February 1st, 2009                                                                        Issue 30

Running in the Snow. FFTT 2008Greetings, Friends!
   
    Had any good snowball fights lately? There is something about snow that brings out the kid in all of us. (Sledding counts as cross-training, right?) Whether you pulled on your YakTrax and headed out for a run or opted for a sled and a big hill, the past week has proffered many an opportunity to indulge your inner child.
   
    And if there's one thing the St. Louis running community knows how to do, it's have a good time.
  
    We thought it would be fun to chronicle local FLEET FEET-ers hard at play in the recent snowfall. If you have a photo of one of your recent winter running adventures, feel free to send it to us via email. You just might see yourself in an upcoming Flyer!
   
    Happy Running!
  
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!

Zensah Sleeves
Product Spotlight:
Zensah Compression Sleeves

    Chances are you've seen us wearing Zensah sleeves around town-- at races, on the trails, in the parks, and, even occasionally at your local grocery store. (C'mon, we've all gone on those last-minute, post-run errands...) However, there is a purpose to those "knee-high" socks we crazy runners are wearing, and it's more than just a fashion statement.
   
    Zensah Compression Sleeves simultaneously treat shin splints, ease tight calves, enhance performance, and improve recovery. The dual-action design incorporates chevron ribbing on the front of the sleeve to help support the muscles in the shin, while the back of the sleeve boasts a patented design that provides pin-point compression to the most important muscle for running, the calf. Amy Martxkors
 
    The sleeve is designed to increase blood circulation and oxygen supply to the muscles, improving performance and speeding recovery both during and after your workout. Moreover, Zensah Sleeves are great for air travel and long roadtrips to and from marathons! 
 
    "My Achilles has a bad habit of flaring up, and my calves get so tight! Hills, snow, trails-- it doesn't take much. Zensah sleeves drastically reduce the negative effects of a tough run. Plus... I like to mix and match the colors. I am currently running in purple and black Zensahs!" - Amy Marxkors

Amanda Robinson    "I wore the sleeves to get through a 50K, and I never once felt my shin splints. It was delightful! It is too bad Zensah doesn't design a full body compression sleeve!" - Amanda Robinson
  
    "I've always had issues with calf cramping and soreness. Zensah Sleeves help prevent my calf problems." - Jake Goldsborough
  
    "I was having issues with shin splints. The Zensah Sleeves relieved the pain of the shin splints and now work as a preventative measure against future problems." - Tracy Schmidt
  
    Zensah Sleeves are available at FLEET FEET Chesterfield, FLEET FEET St. Charles, FLEET FEET Fenton, and at our online store. Colors: Black, Red, Blue, Yellow, and Purple. Price: $19.99.

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Injury Clinic
Injury Prevention Clinic at FLEET FEET Chesterfield
 
    Join us on February 11th at FLEET FEET Chesterfield for "Injury and Prevention: Set a PR at Your Next Race," the second seminar in our 2009 informational series. The event will feature Dr. Matthew Lytle of Family Chiropractic. Dr. Lytle will cover the most common running injuries he sees with his patients as well as the most effective prevention methods. There will also be a breakdown of these specific injuries and an interactive prevention routine.
   
    Whether you are currently dealing with a nagging injury or are looking to prevent issues down the road, you won't want to miss Dr. Lytle's seminar!
 
    The "Injury and Prevention" seminar will take place at FLEET FEET Chesterfield on Wednesday, February 11th, at 7:00PM. The seminar is complimentary and will last approximately 45-60 minutes. If you would like to attend the seminar, please RSVP to Kristen or call 636-734-0719.
   
    We hope to see you there!

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Running 101

Running 101 Seminar at FLEET FEET Fenton
    New to the sport of running? Looking to return to an active lifestyle, but aren't quite sure where to start?
    Join us on February 18th at FLEET FEET Fenton for "Running 101," an informational seminar covering the basics of how to begin a running program. David Spetnagel, owner of FLEET FEET St. Louis, will explain the foundations of a running lifestyle, such as choosing proper footwear and apparel, starting a basic walk or run/walk to run program, correct running form, and training program options. 
 
    The "Running 101" Seminar with David Spetnagel will take place at FLEET FEET Fenton on Wednesday, February 18th, at 7:00PM. The seminar is complimentary and will last approximately 45-60 minutes. Because class size is limited, please RSVP to Kristen or call 636-734-0719.
  
    We hope to see you there!

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Training Team kickoff

Training Team Update

    Congratulations to the FLEET FEET Training Team for an awesome kick-off run in chilly conditions! We are thrilled to welcome all 145 half marathoners to the team and are equally excited to help the FFTT members reach their 13.1-mile goal at the GO!St. Louis Half Marathon in April.

    The half marathon training team joins the full marathon team, which began training in mid-December, as they prepare for their respective races on April 19th. The FLEET FEET Training Teams run from a different St. Louis area location every week, so be on the lookout for a mass of FLEET FEET-ers on a running path near you!

Sincerely,
Kristen Murphy

FLEET FEET Training Team

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Jim Gunderson and Kay McVey

Local FLEET FEET-ers in the Suburban Journals
    When the recent arctic weather settled across the St. Louis area, the frigid, single-digit temperatures drove most people indoors.
  
    Most is the key word here.
  
    On January 15th, when the early-morning temperature peaked at zero, local FLEET FEET-ers Jim Gunderson and Kay McVey bundled up and headed outdoors for their respective daily runs. It was for them-- as well as for die-hard runners everywhere-- business as usual. Because of their dedication to the sport despite the cold weather, Jim and Kay were recently featured in the Suburban Journal. Click here to read the article!
  
    And to be prepared no matter what the dark, cold, winter weather may throw at you, check out some of Jim's and Kay's gear: YakTrax, Sugoi's Balaclava, and the Tikka Plus headlamp.

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Racing Team Update  
    As the Frostbite and Snowball Series wind down, many of our FLEET FEET Racing Team members are busy training and braving the crazy weather here in the Midwest. A few FFRT members have even participated in both series! Rhonda Saltzman is currently ranked 3rd in her age division in the Frostbite Long Series, and Chip Self is currently ranked 3rd in his age division for the Frostbite Short Series. Both Rhonda and Chip are competing in the Snowball Series as well. Others taking part in Frostbite and Snowball races are Don Porter, Joan and David Bennett, Jake Goldsborough, Katie Benedick, Cheryl Bergin, Jim Yount, Rick Bahr, Stephen Rechtien, Jim Gunderson, Brian Schoenholz, and Dave Leap. Congratulations to all and best of luck in the final races coming up, soon!

    Stephen Rechtien recently traveled across the state to Kansas City to run in the annual Groundhog Day Run. The Groundhog Day Run is rather unique: the entire race takes place underground! The event also provides the opportunity to choose between a 5K or 10K distance-- or for those feeling bold like Stephen-- participate in both distances, for the races start at different times. Talk about a great opportunity to avoid the nasty weather!

    Scott Kane has been busy hitting up some other races, such as the Starting Block Resolution 5K, Ring in the New Year 1-Mile, and the People's Choice 10K. Karey Harting competed in the Frozen Buns 10K a while back, taking 1st in his age group. AJ Hoeltzel just got back from the 3M Half-Marathon down in Austin, Texas, where he ran a new personal best by 8 minutes, taking 67th overall in 1:20:35 and placing 9th in his age group! Congratulations on a stellar race, AJ, and keep up the hard work as you prepare for Boston! 

    Be sure to run safe out there as the snow and ice makes it presence known, but have some fun, too! Take care, keep running, and see you, soon!

    Click here to visit the Racing Team's website!

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Master the Met Stairclimb

     The American Lung Association is presenting its 2nd annual competitive stairclimb in St. Louis, Master the Met, on March 7th, 2009. The race begins at 8AM. This unique event will challenge participants to climb the tallest building in downtown St. Louis, the 42-floor Metropolitan Square building. Participants may run or walk each of the more than 1,000 steps on their way to a celebration at the top. 

     Stairclimbs are an emerging athletic competition that take participants beyond the average running and walking event. These "vertical marathons" are growing in popularity, and Master the Met is the only competitive stairclimb in St. Louis. Participants in this event can compete as individuals or as teams. Water stations and rest floors will be available periodically throughout the climb.
 
     All participants will be professionally timed by FLEET FEET Sports.  Awards will be given to the top three overall male and female 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 and older. There will also be an award given to the top finishing team based on the average finish time of all team members. 
 
     Registration is online. Registration costs $25, and there is a minimum fundraising requirement of $100 to enter.  You can register online here. Registration closes on February 25th. Start times and participant instructions will be posted on FLEET FEET's online event calendar approximately one week prior to the event. Packet pick-up will be available on Tuesday, March 3rd, at FLEET FEET St. Charles, from 10AM-8PM; on Wednesday, March 4th, at the American Lung Association from 7AM-7PM; and at the Metropolitan Square Building on Thursday, March 5th, from 8AM-1PM. 

    Through team sponsorships and donations, Master the Met participants will support the American Lung Association's fight against lung disease. Currently the third leading cause of death in the U.S., lung disease kills one in seven Americans. Proceeds from Master the Met will help find cures, protect clean air, and promote smoke-free kids.
 
     For more information, visit www.masterthemet.com, email Jamie Roberts, or call the American Lung Association at 314-645-5505 x1012.

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