The weather pattern is changing and colder temperatures are dropping which means it's time for our annual "Predict the Snow, Win Mizuno Breath Thermo" contest!    

 
To participate, email Steph your best prediction of when Fleet Feet Sports West Hartford will receive its first inch of snow - month, day, hour and minute (example, December 2 at 4:13pm) in the Subject Line of your email. 

Snow depth will be determined with my state-of-the-art snow gauge (aka ruler) on my special 2'x2' "snowboard" so we're official.  Predictions are due by Midnight on Sunday, October 26, 2014.
 

Just like the Price is Right, the winner will be the person with the closest time without going over (e.g. if you predicted 8:59pm, you can't win if the time is past 9:00pm).  The winner will receive a Mizuno Breath Thermo top of their choosing to keep you warm and toasty during your winter adventures. The contest is free and open to anyone but you only get one prediction so make it a good one!

This week we are going to be giving a toast to the Asics Kayano, a shoe that is celebrating its 21st birthday. Not many shoes last this long, and it's really not a surprise that the Kayano has been going so strong for so long. The Kayano is the premium, super cushy stability shoe from Asics and this latest version cuts no corners in terms of technology. 

Asics integrated 30% more of their proprietary Gel and a new FluidRide material to create the ultimate 

combination of shock absorption, 

bounce-back and cushioning properties with reduced weight and exceptional durability.  The new Dynamic DuoMax Support System enhances the Kayano's stability and support yet is lighter 

weight than the Kayano's traditional DuoMax post.  The result is a very stable but ultra smooth ride. 

The upper has the newest edition of FluidFit, greatly reducing hotspots, and irritation, while keeping the foot secure and locked down. My favorite feature is the Heel Clutching System. This acts as an exoskeleton around instead of the traditional heel-counter built inside of it. This makes it lighter, and less irritating and restricting on the Achilles tendon, letting your natural stride reign. 

The Kayano 21 is the most high-tech, and plush edition of the shoe, continuing the great legacy of the Kayano, and remaining as one of the most popular shoes in the running world.  Join us this Wednesday at 6:30pm as we throw a 21st Birthday Bash for the Kayano 21 during our Fun Run.  We'll have demo shoes for you to try, as well as party favors for attendees!

Meet Nancy!  Nancy joined us in August as our General Manager and brings over 35 years of retail experience to us.  Most recently, she was the GM at Athleta at West Farms Mall (a store she brought to life) and has also managed the Victoria Secret in Evergreen Walk.  Her specialty is athletic clothing and bras, and if you've been Fleet Feet recently, you know the impact she's already had on improving the apparel selection - and service - in the store.  Wow!  

Each newsletter, Nancy will introduce you to a new trend in running apparel - sometimes technical, sometimes fashion since we all like to dress as fit as we feel.  This week she takes on jackets - a staple to our winter running wardrobes! 

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We have jackets to meet Mother Nature head on! Rain, wind, chill or darkness will not stop us from running! Jackets that are reflective, wind resistant, waterproof and water resistant in all styles and colors. Wear for running or running around town!

North Face Stormy Trail Jacket (Men & Women): Ready for foul- weather runs! This jacket is lightweight yet breathable for you dedicated runners that complete your mileage no matter the weather! This jacket has an internal sleek design that reduces overall wind drag and a dry touch interior that eliminates the need for a liner. Available in two great colors, Shadow Purple and Rocket Red!

Brooks Nightlife Essential Jacket (Men & Women): Dark, wet or windy this jacket has what you need! Wind and water-resistant with side stretch panels for great movement. The women's jacket features a fun back pleat that makes it as cute from the back as the front! You will want to be "seen" in this jacket available in two great colors, Reflective Yellow and Reflective Pink (pink only for the ladies)! 

Brooks LSD Lite Jacket (Men & Women): This jacket is great for running, walking and travel. Light and easy to pack and stash. The entire jacket can be folded into its own pocket! This jacket may be lightweight but it is 

windproof and water- resistant! Light 

enough to layer, great for changing weather! This is on your Need To Have list...especially if you run warm!

Craft Full Zip Hoodie (Men & Women): This is a great everyday comfortable hoodie! It has a cool look with shaped pockets. This is a great alternative to a jacket when you need an extra layer of warmth. Full zipper keeps your neck warm even if the hood is down! 

Need help discovering the right program for you?  Email Caitlin at training@fleetfeethartford.com.

I love the name of this recipe, taken from Dorie Greenspan's Around my French Table, Pumpkin Stuffed with Everything Good. This time of year, pumpkin spiced things fill the shelves of grocery stores. Rather than relying on a bunch of chemicals and food science to make things taste pumpkiny, here is a recipe where you eat the pumpkin, along with cheese, bread, cream and bacon. 

This recipe is a little more decadent than some of my recent contributions, but every now then some warming comfort food is just what you need. This would also be a festive dinner for Halloween.

Skip the large jack o lantern sized pumpkins. Instead you are looking for a smaller pie pumpkin, about 3 pounds. Consider this recipe a template or a starting point. When you make it again, and I'm pretty sure you will because it's so tasty, you can vary the stuffing. 

Consider using cooked rice, instead of the bread. Add veggies like kale, chard, spinach or frozen peas. Try other cooked meats like cubed ham or sausage. Nuts, apples, pears and chestnuts are other great choices to add in.

Pumpkin Stuffed with Everything Good

Ingredients:

• 1 pie pumpkin, about 3 lbs
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• ¼ lb (4 oz or ½ cup) stale bread, cut into ½ inch cubes
• ¼ lb cheese, such as Gruyere, Emmenthal, or cheddar, cut into ½ inch chunks
• 2-3 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked until crisp, drained and chopped
• 1 Tbsp fresh sage or thyme
• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• pinch of nutmeg

Directions:

1. Adjust the oven rack, so there is space for the pumpkin to fit and preheat to 350. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. After washing the pumpkin, carefully carve the top off, cutting at a 45 degree angle, Jack o Lantern style. Scoop out the inside fibers and seeds. (Save the seeds for roasting later).  Season the inside with salt and pepper.
3. Combine the bread, cheese, garlic, bacon and sage together in a bowl. Add a little salt and pepper.
4. Stuff the inside of the pumpkin with this mixture. The pumpkin should be well filled. Stir some nutmeg into the cream and pour it into the pumpkin, coating the bread mixture.
5. Put the cap in place and bake until the pumpkin is soft so the tip of a knife easily pierces the skin, about 90 minutes to 2 hours.
6. To serve, you can slice it into wedges or scoop it out off the pumpkin directly, making sure you incorporate some pumpkin into your serving.

Source: Dorie Greenspan, Around My French Table

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Nothing like being chased by Zombie to inspire you to run a little faster! 

The fun of Halloween continues with this awesome 5k for humans and their zombie counterparts and a series of FitKids fun runs for kids (parents are welcome to run with their kids). 

The race takes place on the paved path and dirt roads inside the beautiful MDC Reservoir #1 located in West Hartford (off Farmington Ave).  Humans will start at 10am, while the Zombies begin their chase at 10:02am.  You can choose whether you want to race as a human or a zombie.  Costumes are encouraged. 

The race is a fundraiser for the Ron Foley Foundation in support of finding a cure for Pancreatic Cancer.  Fleet Feet Sports is proud to show our support for the Ron Foley Foundation and will feature purple lights in our store windows this November in honor of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month.