DARE TO TRY
Give it a Try

Sometimes we don't realize the amazing things we are capable of.  We play it safe or worse, assume that we can't.  We come up with excuses like we are not qualified or that we are too old, too out-of-shape or too busy.  We stay within our comfort zone - scared to try lest we fail. But marvelous things can happen when we try.  
 
Today marks my one year CrossFit-aversary - a form of exercise I never thought I try, let alone become addicted to because I was a "Runner". It was all the exercise I thought I needed...until that strong, steady pace I managed for years started to slip, and my need for walk breaks increased exponentially.
 
I also noticed that when I stretched, I could no longer touch my toes, and that I was having a much harder time lifting and carrying boxes at the store. I blamed my increasing weakness on being 45 years old - completely ignoring the fact that my 70 year old dad was still running nearly every day and had 6-pack abs.
 
Around the same time, a favorite FF peep achieved an awesome 19 minute PR in the half marathon. When I asked her what she did differently to train, she said "CrossFit". I was intrigued especially because this mother of two looked so fit and strong.
 
Could it work for me? Maybe my slowdown and weaknesses weren't due to "old age". Maybe all those years of running, especially at a comfortable pace, were limiting my fitness. I decided to give this CrossFit thing a try.
 
On my first day of "Fundamentals Training", I was challenged to do as many rounds as I could in 3 minutes of 7 wall balls, 7 burpees and 7 kettle bell swings. I remembered being completely smoked at 90 seconds as I lay on the floor mid-burpee trying to will myself to get back up.
 
After intensely analyzing the colored speckles in the black floor mats for about 30 seconds, I was able to get up and managed to finish the second round. Two measly rounds in three minutes?!!  I was so disheartened with my performance. My brain told me to give up this nonsense and not come back. But deep in my soul, an ember reignited - the ember that has given me the courage to not quit when things get tough. The ember that embraces failure and spits it back out as success months/years later.
 
Failing is not a bad thing.  It's a part of life.  As Alfred tells a young Bruce Wayne in the movie Batman Begins, we fall so "we can learn to pick ourselves up again".  Even the most successful people will tell you that they stumbled many times along the way.  In fact, much of their success is because they learned from their mistakes and got stronger.  If everything in life was easy, you would never get to feel that incredible sense of accomplishment and pride that your hard work paid off.  Life would be pretty boring. 
 
So I returned to CrossFit the next day and the next day after that. Two weeks later, burpees were programmed into the workout again.  I commented in my workout log "So hard. Still can't do a burpee to save my life". As I leafed through my logbook, I find similar comments about other movements my body hasn't done in years - or at all.
 
But there are also entries like "Got my first pull-up", "Did a handstand", "Cleaned triple digits", and my favorite: "100-burpees - still freakin' hard, but I didn't give up."  These successes land me on Cloud 9 for days and fuel me to keep chipping away at my failures.  As another birthday looms, I find joy in touching my toes, being able to run a mile in the 8's again and feeling fit and strong.
 
This same ember is in you. Don't let the fear of failure prevent you from giving it a try. I can't promise you that the road to success will be smooth and easy, but I can promise you that it will be oh so worth it!

Dare to Be!
Steph
NEW ARRIVALS FROM BROOKS 
One of our top-selling styles just got a sleek update. A decade strong, the Ghost is back and ready to pound the pavement this summer. Want a plush, cushioned run? Dive in with the new Glycerin 15!
Brooks Ghost 10 - Women
Brooks Ghost 10 - Men
WOMEN'S GHOST 10
MEN'S GHOST 10

Brooks Glycerin - women

Brooks Glycerin - mens

WOMEN'S GLYCERIN 15 MEN'S GLYCERIN 15

NANCY'S PICKS
Lots of new products in store to make summer running a lot more enjoyable!

Goodr Sunglasses
Helium Tech Bottle
UltrAspire Wrist Light
Goodr Sunglasses
The hottest new accessory this summer - so hot that our first shipment completely sold out in 3-days. No worries, a new shipment of these crazy cool $25 polarized sunglasses is arriving on Thursday.  Add some style and clarity to your summer runs!
Helium Tech Handheld
Everything you need in the palm of your hand! The new Helium Tech Fuel 10oz hand-held has super cool stretch-silicone bands that hold your phone (instead of hiding it in a pocket) so you can see who just texted you or change songs - and two elastic loops for holding your energy gel.
UltrAspire Light
Walking your dog or running in the dark? College kids walking back to their dorm after a late night at the library? Check out the UltrAspire's new hands-free light. The soft adjustable band fits around your wrist or palm and provides 100 lumens of light. A steal at $20.

Banjees
Bondi Bands
Sport Wash
Banjees
Whether you just need a small, but secure pocket for your gels, key, money, etc or want a no-frills arm-band for your phone, check out Banjees wrist and arm bands. The wrist bands have a zippered pocket, while the arm bands feature a Velcro strap and silicone dots to help it stay put.
Bondi Bands
Tame unruly hair and soak up sweat before it gets into your eyes with Bondi Bands!  We love the simplicity of these gender-neutral headbands made locally in CT. A fresh collection of bands has just arrived. With fun sayings and awesome prints, you won't be able to choose just one! 
SportWash Detergent
Working out in the heat and humidity usually means extra sweat...which means extra stinky clothes!  Take care of your performance gear with a detergent designed to take the stink out and unclog the "pores" that make technical fabrics so breathable and moisture- wicking.

DREAM JOB ALERT!
We're Hiring!

Join our team of FIT Specialists! 

We're looking for people who are passionate about running/walking and like to create amazing experiences for people - while providing superior products and customer care. Applicants must be able to work evenings and weekends. 
Click here to learn more.
   
Fleet Feet Sports is more than just a job - it's your starting line for new adventures & careers...and fabulous discounts on the gear you love!!
FALL HALF MARATHON TRAINING
Begins Saturday, July 22
Half Marathon
Don't run half of something.  Crush the whole 13.1! 

If finishing or PR'ing a fall half marathon is on your bucket list, we invite you to train with us! Enjoy benefits like professional head coaches, experienced mentors, well-managed group runs (including a practice run on the official Eversource Hartford Half Marathon course), a cool team tech-tee, in-store discounts and the 4-1-1 on nutrition, hydration, gear, injury prevention, stretching techniques and more. 
 
Our program is appropriate for anyone who wants to enjoy training to run (or run/walk) 13.1 miles.  We welcome first-time half marathoners and veterans, runners and walkers looking for a structured program that will prepare them for a personal best. Participants must be able to run/walk at least 7 miles by the first practice.  

Register Now
FEATURED EVENTS:

Wednesday Fun Run
FREE FUN RUNS - WED @ 6:30pm:
Join your Fleet Feet Friends every Wednesday for a 3-5 mile jaunt through the neighborhoods of West Hartford. All abilities welcome. 


Special Guests:
  July 12: Hoka One One
  July 18: Reebok
Feel the Need for Speed
FREE TRACK WORKOUT
Thurs @ 6:30pm - Meet at FF
Do you feel the need for speed?  Or maybe your workout routine needs a little spice?  Join Coach Amanda for a great workout focusing on improving your speed and form. Due to construction at the Hall High School track, we will meet at Fleet Feet . Workouts will be scaled so runners of ALL abilities can participate. 

Select PT

FREE INJURY ASSESSMENTS
EVERY SATURDAY @ 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.

Bubble Run
BUBBLE RUN - Saturday, July 15
Fun on the run! It's like being in Willy Wonka's factory! Unlike most 5k's, this one features "bubble bogs" at every kilometer, a foam-filled finish chute and a giant effervescent dance party with a DJ and foam cannons.  You don't even need to run the whole 5k - walking, dancing and strolling are encouraged to make it fun for the whole family!  Sign-up by Wednesday, June 28 and pay just $20 (regular price is $50). Kids under 4 are FREE!  Details here.

Achilles Hope & Possibility Run
Hope & Possibility Run/Walk
Sunday, July 23 @ 8am
Hope & Possibility is the signature race of the not-for-profit Achilles International. The race is run to celebrate the power of the human spirit and to create a unifying event that showcases the abilities of all athletes, running side-by-side. Choose between 4 options - 5k, 10k, Fitness Walk & Kids Run.  Details here.



Run for the Woods

Run for the Woods 5k/10k
Saturday, Sept 9 @ 8:30am
Join us for a 5k or 10k trail run or at Sessions Woods in Burlington, CT. The course is challenging but not overly technical, making it a great event for beginning trail runners, as well as veteran racers. All proceeds raised benefit the Connecticut Forest & Park Association, which protects and maintains hundreds of miles of trails throughout the state. Please show your appreciation by participating in or volunteering for this event
AUBREY'S RECIPE
Pan Bagnat Tuna Sandwich:
 
Tuna Sandwich
Summer is the best season for picnics. I love to bring this type of sandwich for picnics or a lunchtime hike. Make it the night before, for the best taste and one less thing to worry the next day. As the sandwich gets crushed in a backpack or cooler, it improves the taste as the flavors marry and textures grow more interesting.
 
Get creative with your fillings. Roasted red tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, spinach, balsamic vinegar and antipasto deli meats is another favorite of mine. Don't forget to pack your knife, among your corkscrew and bottle opener.

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Monday: 10am - 7pm
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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