January 15th, 2009 Issue 29
Welcome, Friends!
The temperatures seem to be
dropping with a vengeance as we head
into the heart of winter. But there
is a light at the end of the winter
training tunnel! As hard as it is to
believe, spring marathon and half
marathon training has begun, and
those who plan on racing in April
are already hitting the streets in
anticipation of warmer racing days.
In the meantime, if you find
your toes are suffering from the
chilly temperatures and wet
conditions, check out a new product
at FLEET FEET,
Penguin's Water and Stain Repellent.
Adding that extra bit of water
repellency to your shoes, hats, and
gloves can make a world of
difference for winter weather
comfort.
We are also excited to report
that Wednesday marked the kick-off
of our 2009 seminar series. The "How
to Use Your Garmin" seminar held at
FLEET FEET Chesterfield was a
success, and we enjoyed seeing so
many of you there! Be certain to
check out our other
upcoming seminars.
Happy Running!
Sincerely,
Your Friends at FLEET FEET St. Louis
| Join Our Mailing List |
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!
However, there is good news. We can take
control of our natural stress management
strategies and instead channel that energy
toward positive, healthy activities. And,
because now more than ever your time, money,
and sanity are of utmost value, you need a
time- and cost-efficient way to clear your
mind and revive your senses.
Sugoi for Cold Weather Warmth
And, we believe it is safe to assume you'll like Sugoi's MidZero fabric
so much, you'll want to add to your collection. May we introduce you to the
MidZero Kana Long Sleeve? Made with the same high-performance MidZero fabric
as the Speedster2 Hoodie, the Kana Long Sleeve is the fun-loving running top
you've always wanted. The beautiful floral graphic design combines modern
flare and style with practicality. The slim-fit traps body warmth next to
the skin, while an expedited moisture-wicking system keeps you dry and warm.
A drop collar and contrast neck add to the flattering fit.
The MidZero Kana Long Sleeve: $89.00. Available at FLEET FEET Chesterfield, FLEET FEET St. Charles, FLEET FEET Fenton, and at our online store.
Sincerely,
Amy Marxkors
Editor
Click here to view past FLEET FEET Flyers!
A Run for Your Money... and
Health
To put it simply, today's world is
inundated with stress-inducers. The economy,
world politics, and even our
daily responsibilities take a toll on our
health, both physically and mentally.
Sometimes the burden of worry and
uncertainty leaves us wondering how we
can handle the stress and retain some
semblance of normalcy.
The truth is human beings have a natural
stress management response to anxiety and
concern. According to the American
Psychological Association, we are
constantly-- and often subconsciously--
managing stress by engaging in activities
that promote a sense of control and
calm. For many of us, however, those
activities aren't conducive to good health.
Everything from overeating to watching
television are common stress-management
blunders that can cause undesirable
side-effects, and as a result, add even more
stress to our lives.
However, there is good news. We can take
control of our natural stress management
strategies and instead channel that energy
toward positive, healthy activities. And,
because now more than ever your time, money,
and sanity are of utmost value, you need a
time- and cost-efficient way to clear your
mind and revive your senses.
Anybody wanna go for a run?
As obvious as it seems, studies show
that running (or briskly walking) is one of
the best stress-relievers out there. It's
free, it's healthy, and it works as your own
little therapy session (except in this case
you have to get off the couch). Wanna know
more? Below are ten proven reasons you
should run for your money... and health!
-
Running acts as a mental vacation. Workplace stress, an endless task list, and personal issues create a chaotic jumble in our minds with which we must deal on a daily basis. However, going for a run forces our minds to focus on a single, simple action over an extended period of time. Even this brief respite from mental strain can refresh your mind and keep you sharp for your daily tasks.
-
Going for a run or a brisk walk for at least twenty minutes triggers the brain's "feel-good" neurotransmitters, endorphins. Otherwise known as the "runner's high," the production of these endorphins helps you feel happy and relaxed.
-
It's a basic truth, but vigorous exercise burns fat, builds muscle, and increases your overall fitness. When you start to notice increased cardiovascular endurance, the building of lean muscle, and higher energy levels, you will find you also have more positive energy to tackle each day.
-
And... once you start seeing your fitness improve, you will find renewed motivation to maintain a more health-conscious diet. Studies show that people who live active lifestyles tend to eat healthier foods on a regular basis compared to those who lead more sedentary lifestyles.
-
Running on a regular basis can improve self-confidence, restoring feelings of optimism and success in the process. Regaining a sense of command over your mind and body through exercise can lower the symptoms associated with anxiety and mild depression.
-
Running supports the healthy function of your body's "daily operations." Yep, going for a run not only promotes the healthy function of your digestive system, but by providing an outlet for the nervous energy created by stress, it also reduces restlessness at night and promotes sleep. Someone once said there are two things that runners never have to worry about: constipation and insomnia. Enough said.
-
No gym membership is required to run! Yep. The world is your gym, and it's free. Asphalt roads, gravel paths, dirt trails... Choose your weapon. (And these days, we'll take all the free stuff we can get!)
-
Running provides the perfect environment for uninterrupted quality time with friends and family. Sharing and laughing with someone on a regular basis through the medium of a run creates a bond unique to the sport. Whether you run with a family member or a new acquaintance, you will find your running buddies can become some of the closest friends you'll ever have.
-
Running gifts us with a unique view of the world around us. We are so often bombarded by negative news, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the world's troubles. But running reminds us of the beauty and wonder of creation. From fresh air to rolling hills to glorious trees, the treasures of nature are ours to enjoy if only we take the time to notice them.
-
Running is a celebration of health, wellness, the determination of the human spirit, the strength of the human body, and freedom. Be grateful for the ability to run, relish every step, and enjoy the exhilaration. Most of all, running is fun, and that's reason enough!
Sugoi for Cold Weather Warmth
FLEET FEET-er Katrina Wingers recently competed in a marathon relay, and
the temperatures on race day peaked at a frigid 14 degrees with wind chills
falling below zero.
Balmy, eh?
Needing to stay warm and still perform at her best, Katrina turned to
the Sugoi MidZero Speedster2 Hoodie, a sleek, strategically-designed top
with an unparalleled warmth-to-weight ratio. Needless to say, Old Man
Winter's efforts to bully our determined runner that day were to no avail,
and Katrina remained warm and comfortable despite the arctic weather.
Constructed with the high-performance technology of MidZero fabric, the
Speedster2 Hoodie incorporates stretch for freedom of movement and a soft,
fuzzy inner lining for added warmth. Integrated fold-over mitts keep the
chill from creeping in around your neck and hands. The fitted hood boasts a
sleek funnel neckline and self-bound finish, trapping body heat and
remaining securely in place-- whether it is worn alone, over a hat, or under
a hat. A ponytail port prevents your hair from becoming a bulky encumbrance.
The MidZero Speedster2 Hoodie: $99.00. Available at FLEET
FEET Chesterfield, FLEET FEET St. Charles, FLEET FEET Fenton, and at our
online store.
And, we believe it is safe to assume you'll like Sugoi's MidZero fabric
so much, you'll want to add to your collection. May we introduce you to the
MidZero Kana Long Sleeve? Made with the same high-performance MidZero fabric
as the Speedster2 Hoodie, the Kana Long Sleeve is the fun-loving running top
you've always wanted. The beautiful floral graphic design combines modern
flare and style with practicality. The slim-fit traps body warmth next to
the skin, while an expedited moisture-wicking system keeps you dry and warm.
A drop collar and contrast neck add to the flattering fit.The MidZero Kana Long Sleeve: $89.00. Available at FLEET FEET Chesterfield, FLEET FEET St. Charles, FLEET FEET Fenton, and at our online store.
Training Team: GO!St. Louis Half Marathon
|
The FLEET FEET Training Team Half
Marathon Program begins on Saturday,
January 24th, and it's not too late to
sign up! The GO!St. Louis Half Marathon
in April is one of the nation's largest
half marathons-- and the FLEET FEET
Training Team can help you get there.
Providing a fun and motivational
training environment, the FLEET FEET
Training Team offers the guidance and
instruction of coaches as well as the
inspiration (and friendships) of fellow
runners. 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 Half
Marathon Program begins Saturday,
January 24th. For more information, visit the Training
Team website or email
Kristen.
|
    |
NEW! Water and Stain Repellent
Seasonal elements can wreak havoc on
the comfort of your feet and the
condition of your shoes. Cold, wet toes
aren't any fun. And that messy gray
slush that has a seemingly perpetual
existence on the winter streets? Yuck.
Join the fight against cold toes with Penguin Water and Stain Repellent. Based on a space-age polymer technology, the resin-based spray provides long-lasting protection against rain and snow. Spray it on your winter training shoes to help keep your toes warmer and drier. (You can also use the spray on your gloves and hats!)
The Water and Stain Repellent repels
water and protects against salt and
stains while still allowing your feet
to breathe. The spray does not contain
silicone or ozone killers such as CFC,
Freon, or Trichlor III.
Penguin Water and Stain Repellent is
available at FLEET FEET Chesterfield,
FLEET FEET St. Charles, and FLEET FEET
Fenton. It is also available at our
online store. Price: $5.99
Racing Team Update 
It was
another
great year
for the
FLEET FEET
Racing Team.
Congratulations
to all FFRT
members on
their
stellar
performances
in 2008!
We would
also like to
congratulate
the
following
individuals
for their
award-winning
efforts:
2008
FLEET FEET
Overall
Runner of
the Year:
Male- Andy Koziatek
Female- Judy Dorpinghaus
Male- Andy Koziatek
Female- Judy Dorpinghaus
3K
Runner of
the Year:
Male- Ryan Lane
Female- Cheryl Bergin
Male- Ryan Lane
Female- Cheryl Bergin
5K/4M Runner
of the Year:
Male- Chip Self
Female- Alexandra Braden
Male- Chip Self
Female- Alexandra Braden
8K/5M Runner
of the Year:
Male- Jeff Neuschwander
Female- Joan Bennett
Male- Jeff Neuschwander
Female- Joan Bennett
10K
Runner of
the Year:
Male- Chris Mizel
Female- Danielle Brunnworth
Male- Chris Mizel
Female- Danielle Brunnworth
15K/10M
Runner of
the Year:
Male- Jake Goldsborough
Female- Rhonda Saltzman
Male- Jake Goldsborough
Female- Rhonda Saltzman
13.1/26.2M
Runner of
the Year:
Male- Dan Miner
Female- Amy Marxkors
Male- Dan Miner
Female- Amy Marxkors
FLEET FEET
Multisport
Athletes of
the Year:
Male- Brian Schoenholz
Female- Kristen Melter
Male- Brian Schoenholz
Female- Kristen Melter
Here's to
2009 and
another
exciting
racing
season!
(Wanna join
the FLEET
FEET Racing
Team? Click
here for
more
information!)
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