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While the taste of victory is sweet, for me it's the journey that I love most. Maybe it's because the moment of victory is usually fast and fleeting, but the memories from the adventure that brought me to the starting line are long and lingering.
Like the time I trained for my first marathon with my sister. I had stopped nearly all physical activity when I was first diagnosed with Lupus several years prior, so I had to start from the couch, literally. Our first Sunday "long run" amounted to a mile and a half. It was rough. I thought I would quit.
Over the course of the next 26 weeks, we slowly increased our distance. And every Saturday night I slept restlessly as anxiety about tomorrow's long run dominated my thoughts. And every Sunday morning, the butterflies in my stomach curtailed any chance of keeping breakfast down.
But once we took that first step on those runs, the anxiety melted away. I remembered that I just had to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Something I did every day. As our runs increased in distance, so did our little victories like being able to run up a monster hill, being able to drink a cup of water without having to stop running, conquering my first double-digit run - and later my first 20+ miler.
The more we ran, the more crazy adventures we experienced like getting caught in a torrential rain storm that had us slogging in ankle-deep water, eating bugs (accidentally), getting lost (frequently) and having to fend off an angry goose who thought he owned the running path. We still laugh at those memories today. It's exactly those adventures and the quality time I spent with my sister that made the journey so memorable. It's what fueled my passion for running these past 15 years.
The journey is the same reason why I love CrossFit so much. It has been humbling to discover how many fitness deficiencies I have despite my running ability. While those deficiencies frustrate the heck out of me, I love having a goal to conquer them because it inspires me (and the butterflies who have taken up residence in my stomach again) to get out the door every morning and work on improving - even if it's just by 1%.
Even more, I love our community. I love being surrounded by people who are on the same journey. People who start out as strangers, but who we have forged a lifelong bond with a mere hour later. People who celebrate our little victories (like my first pull-up on Saturday!), soothe our ego when we have a bad workout, don't get grossed out when we show them our blisters and guilt us into coming even when we don't feel like it because they know a little sweat is as good for the soul as it is the body.
As our winter training programs come to an end, I give all of our intrepid runners a huge high-five and hearty congratulations! You've trained through snow and ice, gusty winds, freezing temps...and even some humidity that had us sweating like it was August. Savor your victory lap and crossing the finish line of your goal race, but my real wish for you is that the memories of the road trip you traveled on these past 10 weeks fuel you to keep going. Keep challenging yourself. You are capable of more than you know!
And for you readers who have always wanted to run a 5k, 10k or half marathon, it's not too late. Our spring training programs start in a few weeks. As Lao Tzu said, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." Take that step...and another...and another. Adventure awaits!
Live Fit,
Steph
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Going Long? We've got you covered!
One of our best-selling neutral shoes is back just in time for spring training! The New Balance 880v7
offers two premium cushioning foams that work to soften each step of your run while the midsole and outsole work in tandem to provide high-mileage stability. Plus, you'll feel light as a feather with the ultra-light no-sew overlays.
You might consider your relationship with this shoe to be a long distance one, because it's created to support you for many miles!
- Breathable engineered mesh upper
- Blown rubber outsole
- No-sew overlay
- Ultra-light support and fit
- 10 mm drop
- Best for neutral runners or those wearing insoles/orthotics
This all-around favorite shoe is ONLY available in-store thanks to New Balance's commitment to support brick-and-mortar running stores!
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NANCY'S PICKS for St. Patty's Day
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Sham-Rockn' Gear
Everyone's Irish in March - especially runners! Whether you are doing an O'Race, Johnny's Jog or our Fun Run on 3/15, we've got the green gear to get you into the spirit like a lucky hat, socks, headbands, shirts and a wicked cool shoe!
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RunCT Shirts
Exclusive Fleet Feet WeHa! Show off your CT pride with these super soft tanks and tees. Perfect to wear to that out-of-town race expo or to gift a friend who conquered a few miles when they visited CT. Fun colors and super unique!
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Tifosi Sunglasses
Getting outside to run or race? Extra hour of sunlight starting this weekend! Protect your eyes with Tifosi eyewear. They have several styles and colors to choose from. Prices start at $49.95. Stop in and find the perfect pair for you!
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NB Impact 2in1 Short
Gym workouts/Boot Camp require a bit more coverage which is why we love this New Balance short that features a built-in boy short designed for modesty, comfort and mobility. I love the wide waistband, zip pocket and sweat-wicking NB Dry tech.
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NB Ice Hybrid Tank
Pair the Impact short with this fabulous New Balance tank that combines the best-selling NB Ice top with a mesh body for maximum ventilation. (NB Ice is a fabric with a cooling effect when it gets wet from water or sweat). Adorable and functional.
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Hot Shot Sports Bra
A favorite Moving Comfort (now Brooks) bra gets a great modern update. The newly redesigned Hot Shot bra has removable cups, wide straps and racer back style to deliver support with comfort. Perfect for yoga, spinning or as a bathing suit top thanks to great styling!
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Brooks LE Shamrock Launch
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Show off you Irish in this cool limited edition Launch by Brooks. This neutral shoe is light, comfy and brings out the Irish in all of us with its gold and green colors and "Kiss Me I'm a Runner" insoles. Only a few sizes for both men and women are left so come in o'quick or you will be o'so sorry!
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TRACK SPIKES - 20% OFF
(everyday!)
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We are pleased to offer over 20 different spike varieties for sprinters, mid-distance, distance and field events (jumping and throwing) from brands like New Balance, Nike, Saucony and Under Armour. Availability, sizing, and colors will vary throughout the season so it's best to shop early for best selection. And no matter when you come in, our track spikes are always 20% off!
Need trainers or guidance on insoles, compression or clothes? Let our trained FIT Specialists help you find the best solution for your runner's needs.
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UCAN PROMOTION - Buy 3, Get 1
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Buy any trio of UCAN packets, tubs, bars (including new Peach!) and get 1 FREE packet of your choice!
Promotion valid through March 31, 2017.
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Winter will soon be over (eventually!) - 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...as well as a program for kids on the run (and their parents who dare to keep up with them!)
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!
Goal Races include the Amica Iron Horse 5k, 10k & Half Marathon, Komen Race for the Cure, Celebrate West Hartford, the Firecracker 5k and a very cool event called The Big Run hosted by over 100 Fleet Feet stores across the country on June 7 to celebrate National Running Day (stay tuned for more details!).
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FREE FUN RUNS - WED @ 6:30pm:
Join Coach Natalie every Wednesday for a 3-5 mile jaunt through the neighborhoods of West Hartford. All abilities welcome. Please wear a reflective vest/jacket and bring a light for your safety.
Special Guests:
March 8: Altra Running - Escalante demo
March 15: Brooks St. Patty's Day Fun
March 22: On Cloud - run on clouds
March 29: Oofos sandals - Ahhhhhhh!
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FREE INJURY ASSESSMENTS
SAT@ 9:30-11am
Select Physical Therapy will be in the store to provide free injury assessments (doesn't need to be a running-specific injury).
If you are unable to come, call their free injury hotline at 1-877-MOBL-MED to set-up a free assessment at a clinic near you.
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YOGA FOR RUNNERS - SUN @ 5:30pm
This hour-long, low-key class focuses on mobility and is taught by ultra runner & certified yoga instructor, Meghan Fanning. It's the perfect way to end the weekend and relieve the post long-run soreness. Beginners and drop ins are encouraged - $15/class; 120/10-class-pack. Veterans & active duty are free.
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FREE MASSAGE TOOL CLINICS
Thursday, March 16 @ 7pm
Tuesday, March 28 @ 7pm
Learn the basics of self-massage to help maintain healthy, mobile muscles during two special clinics hosted by Coach Natalie and sponsored by Addaday. The first clinic (March 16) will teach you how to use your foam roller, while the second clinic (March 28) will utilize portable massage tools like sticks and balls. Clinics are free and while we will have some demo tools available, you are encouraged to bring your own roller so you can roll along with Natalie. Come dressed to roll...and be prepared to wince and ahhhhh!
This class is limited to 20 people. Please RSVP by emailing
Natalie. As an added perk of registering, you will be entered to win a free Addaday massage tool!
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Spirit of Spring 5k
Sat, April 1 @ Noon
Celebrate the start of Spring with this fun event in Tolland that includes a 5k race, 1 Mile Kids Fun Run and not one, but TWO Easter egg hunts! All proceeds from the event go back into the Tolland community. Register by March 15 and pay $20 (families pay just $40). Great prizes for winners and everyone gets a race medallion. Click here to learn more.
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4th Annual East Farms Spring Ahead 5k
Sun, April 23 @ 1pm
Lace up your running shoes to support education at this 5K Road Race and Fun Run/Walk hosted by the East Farms Elementary School PTO in Farmington. This community-wide event serves to inspire children and adults to develop and maintain healthy bodies and minds, while having fun and raising funds for the PTO. Whether you are a runner or a walker, you are invited to join the fun! Click here for more details.
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Trail Running Expo
Thursday, April 27 @ 7pm
Curious about trail running? Interested in learning more about what it takes to hit the trails? We are hosting a mini-expo at the store with our friends from the CT Trailmixers.
We'll have demo gear and vendor reps from our favorite outdoor brands, guest speakers and raffles. Great for beginner and experienced trail runners.
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Spring Fling 600 5k
May 7 @ 8am (YMCA Camp Sloper)
Come join the CT Trailmixers for the Spring Fling trail races! They are hosting two events: the
Spring Fling 600 Ultramarathon which consists of running as many loops of the 3-mile trail course as possible within the 600 minute (10 hour) time limit -- or the 5k which allows you to experience one loop of the course (plus a little more to make it a 5k).
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Curried Cauliflower Fried Rice:
Lately we've been eating lots of butternut squash, roasted carrots and cauliflower. The hearty warmth of these vegetables is comforting as we wait for raw foods to be appealing again. Fresh local produce won't be available until June and these vegetables seem to fill the void.
As you eyeball this recipe, the ingredient list can seem a little lengthy, but many of the ingredients are spices or easy to obtain and prepare from your pantry. The dish also comes together pretty quickly.
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Tuesday: 10am - 7pm
Wednesday: 10am - 8pm
Thursday: 10am - 7pm
Friday: 10am - 7pm
Saturday: 10am - 5:30pm
Sunday: 11am - 5pm
1003 Farmington Ave
West Hartford Center
860-233-8077
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