December 15th, 2008 Issue 27
Holiday Gift Guide |
Training Team |
Jacob's Run Recap
Racing Team Update |
Lola | Ultimate Training Journal
Welcome, Friends!
We hope that amidst the hustle and
bustle of the season you are able to sit
back and enjoy the spirit of Christmas--
family, friends, love, and sharing. A
roaring fire and a steaming cup of hot
cocoa can work wonders for the soul, as
can an old-fashioned family game night
or casual gathering with dear friends.
Be certain to take time in the next
couple of weeks for a Christmas light
run or walk. It is really quite
delightful breathing in the chilly
winter air and viewing the many
festive, twinkling displays adorning
houses and front windows! (Perhaps we'll
see you out there!)
In this Flyer, we've included a
Holiday Gift Guide to help you put the
finishing touches on your Christmas
shopping list (or perhaps add to your
own list for Santa). We've queried the
staff about their own wish lists, and
the result is a selection of great gift
ideas for young and old, veteran and
novice. (Enjoy!)
We would like to wish you and your
family a very merry Christmas and the
happiest of holidays. May every moment
be filled with joy!
Sincerely,
Your Friends at FLEET FEET St. Louis
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We are excited to send out the FLEET FEET Flyer, and we would love to hear back from you! Feel free to send any comments directly to me via email. Happy Running!
Sincerely,
Amy Marxkors
Editor
Click here to view past FLEET FEET Flyers!
FLEET FEET's Holiday Gift Guide
(To the Rescue!)
(To the Rescue!)
Christmas is just days away, and you've still
got a few people on your gift list. What do you
get a runner who (seemingly) has everything?
No need to stress. We've been there, and we've
got a few ideas that will make even Santa Claus
jealous. Whether you are buying for a die-hard
marathoner or a beginning runner, these gifts are
guaranteed winners. (Hooray for presents under the
tree!)
Okay, how many times have you walked by this
little item at the store? It looks so innocent,
hanging there next to the patella tendon straps. Be
not deceived. This potent present is an intense
muscle massage tool that effectively massages away
knots and eliminates trigger points on fatigued
muscles. The result? Improved circulation, increased
range of motion, restored endurance, and less pain.
(And that's something we all could use.) The staff
at FLEET FEET swears by this little gadget, for
nothing is better for post-run comfort.
Asics Thermopolis LT
Mock (men's) and
Half-Zip (women's) (LT Mock, in charcoal and
black, $59.99; Half-Zip, in berry and lilac, $64.99)
Absolutely. Positively. The. Softest. Shirt. Ever. Needless to say, once you've tried Asics' Thermopolis fabric, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it. Featuring Asics patented blend of high-performance materials and a buttery-smooth texture, the Thermopolis Mock and Half-Zip keep you dry and warm despite chilly temperatures and biting winds. A great base layer or perfect on its own, this top is unsurpassed in comfort and versatility. Say hello to your new favorite running shirt.
Absolutely. Positively. The. Softest. Shirt. Ever. Needless to say, once you've tried Asics' Thermopolis fabric, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it. Featuring Asics patented blend of high-performance materials and a buttery-smooth texture, the Thermopolis Mock and Half-Zip keep you dry and warm despite chilly temperatures and biting winds. A great base layer or perfect on its own, this top is unsurpassed in comfort and versatility. Say hello to your new favorite running shirt.
A Selection of Great Running Books
Duel in the Sun
($14.95)
In this riveting account, John Brant re-creates the tense drama of the 1982 Boston Marathon which saw two of America's greatest distance runners, Dick Beardsley and Alberto Salazar, competing head-to-head in a relentless race to the finish. The story then follows the two runners as their respective careers take surprising-- and baffling-- turns. This elegantly-written book is non-fiction at its best.
Once a Runner and Again to Carthage ($24.00 each)
Quentin Cassidy lives (and lives on) in what is considered the paradigm of fictional running novels, Once a Runner, and its sequel, Again to Carthage. The books offer an unprecedented glimpse into the secret world of elite runners, vividly and unreservedly portraying the daily life, rigorous training, and endless sacrifices of an athlete relentlessly pursuing nothing less than the best. (Once a Runner, out of print for years, is now available exclusively at FLEET FEET.) These two literary gems are certain to captivate and inspire runners old and new.
In this riveting account, John Brant re-creates the tense drama of the 1982 Boston Marathon which saw two of America's greatest distance runners, Dick Beardsley and Alberto Salazar, competing head-to-head in a relentless race to the finish. The story then follows the two runners as their respective careers take surprising-- and baffling-- turns. This elegantly-written book is non-fiction at its best.
Once a Runner and Again to Carthage ($24.00 each)
Quentin Cassidy lives (and lives on) in what is considered the paradigm of fictional running novels, Once a Runner, and its sequel, Again to Carthage. The books offer an unprecedented glimpse into the secret world of elite runners, vividly and unreservedly portraying the daily life, rigorous training, and endless sacrifices of an athlete relentlessly pursuing nothing less than the best. (Once a Runner, out of print for years, is now available exclusively at FLEET FEET.) These two literary gems are certain to captivate and inspire runners old and new.
PRE: The Story of America's Greatest Running Legend, Steve Prefontaine ($14.95)
With a gutsy running style and brash personality, Steve Prefontaine quickly earned the title "the James Dean of running." Prefontaine ran for the University of Oregon under the guidance of celebrated coach (and Nike co-founder) Bill Bowerman, and later set numerous American records with his extremely aggressive "front-running" style. Pre captured the hearts of the running world before his life ended tragically in a car accident at the age of 24. The unremitting drive and determination of Steve Prefontaine lives on today through his inspiring-- and tragic-- story of fearlessness and love of sport.
The Runner's Literary Companion ($14.99)
Recreational runners have no trouble finding articles and books on how to increase their speed, carbo-load before a marathon, or handle interval training. But try to find a nice short story or poem about running. To answer this running void, so to speak, in sports literature, editor Battista presents more than 20 fictional stories and novel excerpts about running, as well as 24 verse selections on the subject. Fireplace and cup of coffee optional (but recommended).
Recreational runners have no trouble finding articles and books on how to increase their speed, carbo-load before a marathon, or handle interval training. But try to find a nice short story or poem about running. To answer this running void, so to speak, in sports literature, editor Battista presents more than 20 fictional stories and novel excerpts about running, as well as 24 verse selections on the subject. Fireplace and cup of coffee optional (but recommended).
Sugoi is known for its highest-quality
performance apparel, and the Zap Vest lives up
to the company's impeccable reputation. More than
just a visibility piece, the Zap Vest offers premier
wind and water protection while providing
best-in-class warmth and breathability. The
vest's 360-degree reflectivity ensures optimal
visibility, while ventilation panels promote air
flow and even heat distribution. Charcoal accents
and zippered pockets (an absolute must) seal the
deal.
Christmas comes in December. December is in
winter. Winter means snow. Snow means precarious
footing and (perish the thought!) missed training
runs.
Enter YakTrax Pro traction straps.
Snowy, icy roads are no match for these
unparalleled elastomeric contraptions. YakTrax Pro
traction straps feature a patented SkidLock coil
system, providing 360 degrees of traction on snow
and ice and allowing you to keep pace despite wintry
conditions. Strong elastomeric rubber straps
spike-less, abrasion-resistant steel coils to the
bottom of your shoes in horizontal and vertical
patterns, providing front-to-back traction and
side-to-side stability. YakTrax fit easily and
securely on virtually any type of shoe or boot.
Don't let road conditions slow you down (or knock
you down... just ask Kristen). YakTrax keep you
running right through that wintry mix.
This is literally the diamond of the running
world. Priceless to the runner and guaranteed to
garner an infinite supply of brownie points for the
giver, the Garmin 405 is what you need to take your
running to the next level. The ultimate in GPS
devices, the 405 continually tracks pace, distance,
time, calories, laps, and course. Moreover, the 405
features state-of-the-art wireless technology
that provides wireless data transfer from the 405 to
your computer or other in-range 405 devices-- all
without cables or cords. The sleek design features a
touch bezel that lets you quickly scroll and select
features on the run. The 405 is also compatible with
the
Garmin Heart Rate Monitor,
Bike Mount, and
Cadence Sensor. The 405 comes in black and
green. (As if this thing isn't cool enough already!)
Garmin 405 = Running Bliss.
Yes, you can be swanky and a runner. Pamper your
mod side with the Imara Kylo Cee Watch, a uniquely
stylish and practical sport watch from Nike.
Featuring a one-size, nylon band and an easy-to-read
retro display, the Kylo Cee Watch lets you access
time, date, alarms, chronograph, and times zone
information with a press of a button. A unique,
"slip-on" design makes the watch impressively
easy to grab and go. Choose from a fun color
selection of pink, green, charcoal, white, and
clear. Perfect for the lady who enjoys going for a
run and looking hip!
Why not give someone the gift of FIT this
Christmas? Whether you gift $25 or $250, a iftcard
is certain to please. We've got what you need to
outfit runners and walkers in comfort and style--
from shoe and bra fittings to high-performance
apparel to moisture-wicking socks, gloves, and hats.
Plus, shopping sprees are just plain fun!
FLEET FEET Sports' Ultimate Training Journal
Information is power-- especially when it
comes to your training. Whether you are tracking
your progress for motivation, recording your
workouts in order to reach a personal health
goal, or organizing training information to
maximize the results of your efforts-- or all of
the above-- The Ultimate Training Journal
is an indispensable training tool.
Hot off the press and new on the shelves at
FLEET FEET, The Ultimate Training Journal
is designed with a clear, at-a-glance format
that offers double the space of conventional
logs, allowing you to record what you want--
time, distance, pace, split times, route, heart
rate, mileage, weight, weather,
cross-training, and more. Additionally, The
Ultimate Training Journal contains both
practical and inspirational features such as
pace charts, goal maps, and motivational quotes.
The 52-week, goal-oriented log contains both
pre- and post-run note space, prompting you to
state your objective for the day and week as
well as the results of your workouts. Specific
entry space for route, mileage, time, heart
rate, weather, and cross-training keeps your
information neatly organized and easily
accessible. Race records and age and gender
grading tables make it easy for you to compare
your race times with others-- even if they are
in a different age group or gender category.
Consider this best-selling log your "little
black book" of training!
The Ultimate Training Journal is
available at FLEET FEET Chesterfield, FLEET FEET
St. Charles, and FLEET FEET Fenton, and at our
online store. Price: $14.99.
FLEET FEET's GO!St. Louis Half/Full Marathon Training Teams
True Facts About Running:
1) Training with friends is more fun than
training alone.
2) It is cool to have a coach.
3) It is not cool to run with scissors or other
pointy objects.
The
FLEET FEET Training Team is ready and waiting to
prepare you for the GO!St. Louis Full and Half
Marathon! Not only does the Training Team highly
discourage running with scissors and other
potentially harmful objects, but it also
provides a fun and motivational training
environment, the guidance and instruction of
coaches, and the inspiration (and friendship) of
fellow runners. Training for a marathon or half
marathon requires dedication, commitment, and
hard work. Let the FLEET FEET Training Team help
you accomplish your goal!
Each
of our programs is 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, tips from the
coaching staff, race-day pacing and support, and
a post-race celebration. (Plus, it's just more
fun to train with a group!)
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
Training Team include running-related seminars--
such as injury prevention, nutrition, and cross
training-- and Training Team social events.
The Full Marathon Program began Saturday,
December 13th. The Half Marathon Program begins
Saturday, January 24th. For more information,
visit the Training
Team website or email
Kristen.
Racing Team Update
November was a big month for the FLEET
FEET Racing Team! From the Clayton Half
Marathon and the Alton Great River Road
Run to the many turkey trots across the
area, FFRT members were busy tearing up the
roads (and trails).
The biggest turnout for team members was the
Chesterfield Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving
morning. Over 2,900 runners participated in the
race-- quite a few of them wearing FLEET FEET
jerseys! Josh Bond took 1st in his age group and
placed 8th overall, Andy Koziatek took 2nd for
his age group and was 4th overall, while Amy
Marxkors finished 2nd in her age group and was
the 8th overall woman. Joan Bennett took 4th in
her age group, Luke Hofmann was 5th in his age
group, and Jon Petter was 7th in his. Other
runners that morning included Sean Zambruski,
Michael Allen, Amanda Robinson (we missed the
turkey costume, Amanda!), Shelby Hartley, Alec
Hartley, CeCe Hartley, and Jim Yount.
Also running on Thanksgiving morning
were Danielle Brunnworth, who represented the
FFRT in the Gobble Wobble 5K held near Maryville
University's campus; Christine Burke, who ran in
the Arnold Gobble Wobble 5K; and Cheryl Bergin,
who took part in both the 3-mile and 6-mile
races at the Kirkwood-Webster Turkey Day runs.
Click
here to visit the Racing Team website!
Running Community Pulls Together for Jacob's Run
A lot can
happen during a
cross country
race. Jacob
Swearingen would
know.
Several
weeks ago, while
Jacob was
running the race
of his life
and clinching his
second
consecutive Missouri
state cross
country
championship,
his home was
burning to the
ground. He and
his family lost
everything. This
past weekend, it
was time for
retribution.
On Saturday,
December 6th,
while Jacob was
in Portland,
Oregon,
competing in the
Nike Cross
Nationals,
runners gathered
at FLEET FEET
Fenton for
Jacob's Run, a
pass-the-hat
charity run to
raise money for
Jacob and his
family.
Chilly
temperatures and
a light dusting
of snow couldn't
keep the home
crowd-- which
included a
strong showing
of area high
school
students-- from
running the
5-mile course,
supporting and
cheering on the
local
champion. The
event raised
over $2,000 for
Jacob's family,
and many
household items
were also
collected.
Over in
Oregon, Jacob
competed with
strength and
determination.
Displaying
incredible focus
in the face of
adversity,
Jacob ran a
stellar race,
placing an
impressive 15th
overall.
Thank you to
everyone who
participated in
Jacob's Run and
to everyone who
has donated to
Jacob and his
family. Your
kindness and
compassion is
remarkable, and
we are honored
to be a part of
such a wonderful
running
community!
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