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The Extra Mile June 14, 2016
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 My mind was racing much faster than my legs on my run this morning. My thoughts were consumed by the horrific act of terrorism in Orlando, and the sadness that 49 fathers who had lost their sons and daughters would be grieving instead of celebrating this Father's Day.
I thought of Rebecca Kowalski who lost her six year old son, Chase, to gun violence in Sandy Hook, and how she believes that the loss of core family values and nurturing is at the root of violence in our society.
I thought of my own dad who inspired me to become a runner like him. Whether it was in running or life, my dad has always been one of my biggest cheerleaders and supporters. To this day, he celebrates my achievements loudly and proudly - and tempers my disappointments with words of encouragement and love. He believes that you can't spoil kids with too much love or too many compliments; compliments I always believed were 100% true.
Just after my sophomore year of high school, my family vacationed in the Outer Banks. One evening, I joined my dad for a run along the beach. As usual, he would pepper the run with "looking strong" and "nice work" comments, but at the turnaround, he stopped, scanned me head-to-toe and declared that I had become such a beautiful runner.
I had never thought of myself as particularly pretty in high school and had no chance of being elected to the Homecoming Court, but at that moment, I decided that being a beautiful, strong runner was so much better than superficial beauty. Runners were strong people who were capable of doing amazing things. From that night on, I became truly comfortable in my own skin.
Fast forward 25 years when Dad started to help me coach our Zoomerangs kids running program. Every time the kids ran by him, he would pepper them with the same positive comments of "looking strong" and "nice work". At the end of practice, he would liberally give high-fives and hugs, telling the kids how proud he was of them.
And then it happened. I overheard him telling a shy, young girl what a beautiful runner she was. Initially, my heart sank. I thought I was his beautiful runner. I believed that I was a beautiful runner. Was that just a random compliment he gives any kid? Then I saw the little girl beam. I could see her confidence sky-rocket just as mine did. How could I be petty and selfish when my dad was making a difference in her life by allowing her to feel worthy of the title "runner"?
More so than any other sport or activity, I believe running has the biggest impact on our character. I love that no matter how far or slow I go, I always have a huge sense of personal accomplishment when I finish. And I love that our running community is so welcoming and accessible.
I wonder if I would have grown into the confident, resilient woman I am if I wasn't a runner. I wonder if there would be less anger and more tolerance in the world if everybody ran. But one thing I don't have to wonder about is the difference that kindness and nurturing makes and the power of having someone believe in you.
Be kind. Respond to violence with acts of love. Run As One.
Steph
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Natalie's Shoe Reviews: Brooks (+ 1 Nike)
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The shoe gurus at Brooks have been busy with five big releases to kick-off summer. From a performance racer to trails to work to everyday workhorses, Brooks has a shoe for you!
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Hyperion - Racing
The beloved T7 racer has been updated with BioMoGo DNA cushioning, forefoot Propulsion Pods and a nearly seamless stretch-woven upper with perforations in the forefoot and arch for breathability...and great looks!
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PureGrit 5 - Trail
Featuring a new outsole with dust-shield and a less pronounced "nav-band" across the midfoot for a more comfortable fit - while keeping fav features like the ballistic rock shielf, BioMoGo DNA cushioning and 3D hex-lugs for enhanced traction.
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Dyad Walker
All the benefits of a sneaker, without the flash! Designed for flat feet, this orthotic-friendly shoe has a slip-resistant outsole that is great for restaurant workers, duel stability arch pods and BioMoGo DNA cushioning for that super plush ride!
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Ghost 9 - Everyday Trainer
There's nothing spooky about this popular neutral trainer that features an improved fit and softness thanks to a full length crash pad with deeper flex grooves. The new stretch-mesh upper hugs your foot in all the right places and features fun colors that are sure to make you Run Happy!
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Glycerin 14 - Everyday Trainer
If the Ghost is a Ferrari, the Glycerin is a Cadillac designed for high-mileage & heavy footstrikers. The Super DNA midsole dynamically adapts to your every step and the unique 3D Stretch Print upper stretches like crazy to accommodate even the widest of feet and bunions, while still remaining super comfy for normal width feet.
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 This June, Nike also released the 33rd update to Pegasus, their stalwart sneaker that three generations of runners have come to love. This new version focuses on improving the heel-to-toe transition by adding a lateral heel radius and flex grooves, along with an airbag under the forefoot for more cushion than previous versions.
While both the men and women's shoes look great, we were lucky enough to receive the limited edition Rainforest print for women that is wicked cool...and in very limited supply so call to reserve your pair today! |
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Our summer intern Scott (a finance and marketing major at Syracuse University) put together this fun Father's Day gift guide featuring 10 products for dads on-the-go!
 1. Garmin Vivoactive HR GPS Smartwatch:
Get Dad on board with the newest trend- sports wearables! This smartwatch does it all. Featuring GPS-enabled running, biking, swimming, golfing and smartphone compatibility, no Dad should be without this. $249.99
2. Brooks Seattle Hat: Protect Dad's scalp with this ingenious collapsible hat that can be stored in his pocket when not in use. Its SuperSeal technology also offers water and wind protection so Dad can run no matter the weather. $30.00
3. Tifosi Podium XC Sunglasses: Don't let the sun slow Dad down! He will love these durable, scratch resistant and shatterproof sunglasses with 100% UVA & UVB protection. Plus the Clarion Lens repels water and sweat and will make Dad look cool. $79.99
4. The North Face Better Than Naked Singlet: Dad won't feel like he's wearing anything at all in this lightweight singlet featuring FlashDry technology that wicks sweat to keep him cool and dry. The shirt won't chaff, making it perfect for longer runs and race day. $45.00
5. The North Face Better Than Naked Long Haul Short: Like the BTN singlet, these shorts are super comfortable as well as insanely practical thanks to their 13 strategically placed pockets. Now Dad can store his keys, energy gels and a picture of his favorite kid during his workout. $65.00
6. JBL Wireless Earphones: Tangled wires and cords are a thing of the past with these high tech Bluetooth earphones. Whether Dad is working out or in the yard, he will love the freedom of going wireless coupled with stunning JBL sound. $99.95
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Camelbak Forge Insulated Mug:
Perfect for Dads on the go! This double-walled, vacuum-insulated, leak-proof travel mug is designed to keep drinks hot for 6 hours or cold for 24, even when left in a hot car all day. $30.00
8. Superfeet Sandals: Upgrade Dad's post-run kicks with these supportive yet stylish sandals. Made with Superfeet's patented insole that absorbs shock and helps relieve the pain of plantar fasciitis. Dad's new go-to sandal for everyday summer adventures. $59.95
9. Socks: Every Dad could use a new pair of socks... or 7 (one for each day of the week!) Whether he prefers compression, cushion or wool, we have what Dad needs. Mention this to get a secret Buy Any 3, Get 1 FREE sock deal. $10-$16
10. Sneakers: Time to update Dad's worn out gym shoes. We carry popular brands of running, walking and cross-training shoes. Give Dad a gift card so he can have his feet/gait analyzed and experience our expert fit process. $100-$180
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Wearable Tech (or simply "wearables") is one of the hottest segments in the fitness industry right now which means there are some amazing products on the market that are designed for all levels of fitness.  Whether you need accountability and inspiration to achieve 10,000 steps/day, want an easy-to-use watch to track your miles and call out run/walk intervals, crave data about their heart rate, stride, cadence, power, speed and distance to take your training to the next level...or just want a watch that integrates with your phone, stores music and looks sharp, we've got an option for you! Arriving Thursday afternoon are seven of the latest and greatest models from FitBit and TomTom (already in-house are several best-in-class watches from Garmin). Spoil dad - or yourself - with a new watch and start summer training off on the right foot! |
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Get to Know Your Fleet Feet Staff: Alli
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 I've arrived at Fleet Feet in February of 2014, during one of the worse winters I'd ever experienced! I had been running for a couple of years after finishing a soccer career, but I never imagined I'd be running in two foot snow drifts. Luckily the staff took me under their wing and showed me the ropes of cold weather running.
Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, and transplanted around the world while playing professional soccer both in the US and Australia, I relocated east to go back to school and was lucky enough to land at Fleet Feet as a way to help balance my time in school with my favorite hobby. I love the conversations I have with people who come in to get fit or find a certain product. I have met some amazing people, heard some incredible stories and even got invited to a customer's wedding! (I went, it was awesome).
My favorite race distance is the marathon, but since moving to New England, I've fallen in love with trail running and all of the incredible scenery that you see when you veer off the road. Travelling to far away races and far away places is my favorite way to spend my time outside of the store. I am always searching for my next adventure. My dog, Moose, often accompanies me.
Running Gear I Can't Live Without: My Saucony Peregrine trail shoes with Darn Tough VT socks! The Peregrine's are rugged enough for any terrain and still light and flexible enough to let me fly when I want to. Darn Tough VT socks keep my feet dry and happy in any season. And don't forget the Body Glide- no runner should go without it! Whether it's with my morning cup(s) of coffee or in the middle of a long run, I love Rip Van Wafels - a great lower sugar option to traditional granola bars.
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Summer Training: Registration Now Open
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 Have you dreamed of running a 5k, 10k or even a half or full marathon? Stop dreaming, this is your year to actually DO IT!
Grab a friend or make new ones when you join in one of our summer training programs. We have options for the true beginner through experienced runner and take pride in being with you every step of the way whether it's offering encouragement, high-fives and camaraderie during your long run, proven training plans, expert coaching, race discounts or those tips and tricks that make running just a bit easier.
 Programs available in both Glastonbury and West Hartford. |
 
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 Speed & Strength Sessions (6:30pm 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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Fun Run w/Asics - Wed, June 15 @ 6:30pm
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Run Happy Hour & Run Clinic - Wed, June 22 @ 6:00pm (*Note earlier start time)
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5k, 10k & Full Marathon Training Programs Begin - Sat, June 25
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Fun Run w/Hoka One One (Clifton launch party!) - Wed, June 29 @ 6:30pm
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Fun Run w/Addaday Massage - Wed, July 6 @ 6:30pm
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Run Happy Hour - Wed, June 22 @ 6pm
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 Join us at the store a for a new kind of Happy Hour that features Socializing, Exercising & Revitalizing! This new monthly event is hosted by Select Physical Therapy, Brooks Running, Hartford Marathon Foundation and Fleet Feet Sports and will feature special guest breweries and product vendors. This week our special guests are Superfeet & Hanging Hills Brewery!
The fun begins at 6pm with a short introduction from our friends at Superfeet as to why insoles are beneficial for runners and an opportunity to demo a pair during the run.
At 6:15pm, Coach Natalie will lead us in a 3 mile run/walk through the neighborhoods surrounding West Hartford Center.
After the run, staffer Josh will lead everyone through a stretching session designed to lengthen, strengthen and get rid lactic acid.
Then, it's time to sample brews from Hanging Hills Brewery (Hartford's newest microbrew) while the physical therapists from Select PT offer free injury assessments, dry needling, Active Release Therapy and mini Fusionetics screenings.
The event is FREE and open to all! |
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West Hartford Summer Track Series - Monday Evenings
Building off the success from its inaugural year, the coaches at Hall High School will once again host a series of track meets (including field events!) on Monday evenings this summer (6:30pm on June 20 & 27, July 18 & 25). The meets are free, though donations to the Hall XC & Track team are appreciated). Learn more here.
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USJ Family Running Festival & Burrito 5k - Sat, June 25
Walk it, run it, skip it...it's up to you because it's all about having fun! Kids can choose to race ½ mile, 1 mile or 2 miles. Adults can choose the regular 5k or the burrito 5k option which entails eating a Moe's burrito before sprinting the last 0.1 miles of the race (your race time includes the time it take you to eat your burrito). Awesome medals and post-race snacks for all. Race proceeds benefit the USJ XC team. Details here.
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Night of Miles - Wed, July 20
The Nutmeg Youth Triathlon team is hosting a "Night of Miles" fundraiser, a series of 1 mile races on the Cheshire High School track. The purpose of the race is to bring the central Connecticut running community together for a good fast run and some fun. National Anthem will kick things off at 6pm, followed by the first heat (10+ minute mile) at 6:15pm. Details here.
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Plainville Mile Time Trial - August 14 (name your time)
Wondering what you could do in a one mile time trial on the track? C'mon - you know you want to know. Once a track star, always a track star! Plus, we're raising money for some special projects at the Plainville Public Library. Entry fee is just $10 with all proceeds being donated to the library. Details here.
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Grilled Salmon Kebabs with Lemon
If your household is like mine, the grill gets used extensively in the summer. Kebabs are an easy, quick cooking meal. Until now, I hadn't thought to grill salmon. We'd been missing out. A handy grilling hack; to keep the salmon from spinning each time you flip it, a pair of skewers is used. If you are fortunate enough to have fresh oregano from the garden, utilize it. The spice combo is a tasty combo of flavors, that pairs wonderfully with the lemon slices.
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!
or call us at: 860-233-8077
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