January
2010: Motivation for Your New Year!
Welcome,
Friends!
There is a buzz of excitement at FLEET FEET about all the wonderful things we have planned for 2010. In addition to introducing the 2nd generation of our proprietary S3 shoe-fitting system, we’ll be expanding our calendar of races, group runs, training teams, tailgate parties and seminars. After 16 years in business, we’re as motivated as ever to serve the runners and walkers of the St. Louis area.
We plan to help motivate you to be your best in 2010, as well. This will be achieved through our stores, with offering new and exciting products that will make your workouts even more enjoyable. Look for inspiration in the FLEET FEET Flyer, which will include stories like the one about Rick Christmann, who at age 57 completed 52 endurance events in 2009! We are here to encourage you as you train with us for April’s GO! St. Louis Half Marathon, your first 5K, or a fall marathon or half marathon.
In the words of a Japanese proverb: Vision
without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.
What is your vision this year?
Running with you,
Rachel Schroeder
Editor
| Join Our Mailing List |
For Email Marketing you can trust
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,
Rachel Schroeder
Editor
Click here to view past FLEET FEET Flyers!
57 Years Old. 52 Events. 1 Year!
As far as Rick Christmann is concerned, it really isn’t that hard. All
you have to do is get up and do it. In 2009, at 57 years old, he
completed 52 endurance events.
Seven years ago, Christmann could not complete a 300 yard swim. For his 50th birthday, he wanted to make a splash. Literally. He entered into his first triathlon at Lake Saint Louis. It took him one hour to finish the one mile open water swim.
“It was the only event that I did that year. When I completed that event, I was really hooked,” Christmann explains.
He attributes his “healthy addiction” to his type A personality. According to Nielson Research, the average American watches over 4 hours of television a day. Christmann is not the average American.
“I am not your sit-on-the-couch type of guy. I always have to be doing something. I am just driven to do this,” Christmann says.
His boundless energy is spent on running a sporting goods rep firm, traveling and somehow managing to squeeze in workouts. In order to fit it all in, Christmann swims Monday and Wednesday nights at the Wildwood Family YMCA under the instruction of Tom Lombardo, and races on the weekends. The races became part of his workout regime.
“My friends say to me: ‘Rick, you’re gonna die!’ I say no, this is what is going to keep me alive,” Christmann says in response to his friends’ critiques of his athletic ambitions.
The passion that Christmann has for staying active is evident. But he isn’t in it for the personal glory. It is about passing on his knowledge, love and excitement for endurance sports while staying physically active as long as you can. He has won over his daughter, wife and friends. In turn, they convert their friends. The chain reaction has Christmann rejoicing.
“I don’t care how old you are or how much you weigh. It just takes getting up and taking that first step,” Christmann says.
It began with baby steps with that first triathlon. Christmann slowly began to change his life. The first year was one event, the next year he completed five, and he slowly built his way to 52. His 2009 race calendar consisted of 30 triathlons, six duathalons, a half marathon, three open water swims, six trail runs and six road runs.
“On those days I don’t want to go, I go anyways. You force yourself to answer that bell and it separates you from the guys who don’t,” says Christmann.
There is always someone out there who is faster and stronger. Dwelling on that can only drive a person crazy. Christmann stays focused. At the Big Shoulders 5K Lake Michigan swim in Chicago, Christmann came in 796th place. There were 800 people entered in the race.
"Oh, I don't care! The fact is, when I turned around after that swim and looked back over the distance, I realized if I could do that, then I could do anything," Christmann says.
The only thing Christmann regrets is not starting sooner.
"In my next life, I am going to start this in my 30s. There is no telling where it could of led to. I got my bucket list now and I am crossing it off right now," says Christmann.
There is a sign that hangs above his desk: “For everyone who does a Half Ironman there are millions who only dream about it.” It took him eight hours to do the Half Ironman. It doesn’t matter. He did it.
“If a schmo like me can do it, then anybody can. I am the living proof!” Christmann proclaims.
Congratulations Rick Christmann for finishing all 52 events in one year! Your determination and attitude is a great example for what we are capable of doing, if we just believe we can.
These Are a Few of My
Favorite Things...
At FLEET FEET, we don’t sell raindrops on roses or whiskers on kittens, but we always offer the latest and greatest shoes, accessories and apparel. Here is our early list of the ten most wonderful things we’ll be selling in 2010.
-
Jet Blackberry and Mint Chocolate
GU--Just
when you thought GU had all the flavors covered, they surprise
you with some additional palate-teasing product. In addition to
the highly-anticipated Jet Blackberry, Mint Chocolate will now
be sold year-round, not just during the holiday season.
-
Tarma Running Jewelry--Running-themed
jewelry will join running-themed license plate frames, decals,
travel mugs, and key chains as a great gift item. Look for
earth-friendly running jewelry by Tarma to lead the pack. The
lightweight and easy-to-wear collection celebrates the running
spirit. All pieces are crafted from recycled stainless steel and
poly cord, making it comfortable and non-irritable even on the
longest of runs.
-
Mizuno Breath Thermo Sock--Mizuno’s
miraculous Breath Thermo fabric converts body moisture to heat,
reduces temperature loss, wicks moisture to reduce friction, and
has anti-bacterial and deodorizing functions. And now they’re
sewing Breath Thermo material into socks!
-
Fuelbelt Race Number Belts--Need to carry
gels, keys or pills, but don't want a lot of bulk?
Fuelbelt’s
Slim Pocket Race number Belt is the belt for you. Want an even
slimmer option? Choose their
Reflective Race Number Belt. Race
numbers attach easily to elastic cords and stay in place with
lace locks. With these choices, you'll never again have to poke
pins through your precious running apparel!
-
Nike Pro Core Fitted:
Women's Shortsleeve,
Men's Longsleeve and
Women's Longsleeve Tops--These staples on our floors continue to fly out
the doors! Made of solid Dri-FIT fabric, these styles are a
body's skimming first layer fabric. Awesome alone or as a
baselayer when the weather is cooler, the superior moisture
management and optimal ventilation makes it a great choice for
your workouts.
-
Nike Women's Dri-FIT Headband--No one likes
to have their hair in their face when working out. This great
accessory allows you to focus on your run and not your hair. A
moisture-managing Dri-FIT panel fits stylishly on your forehead
thanks to a narrow, hidden band that fits securely behind your
head.
-
Moving Comfort Fiona Bra--This best-selling
bra includes adjustable front straps, a concealed hook and loop
closure for adjustability, seam-free interior molded cups and powermesh for added support and limited movement. It’s a great
choice for women sizes 32C-44DD.
-
Runner's Remedy products--“Everything old is
new again,” the saying goes. And it couldn’t be more true
regarding the prevention and treatment of running injuries. In
2009, the Zensah shin/calf compression sleeve reminded many
runners of the benefits of compression on both performance and
recovery. In 2010, icing will make its comeback as both a
performance enhancer and healing tool thanks to the Runner’s
Remedy products. Their products conveniently provide cold
compression to the areas where runners need them most:
Shin,
Arch and
Achilles! -
Garmin's Forerunner 310XT--When it comes
right down to it, the sport of running is based on only two
things: How far and how long. That being the case, it can easily
be argued that the wrist-mounted GPS unit is the biggest
breakthrough in running equipment in decades. Of all the GPS
units currently available to runners, Garmin’s Forerunner 310XT
is clearly the best, thanks in part to two features that many
may deem unnecessary. First, it’s waterproof; and while everyone
is not a triathlete, everyone will appreciate the ability to
scrub the sweat off their GPS unit without damaging it. Second,
in addition to providing distance and pace alerts via often
difficult-to-hear beeps – the 310XT vibrates on your wrist.
Brilliant. -
Nike Lunar Elite--The Lunar Elite will be an
early 2010 example of how the shoe companies are constantly
making use of new materials to improve the running experience.
The all-new Lunar Elite’s midsole is composed of two layers of
Nike’s latest foam. The result is a smooth-running, lightweight
shoe that is appropriate for slight-to-moderate overpronators.
FLEET FEET Training Team: 13.1 Training
It's
not too late to sign up for the FLEET FEET Training Team Half
Marathon Program! 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, provide encouragement and give 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. 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, Jan. 16. For more information, visit the Training Team website or email Kristen.
Welcome, Xander Schoenholz!
We are proud to announce the arrival of the
newest member of our FLEET FEET family, Alexander Harvey Schoenholz.
Proud parents Katie and Brian Schoenholz welcomed 8 lb., 7oz. Xander
on December 1.
Congratulations, Katie and Brian!
New Seminar: Plantar Fasciitis
Are you waking up every morning with pain under your heels? Are you unable to run due to this pain? Do you want to know what’s causing it and how to treat it? If so, we can help!
At 6:30PM on Thursday, Jan. 28 at FLEET FEET St. Charles, Dr. Warren Trampe of Deer Creek Foot Care will be presenting on the topic of Plantar Fasciitis. Causes, symptoms and treatment will be discussed. Please RSVP for this seminar. Spots are limited.
FLEET FEET Runners Club Save the Date
The FLEET FEET Runners Club will be hosting their annual Chili Supper at
6 PM on Jan. 10 at the St. Charles Police Department's Meeting Room. All
current and interested members are welcome to attend.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Ask the Expert: How to Stick to Your
New Year's Resolution
By: Tim Detmer Certified Personal
Trainer, Certified Running Coach, Owner Finish It Fitness
Almost everyone makes a New Year’s resolution, yet only 92% of people
see them through to completion. Why? Because most people make
resolutions that are simply unrealistic or immeasurable. They quickly
get discouraged and then abandon the idea entirely. To ensure that you
accomplish your New Year's Resolution, stick with a goal that is
realistic rather than intimidating.
Check out these examples:
-
Instead of resolving to lose 70 pounds by summer, commit to exercise 3-4 times each week.
-
Instead of resolving to run every day, commit to a training plan that focuses on one goal race.
-
Instead of resolving to drop three sizes in three months, commit to losing one pound each week until you reach your goal weight.
-
Instead of resolving to never eat out again, commit to eating healthy all week and rewarding yourself by dining out for one meal on the weekends.
-
Instead of resolving to get fit in the New Year, commit to exercise 4-5 times per week and making one better food choice each day.
Tim Detmer is a Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Running Coach, and owner of Finish It Fitness.
Give a Home to a Kitten
You have your new shoes, but what to do with your empty shoe box? Fill
it with pictures, throw it away...or you could donate it to the St.
Charles County Humane Services Pet Adoption Center! They are looking for
shoe boxes to serve as "gifts" to incoming kittens. If you have empty
shoe boxes looking for a good home, please drop them off to any FLEET
FEET St. Louis store, or you may take them any time to their shelter at
4850 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters, MO 63304.
Thanks for giving the kittens a temporary home!