Fighting Hunger 5K: November 5, 2011

Holiday in Lights Run/Walk: November 19, 2011

Dear Friends of Fleet Feet,  

We hope that you are having a wonderful week and that you are enjoying these amazingly beautiful days that we are having.  No sign of Old Man Winter yet - but it could be right around the corner and so you will want to be prepared with your winter running/walking gear!  

And, what a great way to stock up by joining us for our 10th Birthday Celebration this weekend on Saturday, November 5 from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.   Here's what you will find in honor of this momentous occasion: 

• 10% off of everything in the store; 
• 25-75% off of select items; 
• Hourly specials on some of your favorite brands (Balega, New Balance, Asics, Nike, etc.); 
• Raffles, giveaways and other fun activities; 
• FREE City Barbecue sandwiches from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.; and 
• Birthday Cake of course! 

Thank you for helping us celebrate 10 amazing years! 

Have a great running or walking week!

Original Storefront - Decorated for the Rat Race 2002

On November 17, 2011 Fleet Feet Sports will celebrate our actual 10th Birthday. Please note that we are celebrating early this year on November 5.  In so many ways it is hard to believe that we are celebrating a decade of serving the Cincinnati area running and walking communities. And in many ways the time has simply flown by.  And oh what a decade it has been! 

Fleet Feet Sports Cincinnati opened it's doors on November 17, 2001 in a space roughly half the size and with a staff about 1/8 of the size. Beyond our four walls, we were opening on the heels of the tragic events of September 11 -- an event that clearly defined this decade. 

Those early days were filled with weekends of events, weekends of putting out water and Gatorade for runners and walkers and weekends of trying to meet as many of you as possible while introducing each of you to our Fleet Feet world. Our goal, first and foremost was (and continues to be to this day) to provide the ultimate customer service experience, to be an integral part of the community and to make a difference in people's lives. 

In the very early days Gus, the family dog, began work as the store greeter and also was a local favorite at Fun Runs & Walks.  He is now about to turn 15 years old and is reveling in his retirement.  

You helped us welcome our oldest son Eli into the world on May 5, 2003 - Flying Pig Marathon weekend of that year.  Adapting to the family business early, he patiently waited an extra 10 days to arrive so that we could spend the day cheering folks along Mile 21 on the marathon course!  We then headed straight for the hospital!  We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of well wishes, gifts, etc. 

As our own family grew, so grew the Fleet Feet family.   You embraced us and our business grew along with our staff!  The Flying Pig Marathon quickly grew into one of the "Most Fun Marathons to Run" and local 5K's spread their wings in communities throughout the region.  We were fortunate to be part of the success of the Heart Mini Marathon, the Rat Race, the Lady Distance Classic, Red Legs Run for Home, Run Like Hell and many many other events. 

We then expanded the store to twice it's size in 2006 and again you were there to help us!  You came out in droves to move all of our product from one side to the other as construction began and you were incredibly patient as you had to wipe dust off of your shoe boxes and out of your hair on Fun Run/Walk nights! 

You celebrated with us as our family grew once again and we welcomed Gabriel into the world on November 19, 2007.  He wasn't as patient as his brother and he joined us quite a bit earlier than expected but you and our wonderful staff were there to support us. 

The world beyond our larger walls again took a major shift with the financial crisis of 2008 and again continued a decade that was forever influenced and would be forever defined by these actions. 

You have joined us to run or walk in our training programs, you have joined us as coaches for our many programs, you have dressed up and joined us on Halloween Fun Runs/Walks, you have let us help you when you are recovering from injuries or illness, you have welcomed us into your lives and for that we can't thank you enough.  In fact, there are so many people to thank for helping us along this decade long journey that we couldn't possible fit the list in this newsletter.  

You, like us, have been fortunate to meet so many of our amazing staff members. One of our first employees now owns her own Fleet Feet store outside of Philadelphia.  Over the years we have been so fortunate to have so many great folks on board who are so committed to helping each of you reach your own goals and follow your own personal journeys.  

In a decade filled with uncertainty, political turmoil, war and challenges never faced in our lifetime, we were often able to find solace in the warmth and community of Fleet Feet Sports.  

We remain steadfastly committed to our original goal: to provide the ultimate customer service experience, to be an integral part of the community and to make a difference in people's lives.  Who knows what the next decade has in store for us beyond this goal?   Fleet Feet Sports remains the light that stays on at night, the friends who know your name and a place that you can call home. 

We'll see you on the roads...

ASICS GEL KAYANO 18

ASICS GEL KAYANO 18

Okay Kayano fans -- this update is for you and you are going to be happy! The newest version of the Asics Gel Kayano series is one ounce lighter but still offers the Cadillac-smooth ride that you have come to love. You will also find a softer, more flexible feel because of  the less dense Solyte foam. Finally, the gender specific cushioning creates a just-for-you feel that's through every step.    

ASICS GT- 2170

ASICS GT-2170

Go for a ride in the lightest version of the 2000 series yet!   The GT-2170 has been reduced to 11.2 ounces!   This lightness coupled with an even larger GEL Unit and gender specific design make this shoe once again a go to shoe! 

BROOKS ADRENALINE 12 

BROOKS ADRENALINE 12

This twelfth iteration of Brooks' most popular shoe is all about taking what's great and making it even better. According to Brooks, Adrenaline junkies can expect the same revered fit and feel with added upgrades like more mesh for breathability, a friction-resistance heel, and a crash pad that encompasses more strides.

• Jim Axelrod's recently published novel, In the Long Run: A Father, A Son & Unintended Lessons in Happiness. 
• Mizuno Breath Thermo Gloves, Hats & Socks - accessories that are sure to keep your loved ones toasty and warm. 
• Premium Stocking Stuffers: choose from items like Bodyglide, the Stick, Balega socks and/or visbility/reflective gear (vests, flashing lights, etc.). 
• A Nike GPS Sportwatch -- the latest and greatest in running/walking technology.  Perfect for the techno person in your life or the techno wanna' be that will be able to use this easy to maneuver watch! 
• The Nike Vapor Flash Jacket -- this proves that you want your husband, wife, daughter, son, best friend or significant other to be seen!  They won't be missed on the roads and you will be the favorite gift giver on the list! 
• An Entry for one of our upcoming Fleet Feet Sports Training Programs - choose from the Flying Pig Marathon, 1/2 Marathon or the Heart Mini Marathon 15K or 5K! 
• A Fleet Feet Sports Gift Card - this is the gift that just keeps on giving as the recipient gets to pick from so many awesome choices at Fleet Feet Sports - shoes, winter apparel, nutrition product and much, much more! 

this Saturday, November 5.  The event starts and finishes at Matthew 25: Ministries in Blue Ash. 

This is shaping up to be the biggest year ever for the event and so plan to arrive early and to be prepared to ride the parking shuttle.  As a reminder, all event parking is located at Procter & Gamble on Reed Hartman.  The shuttles will begin running at 6:45 a.m. and the last shuttle for the the race start will leave at 8:15 a.m. 

Immediately following the race you will experience one of the best post race buffets around!  The highlight of course is the chocolate fountain -- if you haven't participated in this race before it's worth it just to get a peak at the chocolate fountain! 

For more event details please visit the Fighting Hunger 5K Web Site! 

The annual Mason 1/2 Marathon and 5K Run/Walk will be held on Sunday, November 6.   This is a wonderful event that will take you through a relatively flat course with a great view of the fall foliage. 

Proceeds from the Mason 1/2 Marathon benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Cincinnati.  

You can pick up your packet or register for the event at Fleet Feet Sports this Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

For all of the event details please visit the Mason 1/2 Marathon Web Site.  

Join us for the Fleet Feet Sports Tuesday Night Poker Run/Walk: 

• Tuesday, November 8 @ 6:30 p.m.

The book is now available for purchase at Fleet Feet Sports for $20 (including tax) and will make a great holiday gift!!  

Fleet Feet Sports is excited to be sponsoring this portion of the Author's Out Loud series.  We hope that you will join us in reading Jim Axelrod's book and in hearing him speak on November 8. For more information about the Authors Out Loud series please go to the Mayerson JCC Web Site. 

Book Summary:

It's 2008. Jim Axelrod-once among the most watched correspondents on network news and the first television reporter to broadcast from Saddam International Airport in 2003-is covering the final stages of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. He's forty-five years old and thirty pounds overweight. He's drinking too much, sleeping too little, and scarcely seeing his family. He's just figured out that the industry that pulled him up the corporate ladder is imploding as he's reaching for its final rungs. Then, out of the blue, Jim discovers his late father's decades-old New York Marathon finish times. At forty-six, Bob Axelrod ran a 3:29:58. With everything else going on in his life, Jim sets himself a defining challenge: "Can I beat him?"

So begins a deeply felt, often hilarious, quixotic effort to run the 2009 New York Marathon. Along the way, Jim confronts his listing marriage, a career upset by the seismic changes going on throughout the television news industry, excruciatingly painful shin splints, and the worst-timed kidney stone possible. Looming over it all is the shadow of a loving father, who repeatedly lost his way in life but still has a lesson to impart.

This is a book about a dead father's challenge to a son at a crossroads, but, more than that, it is about the personal costs paid when ambition and talent are not enough to ensure success. Most fundamentally, though, it is a book about learning what it takes to be happy in your own skin.

Author Bio:

Jim Axelrod is an author and the national correspondent for CBS News who previously served as Chief White House correspondent for the network. Before joining CBS News in 1996, he was a political reporter and substitute anchor at WRAL-TV in Raleigh, NC; a reporter for WSTM-TV in Syracuse, NY; and an anchor/reporter for WUTR-TV in Utica, NY.

Fall 2011 is is filled with a great lineup of events that we are supporting -- some old favorites and some great new ones.  So, get ready to run or walk and join us in supporting so many wonderful local charity organizations and so many wonderful people!  Also, as a reminder, you will find a full calendar listing of events in the area on the Fleet Feet Sports Web Site. 

Mathew 25: Ministries Fighting Hunger 5K

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Matthew 25: Ministries - -Kenwood Road in Blue Ash

 

 

The Fighting Hunger 5K Run/Walk is hands down one of the best 5K events in the area.  If you haven't run or walked this event in the past then make this the year that you plan to register!  You will have the chance to run or walk a relatively flat course through the City of Blue Ash that begins and ends on the Matthew 25: Ministries property.  Once you've completed the event you will be treated to one of the best post-race feasts around - including their signature chocolate fountain.  A great cause, a great organization and a great event that Fleet Feet Sports is proud to be a part of!  For more event details please go to the Event Web Site.

  

 

 

MASON ½ MARATHON & 5K RUN/WALK

Sunday, November 6, 2011 @ 8:00 A.M.

Mason High School

 

Don't miss this great event that supports the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Cincinnati.   The Mason ½ Marathon is a way to keep up your training, to get ready for your favorite Thanksgiving Day Race (the Gobble Gobble 5K of course) and an opportunity to run a wonderful course on a beautiful fall day.  This is a well-organized event with some great goodies at the end.  The Fleet Feet Crew will be on hand to cheer you along the way.  Packet Pick-up & In-Store Registration will be held at Fleet Feet Sports on Saturday, November 5 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.   For more information about the event please go the Event Web Site.

 

 

HOLIDAY IN LIGHTS RUN/WALK

Saturday, November 19, 2011 @ 5:00 P.M.

Sharon Woods 

 

This is a great way to catch the holiday spirit.  Have the chance to run or walk through Holiday Lights display at Sharon Woods.  After completing an awesome 5K Run/Walk course spend some time in a heated tent celebrating with great food and tons of fun!   For more information or to register for the event, please go to the Event Web Site.   

 

 

 

GOBBLE GOBBLE 5K RUN/WALK

Thursday, November 24, 2011 @ 9:00 A.M.

Swaim Park in Montgomery (Cooper & Zig Zag Roads)

 

Free parking, a great event for the whole family, a great cause, a Nike Long Sleeve Technical Top, a great price - what more could you ask for on Thanksgiving morning?  Join us for the 10^th Annual Gobble Gobble 5K that Fleet Feet Sports has been a part of since its' inception and start off your Thanksgiving holiday with a great group of friends, families, runners and walkers.  Please go to www.sprunning.com to register!