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The Extra Mile September 22, 2015
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No matter how prepared you think you are for a long run, there is usually a "situation". Sometimes it's a wildlife encounter (snakes, bears, squirrels and angry human drivers), other times it's a wrong turn (or four), a misstep (trip), an equipment malfunction or forgetting a key item. In those situations, one must find the MacGyver inside them and hack out a solution.
Take FF Peep and crazy ultra-runner Kathy B. for example. During one of her last super long training runs for the VT 50, she ran out of fuel, specifically electrolytes. She started feeling woozy and knew she needed salt, stat, but she was deep in the woods. Her hack? Lick the salt that had accumulated on her arms. Ewwww...but it worked! Kathy also carries a tube of chapstick which can be applied to chaff-prone areas and unexpected hot spots mid-run. Genius!
This got the staff and I talking about other great runner hacks and came up with this list:
- No pockets for your Gu? Safety pin the packets to your shorts or stash it between your shoe tongue and shoelaces (great place for your key too).
- Don't want to destroy your expensive new tech tee with safety pins? Use magnets to hold your race bib in place.
- Earbuds fall out? Wrap twist ties around the base of the earbud and then loop the ties over your ears.
- Frozen Gu in the winter? Store it in your bra or gloves to keep it viscous.
- Frozen hydration tube? After each water break, blow into the bite valve until all the water droplets in the tube have been forced back into the main reservoir.
- Water bottle too cold to hold? Wrap it in a sock. Extra bonus: fold the sock over itself and slide your hand in the "pocket" to make a handheld water bottle!
- Freeze a bottle of water to use as an "ice massage roller" - great for plantar fasciitis sufferers.
- Customize the fit of your shoes with these ingenious lacing tricks (or use elastic laces).
- Wrap duct tape around your water bottle and tear off a piece to cover a hot spot on your foot mid run.
- Sleep in (or with) your running clothes to help you get out to the door quickly, especially in winter.
- Wear your running shorts (& sport bra!) instead of underwear. You'll be dressed to run in a snap and if you're traveling, you can pack lighter.
- Shower in your running clothes so they aren't as odiferous between washings.
- Dry out wet shoes quickly and without damage by stuffing them with newspaper.
- Bring an older pair of sneakers on vacation and leave them at the hotel to free up luggage space for souvenirs!
What's your favorite hack? Share it on our Facebook page. One random poster will receive a prize pack of runner essentials (including safety pins and chapstick!).
Steph
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Daylight hours are shrinking and cooler weather is here! Despite the morning chill, I've still been running in my tanks (I LOVE cold weather!), but have had to add some reflective accessories so I can see the road - and drivers can see me. We've got a huge assortment of reflective products from apparel to vests to hand-held lights (including one embedded in a water bottle! Check out some of my favs below...
And ladies, check out the latest Fall Fitness Fashion in our Women's Annex via our latest digital lookbook. Such beautiful clothes it's hard to choose a favorite!
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Saucony Reflex Jacket
This jacket for men and women has 360 degrees of retro-reflectivity when lights shine on it, but is stealth in daylight. Take a flash picture of it with your phone to see it in action. The jacket is also wind and water resistant with an extra-long back for coverage. Perfect for early morning and late night runs.
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Nathan Strobe Lights
These little guys pack a lot of light and can be clipped to almost anything - your hat, on the back or wrist of your jacket, your kids' backpack - even on your dog's collar! You can set it to a steady light or blinking. Of course, they are available in fashion colors. Pick up a couple for everyone in your house.
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Amphipod Vizlets
These reflectors offer a great way to increase reflective visibility in low-light conditions. They feature a magnetic closure so they can be easily attached to just about anything. Available in fun colors and shapes including a pink ribbon that supports Breast Cancer Awareness!
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Xinglet Pocket Plus Vest
Don't let the dark force your run inside! This reflective vest is comfortable, lightweight, adjustable, ultra-visible AND features a front pocket big enough for the iPhone6 Plus or your other running essentials.
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Zephyr Hand Torch
Be seen. Run longer. With a beam distance of 100+ meters, this runner's flashlight is weather-resistant, has four flash modes, a hand-strap for effortless illumination and is rechargeable!
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Flashing Water Bottle
The cleverest product of the season - a safety light embeded into a hand-held water bottle! Perfect for longer runs that start early or end late. Illumination + Hydration = a Safe & Successful Run!
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Train for the MRR with Deena Kastor!
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Fall is almost here which means it's time to start training for the Manchester Road Race - an epic 4.748 mile run with 13,000+ of your fellow runners on Thanksgiving morning. Again this year, we are teaming up with Ascis to host a FREE online training program for the race designed by Deena Kastor.
The 10-week program, which begins THIS THURSDAY, will consist of training plans for both beginner and experienced runners, a weekly e-newsletter to keep you motivated, weekly meet-ups so you get your training in (those runs won't be coached, but we will offer suggested routes and introduce you to new running mates to keep you company on your miles), special deals on Asics shoes and apparel...and the chance to meet, run and dine with the super personable Deena on Friday, November 20.
 The program is free. Click here to sign-up. The fun starts September 24 - join us! Got kids? Registration for the Little Manchester Road Race open on October 1. This wonderful race just for kids is limited to 700 kids and will likely sell out within 10 days so don't delay. For more information click here.
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Fall Training Programs - 5M starts Saturday!
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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:
Newton Gravity Demo Run - Wed @ 6:30pm:
Our Newton Running Rep will be in the house during our fun run this Wednesday and will have a demo fleet of Newton Gravity's for you to try on the run (or just around the block).
Replace Before You Race: Bra Savings Event - Tues, Oct 6:
In honor of our favorite hometown marathon, we're offering a special discount to all you women racers out there! Bring your race confirmation for any of the NU Hartford Marathon races (or a bib from any race in 2015) to our Women's Annex anytime on Tuesday, October 6th and receive 20% off of a new sports bra! There's nothing like a brand new bra to help you run your way to a Personal Record!
PatTalk - Race Day Strategies - Tues, Oct 6 @ 7-8pm:
Join our resident Professor of Running Wisdom, Patrick DellaPace, for his monthly PatTalk. Since it's Marathon Week, Pat will be talking about pre, during and post-race strategies for those running the half or full. Whether this is your first distance race or your twentieth, Pat will keep you entertained with his vast reservoir of knowledge, experience and sparkling personality! RSVP by emailing Michelle.
Marathon Recovery Carnival - Sunday, Oct 11 @ 10am-12pm:
Our annual post marathon recovery party is shaping up to be our best ever! In addition to the usual free injury assessments by the PT's at Select Physical Therapy, foam-rolling & stretching, $1/min massages and $10 medal engraving, we will be taking a recovery stroll to a few of our favorite eateries where we'll enjoy free treats, offering a Pilates class, demo'ing recovery treatments like Graston, ART and Dry Needling and playing fun games like cornhole, giant Pong, CanJam. The more you participate in, the more raffle tickets you earn...the more likely you will win a great prize!
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Looking for something to fill your race calendar? Try one of these great events:
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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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Little Manchester Road Race - Saturday, Nov 21:
We are honored to co-host this spectacular FREE race just for kids with the "big" MRR. This non-competitive run is open to all kids aged 12 and under and features four separate races: 100m, ½ Mile, 1 Mile and 2 Miles, as well as skydivers and bagpipers! Registration opens on Oct 1 and will be capped at 700 kids so bookmark this page.
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Diane Bur Memorial 5k Flag Run/Walk - Sunday, Nov 8:
This race honors Diane Burr who lost her battle with cancer 13 years ago and remembers our Veterans and those who lost their lives on 9-11 (Diane was instrumental in planning the Flag Run Across America). The race raises money to help families affected by cancer and supports wellness in the community by donating a portion of the proceeds to the Thomaston Track and Tennis facility. Registration and details here.
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Okra and Sausage Jambalaya
The first time I had jambalaya was during a camping trip in Crested Butte, Colorado. While grocery shopping for the trip, my friend suggested jambalaya. I'd never had it. Using shrimp, chicken and sausage and we created a tasty, satisfying meal on the propane stove. Since then, I've made the meal a few times, adjusting the recipe to suit my desires and the groceries on hand. Jambalaya has its roots as a Creole dish from Louisiana. The trinity of onion, pepper and celery plays a key role.
With the addition of okra in my CSA (community supported agriculture), this one pot meal was added to week's menu. I've simplified the recipe slightly with the omission of chicken. I'll admit, I was a little skeptical about eating the okra (a nutritious food that is low in calories, high in calcium, fiber, folate, magnesium and manganese and contains 66% RDA of Vitamin K). I had it in my head that I didn't like it, but I can't remember ever eating it. Everything tastes better local, so this was my best chance of liking the vegetable. Since I'm sharing the recipe, I obviously must have liked it. It blends in nicely in this stew.
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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