Latest News
Learn why running makes you smarter
Runtalk Feb. 22 at 7 p.m.
Join us on Wednesday, February 22, at 7 p.m. for a talk on how running affects your brain.
Researchers have discovered remarkable links between exercise and neuroplasticity. Come hear more about the neurological benefits of running from an expert in the field, Stanford neurosurgeon and marathoner Stephen Huhn.
Runtalks are free. Snacks will be provided. For more info or to RSVP, email Lisa.
Announcing speaker series lineup
January 21, 2012 -- Fleet Feet Menlo Park announces a stellar lineup for its monthly runtalk speaker series, starting with exercise physiologist and performance nutrition expert Stacy Sims at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25, at the store.
The speaker events are free and open to the public. To reserve your spot, email the store here.
In February, we'll host neurosurgeon Stephen Huhn, on why running makes you smarter. This free event will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22.
March will feature a women's health night at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28.
Training groups kicking off this month
January 12, 2012 - Resolve to make this year your fittest yet: Train with us!
We have marathon, half-marathon, 10K, and beginners 5K training groups, all kicking off this month. Plus a new month-long speed class, called Thrills and Skills.
If you want to run faster or farther, lose weight, meet some running friends, or benefit from a structured training plan, we can help.
Visit our training groups page for more details on the specific programs and start dates. We look forward to running with you in 2012!
Training group open house January 3
What are you going to do in 2012?
How about, run with us? We offer training programs for walkers and runners for 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon distances. More runners = more fun!
Learn more about our programs on Tuesday, January 3, at a training group open house. We'll have information about our upcoming programs, coaches on hand, a fun run of 2 or 4 miles, treats, a slideshow of 2011's greatest hits, and a raffle to win a free pair of shoes or a free training class.
The programs typically meet at the store on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and at various park locations on Saturday mornings.
Included in the training are fully supported group runs twice a week; customized training plans for the 4- to 16-week program; access to coaches and fitness experts; health and fitness clinics on stretching, nutrition, cross training, injury prevention, and other related topics; a technical workout t-shirt for race day; logistical support for the culminating race; many giveaways and group discounts; and a whole lot of camaraderie and support.
The raffle on Tuesday will be raising money for the ALS Association of Sacramento, through run group member Jackie Charonis who is running a fundraiser race sponsored by the association in Roseville on Saturday, January 7.
You can sign up for training programs and read more about them here.
Announcing partnership with New Balance Silicon Valley
December 16, 2011
We are proud to announce our support of the New Balance Silicon Valley racing team for 2012. Coached by Dena Evans, this team of outstanding runners regularly places in regional and national competitions.
Look here for further news of our partnership in 2012, including a January event on the path to the Olympic Trials.
Ghost Run 5K costume fun run October 29
The second annual Ghost Run 5K begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 29, at the store.
Join us for a costume fun run. Catch the ghost and win prizes! Best costume wins a pair of Brooks Ghost shoes.
The run is free. Email Lisa at lisa@fleetfeetmenlopark.com for more information.
Brooks Pure project is here!
October 1 - The latest line of shoes from Brooks is light, hot, fast, and fabulous!
Come in to check out these new lightweight shoes. They have rounded heels, an anatomical design that enhances toe-off, and an innovative supportive yet extremely lightweight and flexible sole.
They are purely fantastic!
Why We Don't Use a Foot Scanner
Written by: Stephanie Blozey, Fleet Feet Sports West Hartford, CT
Many people wonder why we don't use a "foot scanner" that you can step on to determine what shoe or insole is right for you. These computerized scanners, which are being installed in drug stores and superstores, show your foot's pressure points and arch type. It's a fancy way of doing the "Wet Test": wet your feet and stand on a surface, like a brown paper bag, that leaves a visible footprint. The wider the band that connects your heel and ball, the lower the arch you have.
Your arch type effects your biomechanics and is an important component of choosing the right shoe for your foot, but it is only part of the FIT story since at least 20% of people's arches act differently than they "should". Here at Fleet Feet Sports, our FIT Process has three main components that help us define your foot and make the best shoe recommendations for you: foot morphology, biomechanical assessment and "other".
Foot morphology is a fancy way of saying that we analyze your foot size, shape and arch type. This is done by visually looking at the foot statically and dynamically (important since you are in motion when you run!) and taking multiple measurements with an old-fashioned Brannock device. This helps us to choose the right size shoe and shoe brand since each shoe company fits a certain shaped foot better. That is why your friend may swear by his Asics shoes, but they cause you pain.
Next, we examine your biomechanics by determining your arch flexibility and doing a gait analysis (either watching you walk barefoot or with our video gait analysis software). This tells us if you overpronate, supinate or are naturally efficient which in turn, governs what type of shoe (neutral, stability or motion control) you need, as well as the curvature of your shoe's last. Key here is arch flexibility since a rigid arch needs extra cushioning to help attenuate the shock produced when the foot hits the ground at forces of 2-4 times body weight. Whereas, a flexible arch disperses shock better, but all that flexibility in the mid and fore foot can cause overpronation which stresses and torques your feet, shins, knees, hips and back causing its own host of problems.
Finally, we take other special considerations into account like your gender, weight, training surface, weekly mileage, injury status, orthotics and structural deviations in the foot like bunions and extra bones. We put all this data together and bring out 2-3 pairs of shoes that we think will fit you best. Don't be surprised if one of those first shoes feels amazing - it means that we did our job right!
When you think about it, the foot is a marvelous structure. It has 28 bones (including the sesmoids), 33 joints, 112 ligaments, plus tendons, nerves and blood vessels that work in unison to support, balance and propel your body. No two feet are exactly the same nor do they always fit into a specific category. Don't cheat your feet and let a computer scan recommend an orthotic or running shoe for you. An injury is going to cost you a lot more, monetarily and mentally, than a good pair of shoes. Invest in your feet. Let our Fit Professionals teach you about your feet and help you find the perfect fit. We guaranteed it!
Tom Raynor Inducted Into NSGA Hall Of Fame
The CEO of Fleet Feet, Incorporated, Tom Raynor, will be inducted into the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) Hall of Fame at a ceremony tomorrow, during the 47th Annual NSGA Management Conference. The NSGA has honored Sporting Goods leaders since 1956 but this year’s inductees bring the total number of Hall of Famers to only 150.