Flyer #56: September 2010:
Lola is back, plus find out what's new and what's not

FF Home	Ask the Expert	Lola is Back	FLEET FEET Brands vs. Outside Brands
Boob Camp ReCap	What's New	Nike XC Kickoff Classic	Upcoming Events	Upcoming Races

Welcome, Lola is back!

The Lola Papers, the popular series first published in the FLEET FEET Flyer, will be coming soon to a bookstore near you! Follow Lola on Twitter for the latest updates, as well as for snippets from the book and the announcement of The Lola Papers blog (coming soon)!

We also are going to take you back to the time when women wore jock straps as sports bras and then return you to the present with information on the newest stuff at FLEET FEET Sports. Plus, we even will show you how products compare in our new series: Outside Brands vs. FLEET FEET Brands.

So, make yourself comfortable and enjoy our September “Old and New” Flyer.

Smiles,
Amanda Robinson
Editor

See up-to-date postings on our Facebook page!
We post upcoming events, photos, tips, and more! :o)

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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,
Amanda Robinson
Editor

 Click here to view past FLEET FEET Flyers!

Ask the Expert: Why is a sports bra so important?
Written by Jillian Wiederer, a nationally-recognized sports bra expert, exclusively for the FLEET FEET Flyer

I recently came across a photograph of the first sports bra. Originally called the jockbra--later renamed and marketed as the jogbra-- this sports bra was constructed from two jock straps. Can you imagine? We’ve certainly come a long way since 1977. Yet, recent research indicates that the perfectly designed sports bra still does not exist.

As the FLEET FEET, Inc. sports bra expert, I am fortunate enough to work closely with Moving Comfort and ENELL, two companies that focus on sports bra construction and design. They are changing the way we move. Recently, Moving Comfort has taken its research overseas, studying and biomechanically testing their current sports bras and their new design ideas in laboratories at Loughborough University and De Montford University, both in the UK and known for engineering and sports science. If sports bras really are the second most important piece of equipment for active females, especially runners, than we should be very thankful someone’s finally taking sports bra design and construction seriously.

So, why is a sports bra important? First, our breast tissue is very delicate. It’s mostly made of fatty tissue, milk ducts and glands. Plus Cooper’s Ligaments, which keep our breasts in place. But they’re small, and since ligaments are not muscles, they cannot be strengthened through exercise. Running and other high impact activities put strain on Cooper’s ligaments and eventually they stretch and cause our breasts to sag, no matter what our cup size. Properly fitting sports bras support Cooper’s Ligaments and reduce sagging. In addition, Moving Comfort’s research and other overseas biomechanical studies tell us that during running our breasts move in the shape of a figure 8. Our breasts not only move up and down, but also side to side, and in and out. All this movement puts extra force on our stride if our breasts are not properly supported. This can eventually lead to stress-related injuries.

Finally, it may sound obvious, but another major reason we need to wear a quality sports bra is that we want to be comfortable. I have met many women who want to run but won’t, quite simply, because it’s just too painful. They have tried wearing two or three bras, even combining an everyday bra with a sports bra, and they still experience pain. Or, maybe worse, they are embarrassed. In our day and age, that is just not fair.

Designing sports bras to address Cooper’s ligaments, various movements of the breasts, and comfort takes research and time, but rest assured, it is taking place. Moving Comfort’s Vice President, Julie Baxter, says it takes an average of 18 months for a bra concept to become a purchasable product. Moving Comfort takes hundreds of steps and designs countless prototypes to create the best sports bras in the world. Currently, there are sports bras on the market that help us avoid putting extra strain on our ligaments and extra force on our stride. This year, Moving Comfort introduced four new sports bras to help us all run more comfortably, and even more options will be available early next year.

So, what should we look for in a sports bra? A sports bra that offers both encapsulation and compression, is especially important if you wear a C cup size or above. Encapsulating cups shape your breasts, hold each breast in place, and address all three types of movement. Compression sports bras press breast tissue against your chest to further eliminate movement. The combination of the two, found in high quality sports bras, such as Moving Comfort’s Maia bra or the ENELL, offers support, comfort and shape. High quality sports bras are also made from wicking fabrics that pull moisture away from the body to keep us dry and comfortable during activity. And don’t forget about the fit. It’s important to try on a few different styles to make sure the bra works for you.

Even if the perfectly designed sports bra is not yet on the market, there is no reason to wait to buy a quality and properly fitting sports bra. It is estimated that 80 percent of women wear the wrong sized bra. At FLEET FEET Sports, we recommend being fit for a sports bra at least once per year. Remember, breast tissue is delicate and weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and breast feeding all affect the shape and size of our breasts. Our Cooper’s Ligaments need additional support, and there is no reason our stride should suffer. You deserve to feel your best. And we are here to help. Just as we measure your feet to find the best shoe fit and support, we do the same for your chest.

Stop by any FLEET FEET to get FIT today to improve the way you move!

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Lola's is Back!

The Lola Papers Returns via Twitter (Blog and Book Coming Soon)!

The Lola Papers, the popular series first published in the FLEET FEET Flyer, will be coming soon to a bookstore near you! Follow Lola on Twitter for the latest updates, as well as for snippets from the book and the announcement of The Lola Papers blog (coming soon)!

The Lola Papers Preview:

“It wasn't supposed to be a big deal. She wanted to run faster. He could give her a few pointers. Instead, a simple request for training advice turned into a year of unexpected adventure, unlikely friendships, and the realization that life, like the marathon, isn't about the finish line. It's about what you learn along the way.

Through the journal of Lola, author Amy Marxkors chronicles her journey of self discovery as she experiences the challenges and joys of marathoning-- and learns that the trials of running parallel those of life. Humorous and endearingly candid, The Lola Papers reveals the universal truths and profound humanity hidden within the miles, showing that sometimes the greatest gift in life is getting more than what you bargained for.”

Praise for The Lola Papers: “Amy Marxkors’ The Lola Papers are amazingly insightful and thought-provoking essays. …Her experiences and thoughts on the subject are well worth the reader's time.” ~John L. Parker, Jr., author of Once A Runner and Again to Carthage

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Boob Camp - A huge hit!

On the evening of August 26th, FLEET FEET St. Charles hosted a women’s-only “Boob Camp” (pun intended), where fitness-minded ladies got their equipment needs evaluated and gear checked by FLEET FEET’s Fit Professionals and their bodies tuned up by some of FLEET FEET’s favorite body experts.

Many of the ladies took advantage of the Excel Sports’ 10 minute workout, led by Tyler Nations, instruction on proper stretching techniques, provided by Dr. Jared Van Anne, and a therapeutic chair massage, courtesy of Shannon Gordon of "Back in the Game.”

Attendees enjoyed samples of “on the run” food and drink – plus samples from Great Harvest Bread Company. Raffles were held for many free gifts, including a free pair of Brooks shoes, a massage, and a VO2Max test!

Thank you to all attendees and program participants! If you didn’t get to attend, please keep checking our website or Facebook page for information on our upcoming events.

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FLEET FEET Brands vs. Outside Brands
Written by Heidi Witzke, FLEET FEET St. Louis Apparel Buyer

Moving Comfort Alexis A/B bra vs. Champion C9 Cami bra

Finding a proper fitting, supportive sports bra for your activity needs can be a daunting task without some help. When we conduct sports bra fittings here at FLEET FEET St. Louis, we try to get as much background information from the women we are trying to help. The single most common response to our new customer question, “How is your current sports bra working for you?”, is a lukewarm, “It's okay, I guess.” And can you guess where the majority of our new braFIT customers have shopped for this vital piece of equipment in the past? If anyone guessed Target, you are correct.

Recently, I've had several questions from both FLEET FEET customers and women on our staff. They wanted to know what the specific differences were between our selection of specialty Moving Comfort bras and what you can buy from Target's C9 line. I realized that I had gone into Target stores on various occasions and looked at the bras before. I stretched the bands and straps, looked for irritating seams, mentally put them into a support level category, and checked them over for hidden features. I had never done a head-to-head comparison between the two, however. Until today.

 As soon as I saw the C9 Cami bra, I knew we had to test it against the Alexis. The exterior look of the bras is strikingly similar, both with modified cups for shape and back adjustable skinny straps. Both are made of non-cotton, synthetic materials, too. But that's where the similarities end, it seems.

While the Alexis bra boasts a seamless interior cup made of recycled materials that is environmentally friendly and controls odor, the C9 bra's cup was comprised of the same material as the body of the bra, and had a seam that ran right over the nipple.

Moving Comfort uses nylon in most of their bra straps, which aids in support and prevents stretch. There was noticeably more stretch in the C9 bra, and the straps also adjusted in the front. Our model stated that the straps stretched so much that she had to adjust them extra-tight in order to get the level of support she is accustomed to. The metal part of the straps also hit her right on her collarbones.

The band of both bras are comprised of a nylon/spandex blend. I didn't notice much difference between the two except the Moving Comfort bra had an extra plush covering that feels super soft, and has a quirky polka dot pattern that enables sweat to be more effectively moved outward from the body.

The C9 Cami bra is rated “moderate” in terms of support, and is appropriate for activities like walking, cycling and hiking. The Alexis accommodates pretty much any activity a woman decides to take part in, since it is rated a “high impact level” bra.

Other notable advantages to our best-selling Alexis bra are the four different fabrics utilized to provide the ultimate in support, moisture transfer, ventilation and modesty. A stabilizer fabric in the center front liner of the bra adds extra support, and powermesh in the front neckline, center back, and interior lining increases ventilation and support, too.

Check out the Alexis online or at a local FLEET FEET store today!

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What's New at FLEET FEET

	Brooks Youth Ghost …is the youth version of Brooks’ popular Ghost neutral training shoe.
	Camelbak Podium Bottle …incorporates the revolutionary high flow rate, self-sealing Jet Valve into a taste-free bottle.
	FLEET FEET Cross Country Decal …is 3” round and fade resistant, making it ideal for advertising your love of Cross Country on your car.
	Moving Comfort Juno Bra …is Moving Comfort’s premium bra for C/D cup women.
	Moving Comfort Women’s 7.5” Compression Short …has great rear and thigh support and a flattering length, making it Moving Comfort’s most popular compression short.
	Nike Home and Away Gymsack …is an easy-to-use gear or shoe bag for the non-nonsense athlete on the move.
	Sugoi Women’s Esther Tri Tank …has fun graphics and superior functionality, thanks in part to its flat-seam construction and mesh inner bra.
	Superfeet Copper “Premium” Inserts …mold to your unique foot shape to provide long-lasting cushion and support.
	Sweaty Bands Turtle Print …is the latest fun design of Sweaty Bands, the ultimate sports and fitness headband.
	TYR Dry-Off Sport Towel …absorbs up to 12 times its dry weight in water (or swear), making it the ShamWow! of sport towels.
	Zensah Compression Socks …incorporates ProGrade compression, making it great for racing, recovering and traveling.

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Nike XC Kickoff Wrap-Up

FLEET FEET Sports highlights the beginning of the 2010 high school cross country season by hosting the 5th Annual NIKE XC Kickoff Classic. This year’s attendance grew to record breaking numbers, forcing two locations: Quail Ridge Park on Tuesday, August 31st and Fenton City Park on Wednesday, September 1st. Both locations featured a 2-mile flat, fast course to set the stage for great racing among the 1,150 varsity and junior varsity athletes that took part in the events.

Taking top Taking top honors were the varsity boys from Marquette High School in Tuesday’s Quail Ridge event. The varsity girls from Fort Zumwalt West squeaked out a one-point victory over the girls from Francis Howell on Tuesday as well. Staying in suit at Fenton City Park, the girls from Nerinx High School were victorious over Farmington High School by a mere point, while the boys from Eureka High School also found themselves standing in first place over the field.

Congratulations to the individual winners who pressed on to overcome the hot, humid, rainy conditions. First time racers, Chaz Glotta from Fort Zumwalt North and Hailey Porter from Fort Zumwalt West found themselves in first place in the junior varsity division of Quail Ridge with the time of 11:41 and 13:41 respectively. Their Fenton City Park counterparts were Zach Lubinski from Eureka with a time of 10:37 and Mikaela Pukszta from Rockwood Summit finishing in 12:33. Finishing in first place in the boys varsity division at Quail Ridge Park, Kenny Cushing from Holt crossed the line at 10:04 while Haley Delgado from Fort Zumwalt West was the leader of the pack crossing at 12:23, crushing her previous race time of 13:30. Future collegiate runners and top varsity finishers at Fenton City Park were Tyler Holmes from Fox with a time of 9:24 and Colleen Quigley from Nerinx Hall with an impressive time of 10:34.

 

With the double rainbow wrapping up the show at Quail Ridge, no mud slides at Fenton City Park and the classic comment from Zach Lubinski in reference to Jeff Ernst, “We are best friends, but even friends can be rivals. This is a race.” FLEET FEET Sports would like to wish each and every team the best of luck in the upcoming cross country season. We look forward to seeing you next year.

Get the results and check out photos online! 

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Upcoming Events

• FLEET FEET stores are closed for Labor Day: Sept. 6th

• FLEET FEET Free Sunset Social Runs Start Back Up: Sept. 7th, 6:30pm, FLEET FEET St. Charles, get the details online!

• Low Back Pain and Running Seminar: Sept. 13, 6:30pm, FLEET FEET Fenton, Get more info and RSVP

• FLEET FEET Racing Team Tailgate: September September 26th at 6:30am, RecPlex Fall Triathlon, Race in your favorite FLEET FEET gear (FLEET FEET logo on apparel) and join us at the tailgate for music, drinks and fun!

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Upcoming FLEET FEET Partner Races

• September 6th: JCC Labor Day 10K/5K Kids Triathlon

• September 11th: St. Jude & JDRF "No 'I' In Team" 5K

• September 11th: FLEET FEET Runners Club Pedal & Pound

• September 12th: Race Out of the Darkness 5K/10K

• September 18th: 9th Annual Wild in the Woods Trail Run Series, Race #1 10K

• September 19th: Millstadt 23rd Annual Parks Biathlon

• September 26th: RecPlex Fall Triathlon

• September 26th: Ballwin Kids Triathlon
  

Check out other local races on the FLEET FEET Race Calendar!

Want to know more about the FLEET FEET Racing Team Tailgate, email Amanda.