FLEET FEET Flyer: September 2009
Welcome to the new FLEET FEET Flyer, September 2009 Edition!
As the title suggests, the Flyer has undergone a couple of changes since the last issue, and we're confident you'll like the results of the makeover! The Flyer's new schedule will allow us to create focused feature articles and product highlights that are relevant to your current training, while our new Events Update Flyer will make it easier for you to follow store events, upcoming races, training team schedules, social runs, and more. The Events Update Flyer will also be in an outline-based, printable format, making information on upcoming events more accessible than ever before.
Look for the FLEET FEET Flyer on the 1st of each
month and for the Events Update Flyer on the 15th of each month!
Sincerely,
Your Friends at FLEET FEET St. Louis
P.S. We love to hear your feedback about the Flyer.
Share with us your thoughts, comments, and suggestions!
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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
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For Kristyn and Chessa Birrell,
this year's Lewis and Clark Marathon will be unlike any other.
Kristyn Birrell likes a challenge. After hearing one of her college professors talk about running the Boston Marathon, Kristyn, a Montana native, resolved to someday train for a marathon with the hope of eventually qualifying for Boston. "Someday" came sooner than expected. As she crossed the start line of the 2007 San Diego Rock 'n Roll Marathon-- her first marathon-- Kristyn scrapped her goal plan of running a 4-hour race and decided to qualify for Boston-- that day.
She succeeded, with 3 minutes to spare.
The summer after Kristyn ran Boston, more members of her family began running. Her brother Ken, her cousins Gina and Josh, her boyfriend, and a host of others entered the world of distance running. Hooked by the sense of accomplishment inherent in her new found sport, Kristyn longed to share the joy of running with her 13 year-old cousin, Chessa. After all, Chessa was fond of sports herself, and she participated in a number of activities. There was, however, one complication.
Chessa has spinal muscular atrophy and is confined to a wheelchair.
"With more and more of the family getting into running and enjoying the experience and sense of accomplishment of finishing a long race, I started thinking of how to include Chessa. I had read [in a running magazine] about Dick Hoyt, who pushes his son Rick in a wheelchair in marathons all over the country, and I thought I could do that with Chessa," Kristyn says.
They could modify a baby jogger to fit Chessa's needs, she reasoned, and then Kristyn, Ken, and Gina could take turns pushing the jogger the length of the course. Kristyn and Gina approached Chessa with the idea of completing a marathon, explaining that the marathon would be grueling for the 13 year-old, as well as for the runners.
"I was very up front with her about what she was getting into, that the race would be just as long, hard, and uncomfortable for her in the stroller as it would be for me pushing it. She would have to be patient when she needed her legs adjusted because I might not be able to do it immediately. She would have to stay hydrated just like I would. And she would not be able to pass the time by watching a DVD or playing video games. But I also told her that it would be so much fun to be with all the other runners all striving to reach their goals, and that finishing a marathon is an amazing accomplishment."
Chessa was up to the challenge.
"I was excited when Kristyn asked me to go in the race with her, because I don't get to see her very often, and this is a good opportunity to spend time with her. I went to watch [Gina] run a half marathon in Atlanta, and the whole event was very exciting! There were thousands of people running and cheering. There was even a group of racers in wheelchairs," says Chessa, who also participates in dance, power soccer, and power hockey (soccer and hockey adapted for athletes in electric wheelchairs).
The group decided to run the ING Georgia Marathon. However, their plans were halted when Chessa's custom-made jogger could not be completed in time for the race. Refusing to let the delay keep them from their quest, the runners searched for another marathon, finally deciding to run the Lewis and Clark Marathon in St. Charles. Their family would be in St. Louis that weekend celebrating their grandpa's 80th birthday, and the marathon fit perfectly into the schedule. Kristyn began training in Montana, keeping Chessa, who lives in Atlanta, updated via frequent texts.
However, as training continued, more setbacks occurred. Both Gina and Ken had to drop out of the marathon training, leaving Kristyn and Chessa to complete the challenge as a duo.
But neither of the cousins are worried.
"We will have family supporting us along the whole route," Kristyn explains. "As Lewis and Clark approaches, I am most excited about sharing an experience that has been so wonderful in my own life with my cousin whom I love very much... Chessa has a beautiful smile, and I can't wait to see that smile when we cross the finish line together."
Chessa agrees. "It will be exciting to have our family cheer us as we cross the finish line."
Plus, Chessa adds, there is another reason she wants to complete the Lewis and Clark Marathon.
"I like speed! So I am hoping Kristyn is able to push me fast!"
New Flavor! Banananuun Electrolyte Replacement
Because effervescent is fun.
Banananuun (pronounced: banana-noon) is the latest and greatest in electrolyte replacements. But don't just take our word for it. Let the science speak for itself!
Why consume an electrolyte replacement?
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Vital minerals that balance your body's fluid and electrolyte levels are lost when you sweat. These minerals cannot be replaced by water alone. The result? Dangerous body fluid imbalances and dehydration.
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Dehydration can mean mid- and post-run headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, muscle cramping, and worse.
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On average, there is a 3% decrease in pace for every 1% decrease in body weight due to dehydration. (You keep running slower and sl-ow-er and s-l-o-w-e-r...)
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Ever survive a long run only to have diarrhea and stomach cramping the rest of the day? Yeah.
Why is nuun electrolyte replacement special?
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Contains four essential electrolytes to beat the effects of both dehydration and hyponatremia.*
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Contains NO sugar-- safe to take with gels and carbohydrate replacements.
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Comes in easy-to-use tablets-- no mixing or shaking necessary.
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Comes in five fruity, light flavors. (Including the newest, delightfully tropical flavor, Banananuun!)
*If you're thinking, "What the heck is hyponatremia?" Keep reading.
While many people are familiar with the effects of dehydration, fewer are aware of another condition that threatens athletes, hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is defined simply as a deficiency of sodium in the blood. How does this happen? Well, when you sweat, you are sweating out vital minerals such as sodium and potassium, which are essential for optimal cell function. When you try to replace what you've lost by sweating (sodium, potassium, etc.) with plain water (no sodium, no potassium, etc.), you are actually further diluting the sodium concentration levels in your bloodstream. The cells in your body then take on more water than normal and expand (this is hyponatremia). The result is cellular swelling, first in the hands and feet and-- in severe cases-- in the brain. Symptoms of hyponatremia can be similar to those of dehydration: headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, disorientation, and seizures.
Nuun makes smart hydration easy. Simply drop a tablet into your 16-ounce water bottle, and you're ready to go. No mixing. No measuring. No gunky mess. Best of all? Nuun contains no sugar, so you don't have to worry about the stomach issues that often arise from sugary sports drinks. It's simple, really. To combat both dehydration and hyponatremia, replace electrolytes with electrolytes.
Flavors: Tri-Berry, Banananuun, Orange Ginger, Lemon-Lime, and Citrus Fruit. Price: $6.50. Available at FLEET FEET Chesterfield, FLEET FEET St. Charles, and FLEET FEET Fenton. Nuun is also available at our online store.
Nike Run Club Product Trialing
Take Nike products for a test run on
Wednesday evenings with the Nike Run Club!
The Nike Run Club is going strong on Wednesday evenings in Chesterfield! Join us every Wednesday at 6:30PM from now until October 21st at the Hardee's Ice Plex in Chesterfield for a 3- to 7-mile run on the Chesterfield Levee Trail. The Nike Run Club Training Runs are free and open to everyone. No sign-up is required!
FLEET FEET is also proud to feature Nike product trialing as part of the Nike Run Club. Simply stop by FLEET FEET Chesterfield before 6:00PM on Wednesdays to try out a Nike shoe or the new Nike+ Sport Band. After your run, return to the store to upload your workout and check out the new Nike+ website!
Nike Run Club training runs are informal (no pacing provided),
complimentary, and open to all. After the run, feel free to join us at
East Coast Pizza for post-run food and drinks. Please contact
Kristen with any
questions. You can also visit the
Nike Run Club website for more information.
We hope to see you there!
Our "Super Socks" Letter
9 year-old Sydney Fisher's catchy nickname for synthetic socks says it all.
Dear FLEET FEET,
You have the best socks. I call them "super socks" because they have a
lot of cushion and they feel really good on my feet. My mom even says
they will keep my feet dry because they are made of synthetic material
that wicks moisture away, which is especially good because my feet sweat
a whole bunch. I wear my super socks every day. I really do not like to
wear any other socks.
Sincerely,
Sydney Fisher
Nike+ Human Race 10K Group Run
Go on a group run with the world.
Join us on Saturday, October 24th, for the 2009 Nike+ Human Race 10K group run. This social event (un-timed) will begin at 8:00AM at the Heldman Picnic Shelter at Creve Coeur Lake Park.
Last year, hundreds of thousands of runners around the world participated in this global event in celebration of runners and their sport. Register for the Nike+ Human Race at no cost and learn more about this unique event here.
Need a Nike+ system to get started? Check out the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit and the Nike+ Sport Band at FLEET FEET Chesterfield, FLEET FEET St. Charles, and FLEET FEET Fenton.
Upcoming Races
The St. Charles Chamber of Commerce invites you to join the fun on one of the rare occasions to race locally... as the sun sets! The 5K Twilight Run takes place on Saturday, September 12th, at 6:30PM, in the pristine setting of New Town! The course is scenic, flat, and fast. This year's event will also feature a Kids 50-Yard Dash and a Kids 1/4-Mile Run earlier in the day during the afternoon festivities. The Kids 50-Yard Dash will begin at 3:30PM; the Kids 1/4-Mile Run will begin at 3:45PM. The 5K race will kick off the evening festivities, which include live music, a balloon glow, and more.
There will be plenty to do before and after the race. All participants will receive t-shirts and $5 in food/beer/soda tickets, and will be eligible for attendance prizes. The New Town Blast event entertains the whole family with game booths, a petting zoo for kids, a cake walk, a 1-Mile Family Fun Walk at 6:30PM, a balloon glow, a wine/dessert event, and a beer garden.
Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female overall finishers, as well as to the top 3 male and females in the following age groups: 19 & under, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, and 70 and over. Awards will be presented between music sets.
Packets will be available at 5:30PM on race evening.
You can register online or download an entry form here. For more information, visit the race website or contact Heidi Fairbanks via email or by phone at 636-946-0633.
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Pink Ribbon Tour 7KThe Wentzville Firefighters will be hosting the Pink Ribbon Tour 7K, an event to benefit families fighting cancer, on Saturday, September 19th, in the City of Wentzville. This event will include a 7K Run, a one-mile fun walk, a parade of pink, and a family festival at the Heritage Point Shopping Center in Wentzville.
Awards will be given to the top male and female overall winners. Runners should park at the finish area at Heritage Point Shopping Center. Pre- and post-race shuttles will be available to take participants to and from the start/finish area.
You can register online here or download an entry form here.
Immediately following the run, our one-mile fun walk will begin. This is a family-friendly event to show support for the fight against cancer. At 1:30PM, the Parade of Pink will take place. The day will conclude with a special appearance by Dave Graybill and the Pink Heals Tour. Dave is traveling the country in a pink fire truck to support women who have been affected by cancer. For more information on his tour, go to Pink Heals website or Wentzville Firefighters website.
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Join us on Saturday, September 26th, for Miles for Meso 5K Race and Fun Run/Walk, an exciting new event that will take place in historic Alton, Illinois, less than 30 minutes from downtown St. Louis. All registration fees for this event, which takes place on Mesothelioma Awareness Day, will benefit research for mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos. The race will begin at the corner of Alton Street and 4th Street in downtown Alton at 9:00AM.
The top three male and female finishers will receive cash prizes (1st, $500; 2nd, $250; 3rd, $100), plus all participants are eligible for five $100 drawings! Awards will also be given to the top 3 male and female finishers in the following age groups: 10 & under, 11 to 14, 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 to 74, 75 & over. Register for only $15 before September 16th, and you'll receive a hi-tech running shirt!
Miles for Meso is presented by the Simmons law firm and Metro Tri Club. The 5K race is a timed, competitive event, and the 5K run/walk is a great chance for runners, walkers, families, and others to get outdoors and show their support for a great cause. For more information, visit the race website. You can register online here or download an entry form here.
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2nd Annual Saint Michael's Day Dash 5K Run/Walk
Join us on September 27th for the 2nd Annual Saint Michael's Day Dash in Kirkwood, Missouri. This 5k run/walk will give participants the chance to run a great course through the quiet neighborhoods of Kirkwood in a show of support for the families who have lost their loved ones serving the communities they were sworn to protect. The 2009 Saint Michael’s Day Dash will honor and memorialize Maplewood Firefighter Ryan Hummert and University City Police Sergeant Mike King who were both shot and killed in the line of duty in 2008. All funds raised will go to the Backstoppers Inc.
A pre-race memorial service with bagpipers and a police honor guard starts at 7:30AM. Runners/walkers will then be led to the starting line by the bagpipers in a moving show of support for the families. A prompt 8:00AM start followed by food, drink, and music post race will give all an opportunity to celebrate the lives of the men whom the race is honoring. All participants will receive a memorial race t-shirt.
Awards will be given to the top three male and female overall finishers, as well as to the top three male and female finishers in the following age groups: 19 & under, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, and 60 & over. There will be door prizes and a raffle for a police/fireman bear by Build a Bear. There will also be activities for the kids post race. All ages and families/groups are encouraged to participate and show their support. Last year there were over 800 runners, and $20,000 was raised. Register online or download an entry form here. Registration is $20 before September 26th and $30 on race day. If you can’t make race day but would like to show your support for the families, you can sign up as a virtual runner on here and still wear your memorial t-shirt proudly! For more information, visit the race website.
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2nd Annual Ballwin Kid's Triathlon
The City of Ballwin’s Parks and Recreation Department will host this year’s Ballwin Kids Triathlon on Sunday, September 27th. This is an opportunity for your young athlete to participate in an enjoyable life-experience through athletics. The Ballwin Kids Triathlon is an event to encourage self-confidence, good health, and fun in a safe, family-friendly environment. It is not structured as a highly competitive event. This recreational kid’s triathlon is perfect for the beginner or the more advanced triathlete looking to wrap up his or her summer!
Participants will compete within age groups ages 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12 years old. For ages 5-8 years, the race features a 25-yard swim,1-mile bike, and a 1/2-mile run. For ages 9-12 years, the race features a 75-yard swim, 2-mile bike, and 1-mile run. This year the race will feature new bike and run courses, professional timing done by Fleet Feet Sports, and much more! The swim and transition area are located at The Pointe at Ballwin Commons. You can download a registration form here. For a map of the course and more information, visit the race website.
All entries must be in by September 18th. Each participant in the kid’s triathlon will receive a t-shirt and participant medal. The top three overall finishers in each age division receive medals and prizes. Registration is limited to 150 participants. Due to the nature of this race, there is not a team category. Registration has completely filled each year and there is no option for stand-by registration. Get your entry in soon to reserve your spot.
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St. Peters Rec-Plex Fall Triathlon
The 5th Annual Rec-Plex Fall Triathlon will be held on Sunday, October 4th, 2009. Participation in the Rec-Plex Spring and Fall Triathlons has steadily grown since the inaugural event in 2002. In its first year, athletes participating in a FLEET FEET Sports survey voted the Rec-Plex Triathlon the best triathlon in the St. Louis area. Last year's fall race had over 600 competitors!
The event includes a 500-meter swim in the Rec-Plex's Olympic-quality natatorium, a 21-mile bike ride through the flat farmlands of St. Peters, and a 4.5-mile run on paved trails in the city's shady, scenic parks. There will be 15-second intervals between send-off times for swimmers. Swim times are assigned in order of registration. Start times will be posted here the week of the race. The first swimmer will start at 7:30AM.
Age group entry fee is $50 through September 13th and $65 from September 14th - October 3rd. Team entry fee is $80 per team through September 13th and $90 from September 14th – October 3rd. No registrations will be accepted after October 3rd. You can register online, at the Rec-Plex, or by mail. A registration form can be downloaded here. No online registrations will be accepted after September 30th. No telephone registrations, no race day registrations, and no refunds. For more information, visit the race website.
OOverall male and female cash prize awards are as follows: 1st, $150; 2nd, $100; 3rd, $50. Plaques will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in the Team Division. Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female finishers in the following age groups: 19 & Under, 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 & older.
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