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The Extra Mile April 5, 2016
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Help Us Stuff a Cruiser - This Saturday!
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Some of the greatest things to happen in this world are the result of the smallest of ideas and gestures. In this case, it all started with a random act of kindness by Officer Jim Barrett of the Hartford Police Department.
Officer Barrett is also an Iraqi War Veteran and an advocate for the city's homeless. Moved by a homeless vet whose only shoes this winter were a pair of disintegrating flip-flops, Officer Barrett bought him a pair of new sneakers, bringing to light a need for decent footwear among Hartford's homeless. While winter coats are often available through local coat drives, decent shoes are not. Foot care is also in short supply yet sorely needed for this population who rely on their feet to find shelter, safety and a hot meal.
Officer Barrett connected with the non-profit Community Partners in Action and Abby Moore, a long-time Fleet Feet customer and supporter who asked if Fleet Feet would donate some shoes. We dropped off about 60 pairs of like-new shoes and were astonished to learn that the shoes had all found homes within several days. Clearly there is a huge need - a need that we can't fulfill alone.
After an afternoon brainstorm session with Abby in the Fleet Feet parking lot and a flurry of phone calls, Footwear with Care was born in partnership with Community Partners in Action, the Hartford Police Department, the Connecticut Podiatric Medical Association and Fleet Feet Sports. Since then, we have received a grant from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, as well as support from Footprints of Newington, Mickey Finn's, REI, Saucony, New Balance, Asics and The North Face.
Our mission is to provide holistic foot care to homeless men, women and children. Several times a year, we are going to host foot clinics where the homeless will have their feet screened by podiatrists and receive new socks, shoes and foot care items - all for free. Our first clinic is scheduled for Saturday, April 23 at Holy Trinity Church in Hartford. We expect to serve 100 individuals which means we need your help!
This Saturday, we will be hosting a "Stuff a Cruiser" event from 9:30am-12:30pm at the store. Our goal is to stuff a police cruiser full of shoes and boots that will be given to the homeless at our foot care clinic. We need both children and adult sneakers and hiking boots (no dress shoes) that are in LIKE-NEW condition (no holes or worn tread). Community Partners in Action will also be collecting cash donations that will be used to purchase new shoes. For every $25 donated, Fleet Feet will also donate a pair of shoes to the drive.
Together we can make a difference in our community - one shoe at a time!
Steph
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Natalie's Shoe Review: NB Vongo
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 New Balance recently introduced its first stability shoe in the Fresh Foam line, the Fresh Foam Vongo. The Vongo is a light stability shoe, similar to the 870. It features an "overstuffed" midsole and a midfoot wrap for structured flexibility within a plush Fresh Foam ride. With its low heel-to-toe offset and breathable mesh upper, the Vongo makes your feet feel both supported and solidly planted on a soft yet stable base. |
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Nancy's Picks - It's Sandal Time!
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I'll admit, I'm not a sneakerhead. I'd much rather be wearing fancy boots or flip-flops which is why I practically hugged the UPS driver last week when he dropped off our shipments of Oofos and Superfeet sandals. Ahhhhh!
Get the benefits of Superfeet insoles in a stylish sandal that will give your feet the support they crave post-race or post-hike, fireside or poolside! Superfeet OUTSIDE Sandals' foam layers work together to cradle your foot, while the distinct Superfeet shape and deep, structured heel cup help to absorb impact and provide support. Plus, they have a quick-dry strap, high-impact top and a gender specific fit. If you doctor tells you to wear supportive shoes, definitely give these a try!
Feel the Ooo when you put them on! I've probably walked over 100 miles in my Oofos - they are the best! Gentle arch support, superior cushion, machine washable, anti-microbial and they float! Now available in slides and flips. Come try them on and see why I own multiple pairs!
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Spring Running Programs - Last Call!
WalkFit, 5k, 10k & 13.1
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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. Discover your inner athlete and watch as a world of possibility and adventure open before you!
To learn more about our life-changing programs, click on the buttons below:
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If your kids like to run, Fleet Feet has a fun family program just for them: Zoomerangs! This non-competitive "open track" program is designed for kids aged 3-12. It gives them the opportunity to experience running in a fun, friendly atmosphere where the motto is "Will run for worms" (gummy worms, that is!).
It's a great place for kids to run safely, correctly using good form, make friends and get stronger/build endurance so they can perform better in other sports (or rock the mile in gym class). Most of all, our goal is to empower kids to accomplish their goals and instill in them a lifelong love of running. It's also a great opportunity for mom and dad to spend quality time with your kids - and get in shape too.
This spring, we will be offering three Zoomerang Programs: two programs in West Hartford including "Zoomerangs on the Spectrum" for children with Autism and one program in Glastonbury. All practices will last about 45-60 minutes. Click here for details.
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 The Girls in Stride running program is designed for all levels of runners ages 6-14 years. The girls are introduced to concepts of goal setting and planning, proper running preparation, mechanics of running, journaling of training, nutrition and mental preparation. Upon completion of the training, the girls will be prepared to run the Celebrate West Hartford 5k.
Programs are being offered in West Hartford, Farmington, Glastonbury, Newington and Windsor. Learn more about Girls in Stride here.
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 Girls on the Run Greater Hartford is an empowering program for girls in 3rd-5th grade-giving them skills and experiences to navigate their world with confidence and joy!
During the program, girls meet twice a week in small teas to learn life skills through engaging lessons and fun movement activities. The curriculum is taught by certified Girls on the Run coaches and helps each girl understand and celebrate herself, value healthy relationships, and realize her power to impact the world. The season culminates with a special 5k that the girls complete with their running buddies - an events that provides them with a lifelong memory of accomplishment.
The result? Healthy, confident girls who CAN!
How you can help: We are currently looking for sites to host the program. Do you have a connection with a school or organization with indoor and outdoor facilities? We are also seeking experienced candidates for our Board of Directors who share the Girls on the Run mission and values. Please email Jen Byrne for more information or to get involved.
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 MPower is a running program just for boys aged 6-14 (we can't let the girls have all the fun!).
Finishing a 5K is an impressive achievement at any age. Imagine the sense of accomplishment and pride your son will feel when he crosses the finish line of the My Sister's Place 5K in West Hartford on Sunday, June 12th, 2016! MPower Boys Running will prepare him to do just that.
Modeled after popular Couch-to-5K plans, MPower's training program is designed for all levels of runners: from very beginners to experienced racers. We will concentrate on proper form and pacing while we build endurance over the weeks through a combination of running drills, games and core strength exercises. If your son loves to run, wants to build endurance for other sports, or just wants to try something new, register today through Farmington Recreation. Use activity code: 221410.
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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
- 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:
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Women's Annex Anniversary CeleBRAtion & Sale - Sun, April 17 @ 11am-5pm
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Women's Annex CeleBRAtion & Sale
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Outdoor Track: Gear-Up, Save & Win!
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We invite all tracksters to make Fleet Feet Sports their go-to shop for trainers, spikes and gear like Nike Pro shorts, massa ge sticks and Nuun energy drink! Click here for a coupon giving student-athletes 10% off their spikes and trainers, as well as $15 off a Gear-Up Kit!
Plus, the team with the highest percentage of athletes purchasing either shoes or trainers at Fleet Feet Sports -Hartford by April 15 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!
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Nutrition Webinar w/UCAN - Thurs, April 7 @ 7pm
The great folks at Generation UCAN (a Connecticut company!) are hosting a special webinar on "How to Fuel Your Marathon & Half Marathon Training". Click here to register for the webinar (listen live or at your leisure) and receive a UCAN Sampler Pack valued at $10 (pack will be available for pick-up at the store).
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Boston Marathon Send-Off Party - Wed, April 13 @ 7pm
Are you Boston Bound? Do you know someone who is? Or maybe you just want to have fun with your fellow runners! Join us next Wednesday as we celebrate all of the Hartford-area athletes bound for the 2016 Boston Marathon!
Everyone is invited to join us for a shake-out run at 6:30pm (meet at the store), then we'll head over to the Elbow Room where Sam Adams will be serving up their famous 26.2 brew that they are bringing in special for us! Special deals on bevs and food courtesy of Elbow Room and fun Boston-themed raffled prizes from Fleet Feet Sports & adidas! Click here for details.
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Achilles CT Pub Night - Sat, April 16 @ 6-9pm
Help our friends at Achilles CT and McKeen Law Firm raise funds for Team Achilles CT at the Thomas Hooker Brewery in Bloomfield! There will be Bears Smokehouse BBQ, beer tastings, brewery tours, music, games, silent auction and a 50/50 raffle.
Tickets are $25 for those over 21 years old and $15 for those under 21 years old. Click here to reserve your spot today!
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Enfield Cinco K Mayo 5k - Sat, May 7 @ 9am
The Rotary Club of Enfield is once again pleased to host this fun 5k which raises money for the club's charitable fund which has funded community projects like an accessible playground and college scholarships for students at Enfield and Fermi High School. Learn more here.
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Florence Thermidor 5k - Sat, May 7 @ 10am
This 5K run/walk raises funds for the Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance a non-profit that is dedicated to offering support and compassion to those affected by brain tumors. The race is hosted by medical students at UCONN School of Medicine in honor of their classmate's mother, Florence, who died of a brain tumor and takes place on UCONN's medical center campus in Farmington. Click here for details.
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Cromwell Cross Country Challenge - Sat, May 21 @ 9am
Show your support for the Cromwell Cross Country team by registering for this fun 5k that pits the teachers versus the students. All money raised by this event goes directly to the cross country team and helps the kids earn money towards attending running camp. Register via this link and enter the coupon code "20ALLEN16" to receive 20% off the registration fee.
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Roasted Eggplant Salad w/Tomatoes & Mint
This month my book club read a novel that was set in Turkey (Birds Without Wings by Louis de Bernieres). Using Google, I settled on this salad that was an easy to make dish for the potluck spread that accompanies book club. Everything was easy to prepare in advance.
I added the flatbread before heading out the door and brought a mason jar with the salad dressing. Shortly before serving, I tossed the dressing into the salad. This would be a great summer salad and I'll likely add it to my summer repertoire, especially when tomatoes are in season.
Click Here for Recipe
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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: 11am - 5pm*
* Now Open Sunday's at 11am!
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