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The Extra Mile September 8, 2015
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The psychology of athletes has always fascinated me. What drives people to push their bodies to seemingly impossible feats like running a sub-4 minute mile or a 2-hour marathon or racing ridiculous distances like a 100-mile endurance run or an Ironman? Even more, what do these people think about when they are training?
While my dad says that he doesn't think about much at all, I have a super active mind. Take my run this Sunday. At one point, my sister kicked-up a worn that briefly attached to her calf to which my mind thought, "Eewwww, gross" followed in rapid-fire succession:
"Why are there so many dead worms on the road?
The asphalt is really hot, maybe they fried themselves to death.
Huh, fried worms...I wonder if you can eat fried worms.
Oh right, you can.
There was that book I read in 5th grade about a kid who did it
How to Eat Fried Worms. That was a classic.
Did Judy Blume write that?
No, she wrote Are Your There God it's Me Margaret.
Wow, did that book ever cause an uproar in school.
I think it was even banned because it talked about such controversial things like Margaret buying her first bra and getting her period. So 1980's scandalous.
Oh bras! I need to remember to order more of that cute strappy bra from Oiselle when I'm done with this run.
I wonder if we could get Kara Goucher to come to the store?
I wish I could run like her.
Hmmm, I wonder what she thinks about when she runs?"
Of course when I got home I promptly forgot to order more bras, but I did Google "what do elite runners think while running?" Interestingly, a study was recently published in the International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology about just that. It turns out most runners have a limited scope of themes, namely running mechanics, feelings and environmental thoughts, though there is a breadth of creativity and expressive language within those three themes. Many times the runners' thoughts over-lapped themes like cursing the weather.
 Leading the chart at 40% were thoughts related to pace and distance as runners seem to constantly measure their performance or create mantras to keep them focused on good form. Thoughts like "steady pace, making it up the hill", "downhill, don't kill yourself, just cruise" and "lean and steady, make it a long stride, lean and steady". A favorite is a simple "1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4" - one of my personal go-to's.
Ranking second at 32% were thoughts of pain and discomfort which seems way low considering this probably consumes 85% of my thoughts on the run. Live commentary from the study participants included such gems as "hill, you're a b****", "ugh, I feel like s***" and "oh my God, I'm so tired. My stomach hurts so bad! Deep breath. I'm going to throw up right now."
The final 28% of thoughts were about the environment, things like the weather, wildlife, scenery, traffic and other people. If you ran Tuesday morning, you'll appreciate Bill and Laurie's comments: "I need it to start raining, it's hot, it's really hot, humid" (Bill) and "holy s***, I'm so f'ing wet [sweating]. I'm not even half way done" (Laurie). Many runners greeted their fellow athletes as they ran, though one turned it into a race when she heard other's approaching.
My sister falls into this category so much that I dread when another runner is near us because I know the pace is about to get a heck of a lot faster as we work to either stay ahead or pass them. I've been known to suggest a route detour to escape the impromptu foot race so I can return to the thoughts racing through my head...
Steph
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Erik Reviews the new Garmin FR25
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Many of us enjoy keeping track of how far, how fast and where we ran via a GPS watch or app on our phone. At times it gives us a sense of accomplishment while other times it shows we are improving or just validates that we are moving. For all us "data hounds" that love analyzing every step of our activity/runs (and our sleep habits!) but don't want to spend a fortune, the new Garmin Forerunner 25 is a great option at $170.
The FR25 includes Garmin's best-in-class GPS functionality like pace, distance and speed for outdoor runs, Run/Walk intervals, virtual pacer, an activity tracker to measure steps, distance and calories burned and significantly improved sleep tracking. The built-in accelerometer enables the watch to track indoor treadmill workouts (also works in tunnels and locations with a poor GPS signal) so you can track all of your runs now. The watch also features a 32% larger screen, thinner chassis, better battery life (up to 10 hours GPS) and compatibility with ANT+ heart rate straps.
Even cooler is that the FR25 incorporates Bluetooth Smart connectivity to your phone which gives smart watch notifications such as text messages, phone alerts and calendar reminders, as well as provides you with the ability to instantly upload your workouts from watch to the inter-web without a cord. The watch can also sync directly to MapMyFitness, Strava and MyFitnessPal.
The watch is available in two sizes (small and large) with two color options for each size. At that $170 price, you automatically earn a $15 Rewards Certificate which means you can treat your feet to some new socks to accompany you for the miles in your future!
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 I am so excited to introduce Oiselle (pronounced wa-zell) to our Fleet Feet community! The name is a French word for bird. It alludes to that feeling of weightlessness that most runners know and love. That sense of flight - when the legs go fast and the heart goes free.
I love that it is designed by women, made for women and loved by women like Kara Goucher who left Nike after 12 years to support this fabulous brand. The bird logo inspires me daily to make a choice to fly like a bird and run, or sit and perch doing yoga. I love the Roga short and seamless Flyte tee - great for running or yoga!
Click here for the fun Flipagram Beth put together showcasing our current Oiselle collection.
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New Arrivals in the Annex
Our fall collections have finally begun to arrive - lots of super cute leggings, jackets, vests and capris. Click the image above to get a digital sneak peek at what's currently in our Women's Annex from Nike and Brooks.
Now, all we need is some cooler weather...
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Nike Tech Fleece Cape
I love the new Nike Tech Fleece Cape and Vest! They have a great modern fit that can be worn anywhere - the perfect addition to your athleisure wardrobe. As with all Nike fabrics, it combines comfort with technical features and a great oversized hood. Wear it with tights and boots out to dinner, to and from yoga or a UConn football game!
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Brooks for Men
Say goodbye to basic shorts and tees, this new collection combines fashion with function. The new Streaker Shirt has subtle striping that makes it stylish enough to wear out to dinner, while the best-selling Sherpa 7" Short remains unchanged and perfect for long distance runs thanks to the back zipper pocket and two easy-access side pockets.
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Darn Tough VT Socks
Seriously tough socks! Did you know that wool socks are great to wear year-round? They breath and keep your feet dry and cool in the heat of summer and insulated in winter thanks to the amazing properties of merino wool. The socks are local to New England (made in Vermont) and are available in a variety of styles, lengths and fun colors too!
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UCAN Hydrate & Snack
The tasty sugar-free and calorie-free electrolyte replacement drink mix from UCAN is now available in bulk tubs. Formulated by an Olympic dietician for optimal nutrient replenishment during physical activity, UCAN uses no artificial ingredients and contains magnesium and sodium from two sources. Also available is a new snack bar in chocolate
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Thera-Bands
Thera-Bands are back! Resistive exercise bands provide both positive and negative force on the muscles, improving strength, range of motion and cooperation of muscle groups. They are portable, versatile and virtually unlimited uses. Stop in and try it in our Massage Zone. Ask one of our skilled sales associates to show you how to use it!
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Urban Challenge - 22 Spots Left!
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The Urban Challenge - a fitness-trivia-scavenger hunt mash-up sponsored by Brooks and West Hartford Center businesses - is almost sold out. Just 22 team slots remain for this fun event on Friday, September 18 at 6pm.
The event is similar to the television show The Amazing Race, with teams of two receiving clues, completing challenges at different locations throughout the Center & Blue Back Square all while racing to be the first team to the finish line. Knowledge of the area will give you an advantage, but teams can use their phones, Internet and people on the street to help them solve the clues.
The event fee is $30 per person ($60 per two-person team) and includes a fabulous tech tee, schwag bag and awesome after-party featuring Thomas Hooker beers and Bears BBQ! There will be prizes for the Top 3 teams, as well other fun categories such as team name, costume, and most-spirited. Click here to register online.
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Life's best moments rarely happen on their own. You have to make them happen. Yes, it takes effort and hard work, but the results are more than worth it. They can be life-changing and lead to a more invigorated, empowered, healthier you.
Rediscover the thrill of challenging yourself and conquering your dreams and goals. You are never too old, too overweight or too out-of-shape to be successful. Discover your inner athlete and watch as a world of possibility and adventure open before you!
To learn more about our life-changing programs, click on the buttons below:
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There's always something going on at Fleet Feet and in our Running Community - visit our online calendar to keep up with the latest.
Weekly Events:
- Wed Fun Runs (6:30pm at the store) - Free
- Thurs Track Workouts (6:30pm at Hall HS) - Free
- Sat Injury Assessments w/Select PT (9:30-11am at store) - Free
- Sunday Yoga & Mobility w/Meghan (5:30pm at the store) - $15
Don't Miss Events THIS Week:
Run Healthy Clinic - Sat @ 11am-1pm:
Whether you are new to running or a veteran runner, learn from the experts on how run healthy! The goal of this running clinic held at Buckeley High School in Hartford is to educate you on a proper running form, how to increase your cadence and the benefits of strength training for runners, for both injury prevention and performance. You will also learn to use kinesio tape, get an introduction to Select PT's Running Performance Center and CARE Program for athletes and learn about the Alter-G treadmill.
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Looking for something to fill your race calendar? Try one of these great events:
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Stratton Brook Trail 5k - Saturday, September 18:
Relive your youth and experience the thrill of running cross country in this fun 5k trail run over hills and across covered bridges at Stratton Brook State Park in Simsbury. All ages and abilities are welcome!
Cost is just $15 and includes a Saucony tee. ALL proceeds will be donated to the Simsbury HS XC Team. Run, then stay for the Stratton Brook XC Invitational featuring some of the fastest high schools runners in CT! | |
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Mari's Miles of Smiles 10k & 5k - Saturday, Sept 26 @ 9:30am
A fabulous fall race featuring both 10k and 5k distances and a Family Fun Fest complete with bounce house, face painting, cotton candy, sno-cones and massages! Winners earn $100 with medals to the top 3 in each division. Proceeds from the event benefit special education and early intervention services and programs in honor of Mari, the autistic daughter of Fleet Feet Peeps, Lisa and Matt Hall.
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West Hartford Relay - Saturday, September 26 @ 8am
Support the WH Schools physical education program and have a blast participating in the 4th Annual West Hartford Relay. This year, the relay has been shortened to 20k for adults and 5 miles for kids so even beginner runners can join in the fun. The relay begins and ends at Town Hall and teams are encouraged to bring food, bevs and chairs to relax and hang out, enjoying the camaraderie of your fellow running community.
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Angry Orchard Apple Harvest 5k - Sunday, October 18:
Join us for a morning of fun & delicious adult cider! All finishers get a cool mug that changes color when filled with a cold beverage. Winners earn themselves a pie, as well as unique "apple" medals.
Can't run? We are looking for volunteers to serve Angry Orchard cider post-race (must be 21 or older). Free t-shirt and mug o'cider for your help! Email Steph if you're interested.
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Roasted Ratatouille
We are inundated with vegetables at our CSA. During a recent pick up at the farm, the eggplant quantity was unlimited and we got 5 pounds of fresh tomatoes, plus 3 quarts of pick your own cherry tomatoes. That was in addition to the 6-8 other types of veggies we acquired. It was an overloaded bounty of summer abundance. We just couldn't get to the food fast enough.
This recipe was created to use large quantities of veggies, some of which was looking soft and past its prime by the time we were able to eat it. Plus it's less labor intensive than the stovetop version of ratatouille. This recipe was so good it, I made it two nights in a row. There were no leftovers either night because we every last bit of it.
Click Here for Recipe
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Store Hours:
Monday: 10am - 7pm
Tuesday: 10am - 7pm
Wednesday: 10am - 8pm
Thursday: 10am - 7pm
Friday: 10am - 7pm
Saturday: 10am - 5:30pm
Sunday: 12 - 5pm
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