July 30th, 2009: FLEET FEET Flyer #42
Socks! Socks! Socks!
Welcome, Friends!
As the title of this issue of the Flyer suggests, this edition is all about socks! A vital part of your running and walking equipment, the right socks can make a world of difference in the comfort of your feet. Lest I wax redundant, I'll leave the subject to our feature article... and to the tale of the Fox in Socks (who recently happened to stop by our store).
Happy Running!
Sincerely,
Your Friends at FLEET FEET St. Louis
A Fox in Socks came into the store.
He was looking for shoes (and a few things more)
We knew him by name; yes, he'd been here before,
But he was not smiling as he walked through the door...
He limped to the left and he limped to the right,
He limped and he limped (it was a very sad sight!).
He popped off his shoes and he told us his plight;
It was a story as common as day and as night.
"I went for a walk. I went for a run.
My feet got hot from the heat of the sun.
I don't know what happened, but when I was done,
My feet were wet and blistered (there was more than just one)."
One look at his hand explained the blisters he'd gotten,
For there in his fingers was a sock made of cotton!
"Oh, dear Mr. Fox! Why, have you forgotten?
When it comes to socks, cotton is rotten!
It bunches and scrunches and holds all the sweat!
It stretches and catches and keeps your feet wet!
It's hot and it's bulky and, sir, you can bet,
It is the reason for the blisters you get!
Take those cotton socks and bid them goodbye!
Now, here is a synthetic sock you must try.
Synthetic material will keep your feet dry,
Keep your feet cool, and blisters deny!"
So the Fox in Socks bid cotton adieu
And went for a run and found it was true!
Synthetic was cooler and drier and more comfortable, too!
He returned to his friends and gave this review:
"Cotton is rotten! Its use is taboo.
It bunches and scrunches and grows all askew.
It's not just a sock, it's equipment (who knew?)
And my switch to synthetic was long overdue!
Oh, what a difference! What a change through and through!
Yes, I went synthetic... and my friend, so should you!"
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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!
Sock-ology: The Science and Benefits of Synthetic Socks
Yep. Socks are a big deal. (Who knew?)
You've heard our mantra, "Cotton is rotten." But what exactly is cotton doing to cause so much discomfort? And how do synthetic socks work, anyway?
Welcome to Sock-ology 101.
Heat. Moisture. Friction. These are the usual suspects when it comes to foot discomfort. And their ringleader? You guessed it: The Cotton Sock. Excess heat that normally radiates away from bare feet is trapped when you wear shoes. This trapped heat elevates the temperature of the skin; exercise can further raise the temperature by more than twenty degrees. When skin temperature is elevated, the body produces sweat to cool itself. However, a cotton sock, which is hydrophilic (i.e., it holds on to moisture), soaks up sweat like a sponge and holds it next to your skin, preventing evaporative cooling from taking place. To make matters worse, moisture increases friction between your socks and skin. As the cotton sock becomes saturated with sweat, it loses its shape and begins a "shearing" process. The high friction caused by the sock limits skin surface movement but allows movement of the inner tissue; thus, the layers of your skin are physically separated, creating a void that fills with fluid and forms a blister.
Gross, but true.
So, how does a synthetic sock prevent heat, moisture, and friction from perpetrating their blistering crimes?
Unlike cotton, synthetic fibers are hydrophobic (i.e. they don't like moisture). Moisture molecules cannot stick to hydrophobic fibers; thus, once a synthetic sock gets wet, it wants to get rid of the moisture. (Equate "ridding" with "wicking.") The synthetic socks pull moisture away from the skin, then transfer the moisture to the outside of the sock, where it can evaporate through the mesh of your running shoe. A synthetic sock actually works in conjunction with your running shoe to pull moisture away from your feet. This moisture-transfer process keeps your skin dry (Goodbye, Moisture!), reducing friction in the shoe (So long, Friction!) and allowing your body's evaporative cooling process to take place (Adios, Heat!). Thus, whether you struggle with blisters or just want to keep your feet cool, the benefits of a synthetic sock are significant.
Balega and DryMax socks-- two industry-leading brands in the world of
synthetic socks-- utilize different fabric technologies to defeat heat,
moisture, and friction. Check out their unique qualities (below), and
come on by the store to try them out for yourself!
Balega: The "buttery-soft" sock, Balega boasts:
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Hand-Linked Seamless Toe: A typical sock is closed mechanically with an overlocked seam which is often bulky and can cause discomfort. Balega toe seams are not closed with a machine, but are hand-closed for a smooth toe, eliminating bulky toe seams and improving fit and comfort.
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Extra Deep Heel Well: The "heel well" is basically the pocket that forms the heel of the sock. Creating the heel well for socks requires reciprocated stitching (rather than stitching in one direction) and is the most tedious and expensive part of the sock-making process. Thus, in order to cut costs, many companies limit the stitching done in the heel of the sock. Balega, however, spends extra time building the heel well. The result is a sock that remains snug around the foot (thereby eliminating "sock migration"), provides extra cushion in the heel, and is far more durable than average socks.
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Higher Needle Count: Balega's thread count is extremely high. While a typical sock has a "needle count" of 108, Balega has an increased needle count of 160 in the Enduro and 200 in the Hidden Comfort. The resulting 85% more material per square inch creates enhanced comfort and resilient cushioning and durability.
DryMax: The sock for those who sweat a lot, DryMax
features:
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Dual Layer Sweat Removal: DryMax socks use two fiber technologies to from separate inner and outer layers. The first layer lifts sweat off the skin like a squeegee; the second layer pulls the moisture to the outside of the sock, allowing it to evaporate through the mesh in the shoe.
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True Fit Sizing System: Tired of bunched up socks? DryMax's True Fit includes the length of only two shoe sizes per sock size (some socks incorporate as many as five shoe sizes per sock size). This narrow size range provides an anatomically-correct fit, eliminating blister-causing bunching.
Balega and DryMax Socks are available at FLEET FEET Chesterfield, FLEET FEET St. Charles, and FLEET FEET Fenton. They are also available at our online store. Styles and prices vary.
Volunteers Needed for
Lewis & Clark!
Be an invaluable part of the Lewis and Clark Marathon and Half
Marathon!
(And have fun while you're at it!)
Volunteers not only make race day successful, they make race day possible. Without the help of the dedicated volunteers who cheer on runners, hand out water, or point the way to the finish line, marathons as we know them couldn't exist.
We are currently seeking dedicated volunteers to assist with everything from directing participants on the course to working the bag-drop tent to assisting at the finish line. Whether you have a family member or friend participating in the race, or you just have a passion to encourage others, volunteering is a great way to take part in the Lewis and Clark Marathon and Half Marathon.
Volunteering is as easy as clicking on a registration link. You can access all open volunteer positions, get a description of duties, and choose the time you are available to volunteer.
Volunteers can register individually or as a group. We are also seeking groups to provide on-course cheerleading and entertainment. All volunteers will receive a race volunteer shirt and the thanks and appreciation of thousands of race participants. To volunteer or to view available assignments, click here!
BodyGlide: The Secret to Chafe-Free
Running
Beat chafing and blisters from head to toe
with the leader in anti-chafe balm technology.
Humidity? Check. Sweat? Check. Chafing, blisters, and irritation?
Nowhere to be found.
It's pretty simple. BodyGlide is our choice for protection against chafing and irritation caused by shorts, shirts, straps, wetsuits, orthotics, sports equipment, water belts, and even skin rubbing against skin. By creating an effective barrier against moisture and friction-- which wreak havoc on the skin-- BodyGlide provides long lasting protection for runners, walkers, multisport athletes, and anyone who leads an active lifestyle.
BodyGlide is easy to apply (picture a deodorant stick), non-greasy, waterproof, sweatproof, hypoallergenic, and non-petroleum-based. Apply it to your feet, thighs, chest, or anywhere skin is vulnerable, such as around the seams of clothing, around sports bras and under the arms (for women), and around the groin area (for men). BodyGlide can even be used on the face and neck to prevent dry, chapped skin caused by extreme weather conditions.
BodyGlide lubricates the skin without blocking pores. In humid conditions, it stands up to water and moisture while also permitting perspiration to escape-- which is necessary to help the body cool. In dry conditions, such as cold or windy days, BodyGlide is a barrier of protection that helps keep skin moisturized.
And check out BodyGlide's newest product, Liquified Powder, a technically-advanced cream that provides evenly-disbursed, effective protection for the skin. Upon application, the cream transforms into a dry, silky-smooth shield that protects the skin from chafing and irritation. BodyGlide Liquified Powder is ideal for pinpoint application (such as between toes or on hotspots on the feet) and-- because of its extremely slick feel-- for skin that is especially prone to severe blistering.
Head to toe. Work, sports, and daily use. During activity and after activity. BodyGlide is armor for the skin!
Price: (Standard size, 1.3 ounce): $7.99; (Travel size, 0.45 ounce): $5.99; (Liquified Powder): $7.99. BodyGlide is available at FLEET FEET Chesterfield, FLEET FEET St. Charles, and FLEET FEET Fenton. It is also available at our online store.
Upcoming Races
Lewis & Clark Marathon and Half Marathon
On Sunday, September 13th, follow the footsteps of Lewis and Clark as you explore the Missouri River Valley in the Lewis and Clark Marathon and Half Marathon! The race will take you back in history as you cross the Missouri river, travel through historic St. Charles, navigate the abandoned railway that is now the Katy Trail, and return to the very campsite where Lewis and Clark started their journey. This flat course is perfect for a PR!
Register before August 1st to receive a race number with your first
name printed clearly at the top so fans can cheer you on every step of
the way. (You've spent countless hours training for Lewis and Clark--
you deserve a little recognition!)
Want more information about race day? Visit the Lewis and Clark website for all the information you need about registration, race day, post-race festivities, hotels and dining, volunteer opportunities, and more. Registration fees for Lewis and Clark go up after July 31st, so register today!
Course maps for the Lewis and Clark Marathon and Half Marathon are now online!
Overall awards will be based on the actual real-time finish order, not “chip” time. Overall winners will receive plaques and split $3000 in prize money as follows: Marathon: 1st Place, $500; 2nd Place, $300; 3rd Place, $100; Half Marathon: 1st Place, $300; 2nd Place, $200; 3rd Place, $100.
For each race, plaques will be awarded to the first three finishers in the following age groups: 19 & under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70 & over. Age group awards will be based on “chip” time. No age group awards will be distributed on race day. Plaques will be mailed to the winners after the race.
Medals will be awarded to every finisher in both races. In addition, the Lewis & Clark Marathon and the Go!St. Louis Marathon are proud to offer the Run Around Town medal, which is awarded to runners who complete either the marathon or half marathon at both events. To be eligible for the Run Around Town medal, be sure to indicate when you register that you completed the 2009 Go!St. Louis Marathon or Half Marathon.
The post-race party will begin when you cross the finish line! Join us in Frontier Park to celebrate your accomplishment with food, refreshments, and live music by St. Louis' own Delicious Fishes. Anheuser-Busch and 180 Energy Drink products, the official beverages of the Lewis & Clark Marathon and Half Marathon, will be available for race participants (you must be 21 years of age to consume alcoholic beverages) as well as snacks to refuel your body! St. Louis Injury and Rehab will offer post-race stretching and massage to all race participants. The awards ceremony will begin at approximately 11:30AM on the music stage.
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Runners Club Flat Five
The FLEET FEET Runners Club is proud to host the Flat Five on August 2, 2009, in St. Charles' historic Frontier Park. Held annually since 1982, the Flat Five offers something for everyone! The race begins at 7:00AM and consists of a 5-mile run, a 1-mile fun run/walk, and a 50-yard Toddler Trot. Both the 5-mile run and the 1-mile run feature numbered trophies for all finishers, while special awards are given to Toddler Trot participants (giving youngsters a chance to feel like superstars)! This fun event is the perfect way to support the local running community, benefit area charities, and spend quality time with family and friends.
The 5-mile course is a general out-and-back, with the first three miles on the streets and the last two miles on the Katy Trail. Split times will be provided every mile. Water will be available twice along the way. The 1-mile course is an out-and-back on the Katy Trail, while the Toddler Trot-- which is limited to children ages 3 and under-- will be a short run near the Start/Finish area. All events are open to wheelchair athletes. Numbered trophies will be given to all 5-Mile and 1-Mile finishers. There will also be special awards for Toddler Trot participants.
Packet pickup will be at FLEET FEET Sports in St. Charles from 10AM-5PM on Saturday, August 1st, and on race morning beginning at 6AM. Entry fees are as follows: $15 (5-Mile), $10 (1-Mile), and $5 (Toddler Trot). You can register online here or download an entry form here. A map of the 5-Mile course can be downloaded here.
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JCC Labor Day Run & Youth Triathlon
The Jewish Community Center's Labor Day Run will be celebrating its 32nd year on Monday, September 7th, at 7:30AM. The run will offer a 10K run and 5K run/walk. Both courses are USATF Certified and are among the toughest courses in the St. Louis area. Both races start at 7:30AM from the JCC Millstone Campus.
Labor Day Run trophies will be awarded to the top male and female finishers in each race and to the top male and female masters finishers (ages 40+) in each race. Medals will be awarded to the top three men and women in the following age groups: 10 and under, 11 to 15, 16 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 to 79, and 80 and over.
The first 4The first 400 registrants in the Labor Day Run will receive a performance shirt, complimentary post race snacks and refreshments, attendance prizes at the awards ceremony, a complimentary day pass to the Staenberg Family Complex, and free post-race massages.
The JCC also hosts the largest kids triathlon in the St. Louis Metro
Area on September 7th. The first heat begins at 9:30AM. Ages 7 to 10
will complete a 100-yard swim, 3-mile bike, and 1/2-mile run. Ages 11 to
14 will complete a 200-yard swim, 6-mile bike and 1-mile run.
You can register online here or download an entry form here. You can also register during packet pick-up, which will be at the JCC Lobby on Saturday, September 5, from 10AM-4PM and Sunday, September 6 from 10AM-4PM. You can also pick up your packet or register on race morning from 6AM-7AM.
Please email Phil Ruben or call 314-442-3279 for additional information or to register.
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View Full Race Calendar