The Extra Mile May 19, 2015

Nominate Your Nike

Nike Statue I often get asked what I like most about owning a running store. Apart from my addiction to running-related products (21 pairs of sneakers is not excessive, right?), it's the people who make up our community that I love. Nearly every day I am inspired by someone:

Yesterday, it was driving by a customer battling cancer as she headed out for her daily run. Saturday, it was joining a diverse group of women for a sunrise hike to celebrate the 40th birthday of a mutual friend whose has experienced great loss.

Last week, it was watching over 65 people Run for Nepal which enabled us to donate $1,500 to a relief fund that, among other initiatives, is distributing netted baby beds to protect babies from malaria-infected mosquitoes in make-shift tent villages. Last month, it was a staffer who gave up a sweet perk to make a friend's dream come true.

And this weekend, a 14 year old girl named Grace will give up her Memorial Day weekend to sell lemonade with the ambitious goal of raising $36,000 for CT Children's Medical Center to make it a cool $100,000 raised in 7 years.

I am honored to have a front row seat to the good that runners do. We run this town literally and figuratively. Through impacts small and big, we make our world a better place. And while I wish I could recognize everyone, in honor of our Women's Annex and Sports Bratique, I am excited to announce a special contest for women.

In Greek Mythology, Nike is the "Winged Goddess of Victory". She represents strength and speed. She rewards the victors of battle with a laurel wreath, signifying glory and fame. In the true spirit of the female goddess Nike, we want to recognize women whose victories make our communities a better place; women in our communities who lift others up and do what people think is impossible. Together with our friends at Nike Running, we are asking you to #NominateYourNike.

You can nominate a friend, colleague, loved one...or yourself! Nominations are due by Sunday, June 7, 2015. Please get your nominee's permission before submitting her as we will be highlighting each nominee on our web site to publicly recognize the good they do in their communities. Click here for details.

Here's to celebrating all of our victories!

Steph

Judd's Shoe Review

Continuing on our summer-racing theme, I introduce to you, the Nike LunarTempo. This is a brand new shoe this year to bring light weight, breath-ability, and cushion to your summer season! Easily one of the most fun shoes for lightweight, fast miles!

Weighing in at a meager 7.4oz and a Lunarlon midsole, this shoe has one of the highest cushion-to-weight ratios that you will find on the market today. That means that it could be the perfect weight for a racing shoe, or even just your workout, interval, or mid-distance days.

Bringing the package together with Nike's newest engineered mesh upper for seamless ventilation, and Nike's famous FlyWire midfoot wrap keeping you in place, you feel like you are wearing a sock, but it doesn't squeeze your foot. There isn't much more you could ask for.

Thanks to all of these new-aged features, the LunarTempo is ideal for anything from race day, to everyday training. The perfect complement to your running shoe collection!

What's New...by Nancy

Skratch Fruit Drops

Made with simple ingredients & real fruit. No wax coating. A convenient source of carbohydrates and fuel to maintain your blood sugar level and keep you performing at your best. Gluten free, dairy free, delicious!

Spenco Yumi Sandal

Go from day into night with this supportive sandal! Your doctor will even approve thanks to its Total Support Footbed which gives you comfort and support. You will look oh so stylish on the beach! Want more cush? check out Oofos sandals!

Saxx Underwear for Men

Our male staff don't normally talk about underwear, but when they do, they talk SAXX! Revolutionary Comfort + Performance. Wear it every day or save it for your toughest workouts. Try it & you'll race about it too!

Asics Tennis Skirt

Great for on or off the court! It has an angled front wrap for a layered look. Pair with your favorite ASICS sneakers and you are ready to go!

Brooks Infiniti Skort

Streamlined for racing (at any speed)! The wide waistband makes it super comfortable and moves with you. Eye-catching and slimming pattern too!

Craft's "Cool" Tank

Cools your skin by 6 degrees. This is definetly for me since I love to be cold (my kids call me a Polar Bear since I swam in the ocean on Mother's Day!)

Summer Training Programs

Registration is OPEN!

Commit to Get Fit This Summer!

Grab a friend or make new ones when you join in one of our summer training programs. We have options for the true beginner through experienced runner - and distances ranging from 5k to the marathon.

Speed Development Program - starts June 3
WalkFit - starts June 20
No Boundaries 5k - starts June 20 (Wed session begins June 24)
No Boundaries II / 10k - starts June 20
Half Marathon (Hartford) - starts July 25
Full Marathon (Hartford + NYC) - starts June 21

Aubrey's Recipe

Lemon Chicken Skewers with Blueberry Salsa

In the summer, I like combining fruit with my main entrees. In this grilled chicken recipe, blueberries star in this sweet and sour salsa, that's made with balsamic vinegar and honey. With this weekend being the start of summer, it seems worthy to have recipe ready for some grillin'. Double the batch of the salsa and serve it over bruschetta with tangy goat cheese.

Click Here for Recipe