Summer Running Must-Haves

UltrAspire Handheld Water Bottle

An easy and convenient way to stay hydrated on your summer runs is carrying a handheld water bottle with you. There are lots of handheld options out there, but the angled shape of UltrAspire bottles makes drinking easier, and there’s a pocket for keys, Gu or whatever else you need to take along with you on your run.

CEP Compression Socks

Recovery is one of the most important components of your training. As your training runs get longer over the summer in preparation for fall marathons, invest in a pair of CEP Compression Socks to help accelerate your recovery. Wearing compression socks after a long run helps your muscles to recover faster and more efficiently.

Nuun

It’s important to stay hydrated year-round, but especially in the summer. With virtually zero calories or sugar, Nuun gives you all of your electrolytes without the additives of Gatorade or Powerade. Just drop a Nuun tablet in your water bottle, and you’re good to go.

BodyGlide

Having problems with chafing on your runs? Pick up some BodyGlide—it creates a wax barrier on your skin to protect against chafing and friction. Plus it’s invisible and doesn’t smell or stain your clothing. Trust us–it can be a runner’s best friend in the summer.

Sweaty Bands

Ladies, Sweaty Bands are the perfect way to keep your hair out of your face in the summer. They come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and widths, and the best part is that they don’t slip off your head!

Balega Socks

It’s always important to wear good socks when running, but even more so in the summer when you sweat more. Remember cotton expands and bunches up when wet, but synthetic socks like Balega will help wick away sweat, keeping your feet dry and preventing blisters.

St. Jude Full and Half Marathon and Grizzlies House 5K Training Programs!

Train with Fleet Feet Sports for the St. Jude Full or Half Marathon or the Memphis Grizzlies House 5K! Whether it’s your first 5K, you want to improve your half marathon time or become a full marathoner, our training programs will help you achieve your goals.

Program Benefits: Personalized, experienced coaching  – Two group runs per week – Educational clinics on various running topics - Training schedule – Weekly e-mails from your coach with tips, advice, motivation, and training schedule – Complimentary online interactive workout log – Fleet Feet training tech shirt – Post-race party – Support from coach, mentors, and training group!

• Full Marathon Training:

The St. Jude full marathon training program is for intermediate runners who have completed at least one half marathon in the past year (at 2 hours and 40 minutes or quicker) and are looking to finish their first (or a faster) full marathon. The Full Marathon Training Program is a 16-week program that  includes a training plan designed by an experienced coach, weekly group workouts with mapped courses, fluids provided, and more. The program begins August 10 and will meet Wednesday evenings at 6pm for a shorter group run and Saturday mornings at 7am for the long run.

Cost: $175*

Interested? To sign up for the full marathon training, click here.

• Half Marathon Training:

This St. Jude half marathon training program is designed for runners/joggers who have accomplished the 5k distance and want to run their first half marathon or to improve their time. The St. Jude Half Marathon Training Program will meet twice per week for 11 weeks. The program starts Saturday, September 21, 2013 and finishes with the St. Jude Half Marathon on December 7. We will meet Tuesday evenings at 6pm for a shorter group run and Saturday mornings at 7am for our long run. The group runs will take place at various places around town including Shelby Farms, Fleet Feet Sports and the race course.

Cost: $140*

Interested? To sign up for the half marathon training, click here.

•  Memphis Grizzlies House 5K Training:

The Fleet Feet Sports Memphis Grizzlies House 5k training program is designed for beginner runners, those who are minimally active or people who want to get off the couch. The program is structured to help you cross the finish line in just 10 weeks, and all levels of walkers and runners are welcome! The group will meet twice per week (Mondays and Thursdays at 6pm) beginning September 30. Most of the runs will be from Fleet Feet, but we may venture to other places as well.

Cost: $110*

Interested? To sign up for 5K training, click here.

If you have questions, please e-mail lovetorun@fleetfeetmemphis.com or call the store at 901-761-0078.

*Training program fees do not include the race entry fee.

We’re Closing Early for another Fleet Feet Wedding (4pm this Saturday)

Another reason that a number of the staff think that Fleet Feet Sports is special is because it’s where they found their mate, and, in light of these pending nuptials, I thought I’d draw attention to some of the bonds that have been made here.  So, in no particular order…

When Tommy (not in the photo) realized how awesome it was to work here, he convinced his friend Richie to join the team.  Although Richie is more of a cyclist who also runs, he’s pretty fleet on his feet.  If we can get him to get his toes off the pedals, you fast guys better watch out!  Anna is one of our regular fun run folks and the two of them make a quick couple.  They’re the reason that we’re closing early this weekend, so direct any complaints their way.  They’ll get right back to you – after the honeymoon.

Jason and Carolyn Zermeno met while working here.  They both came aboard with intentions of being missionaries in Africa one day, and, after meeting and marrying, that’s exactly what they did – TOGETHER!  While neither of them have been on staff for a while, they’re still family to us.

Taylor was my first hire ten years ago.  He worked here while finishing at Christian Brothers High School, during summers and breaks while at Millsaps, and when he could fit it in during PT school.  When we stole Britt away from grad school, she met her man, and they are set to wed this summer.

Feb and Stacey – well they didn’t meet here.  Actually, they met while working together at Breakaway back when it was in the old house on Union Ave.  Feb has been on staff here since 1996 and, during some of that time, Stacey has been on the time clock, too.  Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to see their two lovely little girls running around here.

The Nicolsi family are no strangers to Fleet Feet.  We worked for a couple of seasons to get Libby’s smiling face on the staff, but little did we know about her seeing a guy who was also pretty familiar with the store.  Owen Harris is the son of Stephen and Paula Harris who originally opened Fleet Feet Sports in Memphis wayyyy back in 1993.  We celebrated the wedding of Libby and Owen last winter – how things change!

If you read our last newsletter, you already know that Robin and I met while I was working here looong ago.  Robin came in one day looking for a Slipstream bottle (we were into triathlons back then) because a co-worker of mine had told her a that we carried them – she wanted us to meet.  A Big SHOUT OUT to Jill Williams Joiner – that little white lie paid off!

Jill and I were working together here when she met Matt.  It’s been so many years, I can’t remember how they met, but I do remember that Jill couldn’t believe that this guy didn’t eat ANY meat.  Y’ALL!  ”And he PURE carried a spider that he found in his sink outside instead of smashing it with a paper towel!”  Matt won her over, though, and a few weeks later she brought in a box containing leather belts, birkenstocks, and the like.

Looking for a mate?  Maybe it’s time you joined one of our weekly runs or sent us a resume.  We don’t list marital bliss as an employment benefit, but it seems that we could.

Take care, Y’all, and may you run like the wind,

Eric

PS.  We’ll have another wedding this year – Rachel (who handles the part of the Fleet Feet world that exists behind the green vine wall) and Zach!  While they didn’t meet here, I would be remiss if I left out this cute pic!

Runners for Boston

Running stores all across America are coming together Monday, April 22nd in support of Boston. Runners for Boston is a fun run to bring the community of runners together and to show our support for those affected in Boston on Monday, April 15th. Join Fleet Feet Sports Memphis together with Boston-based Saucony Running on Monday at 6pm for a 3-mile run. On the run, we encourage you to sport your past/present Boston Marathon gear, the iconic Boston Marathon blue & yellow, or any race shirt.

The run will start/finish at Fleet Feet Memphis (4530 Poplar in Laurelwood), where changing facilities and restrooms are available. We’ll end the run with an after party of food and drink to celebrate the unity of the running community and will have The Spirit of the Marathon playing on the big screen.

We’ll be accepting donations for ONE FUND BOSTON, and a $10 minimum donation gets you a RUNNERS FOR BOSTON shirt. See you there!

Saucony Demo Run

Saucony will be at the store Monday, April 22 at 6pm for a Demo Run! They’ll have several styles on hand for you to take on a test drive. Plus, we’ll raffle off a $50 gift card toward a pair of Saucony shoes as well as have other giveaways for everyone who tries a pair.

Come by the store Monday, April 22 at 6pm and check them out for yourself!