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The Extra Mile December 1, 2015
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Some people wish upon a star when they want a dream tocome true - others lace up their sneakers.
People like Michelle Russi who didn't intend on becoming arunner when she joined our Ton of Fun program in 2014. Shewanted to make a healthy change in her life and surroundherself with the support and comradery of others. Eatingsmarter and moving more flamed the fire within her and gaveher the confidence to take the next step - joining our NoBoundaries "Couch to 5k" program.
 Michelle completed the program and conquered the Mitten Run lastDecember - her first 5k in many years - and has kept on running...evenwhile vacationing on a cruise ship (you know you're a runner when youtolerate running in circles just to get your daily run in). She upped theante this summer by joining our Speed Development Program thissummer (smashing her 5k PR), competed in 6 races (including TWOthis past weekend!) and lost 30 pounds. All while smiling and making itlook like a helluva lot of fun! Oh yeah...she just started training for a half marathon!
 People like Michael LoPresti who set a goal to run at least a mile every day for a year beginning on Thanksgiving Day last year. Michael's running tally included 9 states, 2 countries, 6 marathons and 6 ultras (whew!). While he experienced the thrill of PR'ing in many races, the best part of his successful journey was sharing it with his running friends - old and new. And people like my general manager, Nancy Staib, who wasn't a runner when she joined FF. Like Michelle, Nancy joined our No Boundaries Program last fall and successfully completed the Mitten Run - her first running race EVER! She felt so alive and empowered after that race that she set a goal to run 10 races in 2015.  Fast forward to today and Nancy has completed 9 of those races including the Manchester Road Race (during which she danced more than ran) and her first trail race. She is on track to reach her goal next Sunday at the Mitten Run, and you can bet that her family (especially her FF family) will be cheering wildly as her dream becomes a reality! 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. As 2016 approaches, resolve to break out of that rut. 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 - especially when you have a supportive team around you. Don't wait for life to find you. Run to it!
Steph
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Winter Training Programs:
Now in West Hartford AND Glastonbury!!
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I am excited to announce that we are partnering with the Hartford Marathon Foundation to host training programs in West Hartford AND Glastonbury in 2016!!
I invite you to join us and experience your own life-changing adventure. We have programs for all ability levels - walkers, aspiring runners, as well as those who want to go the distance or be more competitive.
Our professionally-designed programs offer more than just a workout. From Day One, you will become part of our running/walking community where experienced coaches will work out with you and cheer you on. You will make new friends with similar goals and enjoy a motivational atmosphere so you want - and can - stick with the program.
What are you waiting for? Choose Your Adventure!
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Nike Free RN Distance - Available Dec 3
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"It's all about the feet - it's not about the shoes."
- Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman
Bowerman's fundamental belief that shoes should provide protection and traction but minimal weight and zero distraction guides the design philosophy of natural motion. This approach is seen in flexible Nike Free footwear, first introduced over a decade ago to mimic the biomechanics of running barefoot. Nike Free has expanded what a shoe can do for the foot and changed the way shoes are made at Nike.
First came the Nike Cortez, then the Nike Sock Racer followed by the Nike Air Huarache (which had a neoprene upper like a sufer's booties and lacked a structural heel counter - a hallmark of today's Nike Free models), then the Nike Air Rift, Nike Air Presto and in 2002, the first prototypes of the Nike Free 5.0 were introduced.
The Nike Free 5.0 was designed using advanced sport science technologies such as pressure mapping and motion capture. The outsole was inspired by ice cube trays that segment solid blocks of ice, thereby making it easier to bend the tray. The new kinetic outsole moved organically like the foot and became a driving symbol for natural motion and flexibility.
Research showed that incorporating the Nike Free into training allowed runners to increase strength and muscle growth in the foot and ankle, have greater flexibility in the toes, feet and ankles and provided improved overall balance. World champion sprinter, Allyson Felix, uses the Nike Free footwear in her training specifically to strengthen her feet: "I really like having that natural movement in my shoes. Everyone's feet are different, so it's great to have a shoe that really moves with you."
Today, the Nike Free continues to be at the heart of Nike Innovation. Technologies such as Nike Flyknit, Flywire and Dri-FIT Touch are all designed to promote natural motion and allow athletes to achieve their unique movement potential. The new Nike Free RN Distance integrates enlarged hexagonal flex grooves for optimal flexibility and Lunarlon cushioning with a stronger upper to support higher mileage than the traditional Free 5.0.
Break free from your routine and redefine the limits of your run!
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Nancy's Picks of the Week
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Nathan Visibility Bundle
Running safe in the dark means having multiple points of light - some to help you see, others to help you be seen. Give the gift of visibility with this Ragnar-friendly gift bag of lights including the Zephyr hand-held light, vest and a HyperBrite flasher for just $80 ($100 value).
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OR Winter Gear
One of our fav former staffers, Schuyler, now works at Outdoor Research, a great company in Seattle that specializes in outdoor gear. They make these incredible mittens and gloves that keep even the coldest of hands warm and an awesome hat with a built-in facemask. Outwit Old Man Winter!
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Sock Guy Tech Socks
What's better than a fun pair of socks? Fun socks that are designed to handle the sweatiest of feet and keep you blister free mile-after-mile! Check out our huge selection of these fav socks, including new designs like Ugly Sweater, Spots, Hashtag, Margarita, Tortise v. Hare and Happy!
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Fleet Feet Sports across the country have partnered to create this online Holiday Gift Guide so you can shop Fleet Feet without leaving your couch!
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Score a Holiday Shopping PR!
...you might just win a $100 gift card!
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Make holiday shopping a breeze for your loved ones this year - and get EXACTLY what you want!
Come into the store between now and December 10 to create a Wish List of your favorite items. We'll keep your list, but give you a special invitation to give to your loved one(s) to join us during our Easy Shop Night on Thursday, Dec 10 from 5-8pm.
We'll help them choose gifts from your list and then gift wrap them for FREE while they enjoy holiday beverages and treats.
Two lucky shoppers will win a $100 Fleet Feet gift certificate (the perfect gift-topper)! How easy is that??!!
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 While Mother Nature has been kind to us so far, we know that she'll be treating us to the joys of Winter in New England soon...which means it's time for our annual Snow Prediction Contest! To participate, email Steph your best prediction of when Fleet Feet Sports West Hartford will receive its first inch of snow - month, day, hour and minute (example, December 2 at 4:13pm) in the Subject Line of your email.
Snow depth will be determined with my state-of-the-art snow gauge (aka ruler) so we're official. Predictions are due by Midnight on Sunday, December 6, 2015.
Just like the Price is Right, the winner will be the person with the closest time without going over (e.g. if you predicted 8:59pm, you can't win if the first inch accumulates past 9:00pm). The winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to the store so you can purchase something to keep you warm and toasty during your winter adventures. The contest is free and open to anyone but you only get one prediction so make it a good one!
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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
Special Events:
- Winter Warrior Program Kicks-Off - Wed, Dec 2 @ 6:30pm
- Indoor Track Spike Party (free shirts & waffles & spike sales) - Sat, Dec 5 @ 10am
- Holiday Toy Dash 5k - Sun, Dec 13 @ 10am
- Nike Flash Fun Run - Wed, Dec 16 @ 6:30pm
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Craft Base-Layer Product Sampling Fun Run - Wed, Dec 30 @ 6:30pm
- Winter Half Marathon Training Begins (WeHa) - Sat, Jan 2 @ 8am
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Winter Half Marathon Training Begins (G'bury) - Sat, Jan 16 @ 8am
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Speed Development Program Begins
- Tues, Feb 2 @ 6pm
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| Winter Warrior Series - Begins Dec 2
Embrace New England's winter months with our brand new Winter Warrior Series! The Winter Warrior Series will keep you active, outside and motivated with a supportive and encouraging group during the unpredictable Connecticut winter. The series is open to all fitness levels and ages and runs for twelve weeks (ends March 2).
Cost is $25, but everyone gets a wicked cool Winter Warrior stocking hat & the chance to win great prizes like FF gift certificates...and the chance to be crowned King or Queen of Winter!
Layer-up, lace-up and let's have some fun! Full Details here.
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Holiday Stroll - Thurs, Dec 3 @ 5:30pm
Enjoy the magic of a traditional New England holiday scene with horse drawn carriage rides, live music, carolers, food, drink, tree-lighting, XL Rocking Chairs, Photo Booth and of course, Santa & Mrs. Claus.
Join Fleet Feet for a special Fitness Frolic around the Center with our friends at WIP, BodyRoc, Lifer & Select PT. Circle back to the store for well-earned hot cocoa (with a kick for adults), s'mores and a peek at Saucony's Life on the Run collection of comfy cross-trainers and apparel. Two lucky runners will win a $50 Saucony Gift Card!
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| Indoor Track Kick-Off Party w/Nike - Sat, Dec 5 @ 10am-1pm
Get the Team together and join us as we kick-off the start of Indoor Track season in style! We'll be cooking up tasty Nike Waffles, giving away tees that YOU can customize and offering some sweet deals on all spikes, trainers and a Track Gear-up Kit.
Come hungry...and leave hungry for a PR. Can't make it Saturday? Click here for a special coupon valid through January 15, 2016! |
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Mindfulness Run - Sat, Dec 5 @ 9am
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. $5
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| Blue Back Mitten Run - Sun, Dec 6 @ 10:30am
We are proud to be a sponsor of this great 5k in our backyard! The race starts near Town Hall in West Hartford and finishes in the heart of Blue Back Square. Costumes, jingle bells, Santa hats and Fleet Feet shirts are encouraged! Please bring a pair of new mittens or a winter hat to donate.
There will be two kids race - 1/2 Mile and 1 Mile beginning at 10am - which feature special guest characters! | 
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38th Annual Santa's 3.5 Mile Run - Sun, Dec 6 @ 12pm
This fun, family-oriented race hosted by the Glastonbury Park & Rec Dept begins and ends at Glastonbury High School which means access to showers, lockers, restrooms and indoor warm-up! Registration is just $15.
Plaques awarded to all division winners, raffle prizes to random winners and a fun Christmas-themed costume contest. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Glastonbury Fuel Bank.
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Holiday Toy Dash 5k - Sun, Dec 13 @ 10am
Bring a new toy, race for free! Get into the holiday spirit with this fun off-road 5k at Riverfront Park. Fast Track Timing will provide free timing and Asics has donated some great prizes. Costumes welcome! Pay it forward, one mile at a time and help us reach our goal of donating toys to 250 needy kids throughout the Hartford area this holiday.
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Go Far's Jingle All the Way 5k - Sun, Dec 20 @ 12pm
For kids and grown-ups who have been naughty and nice! Come jingle all the way through scenic Middlefield. Starting at the lodge at Powder Ridge Mountain and Resort, this 5k race promises incredible views and all the fun (the coolest homemade awards) that Go Far is famous for.
After the race stay for hot chocolate and holiday cheer! Can't run? Consider being a Volunteer Elf. Click the logo for more info! | |
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Winter Training P
rograms - Starting January 2016
Groups available in West Hartford & Glastonbury!
We've got a fantastic line-up of training programs to help you achieve your 2016 running goals! Choose from Marathon (Boston!), Half Marathon, 5-Miler (tackle the Bolton Hill!) or 5k (coming soon, another Speed Development Program!).
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RUN FREE: The True Story of Caballo Blanco Movie Screening
Monday, January 25 @ 7pm (Front Street Theater - Hartford)
Run Free is a documentary about ultra-running legend Micah True, a focal character in Christopher McDougall's 2009 best-selling book "Born to Run". A percentage of the film's profits will benefit Norawas de Rarámuri (Friends of the Running People), the non-profit founded by Micah True to preserve traditional Tarahumara culture.
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Homemade Body Butter
A little change of pace today... Have you ever thought about heading into your kitchen to make beauty products? With common or easily obtained ingredients you can make a collection of good for you lotions and potions. Sugar scrubs, lip balms, luxurious body butters, and more can be easily crafted. Just like with your food, when you make it yourself, you know what goes into it and onto your body. Our skin is our largest organ and chemicals easily pass through it and into our bloodstream.
One of my favorite creations is body butter. It is so soothing to the skin and it won't leave a greasy layer on the skin. To boost the appeal of the lotion, I like to add essential oils to the mix. The aromatherapy is beneficial to the body. Lavender is a relaxing oil, while peppermint is invigorating. Package this up in a pretty glass jar, with some ribbon and appealing label for a memorable stocking stuffer or gift for your favorite running buddy.
Click Here for Recipe
Want to learn more?
Sign-Up for Aubrey's Holiday Make N'Take Class:
Wednesday, Dec 2 from 7-8:30pm (at Therapeutic Bodyworks in West Hartford)
In a season when we are bombarded by sugar and commercialism, take the time to thoughtfully create gifts for those on your gift list. In this class, we'll create and decorate three gifts (Stress Away Bath Salts, Lavender Lemon Foot Soak and Peppermint Sugar Scrub) using essential oils and other natural ingredients, that you can then gift friends, teachers, co-workers or anyone else on your gift list. Cost $25 (+ tax w/ pre registration by 11/30). RSVP by emailing Aubrey so she brings enough supplies for everyone.
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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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