One of my favorite experiences as a meteorologist was reporting live from Punxsutawney, PA on Groundhog Day in 2005. I was invited to a “meet-and-greet” with Phil, the famous groundhog, who nearly bit my finger as I attempted to pet him. Back then, we didn’t have Facebook Live, Snapchat or Instagram so we shared our stories via a blog. Unlike 2005, I was not very happy about Phil seeing his shadow this year. I am done with this dreary winter. With more snow predicted for Wednesday and my half marathon training ramping up, there is no time to hibernate. Instead, it’s time to channel my inner superhero and get moving. Here’s a few secrets to make your snow run more enjoyable:
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- Layers are key, but top with a brightly-colored jacket so drivers can easily spot you. I’m a fan of inexpensive nylon wind pants over my fleece tights too.
- Wear a brimmed hat over a skull cap to keep the snowflakes out of your eyes. Frozen eyelashes make it hard to see.
- Coat your hands and feet with a thick lotion or Vaseline to help them retain heat and moisture
- Wool socks are a must. They keep your feet warm even when soaked by snow and slush.
- Kahtoola nanospikes are like snow tires for your feet.
- Hotpacks in your mittens are heavenly.
- Be careful when using your mittens or sleeve to wipe your nose or brow late in the run when the liquid from previous wipes has frozen into a jagged layer of ice.
- Hydrate on runs longer than 1hour or risk dehydration, bonking and hypothermia. Wear your hydration vest under your jacket to keep water from freezing or pre-place a Hydroflask bottle along your route so you can stop for a quick drink.
- While you are at it, store your energy gel close to your body too. Congealed gel is an interesting substance to ingest.
- Follow snow plows or garbage trucks. Their massive, chain-covered tires leave big tracks of packed-down snow that is easier to run on. The mail truck works well too. Remember to run FACING traffic.
- Rounding your mileage up to the next whole number is completely permissible. You earned that extra credit!
- Reward yourself with some post-run goodness to speed recovery and motivate you to do it again - steaming mug of hot chocolate, extra-thick slices of bacon, clothes warmed in the dryer, a massage… Ahhhh!
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If running in the snow isn’t your thing, try this indoor workout instead: 3 rounds of 30 air squats, 20 reverse lunges, 10 sit-ups and 5 burpees. It’s perfect training for our Winter Warrior Workout we’re hosting at Thomas Hooker Brewery on Sunday, February 25.
Enjoy the snow on Wednesday & BE SAFE!
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HOKA ONE ONE MACH Have you ever experienced a run so light and free you feel like you can do anything? Hoka's new Mach is super light, but durable enough to be an everyday trainer. Prepare to fly!
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TRIGGER POINT ACUCURVE Arriving this week, this updated cane relieves decreases inflamation & reduces muscle tightness and knots on the neck, back shoulders, foot and calf. Plus, it's a sweet deal at $20.
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NIKE SHORTS GALORE Men- check out our new shorts wall in this video tour with Marc. Choose from 2-9" inseams; regular brief, 2-in-1 boxer and linerless; fun colors too. Never underestimate the power of a perfect pair of shorts to elevate your workout.
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NIKE SPHERE LS Designed to perform, yet it's super sylish AND super cozy! Special Thermal Sphere fabric keeps you dry and warm. Complete the outfit with a Breath tank & Epic Lux tights/capris featuring 22% Spandex for an amazing fit!
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SPICE-UP YOUR TRAINING
Registration is Open for Spring CrossFit Programs
"CrossFit" can sound intimidating, but really it is just a fancy name for a workout based on functional movements like squatting, lunging, pushing, pulling, hinging, twisting and walking. The basic movements of life. The movements that propel us to run stronger, faster, further and more comfortably.
Our 10-week programs in partnership with CrossFit Hartford and CrossFit Simsbury begin the week of February 27. They are the perfect complement to any training program - or on it's own as a way to improve your overall fitness, rehab an injury and workout with a great group of people.
No experience necessary. Recommended for all levels of runners.
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Perfect for those new to cross-training or have done boot camp-like workouts before. Workouts focus on proper movement patterns and technique using body-weight, kettlebells and medicine balls, as well as rowing and short run intervals. Lots of partner-workouts to encourage camaraderie.
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Designed for graduates of C2xFit (or similar programs) who want to learn to lift more weight, as well as endurance runners looking to improve their overall strength, endurance and power. Workouts will include barbell work, agility drills and longer conditioning workouts to get that heart pumping!
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FFRC MEET-UPS (FREE): Wednesday at 6:30pm & Saturday's at 8:30am Join Kevin & the FFRC pacers for a run from the store. Join our fun run crew for 3-5 miles (Wed & Sat) or join up with our half and full marathon groups on Saturdays to run longer. Join the group e-mail list here.
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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 Physical Therapy hosts a FREE Injury Assessment Clinic staffed by athletic trainers and physical therapists in the store every Saturday. No RSVP necessary.
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COLCHESTER HALF MARATHON: Sat, Feb 24 This hilly and chilly half marathon is not for the faint of heart, but it is a favorite race of many. There is a hearty post-race carbo rel-load buffet along with post-race massages. Just $14. Click Here to run or volunteer.
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WINTER WARRIOR WORKOUT: Sunday, February 25 @ 11am Test your all-around fitness in this unique event that begins with a core workout challenge (air squats, sit-ups, lunges, burpees!) and ends with a 2 mile run. The fun takes place at the Thomas Hooker Brewery - which means a rockin' after-party. $25 registration fee includes chip-timed race, pint glass and your first beer on us! Sweet Saucony gear for overal and age-group winners. Sign-up HERE.
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RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE: Saturday, March 3; 10am-3pm The Red Cross's Save a Life bus is coming to Fleet Feet! Help us reach our goal of 40 pints and make this year's blood drive our best ever! The entire process takes about an hour (less with RapidPass) though the actual blood donation just takes 8-10 minutes. RSVP here (use sponsor code FFHART)
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RRCA Coaching Certification Course - Filling Up Quickly! The RRCA is hosting a distance running Coach Certification course at Auer Farm in Bloomfield on July 7-8. Click here to claim your spot before it sells out.
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AUBREY'S RECIPE: Tex-Mex Beef Skillet Casserole This Paleo meal is part of my recipe rotation. My kids like it and the preparation is pretty mindless. Using a frozen bag of riced cauliflower saves time. Get the recipe here.
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DEENA KASTOR'S SECRETS TO HAPPY RUNNING: Olympian Deena Kastor is still running strong—33 years after taking her first running step at the age of 11. Click here to read what she told us...
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ULTRA RUNNER MIKE WARDIAN'S RECOVERY TIPS: If you race frequently, you know how important it is to recover quickly. Learn how one elite runner manages to do it all while working full-time & being a dad to two energitic boys. Read on.
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JOIN OUR TEAM If you are passionate about running/walking and like to create amazing experiences for people, come work with us! 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!!
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