Get Out!
your Run is calling
Trail runners get a front row seat to the show Mother Nature puts on as she wakes from hibernation and transforms our world from sleepy and muted to vibrant and alive.  For many runners, though, trails seem too difficult, technical and intimidating, not to mention hazardous for those who are navigationally challenged, so they stick to the pavement.
 
A new group in town is on a mission to change that.  The CT Trailmixers got their start on the Friday after Thanksgiving when a group of runners decided to turn "Black Friday" into "Green Friday" and go for a trail run. Instead of hammering out the miles, they took their time and ran as a group so no one got lost.  They took in their surroundings, stopped for photos, walked up hills, enjoyed leisurely breaks with scenic vistas and appreciated the people around them. 
 
They had so much fun that they decided to do it again the next weekend and the next... and the next. Word spread about the welcoming nature of the runs and the group grew.  Today there are over 200 runners of all ages and abilities who have joined the CT Trailmixers - many who are experiencing trails for their first time ever.
 
In addition to touring various state parks and trail systems throughout the greater Hartford area, the group hosts a running-themed book club and an active Facebook page that is a great resource for questions about gear, nutrition and odd challenges runners face.   Best of all, club membership is FREE! 
 
The group is captained by Michael Lo Presti who with a few other CT Trailmixer veterans will be leading a "Trail Running 101" class at YMCA Camp Sloper in Southington this Sunday at 7:30am.  The "class" will cover topics like trail etiquette, food and hydration and equipment (shoes!), then head out for a 3-5 mile run via loops of varying levels of difficulty so folks can choose how adventurous they want to be.  For more information click here.  

For inspiration, read the club manifesto Michael penned:
  
Life isn't meant to be lived just inside.
Desk jobs.  Debts. Decisions.
Life is so much more.
There's a big wide outside calling to us,
waiting to be explored.
Rocks. Roots. Trees. Streams. Grass. Hills.
Mountains.
So bring it all and leave it all on the trail:
your heart, your body and your soul.
See what it feels like to live in the now,
where all that matters
is the whisper of your footfalls on the path,
the white flick of a deer's tail 'round the bend,
Tte reassurance of your trail companions,
and the sigh of the next blaze up ahead.
We live in the land of the free
and the home of the trails.
Love the land.
Move through the land.
Share the land.
Run with Us.
GET OUT.
 CT Trailmixers
Live Fit,
Steph

Spring Training Programs

Winter will soon be over.  It's time to commit to living fit! Grab a friend or make new ones when you join in one of our spring training programs. We have options for the walker, as well as beginner through experienced runner - with distances ranging from 5k to half marathon.  Choose from training locations in Glastonbury and West Hartford.
 
Each program features a proven training plan that is safe and effective, organized weekly runs, weekly newsletter, in-store discounts and a team of coaches who will inspire, teach and help you conquer your goal and learn to live healthier. We have a lot of fun along the way and hope you will be a part of it!

Iron Horse Half
Iron Horse 10k
NoBo WeHa
NoBo Gbury

Details and registration for our spring Zoomerang Kids Running Program will be posted in the March 22 newsletter.


Nancy's Picks
It's a great time to shop as fresh new spring apparel is arriving daily - plus, you can save big on our winter clearance racks stock full of tights, pants, long sleeves, hats and gloves. 

Wake up early. Reach further. Make every minute matter in our fresh New Balance collection that includes many pieces that are perfect for in-studio or on the go (guys - you will love the Versa Knit Short!)  

NB Performance VestWrap yourself in softness and style with the Performance Fleece Vest.  I love the tunic length with a band to hug your curves. Wear it now or on those warmer days with a tank.  Also available as a hoodie with long-sleeves.
NB Jogger PantsWear the Performance Training Pant at the gym or on the go. It has a modern ankle and I love the tuxedo stripe on the leg. This looks great with shorts boots, sneakers or sandals. This will be your go to bottom all spring.NB Crop BraStrong is beautiful in the new Crop Racerback Bra. This is a bra you will want to show off! It has built in support with a great strappy back.  Pairs great with the super cute B&W perforated tank.
NB N'Transit JacketNew Balance didn't forget our guys. The new collection feels amazing! The N'Transit Track Jacket is perfect on the go or to the gym. This will be your favorite spring jacket NB Versa Knit Short
Two great short options including the N'Transit short that coordinates great with the jacket at left and the 9" knit Versa short that is super soft  and perfect for the gym-and the couch!
Sport Shield Say goodbye to blisters and chub-rub! 2Toms Sports Shield is similar to Body Glide, but because it is silicone-based, it prevents chafing in even the wettest conditions (like under your wet-suit). 

Track & Field: Gear-Up, Save & Win!
Outdoor Track Spikes
We invite all tracksters to make Fleet Feet Sports their go-to shop for trainers, spikes and gear like Nike Pro shorts, massage sticks and Nuun energy drink!  All spikes are now 10% off and beginning March 19, the first 150 student tracksters to purchase shoes will also receive our famous limited edition t-shirt for free!

 

Plus, the team with the highest percentage of athletes on the team who purchase either shoes or trainers at Fleet Feet Sports -Hartford wins an Elite Nike Experience including a visit from Nike during practice and a Nike hosted hospitality tent complete with a spike cleaning & customization station, stretching mat and rollers, snacks and shaded seats for parents at either the Irv Black Invitational or the 85th Greater Hartford Outdoor T&F Invite!  

 

Click here to for an extra special coupon!

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
  • 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/CWX (demo Stabilyx tights & shorts)
     - Wed, March 9 @ 6:30pm
  • Learn to Use Trigger Point Tools - Sat, March 12 @ 8-11am (drop-in)
  • Iron Horse Half Marathon Training Program Begins - Sat, March 12 @ 8am
  • Pearl Izumi PI Day Pie Run - Mon, March 14 @ 6:30pm
  • BodyRoc Open House/adidas PureBOOSTx Launch - Thurs, March 17 @ 6-8pm
  • Fun Run w/Nike - Wed, March 23 @ 6:30pm
  • Spring 5k & 10k Training Programs Begin - Sat, April 2 @ 8:30am

My Running ResourceThere's a new web site dedicated to running in New England.  My Running Resource has a comprehensive event calendar and club listings.  Check it out here.   

Featured Events & Races
 
CT Trailmixers
Trail Running 101 Clinic at Camp Sloper - Sun, March 13 @ 7:30am
Nervous about trying trail running? Wondering what it would be like to make the transition from the road? Join us this Sunday for a free clinic hosted by the CT Trailmixers. No trail shoes required. All skill levels are welcome, from newbies to dusty veterans. We leave nobody behind. And we'll partake of famous CT Trailmixers baked goods afterwards.
PI Pie Run
Pearl Izumi Pi Day Run - 3.14 (Mon, March 14) @ 6:30pm
To celebrate both our love of Pi, pies and PI, we are hosting a Pearl Izumi Fun Run on Pi Day. The fun begins with a 3.14 mile run followed by baked goods and goodies from Pearl Izumi. Participants who bring baked goods to share, especially pies (!) will get an extra treat from Pearl, as well as the runner who finishes closest to 30 minutes and 14 seconds!  Show your love of Pi and join us!
BodyRoc
BodyRoc Boosted Workout - Thurs, March 17 @ 6-8pm
Join our special St. Patrick's Day fitness party with our friends at BodyRoc Fit Lab & adidas!  Experience BodyRoc's unique DJ'ed workout consisting of TruForm treadmills, boxing, and strength training. Demo the sweet new PureBOOSTx shoe and join us post-workout for cupcakes, libations, mingling and dancing to the live DJ! RSVP here.
Bunny
Hoppin' Hodges 5k - Sunday, March 27 @ 8am
This special 5k on Easter morning is in memory of James Hodges, a long-time member of Hartford Track Club. The registration fee is a donation of your choice to the "Friends of Valley Falls", a non-profit that promotes the betterment of the Valley Falls section of the Vernon Rails to Trails where Jim loved to run and hike. This no-frills race is hosted by Jim's wife, Janit Romayko.  Details here.
East Farms 5k
East Farms 5k  - Sunday, April 3 @ 1pm
Farmington's East Farms Elementary School PTO is proud to host this community wide event which inspires children and adults to develop and maintain healthy bodies and minds, while having fun raising funds for the East Farms PTO. The event kicks off with a Fun Run and Fitness Walk at 12:15pm, while the 5k starts at 1pm.  Click here for more info.
Finally Spring 5k
Finally Spring 5k & Kids Run - Sat, April 9 @ 10am
This scenic 5k celebrates the end of winter with the first trail race of the season. A rolling course through the Howard/Porter Reservoir trail system is one of Manchester's hidden gems for running. Pre-register by March 17 to get a free pair of Sock Guy socks and a custom bib with your name on it. Enjoy great prizes including cash for the top three male and female runners, post-race refreshments and more. Details here. 

Zero Prostate Cancer Run
ZERO Prostate Cancer Race - Sun, April 10
The ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk in West Hartford's Blue Back Square features a 5K run/walk, Kids Superhero Dash for Dad, and virtual Snooze for Dudes program. The funds raised from this race are invested around the country to provide research for new treatments, free prostate cancer testing, and educate men and families about prostate cancer. Find more info here

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! 


Join Team in Training
Team in TrainingDo you want to train for an endurance event while raising funds to help people live cancer-free? Check out Team in Training, the world's largest endurance sports training program that benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Whether you want to complete a full marathon, half marathon, triathlon, long distance bike ride, hike or swim, TNT will offer you support every step of the way including giving you a comprehensive program to help you achieve your goal and providing you with the support of a team for what can be a life-changing experience.   For more information about our events or how to get started, please click here or email Brittany.

Aubrey's Recipe
Get Out N' Play Logo
Chewy Granola Bars
 
My son has been showing an interest in helping mommy in the kitchen. At 2 years old, there's a decision making process, to find a recipe that suitable. I imagine it will be awhile before he's making kale and farro salads alongside his mom. He likes to help pour and mix the ingredients together. Then there's the enjoyment of eating. I feel good about occasionally making homemade snack foods with a touch of sweetness.
 
Depending on the granola you select, these bars have whole grains, protein and fruit. The crunchy, chewy texture is pleasing to kids and adults alike. Make a batch of these to share with your running buddies post run.

 
Click Here for Recipe
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CWX Tights, Shorts & Bras
CWX rarely goes on sale but in honor of the special CWX demo/try-on night this Wednesday (March 9) from 6-8pm with CWX Fit Expert, Bruce Monroe, we were given permission to offer a special incentive. 
Offer Expires Sunday, March 13, 2016. Coupon not valid on previous purchases or special orders, nor may it be combined with other discounts or coupons.  All sales final.