Moments
Little Moments
Contrary to what non-runners might think, the joy of running isn't always about finishing the race. More often than not, it's about the journey it took to get to the start line. The race is merely a victory lap to enjoy the sweet rewards of the work and effort of the previous weeks and months.
 
While crossing that finish line and receiving that finisher's medal is always spectacular, I get a little depressed post-race when life becomes routine again. I miss the way training disrupts my life such that I'm actually living life and not just going through the motions of sleep, eat, work, repeat. I love the hiccups and adventures life on the run creates, especially when you convince someone to tag along.
 
This past weekend my sister and I ran along the Rock Creek Parkway to the Lincoln Memorial and around the National Mall - one of our favorite long-run routes when we lived in the Washington, DC area. Despite being way under-trained, I had a great time retracing the footsteps of my running infancy and reminiscing about all the laughter, tears, joy, agony, defeat and triumph experienced on those runs.
 
After the run, spent and exhausted, we ventured into the local grocery store in search of a post-run snack and hit the jackpot in the freezer case when we spied our favorite ice cream growing up: mocha chocolate chip from Graeter's in Cincinnati. We dug in with two plastic spoons and devoured the entire pint before it had a chance to melt. Sheer bliss.
 
Life isn't lived in years, or days or even hours, it's lived in moments. Moments that are full of possibility. Sometimes you don't even realize the power of the moment until later. Most times it's those little moments that count most in life.  As you weave your way through life, don't focus too much on the big picture - there is a lot of living to be done in the details. And no matter how old you are, you are never too old to challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone. You never know what you may discover.
 
In that light, I invite you to join us this Wednesday for special "mindfulness run" or a New Age BRICK workout on Friday.  Details for both events are in the Events section below. Both events promise to be challenging and fun in a super-supportive environment. Maybe they will become a life-changing moment in your life!

Steph

Nancy's Picks of the Week
Brooks Fly-By Hat
Fly-By Hat
The Fly-By running hat is full of surprises. Moisture-wicking, adjustable and features a wicking interior headband, mesh inserts for ventilation, and a security zip pocket on the side. How cool is that?! 
Brooks Cuff
Greenlight Cuff
This ingenious wrist-cuff does double-duty as a wristband perfect for wiping your eyes (& nose!) and features a zippered pocket to hold your keys or bank card so you can stop off for a well-deserved treat workout. 
Brooks Greenlight Gloves
Greenlight Gloves
Designed to go on those chilly mornings! These super-soft reflective running gloves feature a tech-tipped thumb and index finger plus a handy (haha) envelope pocket on the palm.  Available in black, grey and purple.

Brooks Apparel
Brooks Hi-Viz Gear
Being safe means seeing and being seen. Always bring a light and wear bright clothes w/360 degrees of retro-reflectivity. Try our favorite LSD jacket from Brooks (super light, yet protective) paired with the cute Streaker capri for ladies or the Sherpa short for men. 
Run CT Shirts
Run CT Shirts
Designed by former staffer, Todd Busha, our Run CT shirts are super-soft, comfy and exclusive to Fleet Feet!  Choose between tanks, short-sleeve and long-sleeve in men's, women's and youth sizes. Show your #RunCT pride - get yours today! 
ToeSox
ToeSox
You asked, we found!  Whether you practice yoga, Pilates or ballet barre, you need these socks that warm your soles and help your feet move naturally. Choose from full or half toe, simple Bella or super-cute scrunch knee-length.  All feature non-slip grips.


Save 20% - Get Your KidsCard!
KidsCard
  
Use your Center Kidscard to save at over 65 of the top retailers and restaurants in West Hartford Center (including the FF Women's Annex!). Purchase your card for $50 at Fleet Feet Sports, then save 20% every time you shop or dine at one of your favorite West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square stores from Thursday, October 22nd through Saturday, October 31st. You can save on jewelry, home decor, fine dining and so much more throughout the Center.

The "USUAL" Events
Calendar
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
 

Run Mindful
Mindfulness Run - Wed, Oct 21 @ 6:30pm 
Join us for a one-of-a-kind Mindfulness Running experience with therapist/runner 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.


Essential Oil for Athletes
Aroma Yoga @ Theraputic Bodyworks - Wed, Oct 21 @ 7pm
Join Aubrey Schulz at Therapeutic Bodyworks (20 Jefferson Ave, Ste 3, West Hartford) for a unique yoga class. Aroma Yoga is a simple, straightforward introduction to essential oils and the many benefits of aromatherapy and features specific oils for various asanas and energy exercises. Like yoga, essential oils have been used for thousands of years to cleanse, heal and balance the mind, body and emotions. This all-levels class is perfect for those looking to boost their flexibility, their mindfulness and unwinding. Drop in rate $20. Other class dates: 11/18, 12/16. Contact Therapeutic Bodyworks to register (860-218-2038). 
WIP Fitness
BRICK Workout @ WIP (WeHa) - Fri, Oct 23 @ 5:30pm
We are teaming with our friends at Work in Progress fitness to WIP your workout up a notch with a special BRICK workout sure to challenge even the fasted runners among us!  Our New Age Brick combines a 50-minute WIP Bootcamp workout followed by a run (2 and 4mile routes).  Click here for more details or to sign-up. 

Essential Oil for Athletes
5k Essential Oil Fun Run (Simsbury) - Sun, Oct 25 @ 
Rather than sit in a chair listening to how essential oils can boost your running performance, get a chance to experience the oils first hand. Before the run starts, you'll get a brief introduction to essential oils and a chance to use 1 or 2. Stay post run to learn some beneficial tips about incorporating oils into your active lifestyle. Meet in the parking lot at Simsbury Meadows (22 Iron Horse Blvd, Simsbury, CT). Free, but an RSVP is required. 
Ragnar Relay
Ragnar Relay Info Night - Wed, Nov 4 @ 6:30pm
Chances are you know someone who has run a Ragnar - and no doubt they have stories to tell about their "Run. Drive. Sleep. Repeat" experience! Now it's your turn to find your inner wild. Jeff Shaw, local Ambassador for Ragnar Relay, will be in store to answer your questions, help teams sign-up and most importantly, giving away free tech tees, drink koozies, and other cool prizes!  It's a prelude to the fun that is Ragnar. 
Frostbite 5k
9th Annual CHR Frostbite 5k Run & Walk - Nov 14 @ 10am: 
Community Health Resources is excited to announce their 9th Annual Frostbite 5k Run & Walk. This race which starts/finishes at Enfield Street School raises funds for CHR's Child and Family programs. The first 300 registered runners/walkers will receive a long sleeve t-shirt and there will be prizes for age group winners.  Register online here or download the paper application here


Aubrey's Recipe
Get Out N' Play Logo
Moroccan Chicken & Squash
 
Some nights the goal is to simply get a meal on the table. For the nights when it doesn't need to be fancy and there's a limited time to assemble dinner, I'll make a meal in the slow cooker. The meals aren't first class, but they are tasty and healthy. Our slow cooker has an almost permanent spot on the kitchen counter. It only gets tucked away into the pantry when company's coming over and I've made an effort to straighten up the kitchen.
 
I prefer slow cooker meals that require a minimal prep time. If I have to cook something before adding it to the slow cooker, it's unlikely I'll make it. For this dinner, I'll buy precut butternut squash to save time. Short cuts are encouraged. It's preferable to take out or fast food. Complete this meal with rice or couscous.
  
 
Click Here for Recipe
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Wednesday: 10am - 8pm
Thursday: 10am - 7pm
Friday: 10am - 7pm

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Sunday: 12 - 5pm

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CEP Sock Deal
Oktoberfest is no longer just a drinking holiday!  CEP is giving runner the chance to do their second favorite holiday (drinking beer post run) with some new compression socks.  During the month of October, all CEP compression socks & sleeves are Buy 2, Get 1 Free*!
 
CEP Socks
You no longer have to decide between a pair of full-length compression socks, sleeves or shorties - you can get all three! Even cooler?  We have CEP's new Ultralight socks and sleeves in stock - all the compression without all the weight.  Perfect for hot days...and to layer under your tights on cold days!
Offer Expires Saturday, October 31, 2015                     * Least Expensive Pair of Socks/Sleeves is FREE.