The Extra Mile August 23, 2016

#WantItMore

I had the privilege of being able to experience the Olympic Games live from Rio de Janeiro - a city I found to be welcoming and beautiful with breathtaking landscapes and a people who live with such vibrant spirit and joy despite their poverty. The samba soul of the Brazilians was infectious leaving everyone smiling and dancing, even when the rain was pouring down.

I've always loved watching the Games on TV, but to actually be there takes the experience to a whole new level. You don't so much as watch the Games as youbecome a part of them. It's a feast for your senses since you get to not only see and hear, but to smell, taste and touch. The atmosphere in each stadium was electric such that I got goosebumps at every event I attended - including ones like wrestling, handball and field hockey where I knew none of the athletes...or the rules of the game.

That electric atmosphere has a big effect on the athletes too. I was lucky enough to attend several gold medal matches and races where the skill level of the athletes is similar. The factor that seemed to determine who won gold was who wanted it more - and oftentimes the one who wanted it more channeled the power of their fans - native and adopted.

During the men's field hockey final, I became an adopted Argentinian and joined the cries of "Ole, Ole, Ola". Every time the cheers swelled, the Argentinian athletes rallied, prodding them on to victory.

Later that evening, I got my first taste of handball - my favorite sport of the Games - as France battled Germany. My seats put me in the middle of French territory (fortunately I was wearing red, white and blue) so I got swept up in the passionate chants "Allez, Allez, Allez Les Bleus". The game was super close, but again, whenever the French fans sung their rallying cries, the team responded. After the game the French victors rushed over and cheered for us in appreciation!

At the track and along the marathon course, though, it was all about American Pride as I joined in chants of U-S-A, U-S-A - except when Usain Bolt was on the track. At that moment, everyone in Rio was Jamaican, and the roar of the crowd that literally shook the stadium fueled Bolt even more.

As great as crowd support it, we runners know that racing is also a mental game. Physical training can take even elite athletes only so far. To win, they have to want it more than everyone else. You could see that look of want on the face of Galen Rupp who would earn bronze in the men's marathon. You could see it on Matthew Centrowitz's face in the 1500m. The race was "slow" and tactical until Centrowitz laid it all out on the line and cranked out a 50.62 second last lap to win - the US's first gold in the 1500m since 1908.

Seeing want become reality was so inspirational. And while most of us will never win a race, we can learn from these Olympians. We have to learn to want it more. Want it more than skipping a workout to hit the snooze. Want it more than late nights or lazy Sunday's. More than quitting just because we're tired. Or listening to that voice inside that questions whether we really can because the answer is YES, yes we can. We just have to believe that we too can make more happen.

Ole, Allez, Go!

Steph

Nominate Your Inspiration by August 31

We have partnered with Mizuno to find those individuals who inspire others through the power of running (or leading an active lifestyle), give of themselves unselfishly, live determined and ignite the fires of everyone they meet. The people who make our communities a better place.

If you know of such a person, please click the ribbon below to nominate them via a simple online form. 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.

Natalie's Shoe Review: Asics Kayano 23

Fans of the Asics Kayano franchise will love this new update that incorporates Asics innovative FlyteFoam midsole technology to provide more cushioning and durability with less weight. The 23 also features a new, improved last that clutches the heel better and offers more toe spring.

The seamless FluidFit upper means no external overlays to irritate your foot (great for those with bunions) and angled DuoMax triggers support only when you need it. If you like (or need!) a stable shoe and love a plush ride, come in and give the Kayano 23 a try!

Nike's Limited Edition Shoes - Going Fast!

Nike created a special colorway for the competition and podium shoes worn by the US athletes (especially track-and-field). The design was inspired by the flow of a body in motion in combination with Brazilian elements like tropical rain forests, colorful birds and the shiny shells of beetles. The result is spectacular - volt yellow in the toe box transitions to hyper-punch pink with an iridescent background on the heel that shines when the flash of a camera or car headlights hit it.

We have a very limited supply left of this special colorway available in Nike's Pegasus and LunarGlide models. If you would like a pair, give us a call at 860-233-8077 to check if your size is available (if so, we'll reserve it for you for 48 hours). Nike is not making any more of these shoes so once they are gone, they are gone!

Gear-Up for XC Season (Save Big on Aug 27!)

Nancy's Picks

Loved the cooler weather this morning - a teaser of the beautiful fall weather that awaits us this Fall!


New Arrivals from New Balance Ladies - sporty new tanks and shorts, as well as beautiful capris, patterned tights and jackets from NB's gorgeous new Fashion Line. Guys - you can find favs like NB Ice Singlets and Short Sleeve tees and 3", 5" and 7" inseam shorts.	Asics 3-Pack Socks Tax-Free Week is the perfect time to stock up on socks! These new 3-packs of moisture-wicking socks from Asics are budget-friendly ($12-18 per pack) are great for kids of all ages. Choose from fun colors or standard white and black in both low and quarter cuff lengths.	FitKnix Athletic Undies Seamless, performance panties maximize movement and comfort. Made from fabrics that wick moisture and eradicate odors to keep you fresh, dry and panty-line free. Choose from boy shorts, bikinis and thongs in regular and leak-resistant (thanks to a thin but absorbent pad).


Trigger Point Grid STK One of our favorite massage products, this cool tool is a fusion of a massage stick and foam roller. This hand held foam roller has AcuGRIP handles and a 3-dimensional surface that channels nutrients directly to the tissue for health and mobility. Ahhh!	CEP Compresion Sleeves Going long? Meet your new best friend - compression sleeves! These colorful calf/shin wraps optimize blood flow to your lower legs and reduce road vibration. The result is increased endurance, faster recovery and decreased chance of injury.	UltrAspire Alpha UltrAspire's award-winning pack. Ultra-comfy and super breathable thanks to soft, large-holed micro-fiber mesh and the patent-pending MaxO2 Sternum system. Large quick stash pocket and quick attach 2L bladder for lightning fast refills - perfect for long runs!

Zoomerangs - Registration is Now Open!

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 fall, 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.

The programs in Glastonbury and Zoomerangs on the Spectrum begin September 11, while the West Hartford program begins September 25. Click here for details.

Kids need good-fitting sneakers too! Check out our selection of kid-sized running shoes (size 11-6). All shoes are under $100 which qualifies them for the sales tax holiday through Saturday.

In-Store Events

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 back beginning September 11!!

Special Events:

Fun Run w/Trigger Point (Massage Tools)

- 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
Old Weathersfield Packet Pick-Up - Sat, Aug 27 @ 3-5pm
Fun Run w/Asics - Wed, Aug 31 @ 6:30pm
Free Injury Assessments w/Select PT - Sun, Sept 4 @ 9-10:30am
Coach Al's Barefoot Training Clinic - Sat, Sept 10 @ 8-10am
Yoga & Mobility w/Meghan Returns! - Sun, Sept 11 @ 5:30pm

Featured Events & Races

	Old Wethersfield 5k & 10k - Sun, Aug 28 @ 6pm Join our summer training program peeps as they complete their graduation run. Choose from a 5k or 10k option (the 10k is a USATF Championship race). Races start and end at the Wethersfield Cove and the course is mostly flat, scenic and fast! Packet pick-up is at Fleet Feet on Saturday from 3-5pm - the last day of the CT Sales Tax-Free holiday for items under $100!
	Suffield Road Race (5k & 10k) - Sat, Sept 10 @ 8am: Start and finish at Suffield Middle School and course through the historic district, farmland and open spaces with picturesque views. The 10k race begins at 8am and the 5k race at 8:15am - both races will have the SAME start and finish line this year! Proceeds benefit the Suffield Parks and Rec. Male and female winner of the 10k earn a $100 Fleet Feet gift certificate!
	Barefoot Training Clinic - Sat, Sept 10 @ 8-10am Performance Running Coach Al Lyman returns to offer a "foot-on" clinic on the benefits of Barefoot Training. 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!). Click here to register ($20).
	Fall Injury Prevention Series - Monday's from 9/12 - 11/14 Improve your odds of staying injury-free with this active, educational 10-week series hosted by our friends at Therapeutic Bodyworks. Classes cover injury prevention strategies, proper self-care (use of foam roller, and other tools), include core/back/balance exercises, touch upon common 'runner' injuries and how to recognize and prevent future issues. The program is designed for all fitness enthusiasts (not just runners). Prepare to work hard, but you'll have fun too! Cost for the 10-week series is $180 ($150 if you mention Fleet Feet) or $20/class drop-in. Plus, register by Wednesday, Aug 31st and receive $15 off your next massage or training session! Email Lisa Hughes or call her at (860) 218-2038 for more info.
	Run for Nancy's Kids - Sat, September 17 @ 10am: This scenic, paved route through the MDC Reservoir is beautiful and enjoyable for all ages and fitness levels. This special run is organized by UConn's Pediatric Residency Program at Connecticut Children's Medical Center in memory of Nancy Law, M.D., a beloved primary care physician who was an inspiration to many young people.
	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.
	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

Sheet Pan Meatballs

It never occurred to me make meatballs for dinner. Reading this recipe in the latest edition of Cooking Light , I was motivated to try it out because it made a large batch that you cook once and eat three times. I tried all three recipes; Swedish Meatballs, Banh Mi Bowls, Greek Stuffed Pitas. My favorite was the pitas. You can find that recipe in the source link below. I've shared the basic meatball recipe below. Serving these meatballs with spaghetti sauce and your favorite pasta would be weeknight meal.

Click Here for Recipe