|
Some people hear bells. Others sirens. Me? I hear pigs squealing. Specifically flying pigs. I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. A city nicknamed Porkopolis – a nod to it being the largest pork-producing city in the world during the 1800’s. Cincinnatians honor their past with statues and sculptures of flying pigs sprinkled throughout the city and host a huge running festival every May called the Flying Pig. It’s been two years since I’ve seriously trained for a race. Two years since I’ve run over 9 miles in one run. But I’ve been itching to get back into distance running and couldn’t resist the chance to run the streets where I first fell in love with running so I signed up for the Flying Pig Half Marathon. I joined our winter half marathon training program that combines running with strength and endurance workouts on rowers and assault bikes coached by CrossFit Hartford. After working out with CFH for nearly two years, I’ve grown to enjoy those workouts – especially the long, steady ones. Oddly, it’s the weekly long runs that intimidate me. Fortunately, I’m surrounded by a great group of peeps training with me. They get me laughing before the run and help the miles fly. Only on this past weekend’s 9-miler, I lost my crew a mile in. We were running to the Reservoir and both of my Achilles cramped. I told the group to go ahead as I’d catch up after a quick stretch. That quick stretch did nothing. I hobbled my way through the next two miles, stopping every quarter mile or so to stretch again in the hopes that my tendons would relax. At the top of the Reservoir I was so frustrated that I almost sat on the ground for a good cry. I thought about bailing, but knew it was important to get this run in. After collecting myself, I started off again slowly. Another runner caught up to me, and I fell into his pace. He glanced over with a friendly smile and invited me to run with him. He was 12 miles in on his 16 miler and could use some company – figured by the look on my face, that I could to. The next four miles flew by as we talked about running and ran stride for stride, our pace ever increasing as I felt better and better. He offered to take the long route back to the store with me so I could get my full 9 miles in. I finished that run in such good spirits – relieved and proud to have finished my longest run in years, but more so, feeling gratitude for the man who helped make it happen. My dad calls people like that “Running Angels”. Fellow runners or even bystanders who offer support, company, motivation or that snack, salt tab or chug of water you didn’t realize you needed to help de-bonk and re-energize you so you can keep on going. I doubt they know how key their kindness is – but being on the receiving end is a good reminder to pay it forward the next time I’m feeling good and see a runner struggling. Dan, if you are reading this, thanks for being my Running Angel last Saturday. I’ll be sending good vibes your way as you complete your marathon training and will be rooting for you on race day to finish 9 sweet seconds faster than your last race!
|
|
|
Celebrate the start of the outdoor track season with us! We'll have 20% off spikes, $10 off trainers and $15 off the purchase of a "gear up kit" (shirt, shorts & socks) for all student-athletes.
Plus, Saucony will be in store with limited edition runner emoji pins & a super sweet Herschel x Saucony Racing backpack!
|
|
|
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, Brooks and Under Armour. Availability, sizing, and colors will vary throughout the season so it's best to shop early for best selection.
|
|
|
SEMI-ANNUAL SPORTS BRA SALE THURSDAY, MARCH 22 -- 10am-7pm
Do you hate your sports bra? Do you have to wear two at the same time to give you the support you need? Are you one of the 80% of women wearing the wrong sized bra?
Join us this Thursday for our biggest bra sale of the year. We'll have extra female staff on hand to professionaly fit you. We have over 20 bra styles in stock ranging from 30A to 56 G. Choose from trusted brands like Brooks (formerly Moving Comfort), Shock Absorber, Poww-ful, Enell, Under Armour, Kari Traa and Nike.
Save big (15% off one bra, 20% off two, 25% off three or more bras) and receive a nice gift with purchase courtesy of Brooks.
|
|
|
ZOOMERANGS: Running on the Spectrum We are proud to partner with Autism Familes CONNECTicut to host this special version of Zoomerang for children on the Autism spectrum. Parents and siblings are encouraged to run as well!
Learn more HERE.
|
|
|
MPOWER BOYS RUNNING PROGRAM: A couch-to-5k program for boys aged 6-14. Program focuses on proper form and pacing as boys build endurance through running drills, games and core strength exercises. Locations include Avon, Farmington, Glastonbury and West Hartford. Details Here.
|
|
|
GIRLS IN STRIDE: A program just for girls aged 6-14 years that introduces them to the concepts of goal setting, proper running, journaling, nutrition and mental preparation. Locations include: Avon, Farmington, Glastonbury, Newington, West Hartford and Windsor. Details Here.
|
|
|
TRACK & FIELD for BOYS & GIRLS Age 10-14: Kids will get to experience all that T&F has to offer – from sprints to hurdles, relays & long runs – even the field events like high jump, long jump, shot-put, javelin and discus. The season culminates in a super fun track meet. Details Here.
|
|
|
FFRC MEET-UPS (FREE): Wed evenings (6:30pm) & Sat morning (8:30am) Join Kevin & the FFRC pacers for a run from the store. Wed runs are 3-5 miles; Sat runs feature two routes of 4-6 miles & 7-10 miles. Join the e-mail list here.
|
|
|
FREE INJURY ASSESSMENT: Saturday's @ 9:30-11am Injured? Don't know whether you can run/play sports or if you should really see a doctor? Select PT hosts a FREE Injury Assessment Clinic every Saturday. No RSVP necessary.
|
|
|
SPORTS BRA SALE Thurs, March 22 -- 10am-7pm We'll have extra female staff on hand to professionaly fit you for a sports bra. Save big (15% off one bra, 20% off two, 25% off 3+ so you have one to wear, one in the wash and one ready for tomorrow) and great gifts with purchase courtsey of Brooks.
|
|
|
KARI TRAA LADIES LOPE II April 4 @ 6:30pm Kari Traa is one of the hottest brands in Europe…and at FF! We love their fabrics, styles & reasonable prices. To celebrate their Spring collection, we will be hosting a Norwegian fun run ("lope") - all ladies in attendance will get a FREE gift from KT!
|
|
|
FOOT PAIN SEMINAR April 25 @ 6:30pm The docs from West Hartford Podiatry will lead an informative seminar on new treatments, like EPAT, for pain caused by plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis and bone burses. FREE
|
|
|
KING & QUEEN OF THE MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE May 19 @ 9:30am Join us for another exciting fitness challenge - this time we're racing up (and back down) Mount Southington after a workout! Details here.
|
|
|
JOIN US FOR THE BIG RUN
Once again we'll be celebrating Global Running Day with a fun 5k. After "a bit" of flooding on the course last year, we're moving to higher ground: beautiful Auer Farm in Bloomfield, CT!
In addition to the 5k run/walk through some of the farm's 120 gorgeous acres, there will be music, food, medals, shirts and awesome prizes like Brooks shoes and treats from the farm.
ALL proceeds from the race will be donated to Auer Farm to help keep this working farm a wonderful community resource open to all!
|
|
|
AUBREY'S RECIPE: Mussels in Pesto Here’s a meal that feels a little fancy, but very easy to prepare. In less than 15 minutes you’ll have dinner on the table. Mussels are full of omega-3, iron and protein, a powerhouse food.
Get the recipe here.
|
|
|
ON OPTIMISM, GRIT & DOING WHAT YOU LOVE: Gabe Grunewald is a professional runner who also battles daily with a rare form of cancer. Despite countless rounds of chemo and other cancer treatments that have left Grunewald feeling hopelessly ill, she continues to run – and race – at a high level. Meet this hero! Read more.
|
|
|
GIRL TALK: Advice for New & Seasoned Runners from Top Female Athletes. In celebration of National Women's History Month, we're sharing inspiring tips from 6 professional female runners. Read more.
|
|
|
MIZUNO RUNNER PROBLEMS CONTEST: Mizuno has a fun campaign on social media highlighting many of the “problems” runners have to deal with…like locked restrooms and water fountains that aren’t turned on. Submit your fav “problem” here and be entered to win one of three $30 Mizuno gift cards!
|
|
|
WIN A COMPLETE OUTFIT: Along with the spring forward for daylight savings times comes (we hope) warmer weather and more miles. In the spirit of getting in shape, Fleet Feet Sports is giving away two complete running outfits.
Click here to enter!
|
|
|
|