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 Running is like a diamond with its many facets. At first, the brilliance is created through conquering distances you never thought possible - first a 5k, then 10k, half marathon, marathon...maybe even an ultra! Then you start discovering other angles such as trails, triathlons, adventure runs, relays and destination races that continue to add light and excitement to the sport.
Two weekends ago my sister and I traveled to Germany for our first international race - a half marathon in Freiburg which is near the Black Forest. The location has special significance to my sister because this is where she fell in love with running. During her junior year of college, she studied at the University of Freiburg, but had more free time than she had studies, so she began to run. And run. And run! The race course meandered through town, past the university and the famous blue bridge that she crossed every day - the same bridge I remember dragging my luggage stuffed full of peanut butter and other American treats when I came to visit her. It's amazing how much and how little a place can change in 20 years. One big change this time around was that we didn't have to lug our bags across the bridge thanks to the airline which managed to send our bags to Switzerland instead of Germany. (Important Lesson for Traveling Runners: always wear your running shoes and pack your race gear in your carry-on). The start of the race was delayed until 11am due to Palm Sunday Procession through town which made the six hour time difference a little more agreeable with our bodies. As we headed over to race start at the huge Sports Messe outside of town, it was cool to see people coming from all directions on foot, bike and bus with their yellow race bags strapped on their back. Despite the race having over 11,000 people, the parking lot was practically empty as everyone relied on public or self-propelled transportation. I wish our transportation infrastructure in the US was more agreeable to bikes, feet and skates.  Unlike in the US, the men outnumbered the women at least 2 to 1. The greatest part about that was the lack of a line for the women's bathroom - so awesome! In addition to their regular bathrooms, the men also had open-air, fully-exposed "porta-potties" that, like a train wreck, I couldn't stop staring at in utter wonder...and laughter! I got a kick out of the men's outfits as well - lots of capris with a brightly colored top that matched their brightly colored shoes. The women weren't nearly so coordinated. And then there was the guy with "follow me" on his bum... The weather, while better than the winter ugliness we had trained in, was a raw 40 degrees with rain and a strong wind. Later, one of the runners would post on the race's Facebook page: Gegenwind stärkt den Charakter (headwind strengthens the character) - befitting of the German ethos of discipline and hard work even when the odds are stacked against you. In my case, the weather taught me a valuable lesson about the need for Body Glide while wearing shorts for the first time in many months. Of course, when I got back to the hotel, I discovered that the sample of what I thought was a gel for sore muscles in my race bag, was actually Germany's version of Body Glide. It definitely would have been helpful if my grasp of German extended further than Hello, Goodbye and Thank You - though, I can now confidently add "scheuern" to my vocabulary! All along the course the cherry trees, daffodils and forsythia were in bloom. I almost needed sunglasses the green was so vivid! The scenery was beautiful too as we kissed the Black Forest (the only hills besides the bridge) and criss-crossed through the beautiful old town - though, after a few kilometers of cobblestones, I started to curse the old town! The best part hands-down were the people. From fellow runners who exchanged pats on the back and glances of "we've got this" to the youngsters extending their hands to give high-5's, the race announcer who cried "USA, USA!" when we crossed the halfway mark to the over 40,000 spectators cheering "Hup, Hup!" and ringing cow bells, the race proved that the language of the run needs no translation. We all run as one. Live Fit, Steph
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Judd's Shoe Review
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 The Vomero has been Nike's high cushion neutral shoe for many years recent advancements in other Nike shoes have eclipsed the popularity of the Vomero. Well, not so anymore! The Vomero is back in the spotlight...in a big way!
The Vomero 10 brings you every advancement in cushion-y, plush technology that Nike has to offer! The platform has a triple-layer Zoom-Lunarlon-Cushlon mid-sole in the heel to absorb every ounce of impact from your foot-strike. After that, the forefoot has ANOTHER  Zoom pod on top of a Lunarlon mid-sole to give the most cushy ride your feet have ever experienced. The midfoot boasts a double layer of FlyWire to ensure your foot stays locked down and comfortably secure. As if all that wasn't good enough, Nike has also added their newest FlyMesh upper that has been so popular in other shoes in their line.
Overall the Nike Vomero 10 got the biggest update it has had in  many years, and it didn't come a moment too soon. The new update has the most luxurious comfort that you can get in a package like this!
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What's New w/Nancy
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We are almost always thinking or talking about running! But currently, our staff has bras on the mind with the opening of our Women's Annex! We have over 50 styles of sport bras - many are so comfortable and flattering you will want to wear them as your everyday bras! We are so pleased to offer a destination for women to shop for this essential piece of running apparel. Stop by for your complimentary bra fitting, recommendations for your active lifestyle, or just to say hi!
Our Women's Annex is also home to a great selection of active apparel that is always  changing with new arrivals! Stay tuned for information on our grand opening event!
After this snowy, frigid winter it is finally Spring's turn to shine! And what better way to celebrate than with new running clothes! Nike has not disappointed with a great assortment of style, colors and innovation! Gradient and prints are the key looks for Spring. Look for gradient looks in jackets, tights and tops. It adds great color and is
 also very flattering! We are loving the new gradient running vest! It is super lightweight and wind resistant with Nike's exclusive Dri-FIT fabric. Running in the rain or wind has never looked better!
Stop in the Women's Annex and try on some of our new spring apparel! P.S. we have chocolate for you in the annex!
Men's new spring collection has great color and subtle pattern.The impossibly light jacket is their lightest jacket ever! It even packs  into its own pocket for easy use. This is a must for your spring training!
We are loving Nike's new shorts! Color blocking is a great new trend! We have every length that you will need for running, the gym, or cross-fit. Another new trend in shorts is unlined which lets you wear your favorite compression shorts under them. Stop in to find your favorite set. We have all lengths available. 
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Spring Training Programs - Join Us!
LAST CALL: WalkFit, 5k & 10k | 
It's time to commit to living fit! Grab a friend or make new ones when you join in one of our spring training programs. We have options for the walker, as well as beginner through experienced runner. Choose from our No Boundaries 5k, 10k or Half Marathon programs.
Each program features a proven training plan that is safe and effective, organized weekly runs, tech t-shirt, weekly newsletter, in-store discounts and a team of coaches who will inspire, teach and help you conquer your goal and learn to live healthier. We have a lot of fun along the way and hope you will be a part of it!
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Zoomerangs Kids Running Program
Begins in April!
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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!).
It's a great place for kids to run safely, correctly using good form, make friends and get stronger/build endurance so they can perform better in other sports (or rock the mile in gym class). Most of all, our goal is to empower kids to
accomplish their goals and instill in them a lifelong love of running. It's also a great opportunity for mom and dad to spend quality time with your kids - and get in shape too!
This spring we will be hosting three sessions (two in West Hartford and one in Glastonbury) thanks to our friends at the Glastonbury River Runners and Autism Families CONNECTicut.
The West Hartford programs will begin on Sunday, April 19 and will meet at the Conard High School Track. Zoomerangs for typical kids will practice from 3-4pm and Zoomerangs: Running on the Spectrum (designed for children with Autism and their families) will practice from 4:30-5:30pm.
The Glastonbury Program will meet at the Glastonbury High School on Sunday's at 4pm beginning on April 26.
For more information, click the appropriate link below:
Zoomerangs (WeHa and Glastonbury)
Zoomerangs: Running on the Spectrum
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Spring Injury Prevention Class
Begins April 13
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 Have you ever been frustrated by an injury or a nagging pain during your training? Are you starting a training program and looking to stay injury free through your goal race?
Stacy Provencher, former Sports Medicine Director at Fleet Feet and now founder of PRO Injury Care, is teaming up with Therapeutic Bodyworks to conduct a 10 week training program geared towards runners. This program, running from April 13 - June 15, will consist of one weekly class (Mondays, 7 - 8pm) that will target common limitations of runners.
There will be brief educational topics discussed during each class ranging from the importance of soft tissue mobilization, the posterior chain - what is it and why it is important, to causes and prevention of chronic injury. Classes will be conducted by certified athletic trainers Stacy Provencher and Lisa Hughes and held at Therapeutic Bodyworks, 20 Jefferson Ave, West Hartford.
The motion of running, since it is repetitive in nature, can contribute to the development of muscular imbalances which can play a large role in many overuse injuries sustained by runners. Certain muscles become tight and inflexible and others become lengthened and weak. This imbalance creates a poor foundation to tolerate the stresses of training for a race. This spring, let us help you to build your foundation of strength, flexibility, and muscular endurance necessary to train injury free.
Total program cost is $180 or you can drop in to class for $18 per class if you can't make the 10 week commitment. Special rate if you are a member of a Fleet Feet training program. To reserve your spot, or if you have questions, email Stacy at proinjurycare@gmail.com.
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Kale Salad with Ginger and Spicy Seed Brittle
By Aubrey Schulz
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 Enough of the heavy winter foods. It's time for meals to lighten up. The tricky part in New England is the farmers don't really have a fresh crop available until about June. It will be a long time until tomatoes are ripening on the vine. To keep things interesting until then, I'll occasionally grab dark green leafy vegetables and create a salad built almost exclusively around them. I've found that dark, hardy greens pair well with a flavorful salad dressing. Massaging the kale with oil, helps to soften the leaves, so don't overlook this step.
Kale Salad with Ginger and Spicy Seed Brittle
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 ½ tsp ginger, finely grated, peeled
¼ tsp red pepper flakes, divided
3 tsp honey, divided
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
Salt
2 Tbsp raw sunflower seeds
1 Tbsp raw pumpkin seeds
1 Tbsp raw sesame seeds
1 bunch of kale, center ribs and stems removed, leaves thinly sliced
Directions:
Whisk vinegar, ginger, ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes and 1 tsp honey in a large bowl. Whisk in oils. Season with salt.
Combine remaining 2 tsp honey, remaining ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes and 1 Tbsp water in a small bowl.
Toast the three types of seeds in a dry medium skillet over medium heat. Toss until sesame seeds are lightly browned, about 3 minutes.
Add the honey mixture and cook, stirring until the seeds stick together in small clumps about 3 minutes. Scrap seed mixture onto parchment paper. Let cool and break into small clusters.
Toss greens with salad dressing in a large bowl. Season with salt. Squeeze and rub kale with your hands to tenderize until glossy and darken in color. Serve tossed with seeds.
Adapted from: www.bonappetit.com
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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Need New Shoes?
Can't Come to the Store?
Click Here!
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STORE HOURS:
Mon: 10-7
Tues: 10-7
Wed: 10-8
Thurs: 10-7
Fri: 10-7
Sat: 10-5:30
Sun: 12-5
Phone: 860-233-8077
www.fleetfeethartford.com
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Outdoor Track
Discount Days
Now thru April 15
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FREE Injury Assessments
Sat, April 11 & 18
9:30-11am
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Trails in Motion
Film Festival
Wed, April 15 @ 7pm
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Natural Born Heroes
Book Tour & Run
Thurs, April 16 @ 6pm
(at Hall High School)
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Featured Race:
Reid's Run
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Featured Race:
Simsbury River Run
Sun April 26 @ 12pm
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Featured Event:
Achilles CT Pub Night and Fundrasier
Sat, May 29 @ 6-9pm
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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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70% Off
Clearance Apparel
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Show us this coupon (on your phone or on paper) and boost your savings on all remaining winter clearance apparel to 70% off the original price!
NOT valid on previous purchases or special orders, nor may it be combined with other discounts/coupons, except $15 Rewards Certificates. All Sales Final
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Offer Expires: Sunday, March 29, 2015
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