this recipe was lighter than the New England version, with the absence of heavy cream. Maybe this meant more room for his Red Velvet birthday cake.

Manhattan Clam Chowder

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp celery seed
• 2 bay leaves
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 16 oz clam broth or juice
• 2 10 oz cans of baby clams, juice reserved
• 1 lb potatoes, cut into 2 inch chunks
• 12 live small clams (littlenecks)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat a soup pot over medium-high heat. Warm the olive oil and saute the carrots, celery and onion until soft, about 4-5 minutes. Do not brown the vegetables.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the herbs, canned tomatoes, clam broth and the juice from the canned clams. Mix well, then add the potatoes. Bring to a simmer, cover and simmer gently until the potatoes are done, about 30-40 minutes.
3. Add then canned clams and live clams. Cover the pit and simmer until the live clams open up, about 5-10 minutes.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Source: www.simplyrecipes.com

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------

How about a 5K run through beautiful country roads lined with fall foliage, followed by a fantastic Farm Day Harvest Festival?  Yes please! 

Runners of all ages are invited to participate in the Coventry Harvest Run 5k & Kids Fun Run.  The USATF-certified 5k starts and ends on South Street in front of the Strong-Porter Museum (across the street from the Nathan Hale Homestead).  The kids' Dash Race will take place in the flagpole field in front of the Nathan Hale Homestead. 

After the races, everyone is encouraged to stay for the Farm Day Harvest Festival featuring live music, local products, pumpkin play day and a corn maze. 

Recover, Relax... 

      Return to Run

• Medal engraving drop-off for runners ($10)
• Injury assessments by Select Physical Therapy
• Ice and heat packs
• Massage $1/ minute by Therapeutic Bodyworks
• Active Release and Graston® Technique Treatment Demonstrations by Select Physical Therapy
• Pilates for runners: Power from your core by Pilates West Hartford
• Gift basket & gift card GIVE AWAYS every half hour!

Double your chances of winning a raffle prize by emailing Karleigh at kfeda@selectmedical.com to preregister.  Walk-ins are also welcome though the first 50 attendees will receive a special commemorative memento.

Sponsored by Select Physical Therapy, Therapeutic Bodyworks, Hartford Marathon Foundation and Fleet Feet Sports!