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The Extra Mile October 6, 2015
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Running mates are some of the truest friends around. They more than just know you - they understand you, especially your quirks...like needing to run in circles until your Garmin registers the exact mileage you planned to run (because 9.92 miles doesn't count as a 10 miler) or how you need to re-tie your shoes eight times before achieving the perfect tightness.
They don't find it gross when you blow your nose in your shirt, share their Gu and stand lookout when you take a potty break in the woods. They laugh compassionately when you wipe out on the trail and will suggest a walk break because "they are tired" when you are the one huffing and puffing excessively. They see you on your good days...and your bad. They don't let you quit. They strengthen the armor that helps you battle whatever life throws at you.
Sometimes your running mate is someone you've known for years; other times they are a complete stranger that you randomly encountered on a training run or in a race. Sometimes you engage in lively conversation; sometimes not a word passes between you, but you find comfort in the knowing nod of their head or by falling into rhythmic sync with them.
Even if you enter a race by yourself, you are not alone. You are surrounded by people just like you. People who worked hard to get to that start line. People who trained through the heat and humidity of summer, sacrificed sleep and social outings to train and learned to embrace energy gels, beans and chia seeds. These are the people of your tribe, bound by the shoelaces in our sneakers.
As you gear up for race day, remember that you have the support of the whole running community behind you. Never underestimate the power of a friendly nod, pat on the back or friendly word to a struggling runner - they soon may be repaying the favor to you. Remember to take a moment to look at the beauty about you, appreciate the ability to run and soak up the cheers from the folks on the sidelines that you are inspiring.
Most importantly, channel the energy around you and turn it into relentless forward motion. Right foot. Left foot. Right foot. Repeat. Over and over until you reach the finish line. Believe in yourself. You got this!
Steph
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Race Day Essentials (visit us at the expo!)
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It's still too far out to provide an accurate forecast for Saturday's Eversource Hartford Marathon, but the current weather forecast is calling for a chance of rain (hopefully just a "refreshing mist") and temperatures around 60 degrees.
Don't let the crisp morning fool you into over-dressing or you'll be roasting and uncomfortable by mid-race. When choosing your race day outfit, remember the "Runner's Rule" about dressing as if it is 20 degrees warmer than the actual temperature.
For many runners that means wearing shorts and either a singlet or short-sleeves. If you don't like being cold at the start, wear an old pair of sweats that you can toss off right before the race starts (items are cleaned and donated to charity), a large garbage bag (which is great at trapping your body heat) or arm warmers.
And just because it might be cool and cloudy, doesn't mean you can skip hydrating and replenishing your electrolyte and salt stores or else you may suffer from premature cramping and fatigue which can lead to feeling pretty miserable. If you're unsure of your fueling strategy, stop by the store or our Expo booth to get some great tips, as well as your last minute race day needs.
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Socks!
Treat your feet to a new pair of socks chock-full of heavenly cushion and a touch of compression to keep the blood flowing back to your heart. We'll have both Balega and Feetures socks in a rainbow of fun colors to coordinate with your race outfit. Buy any 3, get 1 free!
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Body Glide
Whatever the conditions, Body Glide can prevent chaffing and blisters. Use it anywhere that you anticipate irritation... it can save you some serious pain. Trust us. Available in a special mini size that is small enough to fit into the key pocket of your shorts in case of emergency during the race
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Nip Guards (for Men)
Men can avoid discomfort and embarrassing race photos by using these comfortable, specially-designed adhesive pads on their chest. The bonus over regular band-aids is that they also come off painlessly after the run. We will be offering a special two-pack for $2 at our booth
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Magic Gloves
These "magic" gloves stretch to fit nearly every sized hand...and at $3 a pair, you won't mind if they magically disappear somewhere around Mile 5.
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KT Tape
Great for pre-marathon or during your run, KT Tape also works well for recovery because it helps to increase blood flow and decrease inflammation
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Runner Fuel
Carry what you've been training with (don't trust a gel you've never tried). Get your Gu, Huma, Clif, Honey Stinger, Bonk Breaker, Nuun & Jelly Belly. at our booth
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Compression Sleeves
There is a reason why many Olympic athletes from sprinters to marathoners wear compression - it increases oxygen flow to your muscles which acts like super-fuel for your muscles. They also provide shin and calf support which is really nice around Mile 19.
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FlipBelts
Looks like a waistband, but thanks to strategically placed slits, it will carry your phone, keys, nutrition - even a small camera. Pin your race to it to keep your number visible no matter how many layers you have on (or take off) so you can quickly find your race photos post-race!
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Banjee Armband
Need tunes when you run? You will also need this new armband pocket that fits cell phones up to the iPhone 6Plus. Soft and simple, it feels like it's one with your bicep (unlike other armbands that feel like a blood pressure cuff getting tighter with each mile).
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Coach Joe's Shoe Review:
Hoka Challenger ATR - DEBUTING at the EXPO!!
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 Love the abundance of cushioning and smooth ride the Hoka Clifton 2 provides? Want to take that comfort off of the streets and take it with you on the trails? Then take a ride with Hoka's Challenger ATR: a versatile, light trail shoe that serves as an excellent long distance trainer. Given the amount of cushioning that fills its maximalist frame, the shoe will provide comfort for high mileage clips and might just be your inspiration to try a trail race or even an ultra!
The Challenger ATR features a 5 mm heel-to-toe drop, an 8.6 oz. weight for men, 7.4 oz. weight for women, and about 28 mm of plush cushioning stacked under the heel. The shoe also hosts an aggressive outsole which provides the ultimate grip for diverse terrain. The cushioning is on the firmer side which is an ideal means to efficiently navigate uneven surfaces. Like other Hokas before it, the Challenger has a rocking feature which allows for an easy roll from heel to toe for a fast transition between strides. They not only look fast, but they feel fast. Warning: Trails will be a blur in these kicks.
 To get a glimpse and sweet test ride of these new trail runners come visit Fleet Feet Sports at the Total Fitness Race Expo this Thursday (10/8) & Friday (10/9) at the XL Center in Hartford. Come see for yourself why everyone is so excited about the new Hokas.
Can't make it to the XL? No worries, we will have the Hoka Challenger at Fleet Feet Sports in West Hartford going forward. However, trust me when I say this, you're not going to want to wait. They are a great shoe addition for anyone running their first or one millionth time on a trail! They are perfect for any of your up and coming wild adventures!
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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 (6pm at Hall HS) - Free (NEW TIME)
- 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:
Marathon Recovery Carnival - Sunday, Oct 11 @ 10am-12pm:
 Our annual post marathon recovery/DOMSday 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, offering a Pilates class, demo'ing recovery treatments like Graston, ART and Dry Needling and playing fun games like cornhole and giant Pong. Earn raffle tickets to win great prizes!
Mindfullness Run - Wed, Oct 21 @ 6:30pm:
 Join us for a one-of-a-kind Mindfulness Running experience with the wonderful Jennifer Spirito! The 2-3 mile run (with breaks) will teach you to focus on breathing practices, guided imagery and mantras as a way to improve the quality and quantity of your runs and decrease the stressors of running. The event promises to be something unlike any other run you've been on - fun, supportive and a bit challenging too as you work to focus on the various mindfulness techniques. With practice, these techniques can really enhance your running experience and create serious progress with your running goals.
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Looking for something to fill your race calendar? Try one of these great events:
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Girls Night w/the Mother Runners - Thursday, Oct 8
Calling all Mother Runners! Join us for an evening with your fellow mother runners. Learn and laugh at where other mothers in running shoes have been. Dimity McDowell, author and creator of "Another Mother Runner", hosts a fun evening for women who run (the house, the race, maybe the world!). Tickets $22, include light supper and swag bag. Click here for more info and to purchase tickets.
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$10 Acupuncture for Runners - October 12-17
Low back pain? Sore, achy knees? Tight Hamstrings? Plantar Fasciitis? Our friends at Many Rivers Community Acupuncture are offering runners special $10 session from October 12-17. Give them a call at 860-683-0011 or visit their web site. | 
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Senior Scavenger Hunt - Thurs, Oct 15 @ 8:30am
Adults aged 60+ are encouraged to find a partner to compete in a special wellness scavenger hunt that involves stores in West Farms Mall. Teams solve clues that lead them to a fitness challenge (answering health questions, having their blood pressure taken or doing some bicep curls! The event is hosted by the Plainville Senior Center is cost just $3/person. To sign-up, call Rhona Guberman at 860-747-5728.
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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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NBC Family 5k (Indoors!) - Sunday, October 18:
Join us for the inaugural NBC Connecticut Health & Wellness Family 5k that takes place INSIDE the XL Center. No hills, no bad weather, wide corridors and a DJ pumping tunes to keep you energized! Your laps are digitally tracked and all finishers get a cool custom medal. Post-race head downstairs to the exhibition hall to check out the NBC Connecticut Health & Wellness Festival! Click here for details.
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Pork Verde Stew
I'm craving stew recipes as the weather turns cooler. With a stockpile of tomatillos on the kitchen counter, I recalled this fabulous recipe. Last night, I was tempted to serve the stew as soon as the pork was cooked, but the longer cooking time, softened and tenderized the meat. Bringing a large tray of toppings to the table, creates a stunning visual showcase to this spicy, comforting 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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