November 15th, 2008 Issue 25
Welcome, Friends!
We've got big news! After years of being out
of print and nearly impossible to obtain,
Once a Runner, the most celebrated running
novel of all time, is now available exclusively
at FLEET FEET! (Talk about the absolute
perfect Christmas gift!) From now until
April 1st, FLEET FEET is the only place to pick
up your copy. So come on by the store and
(finally!) get your copy of Once a Runner!
On a different note, FLEET FEET would like
to invite you to join us in support of local
high school cross country runner, Jacob
Swearingen, and his family, who lost their
home in a fire last Saturday-- the same
morning Jacob won the Missouri state cross
country championship. With great generosity and
compassion, the running community has pulled
together to raise funds for Jacob and his family
as they try to rebuild their lives. What better
way to usher in the season of giving than by
helping a family in need? (See
below to read how you can help!)
We hope your training is going well, and we
look forward to seeing you, soon!
All the Best,
Your Friends at FLEET FEET St. Louis
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Sincerely,
Amy Marxkors
Editor
Click here to view past FLEET FEET Flyers!
Once a Runner
Now Available Exclusively at
FLEET FEET!
FLEET FEET!
Finally, it's here! After years of anticipation and
demand, the most sought-after book in the world of
running, Once a Runner, is now available
exclusively at FLEET FEET! Out of print for years and
often selling for hundreds of dollars online, Once a
Runner is the inspirational cult classic that
Runner's World has called "the best novel ever
written about running." Once a Runner has won the
acclaim of such running legends as Frank Shorter,
Alberto Salazar, and Bill Rodgers, building a devoted
following and garnering a nearly sacrosanct status in
the process.
First published in 1978, Once a Runner
chronicles the story of elite miler Quenton Cassidy and
his quest for victory, offering an unprecedented glimpse
into the secret world of elite class runners. The
author, John L. Parker, Jr., once a world class runner
himself, vividly and unreservedly portrays the daily
life, rigorous training, and endless sacrifices of an
athlete relentlessly pursuing nothing less than the
best. Through the book's protagonist, Cassidy, Parker
sheds light on the inmost thoughts of the competitive
runner, illuminating an unyielding intensity of purpose
while simultaneously revealing the vulnerability-- and
the humanity-- of a seemingly invincible athlete. The
paradigm of all running novels, Once a Runner
continues to inspire and captivate readers and runners
of all ages.
From now until April 1st, FLEET FEET is the only
place you can purchase your own copy of the acclaimed
novel Once a Runner. Why wait until spring? Stop
by FLEET FEET to pick up the perfect holiday gift-- for
you and your friends!
Once a Runner is available at FLEET FEET
Chesterfield, FLEET FEET St. Charles, and FLEET FEET
Fenton. Once a Runner is also available on our webstore.
Price: $24.00
"By far the most accurate fictional portrayal of
the world of the serious runner... a marvelous
description of the way it really is." -- Kenny
Moore, of Sports Illustrated
"I'm jealous. This is very close to the kind of
book I've wanted to write for years... [Parker] has
shown an ability to find that vein that runners have
within them, and write about it better than anyone ever
has." --Don Kardong, of Runner's World
"Perhaps the best novel ever written about
running. There are parts of Once a Runner that are pure
poetry. I have never read descriptions of what it is to
run and race as accurate and compelling as Parker's."
--Tom Jordan, Track and Field News
"The best piece of running fiction around. Beg,
borrow, or buy a copy, and you'll never need another
motivator." --Dave Langlais, of Runner's World
Help
a Local High School Running Champion Who Lost Home in Fire
Five minutes after winning the state cross country
championship, Potosi High School senior Jacob
Swearingen was told his home had burned to the ground.
What should have been a moment of joy for the defending
state champion turned to one of tragedy. Jacob and his
family, who did not have insurance, lost everything in
the fire.
"We were able to salvage a few pictures, but other
than that, everything is gone," said Jacob's stepfather,
Tim Busse. Included in the loss were all of Jacob's
running medals and trophies-- dating back to when he was
in first grade. Jacob, who has twice won the Susan G.
Komen Race for the Cure, said the loss of the Komen medals
was especially difficult because both his grandmother
and great-grandmother had breast cancer.
Now, the running community is pulling together to
help the young runner and his family rebuild their
lives. Teammates, fellow high schoolers, and families
across the area are pitching in to raise funds-- and you
can help!
A fund for Jacob's family has been set up at
Belgrade State Bank in Potosi. Every dollar makes a
difference! Please make checks payable to Tim Busse.
Send checks to Belgrade State Bank, 306 North Missouri,
Potosi, MO, 63664.
"Thank you to everyone, to the running community,
the running family," Jim Busse says, speaking on behalf
of his family. "We appreciate everything everyone is
doing. Thank you!"
GO!St. Louis Marathon
Full (NEW!) and
Half Marathon Training Teams
Can you believe it's almost time to
start training for spring marathons? (Crazy,
but true!) So, grab your mittens and your
favorite running shoes, because the FLEET
FEET Training Team is ready and waiting to
help you prepare for the April GO!St. Louis
Marathon and Half Marathon!
Ready for some more big news? For the
first time ever, there will be a FLEET FEET
Training Team for the GO!St. Louis
Full Marathon! That's right, the full
marathon. So whether you want to run 26.2
miles or 13.1 miles, you can be a part of
the FLEET FEET Training Team! (C'mon! All
the cool kids are gonna be there!)
"The Training Team was just what I
needed to become a runner. The training
calender, my pace group, the advice from my
coach, and the encouraging emails combined
with my personal goal is what got me to
where I wanted to be. Crossing the finish
line of my first half marathon was the most
definitive moment in my running career. As a
result of the Training Team, I feel
connected to a great group of people--
runners." --Training Team member Kris
Weingaertner-Hartke
All of our programs are led by
experienced and dedicated coaches who are
ready to help you reach your personal goals
and provide encouragement and support-- from
the first day of class through race day.
Training schedules are professionally and
specifically designed with the goal distance
and pace groups’ abilities in
mind. Additional support is provided through
weekly training topic discussions and
scheduled running-related seminars, such as
injury prevention, nutrition, and cross
training. Weekly group long runs on Saturday
mornings showcase some of St. Louis' best
running routes, while optional group runs on
Tuesday and Thursday evenings coincide with
the FLEET FEET Sunset Social runs. (Bonus:
We head to a local eatery for food after the
runs!) Other perks of the FLEET FEET
Training Team include weekly tips and
support from the coaching staff, pre-run
dynamic warm-up and stretching, race day
pacing and support, a technical
"In-Training" top, a post-race celebration,
and other Training Team member social
events. Plus, it's just more fun to train
with a group! 
The Full Marathon Program begins
Saturday, December 13th. The Half Marathon
Program begins Saturday, January 24th. For
more information, visit the Training
Team website or email
Kristen.
Training for a marathon or half marathon
requires dedication, commitment, and hard
work, but it can also be one of the most
rewarding endeavors you will ever assume.
Whether you are running your tenth marathon
or taking your first long distance strides,
what better way to take on the challenge
than surrounded by the encouragement of
friends, the guidance and instruction of
coaches, and the motivation and inspiration
of fellow runners? (Summary: Go Team!)
Sunset Social and a New Balance 1224 Test-Drive
On Thursday, November 20th, you can test drive
the New Balance 1224 during the Chesterfield Sunset
Social run. New Balance representatives will be
fitting "test-drivers" with 1224s to wear during the
5-mile Sunset Social run. Simply show up to FLEET
FEET Chesterfield from 6:15-6:45PM (the social run
begins at 7:00PM) to get your test 1224s. After the
run, head back to the store to return the shoes.
There will also be fun giveaways and a chance to win
a free pair of shoes!
Don't miss this unique opportunity to test drive New
Balance's premier stability shoe!
FLEET FEET is proud to host the Sunrise and
Sunset Socials, a new series of weekly group runs
designed to bring together runners of all ages and
abilities in a fun, relaxed setting. Whether you are
a die-hard runner unfazed by the shorter days or
someone who needs a little motivation to get out
there when the weather turns a bit chilly, we've got
just the group for you!
The Sunrise and Sunset Socials will be held in
three locations: Chesterfield, St. Charles,
and Fenton. You can pick your favorite location or
join us at all three! No registration or sign-up is
required. Running routes vary from 3 to 5 miles in
length (depending on location). Most importantly,
Sunrise and Sunset Socialites will head out for food
and drink after the run. (After all, running is all
about having a good time!)
Both Chesterfield and St. Charles will host
Sunset Socials. Sunset Socials will meet weekly
from November 4th (when Daylight Savings Time
ends) to March 6, 2009 (when Daylight Savings
Time begins).
The St. Charles Sunset Socials will take place on
Tuesday nights at 7PM from our FLEET FEET St. Charles
location. There will be a 5-mile route. After the run,
the St. Charles Sunset Socialites will head to IHop for
some food and drink. The first St. Charles Sunset Social
was Tuesday, November 4th.
The Chesterfield Sunset Socials will take place on
Thursday nights at 7PM. Runners will meet at the West
Bridge Bank on the north side of Highway 40 at Boone's
Crossing. Runners can then choose to run from 3-5 miles
on the levee path. After the run, Chesterfield Sunset
Socialites will head to East Coast Pizza (across the
parking lot from FLEET FEET Chesterfield) for pizza and
drinks. The first Chesterfield Sunset Social was
Thursday, November 6th.
Fenton will be hosting the Sunrise Socials. The
Sunrise Socials group runs will meet year-round. Runners
will meet at FLEET FEET Fenton on Saturday mornings at
7AM. Fenton Sunrise Socialites will run a 5-mile route
and then head to St. Louis Bread Company for coffee and
breakfast. The first Fenton Sunrise Social was Saturday,
November 8th.
We hope to see you there!
Diva Night
Recap
The
ladies (and Jake) of FLEET FEET were thrilled to
welcome a full house at the 2nd Annual Diva
Night in Fenton. The event offered an evening of
shopping, fun, and products to FIT the active
woman's life, including a Brooks winter apparel
fashion show, professional shoe and bra
fittings, skin care products, winter warm-up
suggestions, raffles, and-- of course-- food and
wine. Thanks to all who participated, and we
look forward to seeing you at the spring event!
Apparel Spotlight:
Brooks Vapor-Dry 1/2 Zip
Save energy. Conserve
heartbeats. Enjoy your run more.
Not a bad mantra to
remember when searching for
the perfect cold weather running
gear. That's why Brooks created
its Equilibrium line of fabrics,
a line of apparel dedicated to
thermo-regulation (read: dry,
thermally-balanced comfort).
Prominent in that line of
high-performance wear is Brooks
Vapor-Dry 1/2 Zip. Featuring the
fastest moisture-transfer system
of any Brooks fabric, the Vapor
Dry 1/2 Zip is a premier
mid-weight pullover, able to
hold its own as a protective
outer layer yet light enough to
wear as a heat-trapping
mid-layer. Splices of Vapor-Dry
3D-- the next generation in
brushed, thermal
fabric constructed with unique
texturing-- gives the half zip
maximum breathability and
movement.
The Vapor-Dry 1/2 Zip
features 360 degrees of 3M
Scotchlite retroreflectivity for
visibility, an extended front
zipper for increased
ventilation, a zipper garage to
prevent chafing, and Brooks'
patented HVAC technology to help
regulate body temperature. An
invisible zip left hip pocket
securely holds your MP3 player
or keys. Shaped cuffs on the
sleeves provide extended hand
coverage.
The Vapor Dry 1/2 Zip is
available in
(Men's) Blue/Gray, Gray/Blue,
Red/Black, Black/Red and
(Women's) Blue/Violet and
Lime/Green. Price: $69.99
Back to top
Upcoming Races
Alton Great River Road Run
The 49th Annual Great River Road Run is set for Saturday, November 29th, at 10AM in Alton, Illinois. The 10-mile race is an out-and-back course that is both flat and scenic. This race is perfect for a PR or for those wanting a beautiful run. The event will also feature a 2-mile run/walk. Join us for this fun traditional event held annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Every entrant will receive a long sleeve t-shirt and refreshments at the finish line. There is a new award structure for 2008! Plaques will be given to the top 3 men and women in the Open Division (39 and under) and to the top 3 in the Masters Division (40 and over). There will be an awards ceremony at the finish line. Medals will be awarded in the chute for the top 35 men and women in each division. There will be 20 medals awarded in the 2-mile run in each race (no divisions).
Race day registration and packet pickup is at the
Eagles Club in Alton. Cost is $25 online, $30 mail-in, $35 race day
entry. In the 2-mile race, registration for participants 17 and under is
$15. You can
register online or download an entry form
here. For more info visit the
race website, call 618-259-2261, or email
Russ.
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9th Annual Chesterfield
Turkey Trot
5K Run/Walk and Kids' 1K Fun Run
Join over 2,200 participants on Thanksgiving morning in the 9
th Annual Chesterfield Turkey Trot presented by the City of Chesterfield Parks & Recreation Department and sponsored by St. Luke's Hospital. The event will be held at the West County Family YMCA in Chesterfield. The event includes a 5K run and a 1K kids' run for ages 10 & under. The 5K starts 8:30AM, and the 1K follows at 9:15AM.Long sleeve t-shirts will be given to the first 2,000 registered participants. Awards will be given to the top overall male & female finishers, as well as to the top three male and female finishers in the following age groups: 12 & under, 13 to 19, 20 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, 50 to 54, 55 to 59, 60 to 64, 65 to 69, 70 & over. Awards ceremony will begin at 9:30AM. Roads are closed to traffic for both events.
You may register by mail (download an entry form here), in-person at Chesterfield City Hall through Tuesday, November 25th, or online through Sunday, November 23rd. After that you may register in-person only on Wednesday, November 26th, until 7:00PM, at Chesterfield City Hall. No race day registrations will be available.
For more information, please visit the
race website or call 636-537-4000.
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Arnold Gobble Gobble 5K
Awards will be given to the top overall male & female finishers, as well as to the top three male and female finishers in the following age groups: 14 & under, 15 to 19, 20 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, 50 to 54, 55 to 59, 60 to 64, 65 to 69, 70 & over. An awards ceremony will begin at 9:30AM. The entire course is in the park and closed to traffic.
All participants will receive a long sleeve shirt. There will be plenty of post-race attendance prizes, Starbucks coffee, 180 energy drinks, and other refreshments available. There will also be post-race massages by Mother Earth Natural Solutions.
You may register by downloading an entry form here, or in-person at Arnold City Hall through Tuesday, November 25th. After that you may register in-person at Arnold City Hall on Wednesday, November 26th, from 9AM-8PM. You may also register on race day (until the start of the race) for $20. Race registration is $18 before that. For more information, please visit the race website or call 636-296-2100.
Join us in celebrating the 3rd Annual Dash to the Den on Sunday, December 7th, presented by the Timberland Track and Field Team. The event will be held at Quail Ridge Park in Wentzville. The 5K run/walk is for all ages and furry friends. The race starts at 9:00AM with packet pick-up and on-site registration from 7AM-8:30AM. Long sleeve t-shirts, breakfast, and water will be given to all participants.
Awards will be given to the top overall male & female finishers, as well as to the top three male and female finishers in the following age groups: 12 & under, 13 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 and over. There will also be a pet and stroller division to include all members of your family. An awards ceremony will begin at 10:30AM.
You may register online or by downloading an entry form here. Registration fee is $15 before November 26th and $20 after. Race day registration is available. For more information, please contact Ami Schulte or call 636-327-3988 x 27572.
Arnold Gobble Gobble 5K
Start your Thanksgiving Day with a cool breezy 5K in
scenic
Arnold City Park. Join over 400 participants on
Thanksgiving morning in the 2nd Annual Gobble Gobble
Run/Walk presented by the City of Arnold Tourism
Commission and sponsored by St. Anthony's Urgent Care,
Koch Development, and Bethesda Health Group. The event
includes a 5K run and a 1-mile Fun Run/Walk for ages 10
& under. The 5K starts 8:00AM, and the 1-mile follows at
9:15AM.
Awards will be given to the top overall male & female finishers, as well as to the top three male and female finishers in the following age groups: 14 & under, 15 to 19, 20 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, 50 to 54, 55 to 59, 60 to 64, 65 to 69, 70 & over. An awards ceremony will begin at 9:30AM. The entire course is in the park and closed to traffic.
All participants will receive a long sleeve shirt. There will be plenty of post-race attendance prizes, Starbucks coffee, 180 energy drinks, and other refreshments available. There will also be post-race massages by Mother Earth Natural Solutions.
You may register by downloading an entry form here, or in-person at Arnold City Hall through Tuesday, November 25th. After that you may register in-person at Arnold City Hall on Wednesday, November 26th, from 9AM-8PM. You may also register on race day (until the start of the race) for $20. Race registration is $18 before that. For more information, please visit the race website or call 636-296-2100.
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Dash To The Den 5K
Join us in celebrating the 3rd Annual Dash to the Den on Sunday, December 7th, presented by the Timberland Track and Field Team. The event will be held at Quail Ridge Park in Wentzville. The 5K run/walk is for all ages and furry friends. The race starts at 9:00AM with packet pick-up and on-site registration from 7AM-8:30AM. Long sleeve t-shirts, breakfast, and water will be given to all participants.
Awards will be given to the top overall male & female finishers, as well as to the top three male and female finishers in the following age groups: 12 & under, 13 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 and over. There will also be a pet and stroller division to include all members of your family. An awards ceremony will begin at 10:30AM.
You may register online or by downloading an entry form here. Registration fee is $15 before November 26th and $20 after. Race day registration is available. For more information, please contact Ami Schulte or call 636-327-3988 x 27572.
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Click here for more upcoming races!