The Power of Running to Inspire
TPOR
After nearly 30 years, I had the opportunity to relive my youth and attend Nike's Green Mountain Running Camp. Instead of the rolling hills of Athens, OH, this time it was the mountains of New Hampshire. Instead of being one of only four girls at camp, I was one of 100+. 

Even cooler was watching some of those girls keep pace with the faster boys - proof of how far women's running has come since Katherine Switzer ran the Boston Marathon in 1967 amid fears that women's reproductive organs might fall out if we ran too much/too far.
 
Challenging the status quo and breaking down barriers, whether at the society or individual level, requires courageous and persistent people who inspire a movement. Some, like Switzer, become immortalized in history as pioneers of change while countless others remain anonymous except to the few they inspired. We want to change that.
 
Last year, Fleet Feet Sports and Mizuno partnered to host a contest to find those people who inspired others through the power of running and leading an active lifestyle. Those people who work hard, give of themselves unselfishly, live determined and ignite the fires of everyone they meet. Those people who make our communities a better place.
 
This year, we are continuing that effort and once again need your help. Nominations will be accepted through August 31. Three deserving individuals will be recognized and awarded a Mizuno prize package at our Power of Running to Inspire fun run in September, and one will be selected to represent FF West Hartford at the national level where finalists will receive a grant to fund their mission.  
Nominate Your Inspiration
Live Fit!
 Steph

Sports Bra Trade-In Day - This Thursday!
Sports Bra Trade-In Day
Thursday, August 11
10am - 7pm

Trade-in your old sports bra, get a new one for
20% off!*

BONUS!!
Call 860-233-8077 to schedule an appointment with a Bra Fit Specialist & receive a Gift with Purchase in addition to your discount! One gift per customer please.

*You may trade in multiple bras to get a 20%  discount on multiple bras, but your max discount on a single new bra is 20%. This offer is not valid on special orders or previous purchases, nor may it be combined with other coupons or discounts. Offer valid only on Thursday, August 11, 2016.
Sports Bra Trade In Day


Natalie's Shoe Reviews
Brooks Asteria
Nike LunarEpic Low
Nike Pegasus Unleashed
Brooks Asteria
The long-awaited update to Brooks' Racer ST is here! This lightweight stability racer is designed for speed by promoting a faster heel-to-toe transition thanks to the BioMoGo DNA midsole and rear foot guide rails that promote a more natural motion. The 3D Fit Print upper that hugs your foot in all the right place for that Cinderella slipper feel.  $110
Nike LunarEpic Low
Nike continues to push the sneaker innovation envelope with their new LunarEpic Low Flyknit - a lightweight, neutral trainer featuring a seamless sock-like upper for superior breathability and a featherweight feel.  Precision-laser cuts in the mid-sole and pressure-mapped cushion pods on the outsole combine to deliver an incredibly fluid ride.  $160.
Limited Edition Nike's
Nike's Unlimited colorway  evokes the limitless potential of elite athletes, a vibrant volt yellow and hot pink fusion bloom from the innate inspiration of tropical rainforests, iridescent beetles, and radiant bird feathers. When put into motion, these color create a kinetic-like energy that can't be ignored. Available in Pegasus and LunarGlide. 

Gear-Up for XC Season (Save Big on Aug 27!)
XC Spikes The beauty of running cross country is that you don't need a lot of fancy equipment like pads, helmets, sticks or balls.  All you really need is a good pair of shoes (and a quality sports bra for the ladies).  And while you can race in your trainers, there is nothing like a pair of XC spikes to make you fast on your feet while you eat up the mud and hills. 
 
XC Spikes are lightweight like track spikes, but feature a little extra tread to help provide traction through grass and dirt and a bit more cushion especially under the heel to absorb shock and protect the foot from rocks, roots and debris- though they are not nearly as cushioned as a trainer which is why runners save their spikes for race day.
 
We've got your feet covered with a great selection of spikes from entry-level to "I'm going to win States" from brands like Brooks, New Balance, Nike and Saucony - all at 10% off.  Most feature an aggressive forefoot design to maximize foot propulsion and a snug upper for a no-slip fit the makes the shoe feel one with your foot.  We also carry replacement spikes and blanks.
 
Plus, all middle and high school XC athletes are invited to join us on Saturday, August 27 as we celebrate the upcoming cross country season with a Spikeapaloza Gear-Up party. The first 150 XC athletes in attendance will receive our limited edition XC t-shirt with one of our coolest designs to date.  We will also be doubling our standard 10% XC Spike Discount (that's 20% off !), selling 3 packs of technical socks for just $10 and offering $15 off a XC Kit that includes a shirt (or sports bra), shorts and socks to help parents save even more. 

Nancy's Picks
The new fall collections have started arriving, bringing refills of some of our favorite styles along with new pieces that we're raving about - especially the new all-natural line from TASC Performance.  

Brooks Greenlight Short
Brooks Chaser Reflective Shorts
Brooks Distance Tank
Greenlight 7" Short
Our most popular women's short. Just the right amount of compression and perfect length so it doesn't ride-up or chafe.  The matte black moisture-wicking fabric and wide waistband - with secret pockets - combine for a flattering fit on all body-types. Get yours before they are gone!
5" Chaser Reflective Short
SOO Cool! By day, the shorts look like they have a subtle tonal design, but when auto headlights (or flash camera) strike them, they light up!  Love the 5" length, wide powerknit waistband with pockets (big enough for an iPhone6) and side petal hem slits for maximum range of leg motion.  
Sol Shine Distance Tank
Put a little sparkle in your workout with this fun tank. These fuss-free tanks provide the perfect amount of coverage and are made with DriLayer Burst an inherently odor-resistant, moisture-wicking fabric that is soft to the touch.  Gold sparkles on the front will have you glowing!


TASC Performance
Addaday Rollers
RunCT Shirts
TASC Performance
We are excited to bring TASC workout apparel to Hartford!  This unique line features chemical-free fabric made with bamboo which offers 50+ UPF protection, temperature regulation, anti-odor and quick-drying properties. You will love the soft-hand and 4-way stretch of the tops, capris and skirt. 
Addaday Foam Rollers
Two new foam rollers that will turn your ooooo's into ahhhh's!  The Nonagon features a solid foam core with a textured surface individually set on 9 different facets to make precise contact with your fascia - while the Softy Roller provides a more gentle non-evasive, soft tissue massage. 
RunCT & RunLove Tees
The perfect post-run, weekend tee! Our exclusive RunCT & RunLove shirts are made from a triblend of fabrics that make them butter-soft and oh so comfy to wear. Check out our new colors and styles for men, women and kids including tanks, short sleeve, long-sleeve and hoodies.

Get to Know Your Fleet Feet Staff: Kevin
Kevin Rivera I officially joined the Fleet Feet team in February of 2015, but I've fan of the store since I was in middle school. You can usually catch me on the sales floor with a bright pair of sneakers and a color coordinated shirt! In addition to being a fit specialist and helping you find your next favorite pair of kicks, I have the honor of being inspired by our No Boundaries runners every Saturday morning and serving as one of their coaches! 
 
Raised in Hartford, I love anything Hartford running related. I usually find myself lost in conversation with customers about the history of running in our community. My favorite experience as a Fit Specialist here at the store is listening to the journey each customer is on and playing a role in their journey by ensuring they have everything they need to embark on this life changing venture! 
 
Whether you're training for the Olympic Trials, or training for your first 5K, everyone's journey is the same. We all run into tough runs, injuries that make us question if we'll ever run again, and fatigue that makes us not want to get up for that 8 am run. But what keeps us coming back is that feeling of setting a personal best, the camaraderie between running partners, and the notion of working towards being your best, day in, and day out.
 
Every Saturday morning I wake up thankful for the opportunity to see people single handedly changing their lives, stride by stride. Most mornings when I'm sipping that early morning cup of Joe, I look down on my legs and feet and think about how far they have taken me. Running Truly Does Change Everything
 
While most of my time is spent pounding out miles on the road and on the trail. I like to spend my free time trying out local restaurants and coffee shops, in the pursuit of the perfect cup of coffee! I am also a student-athlete at Central Connecticut State University where I am studying Political Science and run for the XC and track teams. 
 
Running Gear I Can't Live Without:
I have four go-to products: Body Glide (to keep my "thunder thighs' from chafing), Triggerpoint 's Grid X Foam Roller (because recovery is just as important as the workout and a 10 minute roll before bed helps to relax my muscles for a good night's sleep), Camelbak;s Insulated Coffee Bottle (perfect for hot AND cold brewed coffee) and CEP Compression Socks (love to slip them on after a long run and feel the red blood cells flowing through my legs...plus they are a fantastic fashion statement!). 

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 Speed & Strength Sessions (6:30pm at Hall HS) - Free
  • Injury Assessments w/Select PT - call 1-877-MOBL-MED for free appt.
  • Sunday Yoga & Mobility w/Meghan is on Hiatus until October
Special Events:
  • Fun Run w/Olympic Gold Medalist Lindy Remigino 
    - Wed, Aug 10 @ 6:30pm
  • Sports Bra Trade-In Day - Thurs, Aug 11 (@ 10am-7pm (save 20% on bras!)
  • Run Happy Hour w/Coach Al & Hooker Beer - Tues, Aug 16 @ 6:00pm (see below)
  • Fun Run w/CEP - Wed, Aug 17 @ 6:30pm
  • Fun Run w/Trigger Point Massage - Wed, Aug 24 @ 6:30pm
  • Speed & Strength Session w/Mizuno - Thurs, Aug 25 @ 6:30pm (Hall HS)
  • XC Spikeapaloza Gear-Up Party - Sat, Aug 27 @ 10am-5:30pm (see above)

Featured Events & Races


Run Happy Hour

Thomas Hooker Brewing
Run Happy Hour - Barefoot-style! - Wed, Aug 16 @ 6pm
Join us for a new kind of Happy Hour that features Socializing, Exercising & Revitalizing! Our special guests this month will be Performance Running Coach Al Lyman & Thomas Hooker Brewing!

The fun begins with a 2-3 mile run/walk with Coach Natalie followed by a stretching session with Josh designed to lengthen, strengthen and get rid lactic acid. Then, it's time to sample brews from Thomas Hooker Brewing and learn more about Barefoot Training with Coach, Al Lyman. 

Barefoot training is more about good foot functioning than it is barefoot running.  You will discover how your foot is the secret to unlocking true core stability and strength which can lead to decreased injury, as well as faster, more effective hip stability and power generation (jump higher, run faster!).  At the end of the evening, Coach Al will lead everyone through exercises and drills that you can do at home to enhance foot function.  
Tisha Meili
Evening w/Trisha Meili -  
Sat, Aug 20 @ 5:30pm:
Trisha Meili is the author of best-selling memoir, I Am the Central Park Jogger: A Story of Hope and Possibility. Her story is about the capacity of the human body and spirit to heal. It is a story of hope and possibility - a story that she will share with us on Saturday, August 20. After her inspirational talk, Ms. Meili will answer questions and autograph her book.  Tickets are $25, with all proceeds benefiting the Achilles International-Connecticut Chapter. Purchase your tickets here.


Run For the Woods
Run for the Woods 5k/10k Trail Run - Sat, Sept 10:
Join us on a challenging but not overly technical course at Sessions Woods in Burlington, CT. All proceeds raised benefit the Connecticut Forest & Park Association, which protects and maintains hundreds of miles of trails throughout the state. If you've hiked or run on a blue-blazed trail, you're familiar with CFPA's good work. Please show your appreciation by participating in or volunteering for this event. 
CT Women of Hope Race
CT Women of Hope 5k/10k - Sat, September 17:
Join the CT Women of Hope and Manchester Running Company for a new 10k/5k through beautiful Mansfield! This is a great tune-up for your big fall half marathons or marathon and offers great amenities like race medals, t-shirts, prizes and more. Proceeds benefit the CT Women of Hope, raising funds and awareness for those living with ovarian cancer; all funds raised by the CT Women of Hope stay right here in Connecticut.
 
Use discount code FF2016 by August 31st to save $5!  
Stratton Brook XC 5k
Stratton Brook State Park 5k - Sat, September 17:
Relive your youth and experience the thrill of running cross country with your Fleet Feet friends in this fun 5k trail run over hills and across covered bridges at Stratton Brook Park in Simsbury. All ages and abilities are welcome!  
 
Cost is just $20 and includes a Saucony tee.  ALL proceeds will be donated to the Simsbury HS XC Team.


Run Mindful

Copper Beech Institute
Mindful Running Retreat - May 19-21, 2017
We run for a variety of reasons - to get healthy, to lose weight, for social interactions and for sanity. Running has been proven to extend the length of our lives and to reduce depression. More recently, runners have started to incorporate the benefits of mindfulness to transform their run into a moving meditation where they can be fully present to themselves and the wonder of humanity.  The result is powerful.
 
We are excited to announce that the Copper Beech Institute will be hosting a special weekend retreat for runners next May at their retreat center in West Hartford.  Moving Into Stillness: Running as Meditation will be led by Vanessa Zuisei Goddard who will help us explore the dynamic dance between stillness and movement. Special attention will be paid to posture, breath and concentration to see how we can run faster, longer or more frequently without getting injured as well as improving our mind-body connection.
 
The retreat is open to runners of all abilities (including beginners). Click here to learn more and reserve your spot. 


Aubrey's Recipe
Get Out N' Play Logo
Lettuce Wraps
 
This is a simple, one pot dish fabulous for a weeknight dinner. In less than 30 minutes, you combine a few veggies, lean protein and spices for a flavorful, low carb meal. It's also a copycat recipe, which has to be so much tastier and healthier than the original restaurant version. I like setting out a tray of tender lettuce leaves and adding the Asian-influenced spiced chicken to the center.

 
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: 11am - 5pm*

* Now Open Sunday's at 11am!

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