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THE EXTRA MILE
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Issue #171
January 27, 2015
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The one role in life that tops owning a running store is being a PANK (Professional Aunt, No Kids). Thanks to my brother, I am an aunt to three amazing kids aged 7-11 who still mob me when I see them and think I'm cool. In return for spoiling them, they spoil me with love, laughter and hugs.
As much as I try to be a good role model for them, they teach me. They believe in the goodness of people, appreciate the little things (after topping their hot chocolate with whipped cream, they declared me a gourmet chef worthy of winning Chopped) and have a zest for life. During our most recent adventure (a trip to Great Wolf Lodge), they reminded me to not let fear get in the way of my dreams.
In addition to a huge indoor water park, GWL has a high ropes course. Even though the obstacles are only about two stories off the ground, from a kid's standpoint, it's super high. My soon-to-be 10 year old nephew has no fear and bounded up the steps to the first obstacle, while his older brother and younger sister hung back on the ground reservedly.
My niece turned to me and said that she was too scared to do this. Before I could say anything, the oldest put his hand on her shoulder and said, "I'm really scared too, but we can't let fear stop us from doing something awesome. You gotta face your fears...now, let's do this!" With that, both kids climbed the steps and rocked the course.
Turns out, I needed that pep talk too. For several months (more like the better part of a year) I've been contemplating converting the empty space at the far end of our building into a new store that would specialize in sports bras and offer the largest sports bra selection in New England. Like jeans and bathing suits, shopping for the right sports bra is not an easy - or pleasant - task, but wearing the right sports bra is critical. To find that sports bra, you need variety and trained bra fit specialists.
A recent study in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health found that nearly 20% of women say their breasts PREVENT them from participating in ANY physical activity. That number doesn't even include women who exercise less than planned due to breast pain. My goal is to remove that hurdle to a healthy lifestyle for as many women as possible - but I was scared to take on the risk, expense and challenges of opening a second store even if the store was only three doors down from our main location.
I am proud to say that last Thursday construction officially began on our "Women's Annex" which will house our Sports Bratique. This unique expansion scheduled to be completed in early March will enable us to increase our selection of fitness apparel and gear for both men and women. While most of our women's apparel will be in the Annex, shoes, men's apparel and products like hydration, compression, massage and nutrition will remain in the main store.
Both stores will offer great customer experiences, as well as inspire, motivate and enable you to achieve your fitness dreams. It may be a little out of the ordinary, but we plan to make it extraordinary! No fear!
Live Fit,
Steph
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Judd's Shoe Review - Trail Shoes
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It's that time of year. Piles of snow make you think "Well, maybe I should hit the treadmill" or worse, "I guess I'll just couch-surf". It's the bane of a runners' winter.
I'm here to tell you that you CAN run outside (OK maybe not when there is 30" of snow on the ground), but a little white stuff doesn't need to send you indoors when you have the right gear...beginning with a pair of trail shoes.
Trail shoes are great in the winter because they have an aggressive outsole which provides better traction to help keep you moving forward, as well as a thicker, sometimes waterproofed, upper to keep your feet drier and warmer than a typical sneaker. Plus, they feel awesome and look great!
 In celebration of Storm Juno, we are having a Flash Sale on select trail shoes. Get 25% off one trail shoe, 50% off the second and 75% off the third! So grab your friends and get in to Fleet Feet. Sale ends on Sunday!
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What's New...with Nancy
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  CW-X Stabilyx Tights (Men & Women): While I live and work in a variety of tights, these are favorite tights to actually RUN in thanks to the compression and built-in kinesiotaping (Pro Support Web) that supports muscles like your IT Band, knee, quads and glutes while reducing road vibration. They are available as shorts, capris and both regular and insulated tights which feature a cozy WarmStretch interior and wind panels on the outside for added protection.
  CW-X Sports Bras (Women): The same great support web technology in CW-X famous Stabilyx tights can now be found in a sports bra! CW-X offers two great bras, VERSATX and XTRA Support, that are comfortable, discrete and supportive thanks to the Targeted Support Web design built into each cup for optimal motion control for each breast. The VERSATX has a hook and eye closure and velcro straps for ease and adjustability. I love the polka dot print and trendy accent colors on the black and white ones. Stop in so we can help you find the best bra for your active lifestyle.
 Skida (Men, Women & Kids): Thanks to Jill A. for recommending this new line of winter headwear we instantly fell in love with! There are cool patterned hats, neck gaitors and headbands all lined with fleece. Super warm, fun patterns and just puts a smile on your face when you put them on! Made in VT, Skida also donates hats to cancer patients to help keep their heads warm during chemotherapy treatment. We love to support brands that help others!
Addaday Massage Rollers: Addaday products are staff favs because they help us recover quicker. The company's mission is to create "simple tools and exercises to help improve the quality of your day." Just introduced, are three new products made in partnership with renown physical therapist, Robert Forster, who has made a series of videos showing how to use each product and manage common runner injuries.  Boomerang Roller contours around the body to get to the hard to reach areas like back and shoulders. The direction of the rollers allows for great cross fiber friction massages. We all want to use this one all the time!
 Fly Roller can be used with one hand or two. It has two density gears for different pressure. You can use one gear or both simultaneously. This is a great roller to have in your gym bag!  Uno Roller has an adjustable gear for three different postions to fit different needs.This allows for easy self massage on the back of the neck as well as all over the body. This is a great roller to keep in your office desk drawer or glove compartment.
 Pocket Fuel Nut Butter Blends: 100% natural energy derived from nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Each pouch has 7-9 grams of protein to fuel you before, during and after your long run. The combination of simple and complex carbohydrates boosts blood sugar while simultaneously helping to sustain power output for hours. Pocket Fuel also replenishes electrolyte levels and protects against cellular damage with its anti-oxidant-rich blend of locally sourced whole foods.
Choose from flavors like Chocolate Haze, Banana Blueberry, Chia Goji & Honey and Coconut Cherry. Whether you eat it alone or squeeze it onto bananas, drizzle it over oatmeal or mix it into your protein shake, it tastes amazing!
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NEW Half Marathon Training Program:
Last Call!
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 We are excited to partner with the Hartford Marathon Foundation to offer a training program for the Harvard Pilgrim Middletown Half Marathon on April 12.
This challenging, yet fun half marathon traces the roads that legendary runners Amby Burfoot and Bill Rodgers trained on when they went to Wesleyan University. Along the way, you'll be entertained by live bands and the post-race party offers some of Middletown's best eats from NoRa Cupcakes and Eli Cannons.
If you can run a 10k, you are ready for this 12-week program! Practices will be on Saturday mornings at 8am (meet at the store).
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Roasted Root Veggie Soup
By Aubrey Schulz
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Snowstorms are synonymous with soup. While the crowds are frantically buying bread, milk, orange juice and bananas, I'm stocking up on potatoes, parsnips, carrots and rutabagas. As the inches of snow accumulate (assuming we don't lose power), the soup is simmering away on the stove.
This recipe is flexible. Ideally you want about a cup of each of the veggies, for a total of 5 cups of vegetables roasting on the baking sheet. The apple cider vinegar is a dominant flavor, with its bold tartness. Studies have shown apple cider vinegar to be beneficial to the immune system, an added bonus in this season of colds and flus. This soup will help warm and nourish you after a chilly run or clearing the driveway.
Roasted Root Veggie Soup
Ingredients:
- 2-3 medium potatoes
- 3-4 parsnips
- 3-4 carrots
- 1-2 sweet potatoes
- 1-2 rutabagas
- Olive oil
- 1 head of garlic
- 1-2 onions, chopped
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 4 cups stock (veggie or chicken)
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400. Cut off the top third of the head of garlic. Sprinkle a little oil on top of the exposed cut and loosely wrap the garlic in foil. Place the garlic in the oven to roast.
- Peel and dice the potatoes, parsnips, carrots, sweet potatoes, and rutabagas into 1 inch cubes. Toss the veggies with 3 Tbsp of oil. Spread the vegetables evenly onto a cookie sheet and place in the oven.
- Roast for about 15 minutes.
- In a soup pot, melt the butter. Add the onions and saute for about 3 minutes. Add the roasted veggies and apple cider. Continue to cook until the cider is reduced by half, about 15 minutes.
- Add the stock, thyme, sage and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook another 10 minutes.
- Remove the garlic from the oven. Squeeze the garlic from the bulbs into a small bowl. Mash with a fork. Stir it into the soup.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve.
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Aubrey Schulz is a certified nutrition and triathlon coach with Get Out N Play. She works with clients to help them reach their nutritional and athletic goals, in the kitchen, out on the road and in the water! Check out her training program for the Shamrock Marathon. You can reach her at aubrey@getoutnplay.biz
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STORE HOURS:
Mon-Fri: 10-7
Sat: 10-5:30
Sun: 12-5
Phone: 860-233-8077
www.fleetfeethartford.com
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FREE Injury Assessments
Sat, Jan 31 & Feb 7
9:30-11am
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Featured Race:
Run for Refugees
Sun, Feb 1 @ 10am
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Drinks with the Drs.
Mon, Feb 9 @ 6:30pm
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Indoor Tri Season
is coming!
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| Wed Night Fun Runs
6:30pm (at the store)
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Thurs Night
Track Workout
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Corporate Lunch & Learns
Schedule Yours Today
(Free!)
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Be Safe, Carry ID
on Your Run or Ride | |
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| New Shoes - Delivered (FREE) to Your Door! | |
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Trails shoes are a great choice for winter running (see Judd's Shoe Review above for the 4-1-1). Now through Sunday, we're hosting a FLASH SALE on select trail shoes like the Nike Terra Kieger, Brooks Cascadia, New Balance 1210 and Montrail.
Get 25% off your 1st pair, 50% off your 2nd pair and $75 your 3rd pair. You can mix-and-match sizes and styles so partner up with family and friends to score a sweet deal!
This sale is NOT valid on previous purchases or special orders, nor may it be combined with other discounts/coupons, except $15 Rewards Certificates.
Go green and show us this coupon on your phone!
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Offer Expires: Sunday, February 1, 2015
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