Worth It
Worth It
I'm a sucker for happy endings. While I was rooting for the Carolina Panthers to win the Super Bowl, my disappointment was tempered by witnessing a storybook ending for Peyton Manning who will likely retire after an incredible 18 years in the NFL.
 
As a forty-something year old who has witnessed firsthand the decline of my athletic ability (one of my New Year's Resolutions is to touch my toes when stretching), I have respect for a 39 year old man who can still compete at the professional level - especially at a sport as brutally physical as football is. I am sure he possesses above-average natural talent, but I also believe that he got to where he is today thanks to a lot of guts, heart and hard-work.
 
It's those qualities that earned him the respect of many including Seattle QB Russell Wilson who wrote this in his public letter of thanks to Peyton:
 
You inspired me to work hard. To be disciplined. To be respectful. To take notes.
You inspired me to love the process. To love the sweat. To love the tears.
But most of all ...
You inspired me to love the game.
 
This letter inspired me to get out of my cozy bed this morning and run. Running can be tough. Running in the cold and snow even tougher. I fondly remember one trail run through six inches of fresh snow that left me completely spent and in tears after just two miles. I wanted to quit, questioning why I was doing this to myself.
 
The simple answer was - and still is - I love the run. I love what it does for me physically and mentally.  While a PR or age-group award at a race is awesome, I too love the process. The sweat. The tears. The hard work and the discipline. The camaraderie. The little victories along the way.
 
The best things in life are almost never easy. It's the work and effort that makes victory so sweet. Don't let this cold, snowy weather stop you from the run. Layer-up and get out there. It's worth it!
 
Live Fit,
Steph

Adidas Pure Boost X (ladies-only!)
Pure Boost XAdidas set out to design a shoe that was specifically adapted to a woman's foot - the perfect mix of function, innovation...and fashion! They spent three years and made over 100 prototypes before perfecting this shoe.
 
The biggest innovation is a floating arch (you can literally put your finger through the arch). The science behind the arch is that while men and women's feet are the same in non-weight bearing positions, once the foot strikes the ground, women's ligaments become more flexible which creates a greater arch angle and a lot more expansion than a man's foot. The floating arch really hugs a woman's foot which offers better support, no matter what direction you are moving in. 
 
In addition to the sock-like fit (you may need to go up � size) that provides a glove-like fit for even the narrowest of women's heels and floating arch, the Pure Boost X also features adidas' super-responsive Boost platform.  It's like having trampolines under your feet!
 
The Pure Boost X is only for women (sorry guys) and is great for cross-training and high intensity workouts.  You can run in it as well, but it's considered a minimal shoe due to its low heel-to-toe drop so ease into it gently. 
 
Stay tuned for details on a great Pure Boost X demo workout with our friends at Body Roc.  Shoes, sweat, song & swag! 

Nancy's Picks
(& Valentine's Day Gift Ideas)
Need some Valentine ideas? We can make all of your Valentine wishes come true at Fleet Feet. Treat yourself or your loved one to some of my favorite products. Of course, you still need to add a box of chocolate so be sure to pick up a case of chocolate Gu or the tasty new sea salt chocolate waffles from Rip Van Wafel!   

Love Wins Sweaty Band
Fiona Sports Bra
Gift Cards
Love Wins Sweaty Band
Sweaty Bands don't slip - even when I fall asleep with them on!  Check out the new styles or choose our fav - the Love Wins band which honors the life and spirit of six-year old Ana who was killed at Sandy Hook. Proceeds go to Ana Grace Project which "promotes love, community and connection for every child and family." 
Fiona Sports Bra
Brooks/Moving Comfort's #1 selling sports bra, has just been updated! I love the new streamlined straps, smooth band (no more ribbing!) and soft-padded closure in the back. This bra allows for a custom fit and works for many body types. Available in fun colors and in "sterling" - the new white!
Gift Cards
We can make shopping easy for your favorite running Valentine with a gift card. It always fits and is always wanted! A runner can never have too much gear! Let them pick out a new pair of shoes, treat themselves to a new drawer full of Balega socks, stock-up on Gu or anything else they need for the upcoming race season!


Brooks Apparel - just arrived!
Brooks CaprisSuch awesome colors that are sure to brighten your workout (guys too!)! I love that the striped tights and capris are reversible - it's like getting a free pair! Both are wear now and on those (soon to be) warmer days.  I had a chance to run in the new tights and the power waistband truly stays. 

Mesh treatment is a fashion feature for active wear this season. Check out the new Run-thru short sleeve shirt with mesh back. This is a great top for gym or for staying cool for running on warm days.  And guys - how about those starburst Sherpa Shorts?!!

 Brooks Mesh tee Brooks Sherpa Short Brooks Half Zip

Ladies - stop in this Thursday from 5-7pm for our special Girls Night Out shopping & bra fit event with Brooks/Moving Comfort's expert, Jessica! Purchase any Brooks/Moving Comfort bra or apparel item and receive a rose with a special discount good on your purchase.  

 Shhh, don't tell the guys we are having wine and chocolate. That's how you try on bras! 

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  
     - Wed, Feb 10 @ 6:30pm
  • Ladies Night Out - Thurs, Feb 11 @ 5-7pm
  • Love Wins Valentine Fun Run/Walk -
     Sat, Feb 13 @ 8-9am
  • President's Weekend Sale - Fri-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
 
Girls Night Out
Girls Night Out - Thurs, Feb 11 @ 5-7pm
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 an item from Brooks/Moving Comfort and receive a rose that has FF Bucks attached to it!  Event is limited to 50 women - 
RSVP to Michelle.  


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!
Give It a Try 2016 - Sat, Feb 20 @ 7am-4:20pm
Put your winter training to the test for a great cause! Give it a TRI 2016 is an indoor triathlon at New York Sports Club consisting of a 15-minute swim, 30-minute bike and 30-minutes on a treadmill.  All proceeds from the event are donated to Jocelyn's Run which helps Connecticut families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. 
ScavenJer Dash
ScavenJer Dash - Sat, Feb 27 @ 7-9pm
Part scavenger hunt, part obstacle course - and all just for kids in 6th grade and up. Teams of two will race around the Mandell JCC building solving clues and challenges which will direct them to the finish line.  This fun competition is open to the public and concludes with a sundae party in the Chase Family Gallery. Fun prizes donated by the Hartford Yard Goats, Dave & Busters and Fleet Feet!  
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).


Terrier Tough
Terrier Tough 5k Obstacle Course - Sat, April 2 @ 9am
What better motivation to incorporate strength training into your winter running routine by registering for this challenging, but fun 5k. Terrier Tough is a 5k comprised of 30+ obstacles that are completed by teams of four.  The obstacles test all around strength, stamina, teamwork and mental grip. Have a blast and help raise money for Rocky Hill High School's annual student service trip to build houses in New Orleans with Habitat for Humanity. 

Trail Camp
Trail Running Camp & Retreat - June 10-12
More than just a running camp, this "running retreat" at Cedar Lake with your hosts champion ultra-runner Debbie Livingston and Coach Al Lyman, is an educational and inspirational experience. Designed for novice to intermediate level runners who want to learn more about trail running, share and have fun!  This retreat is LIMITED TO ONLY 25 ATHLETES so don't delay...sign-up today! 


Aubrey's Recipe
Get Out N' Play Logo
Minestrone Soup
 
Minestrone soup doesn't have a standard recipe. It's an Italian soup loaded with vegetables. Onions, garlic, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes and kidney beans are pretty typical. From there, include more additions to suit your tastes and your hunger. With the snowy forecast, I love a hearty bowl of flavorful, veggie rich soup.

 
Click Here for Recipe
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Tuesday: 10am - 7pm
Wednesday: 10am - 8pm
Thursday: 10am - 7pm
Friday: 10am - 7pm

Saturday: 10am - 5:30pm
Sunday: 12 - 5pm

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President's Weekend Sale
Our Winter Apparel Sale technically begins this Friday (and goes through Monday, Feb 15), but this coupon entitles you to start saving right now!

SALE DETAILS:
* Buy 1 piece of winter apparelget a 2nd piece for 80% off.
* Buy 1 winter accessory, get a 2nd for 80% off
* 1 Clearance Item =  50% off that item
* 2 Clearance Items = 60% off those items
* 3+ Clearance Items = 70% off those items
Offer Expires Monday, February 15, 2016. Winter apparel items include long sleeve tops, jackets, pants and tights. Not valid on previous purchases, special orders or on new Brooks apparel. May not be combined with any other discounts or coupons - lowest priced item is 80% off.