Stop Wishing
Start Today
We're almost one full month into the new year. How are you doing with your Resolutions?
 
Finding the motivation to exercise and eat healthy is tough when it's cold and gray outside. It's so much easier to hibernate and indulge in comfort food. But even in CT, winter eventually gives way to spring, then summer - though, Mother Nature is going to treat us to an early spring this weekend with temps in the upper 40's. That's downright balmy for this time of year!
 
Before you know it, you will be wearing shorts and tank tops, cranking the air conditioning, planning an escape to the beach... and complaining about how out-of-shape you've become or the extra pounds you've gained. Unless you make the commitment to start moving today.
 
The key word here is START. Don't set yourself up for failure by tackling three miles on your first run, taking a challenging spin class or starting a radical diet because chances are good that you will be miserable, physically and mentally. That negative experience is not going to give you the motivation you need to get back out there tomorrow and do it again.
 
Your winter time goals and resolutions should not be daunting. Instead, they should encourage building a strong foundation, establishing good habits and carving time out of each day to exercise - even if it is just 20 minutes. Once this happens, momentum is on your side. I like to think that we're exemplifying Newton's First Law of Motion which states that a body in motion tends to stay in motion.
 
There is no better proof of this than at the store last Saturday morning. The threat of Blizzard Jonas was on our doorstep. It was cold, damp and cloudy. I wasn't sure anyone would show up for our training program practices. But there they were. Over 100 runners strong - such a marvelous site!  I love that coming to practice has become a part of their routine such that not even a blizzard was going to get in the way of their progress.
 
Counter that with a friend who saw the energetic group run by her house and wished that she was in shape to run like that. Each season she talks about joining our training programs, but always has an excuse (too cold, too hot, too busy). She gets frustrated when she sees the progress everyone who signed up for the program has made and thinks she can never catch up so she doesn't even try.
 
My advice to her: don't compare yourself to others; instead look to them for inspiration. They were once where you were. The difference is that they made the choice to start. Start Small. Start Today. You won't regret it. 

Live Fit,
Steph

New Cross-Training Shoes
Winter is a great time to head to the gym and get strong.  While you can use your running sneakers to work out, you'll be able to be more agile, powerful and balanced with shoes specifically designed for functional fitness and high intensity training. Plus, you'll feel more hard-core when wearing the right shoes! 
 
Whether you are owning the WOD at Cross Fit, nailing that early morning boot camp or rockin' Zumba class, we've got the shoes for you including these three new releases:
 
Asics Met-Conviction Asics Met-Conviction:
Devised and tested for box jumps, burpees, various lifts, running, and everything in between, this cross-trainer delivers the durability essentials and light weight componentry for a fine-tuned training shoe. The Met-Con has a low profile/flexible forefoot, 3mm heel-to-toe drop and an abrasion resistant/non-scuffing rubberized outsole and toe cap. 
 
Nike MetCon 2 Nike MetCon 2:
A great update to an already fabulous shoe that Nike couldn't make enough of. The MetCon 2 features a flat (4mm drop), stable platform for explosive lifts, zero-drag heel, fly-wire wrapped arch for that locked-down fit, abrasion-resistant film to protect against high-heat friction, dual-density foam for cushioning with support and a sticky rubber outsole for unmatched traction. This shoe will stand up to your most intense workouts. 
 
Topo Halsa Topo Halsa:
This zero-drop cross trainer is all about speed, strength and power. The abrasion-resistant mesh upper adds durability, increases flexibility and has minimal seams.  The broad, stable platform keeps you sure-footed while the mid-foot strap locks your foot in place for confidence with every movement because no one wants to worry if their foot is going to slip when they are attempting a record high box jump? 
Hoka Infinite - Exclusive Launch!
Hoka Infinite
Fleet Feet Sports is excited to be the official launch partner for Hoka's new Infinite sneaker which means you can only find them here until their nationwide launch on February 15!
 
Stability shoe wearers rejoice- this shoe has been designed with your biomechanics in mind!  The Infinite is Hoka's first stability shoe which now enables a whole new population of runners to enjoy Hoka's late-stage Meta-Rocker geometry, durable outsole and pillow-y underfoot feel. The Infinite features the same lightweight cushioning as Hoka's popular Clifton 2 with a slightly wider toe-box for those runners whose feet like to spread. Get ready to enjoy the plushest ride of your run!

Nancy's Picks
(& Valentine's Day Gift Ideas)
Rip Van Wafels
Polar Buff
JBL Clip+
StroopWafels
A staff obsession! These Dutch treats also make great fitness fuel. In addition to Honey Stinger's great options (including new gluten-free!), we now carry Rip Van Wafels with tasty flavors like dark chocolate sea salt, coconut and honey oats. Steam them over coffee - OMG! 
Polar Buff
Bring on the cold weather! These special Buff's feature a band of deliciously warm and soft Polar Fleece on the inside.  Wear it as a hat, neck gaiter, balaclava, beanie, headband or mask. The perfect winter accessory for men and women - available in great prints too! 
JBL Clip+
Ultra-light, ultra-rugged and ultra-powerful! This portable Bluetooth speaker provides 5 hours of playtime which makes it perfect to clip on your hydration pack and enjoy tunes safely on your long runs. It even has an echo-free speakerphone feature for hands-free calls!

Darn Tough VT Vertex Sock
NanoSpikes
Kahtoola MICROspikes
JBL Earbuds
DTV Vertex Socks
Our favorite seamless Merino Wool running sock got an upgrade! The Vertex features cushioning only where you need it (on the bottom) to reduce bulk in your shoe and create free-space between your sock and shoe to insulate your feet better on cold days. Wool also helps reduce friction and hot spots.
Kahtoola Snow Spikes
Don't let icy roads or snowy trails stop you from running outside! NanoSpikes are similar to YakTraks but provide better stability because there is no bulky metal coil. Instead evenly-spaced nubs bite into those icy sidewalks or roads. Lightweight and easy to slip over your shoes/boots.
JBL Bluetooth Earbuds
The world's first sport earphone with noise cancellation and adaptive noise control to give you greater awareness of your surroundings (like honking cars and chatty running partners). Legendary JBL sound with an ergonomic fit that keeps the buds IN your ear.  Sweatproof too! 


In-Store 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
Special Events:
  • Fun Run w/Adidas (demo the new Boost)
     - Wed, Jan 27 @ 6:30pm
  • Fun Run & Olympic Marathon Trials Send-Off - 
    Wed, Feb 3 @ 6:30pm
  • PatTalk: Nutrition for Runners w/Whole Foods - Tues, Feb 9 @ 7pm
  • Ladies Night Out - Thurs, Feb 11 @ 5-7pm
  • Love Wins Valentine Fun Run/Walk -
     Sat, Feb 13 @ 8-9am
  • President's Weekend Sale - Sat-Mon, Feb 13-15
  • Speed Development Program Begins 
    - Tues, Feb 16 @ 6pm
  • Fun Run w/Saucony (demo the new Hurricane) - Wed, Feb 17 @ 6:30pm
  • Red Cross Blood Drive - Sun, March 6 @ 10am-3pm

Featured Events & Races
 

Injury Prevention Class
Winter Injury Prevention Series - Monday's thru March 28
Join athletic trainer/massage therapist/muscle magician, Lisa Hughes, for a 9-week Injury Prevention Training Program geared towards runners. Program teaches via lecture and lab/hands-on so prepare to sweat!  Learn about soft tissue mobilization, causes and prevention of chronic injury and how to build a foundation of strength, flexibility, and muscular endurance necessary to train injury free!
 
Special price of $150 for Fleet Feet peeps!  Click here for details.
Olympic Marathon Trials
Celebration
&
Send-Off Party!
Olympic Marathon Trials Send-Off - Wed, Feb 3 @ 6:30pm
Connecticut is home to not one or even two, but three Olympic Marathon Trials qualifiers: Jonas Hampton, Chris Zablocki and West Hartford native, Everett Hackett. We invite you to join us for a special celebration to send our hometown runner heroes to L.A. in style!  We'll kick the fun off with a 3 mile run and then toast the runners with beverages (both adult and electrolyte varieties).  
Run for Refugees
IRIS Run for Refugees 5k - Sun, Feb 7 @ 10am
Kick off your Super Bowl Sunday celebration by running or walking 3.1 miles to raise funds and awareness for the thousands of refugees that have settled in Connecticut.  Walkers and runners are welcome and participants are encouraged to dress in costume. Great INDOOR post-race party including live music, fabulous international food and warm surrounds! Race proceeds go to the Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services. 

Ladies Night Out


Girls Night Out - Thurs, Feb 11 @ 5-7pm
The correct sports bra is arguably the most important piece of sports "equipment" for women. The right fit means not thinking about jiggling and bouncing so you can focus on your workout.  But we know it's not all about support - beautiful colors and a bit of style can boost our self-esteem and make us feel pretty!
 
Join Sports Bra Guru, Jessica, as we debut the latest styles and colors from Brooks/Moving Comfort's award-winning line of sports bras made for real women. We'll have wine and a chocolate buffet, plus purchase a bra or apparel item from Brooks/Moving Comfort and receive a rose with a secret reward attached to it!
 
Event is limited to 50 women - RSVP to Michelle.  Bring a friend or family member who has never shopped at the Annex and you both will receive a rose, no purchase necessary!


Valentine Run
Love Wins Valentine
 Run/Walk - Sat, Feb 13 (morning)
Do something good for your heart and honor a loved one this Valentine's Day! Runners and walkers alike are invited to join our Saturday run crew (over 100 strong!) for a foot tour of West Hartford!  Plus, for every $1 donation you make to the Ana Grace Project, you will receive a heart to wear on your sleeve on which you can emblazon the name(s) of your loved ones, living and deceased.  
 
Route options include 7 miles (8am), 4.5 miles (8:30am) and 3 miles (9am).  For more details, email Michelle.
Triathlons are FUN!
USJ Indoor Triathlon - Sun, Feb 14 @ 9am
The University of Saint Joseph is celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day by hosting an indoor triathlon that is open to women AND men. The triathlon is comprised of a 20 minute swim (indoor pool), 20 minute stationary bike ride and 20 minute run on USJ's indoor track.  Results are calculated by distance traveled in each event.  Fee is $25 for individuals/$30 for relay teams. 

Colchester Half Marathon - Sat, Feb 27 @ 10am
This hilly and chilly half marathon is not for the faint of heart, but it is a favorite race of many. The course features hills, dirt roads, rural scenery, cows and more hills. There is a hearty post-race carbo rel-load buffet featuring delicious food and beverages along with post-race massages and plenty of opportunity to commiserate with other runners. Just $14. To register to run...or volunteer, click here.
Red Cross
Red Cross Blood Drive at Fleet Feet - Sun, March 6 @ 10a-3p
Due to the historic blizzard, blood donations to the Red Cross are way down, while the need has increased. Please consider giving the gift of life. The entire process takes about an hour though the actual blood donation part just takes 8-10 minutes and the satisfaction of knowing you did something good is immediate! 
 
Sign-up here (enter FFHART in Sponsor Code search box).


Aubrey's Recipe
Get Out N' Play Logo
Honey Mustard Chicken
 
Here's a very simple recipe to have in your repertoire for the nights when you are going in a million different directions and getting dinner on the table is low on your list. With three main ingredients, you can put dinner in the oven in five minutes, giving you more time to do other things. I will often prepare this meal when I'm won't be home at dinner time, but want to leave the house with dinner prepared for my family.
 
Click Here for Recipe
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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Winter Apparel Coupon
Refresh your winter wardrobe and save 20% off your entire apparel purchase (excluding CWX and new arrivals from Under Armour and Asics). Choose from jackets, half-zips, base-layers, tights and pants!
Offer Expires Sunday, January 31, 2016. Not valid on previous purchases or special orders. May not be combined with any other discounts or coupons EXCEPT you can use your $15 Reward Certificates.