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Fleet Feet Sports

HARTFORD

Dogs

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

 

August is often referred to as the Dog Days of Summer. The typically hot, humid days get their name because the second brightest star, Sirius (the "Dog Star"), rises and sets with the sun during this time. The Dog Days of Summer reminds my dad of something different.
 
It happened in the summer of 1981. We were living in Cincinnati, and Dad was training for a fall marathon. His favorite long run course was in a beautiful town called Indian Hill. As the name suggests, the town was quite hilly, but also shaded and without much car traffic. 

 

The downside of the course was a big, shaggy dog that would always bark and chase after my dad. Dad would have to sprint for about a quarter of a mile before the dog tired of the chase and turned around for home.
 
One Sunday morning about a mile from the dog's house, the dog appeared out of a wooded area and wiggled his tail with delight. We think he was probably lost, recognized my dad and figured Dad would lead him back home.  But Dad was only 3 miles into his 20-mile run so he kept on running - dog in tow.    
 
At first the dog chased every bird and squirrel it saw, but after two miles, he fell into silent rhythm with my dad. Five miles later, they reached a HUGE, twisty hill, aptly named Spooky Hollow Hill. When the dog saw it, he looked at my dad like "Are you kidding? I'm not running up this" and sat down. 

 

Dad said "suit yourself" and headed up the hill.  About a half mile up, Dad heard panting.  He turned around to see the dog who must have realized that this was the only way he was getting home.    
 
For seven more miles they ran side-by-side with Dad taking a few detours so the dog could jump into ditches full of water to cool off and drink. Finally, the dog saw its home and sprinted to the front door. As Dad ran by, the dog nodded his head in a gesture of thanks before curling up to rest on the porch.  
 
The next Sunday, as Dad approached the big dog's house, he readied himself for the chase. As usual, the dog leaped off the porch and started running full-speed at my dad, barking like crazy. As the dog got closer, he recognized my dad, stopped cold in his tracks and turned back for the porch without another bark. He wasn't about to follow this crazy runner again!

 

Are you a runner who loves dogs?  Read below for details on our Doggone Fast Mile fundraiser. Great prizes, medals and post-run party!

Doggone Fast Mile

SUPPORT THIS CUTE PUP

Run the Doggone Fast Mile

Friday, August 16

 

Humans and their canine companions are invited to a fun mile race in Bloomfield next Friday evening. There will be heats for kids, adults and humans+dog beginning at 6pm.

 

Registered participants get a paws-itively awesome medal and access to the post-race party at Thomas Hooker Brewery. The overall male, female and dog+human race winners will receive a pair of Hoka One One Cliftons!

 

All proceeds donated to Dog Star Rescue. Register before Monday to save $5.

SIGN ME UP!
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BROOKS GHOST 12

 

New look, same great Ghost. Brooks just unveiled the new Ghost 12, and it’s the same comfortable, consistent running shoe we’ve come to love. Here’s what we thought of the update.

READ OUR SHOE REVIEW
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SHOP WOMEN'S GHOST 12
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SHOP MEN'S GHOST 12
Marine Corps Marathon Giveaway

MARINE CORPS MARATHON SWEEPSTAKES

 

Brooks wants to send you to the sold-out Marine Corps Marathon in October. Download the Fleet Feet Rewards App to start earning Miles to enter for your chance to win—and learn how you can earn more with the Ghost 12.

DOWNLOAD THE APP TO ENTER
EVENTS
FFRC

FLEET FEET RUN CLUB:

Join us every Wednesday evening (6:30pm) and Saturday morning (8:30am) for free group runs from the store.

 

Wed runs are 3-5 miles; Sat runs feature two routes (4-6 miles & 7-10 miles).

 

Runs are free. Join the e-mail list HERE.

Yoga with Mel

YOGA WITH MEL

Tuesday's @ 7:15pm

Former staffer and certified yoga instructor, Melody Smith, will lead this in-store class designed for runners and walkers. $10.

Details HERE.

FREE INJURY ASSESSMENTS

Saturday's from 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 FREE injury assessments every Saturday. No RSVP necessary.

  
Can't make it on Saturday, call 1-877-MOBL-MED to schedule a free assessment at your convenience. 

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INJURY PREVENTION FOAM ROLLING SERIES

Begins, Aug 14 @ 6pm

Lisa Hughes, athletic trainer & massage therapist, is hosting an 8-week series on incorporating foam rolling into your training as a way to reduce and prevent injury. Contact Lisa to learn more - and mention Fleet Feet to receive $10 off. 

DOGGONE FAST MILE

Friday, Aug 16 @ 6pm

Celebrate the Dog Days of Summer with this unique fundraiser for Dog Star Rescue at Thomas Hooker Brewery. Event includes a series of mile races (kids, humans & dogs) as well as a TrueForm treadmill marathon relay.

Details Here.

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