“Run Happy Guide” Rules from Brooks
Dec 3rd
Enjoy these important guidelines from Brooks to keep your training focused and amusing!
12 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for the Holiday Athlete
Nov 29th
Have an athletic loved one? We’ve got a whole store full of gift items for your consideration. If your athlete is all set on shoes and apparel, consider these 12 stocking stuffer ideas for the 2011 Holiday!
1) Fast Break-branded Swiftwick Socks:
Patent-pending moisture management fibers effectively wick moisture away from the skin for the ultimate dry fit. Graduated compression for your feet provides sustainable support for all your activities. A sculptured foot-bed and seamless toe assure maximum comfort and a blister-free environment, even for sensitive feet. The entire sock features antimicrobial qualities to eliminate stink!
Our store name is featured in blue and navy on the two-inch cuff above the ankle.
Grab a pair and help support the store that supports you!
2) Timex Ironman Run Trainer GPS:
This watch was designed for runners who want to say goodbye to repetitive loops, complicated mapping and over-planning. With a large, easy-to-read, customizable display, you can see exactly what you want during a workout. Plus the 8-hour battery life and 50m water resistance give you the reliability you need from a training tool. Don’t let training get in the way; enjoy the freedom of running and let the Run Trainer system do the rest. The customizable display with up to four data lines can give real-time Pace, Distance, Elapsed Time, Lap Time, and Heart Rate stats. Other features:
- 15-Workout Downloadable Memory with Dated Summary
- Hands-Free Chronograph Operation
- Five Interval Timers with Optional Warm Up / Cool Down
- Alerts for Heart Rate, Pace and Mode
- Hydration and Nutrition Reminders
- Recovery Heart Rate Timer
- Countdown Timer
- 5 Alarms
- Compatible with ANT+ Foot Pod Sensors
- 8-Hour Battery in Full GPS Mode
- Water-Resistant to 50 Meters
- INDIGLO Night-Light
3) Travel Size Foam Roller:
The foam roller is a great tool for stretching, promoting flexibility, and Myofascial release! The high-density roller alleviates muscle and soft tissue tightness of the upper and lower back, IT band, hamstring, adductors, upper arm, and much more!
Using your own body weight and a Foam Roller, you can perform a self-massage or Myofascial release. By applying gentle, sustained pressure on the soft tissues, Myofascial release results in softening and lengthening of the fascia. Myofascial release has been shown to relieve various muscle and joint pains such as IT band syndrome and shin splints as well as improving flexibility and range of motion.
The Travel Size Foam Roller measures 4″ diameter by 12″ long. It’s a great size for your suitcase or athletic bag!
4) CamelBak Quick Grip:
Available Colors: Black, Red, Aurora Pink, Lime Punch
Hydration Capacity: 21 oz.
Lifetime CamelBak Guarantee
5) Princeton Tec Quad Headlamp:
The Quad from Princeton Tec is a 5mm LED headlamp with 3 brightness levels and an emergency flash mode. Waterproof to 1 meter, the Quad runs on 3 AAA batteries with a low-battery indicator and LED bulbs that seemingly last forever! Its single strap design fits easily over caps and lets you run comfortably without the weight of a battery pack bobbing on your head. The single switch atop the headlamp is easily located and operated; the pivoting headlamp lets you point the beam where you prefer.
6) Skullcandy Fix Ear Buds:
With the Skullcandy Fix Bud Headphones you can get your fix of music on the go with absolute comfort and style! These lightweight and sleek headphones will stay with you when you’re on the move. FIX Technology is a new dawn of patent-pending ear bud design, engineered for a FIXed in-ear fit.
- Hook Design for Secure Fit
- Rear Acoustic Port for Deep Bass
- In-Line Mic3
- Carry Case
- Passive Noise Isolation
7) Tifosi Sunglasses:
At Fast Break, we carry a variety of eyewear options from Tifosi Optics. These athletic-oriented sunglass options come with interchangeable lenses, and several models come with a polarized lens option. Tifosi prides itself on versatile fits, owed to their adjustable hydrophilic rubber nose and ear pieces, extremely high bending strength, and high resistance to chemical and UV damage.
8 ) Nike Brasilia Duffel Bag:
The Nike Brasilia 5 is a versatile duffle bag that will hold your essential run gear or traveling supplies. A detachable shoulder strap and a secure zip pocket help keep the load manageable. The bag includes ventilated shoe or wet/dry storage. Made of tough 600 denier polyester, and screenprinted with Nike’s Swoosh design trademark, this duffel will be a great gift that lasts years!
Size: 21″ x 10″ x 10″
9) The Stick:
The Stick is a portable self-massage bar that segmentally compresses and stretches muscles. It’s easy to use by yourself on all major muscle groups. We have it available in regular size (24″) and travel size (17″, pictured).
- Treats muscle pain and trigger points
- Prevents and predicts muscle injuries
- Improves strength, flexibility and endurance
- Prepares muscles for physical activity
- Disperses effects of lactic acid following activity
- Accelerates muscle recovery
10) AquaSphere Kaiman goggles:
The Kaiman goggle offers superior comfort and visibility with an exceptional design. The Kaiman is an excellent competitive-style goggle that offers features superior to a traditional swim goggle. Available in clear, smoke, or amber lenses, the tinted model is designed to provide the greatest visibility outdoors or in bright light. Constructed of Softeril®, the Kaiman also provides 100% UVA and UVB protection with scratch-resistant and anti-fog coating. Available in large and small sizes for adults and children.
11) Brooks Infiniti Headband:
You know that fast-wicking performance fabric you rely on in our apparel? It’s here in this lightweight headband, ready to run from season to season.
• Fit: Fitted
• 3M Scotchlite retroreflective detail
• Lightweight moisture-transfer fabric
• Fabric: 88% polyester/12% spandex jersey
12) 2XU Compression Socks:
- Highest power denier offers extra calf + shin support.
- Reduced muscle fatigue + damage in lower legs.
- Graduated fit to promote increased circulation.
- Linked toe cage for extra comfort.
- Also suitable for everyday use.
Available Colors: Black, White, Blue, Pink
New Flavors from GU
Nov 28th
Meet your new winter training partners! Read on below for details about the two new flavors from GU: Peanut Butter and Peppermint Stick. We’re excited to welcome both to the holiday party!
Peanut Butter GU, made with natural crushed peanuts, offers athletes a savory alternative to the vastly sweet dominated gel landscape, while Peppermint Stick GU provides a crisp zing of minty-fresh fuel. Both new flavors contain GU’s proprietary Amino Blend (Leucine, Valine, Histidine, Isoleucine) as well as Potassium, Vitamins C and E, and a touch of Herbal Blend (Chamomile and Ginger).
GU’s most requested, and soon-to-be most popular flavor has arrived. And it’s the tastiest flavor yet. Bask in the nutty goodness of GU’s new Peanut Butter flavor! The sweet and salty mixture packs all of the peanut butter richness but in a consistency that won’t leave your tongue cemented to the roof of your mouth. Mix a little Peanut Butter GU with Jet Blackberry GU to create a PB&J befitting of the most intense endurance events.
Then there’s the delicious Peppermint Stick: All the goodness of the original GU with a refreshing minty twist–try it for your next workout or grab an 8-pack for the stocking of your favorite athlete. Available only for a limited time, so don’t delay!
GU provides athletes with a shot of 100 calories in the form of a patented carbohydrate blend (70-80% maltodextrin and 30-20% fructose) to deliver high-quality, easily-digested and long-lasting energy for athletes in every sport and at all levels. GU also includes electrolytes to ensure proper hydration, an antioxidant blend to stave off muscle tissue damage and an amino acid blend to delay muscle fatigue.
Everything inside each packet of GU is engineered to do one simple thing: provide your body with the essential requirements it needs to keep going for miles and miles and hours and hours. It goes down easy, and it goes to work fast so you don’t have to slow down.
Newton Running Is Here!
Nov 22nd
Fast Break Athletics is proud to welcome Newton to our running shoe selection for Fall 2011! The genius behind Newton running shoes is the patented Action/Reaction Technology. When using the ultra-efficient Land-Lever-Lift natural running gait of a midfoot or forefoot strike, the technology absorbs and then returns energy back to you. It’s a revolutionary way of building a running shoe based on Sir Isaac Newton’s Third Law of Motion: “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.”
HOW IT WORKS:
When your midfoot/forefoot LANDS on the ground, the technology’s four external actuator lugs are pressed into hollow chambers inside the shoe’s midsole via an elastic membrane. This movement absorbs shock. As you LEVER inside the shoe, the lugs release their stored energy and propel you forward through a burst of energetic return from the Action/Reaction Technology. You then LIFT your knee and begin a new stride.
Most running shoes use various forms of air, gel, foam or plastic to counteract the foot’s impact and response with the ground. But none of these materials capture and return energy like our Action/Reaction Technology. With independent laboratory testing, 11 US Patents, two Ironman World Championships, numerous world records and personal records, Newton Running shoes are superior to any other running shoe technology.
Read the independent tests: Comparative Mechanical Testing
Video: Better Leverage: Forward Propulsion
At Fast Break, we currently carry three Newton models. The two pictured above are the men’s and women’s Gravity, a top-of-the-line neutral performance trainer. We also offer the Motion, a stability performance trainer with medial posting to offset overpronation. See the men’s and women’s models below:
Lastly, we carry the Sir Isaac, a neutral guidance trainer designed for runners of all levels, including beginners, who are committed to natural running. It is ideal for runners transitioning from a heavy heel strike to a comfortable midfoot landing position. Whether you follow Chi, Pose, Evolution, barefoot running or just want to run better, the Isaac allows you to run naturally — with greater efficiency and less overuse injuries (like achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis).
What is the difference between the Sir Isaac Trainer and the Gravity Trainer? The Guidance Trainer has:
- Beveled Heel and Toe: guides footstrike easily into the midfoot/forefoot
- Beveled Lugs: feels smoother, more stable and gradual in the forefoot
- Wider midfoot/forefoot and lugs: added stability, creating a softer feel
- Midfoot Chassis/Shank: added support and stability
- Carbon Rubber Outersole: increased durability
- Closed Mesh on Upper: keeps small debris out
Fast Break Race Team Dominates 7 Bridges!
Oct 28th
The debut of our Fast Break Race Team at the inaugural 7 Bridges Marathon was a smashing success! The morning of October 16, 2011 was crisp and perfect for distance running. If you participated in or spectated the event, you may have seen our team members racing by, distinguished by their white and blue Brooks race kits and locomotive team logo.
The top three marathon finishers and overall female champion all belong to the Race Team. Fast Break veteran Alan Outlaw took home the overall win, crossing the line in 2:45:03, which was a personal best for him despite suffering from severe muscle cramps over the race’s final third. Outlaw has made a name for himself in local races; he placed third in the Missionary Ridge Road Race in July, won the Chattanooga Chase on Memorial Day, and won the Black Warrior 50k last February.
<<Click Photo for Link to Chattanooga Times Free Press Race Summary>>
Second and third overall in the marathon were Hugh Enicks and Matt Gregory, respectively. Enicks is coach of the Red Bank High School Cross Country and Track & Field teams, but is a stellar athlete in his own right. In addition to his silver finish at 7 Bridges, Enicks was overall champion of the IHN 5k, grandmaster’s champion of the Riverbend 10k, the first American finisher at the 2011 World Marathon Championships, and overall champion of the 2010 Battlefield Marathon. He has a plethora of other race accolades to his resume, as well.
Hugh Enicks
This marathon was the fourth for Gregory, and he PR’d in this race by eleven minutes. He was lured to distance running from a triathlon background, and has performed quite well as he’s become more experienced in the road racing scene. His third overall performance at 7 Bridges helps cap a great 2011 race season for Matt. He placed eighth overall at Missionary Ridge, and third overall at the Scenic City Half Marathon. Expect many more great performances out of him.
Matt Gregory
Leslie Becht earned female champion honors at 7 Bridges; her time of 3:22:58 beat the next closest female by over five minutes. Though her preference is trail running, Becht is an accomplished road racer and triathlete–she won the Sports Barn Sprint Triathlon in 2008!
Leslie Becht
Just missing a Top-5 finish, Jason McKinney placed sixth overall in 3:08:29. This was his debut at the marathon distance; McKinney prefers the 5k, and with his PR of 14:49, we can’t blame him for preferring the shorter distance. McKinney is the assistant principal at Signal Mountain High School, but has still found time to keep up with his training. He was recently overall champion of the Race for Education 8k, and placed third overall at the Chattanooga Chase 8k.
Jason McKinney
Fast Break Race Team members performed well at the 4 Bridges Half Marathon as well. Jack Findley led the way, placing second overall with a time of 1:17:10. Findley’s sights are set squarely on the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon in mid-November, where he plans to vie for victory. Findley won the Land Between the Lakes Marathon in March, and has one other marathon win to his resume.
Jack Findley
Gina Krabbendam also posted an excellent performance in the half marathon. Crossing the line as second female, her time of 1:26:36 placed her 10th overall as well. Krabbendam is a racing veteran in Chattanooga with many accolades to her name. She recently earned female champion honors (third overall) at the Komen Race for the Cure, female champion honors (6th overall) at the King of the Mountain 4-Miler, and finished third female overall at the Knoxville Half Marathon.
Gina Krabbendam
Other strong Race Team performances from the weekend included Age Group wins from Erin Rayburn (1:37:30, Age 25-29) and Robin Crump (1:41:45, Age 40-44) in the half marathon.
FAST BREAK RACE TEAM RESULTS:
7 Bridges Marathon:
NAME TIME RESULT
Alan Outlaw 2:45:03 Overall Champion
Hugh Enicks 2:53:57 2nd Overall
Matt Gregory 2:54:22 3rd Overall
Leslie Becht 3:22:58 1st Female
Jason McKinney 3:08:29 6th Overall, 2nd Age Group 30-34
Joey Howe 4:27:58 19th Age Group
4 Bridges Half Marathon:
NAME TIME RESULT
Jack Findley 1:17:10 2nd Overall
Gina Krabbendam 1:26:36 2nd Female; 10th Overall
James Swansbrough 1:28:39 2nd Male 30-34; 11th Overall
Erin Rayburn 1:37:30 1st Female 25-29
Robin Crump 1:41:45 1st Female 40-44
NEW BRAND: Compression Products from 2XU!
Oct 25th
Fast Break Athletics is now a proud carrier of 2XU compression apparel! 2XU manufactures three categories of products with three fabrics that are designed to help you specialize for your particular activity.
PERFORM Style is for Pure Activity, allowing you to race and perform at your best.
Engineered for active use with powerful fabrics offering unparalleled breathability, moisture management.
Muscle containment for reduced muscle damage.
Flexibility to keep the wearer comfortable and focused.
Anti-bacterial, odor-resistant, moisture-wicking garments.
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XFORM Style is for Activity & Recovery, assisting you both during and after performance.
Powerful and breathable compression fabric.
Graduated compression engineering for extra support and enhanced circulation benefits.
Promotes removal of blood lactate from exercising muscles for faster repair.
Premium moisture management and comfort.
REFRESH Style is for Pure Recovery, benefiting you after exertion.
Ideal for athletes with high performance demands.
Highly powerful, durable fabric engineered to optimize circulation.
Graduated compression for extra support, promoting removal of blood lactate from exercising muscles for faster repair.
Premium moisture management.
Anti-bacterial, odor-resistant fabric.
.
Shoe Clearance: Nike LunarFly+
Oct 4th
Get ‘em while they last! We’re closing out our stock of the Nike LunarFly+ running shoe at $54.90, over $25 less than retail! Don’t be a fly on the wall watching the action pass you by. Enjoy the out-of-this-world comfort and styling these Lunarfly+ running shoes from Nike will bring to your workouts.
The LunarFly is ideal for the under-pronated to mildly over-pronated runner who’s looking for comfort, fit and enhanced cushioning.
Don’t forget this shoe is Nike+ enabled, so you can link the shoes to your iPod, iPhone, SportBand, or SportWatch to keep track of pace and distance on your runs!
OUR PRICE: $54.90
Retail: $80.00
Shoe Clearance: Brooks Summon 2
Oct 4th
While supplies last, get the Brooks Summon 2 for our clearance price of $59.90! That’s over $25 less than the retail price of $85.00!
The Summon 2 calls to all new and young runners—or anyone who appreciates affordable performance. Built-in stability and smooth heel-to-toe transition make this lightweight neutral shoe a decidedly attractive choice. Heed the call.
Category: Neutral
Weight: 10.2 oz (men’s); 8.5 oz (women’s)
Video from “3 Plus You” about 7 Bridges Marathon
Aug 23rd
Click the link above for video footage of Fast Break’s own Joey Howe muggin’ for the cameras on WRCB TV’s “3 Plus You” with Jed Mescon. Joey, along with Denny Marshall from Scenic City Multisport, speaks about the course directions and benefits of proper training and footwear. Join downtown Chattanooga’s FIRST marathon!
Run Chattanooga’s 7 Bridges Marathon with the Fast Break Race Team!
Aug 23rd
August 23, 2011
Fast Break Athletics is a proud sponsor of Chattanooga’s first ever marathon, set for Sunday, October 16, 2011. The 7 Bridges Marathon will begin in Renaissance Park on the North Shore of Chattanooga—right across the street from our store. Crossing the Market Street Bridge, the race will lead runners on a scenic tour of downtown Chattanooga’s bridges and riverside neighborhoods.
The half marathon course (13.1 miles) will accompany the full marathon (26.2 miles) over three bridges, splitting off at the Boathouse Grill on the Tennessee Riverwalk. While the half will return over the Walnut Street Bridge and finish in Coolidge Park, the full marathon will continue over three more bridges (the C.B. Robinson, Thrasher, and Riverpark Bridges, respectively) before returning downtown to cross Walnut for the Coolidge Park finish.
Runners will cross the Tennessee River six times during the marathon, and will enjoy cruising past such local landmarks as the Tennessee Aquarium, AT&T Field, Creative Discovery Museum, Chickamauga Dam, Bluff View Arts District, Hunter Museum, and Coolidge Park Carousel.
Event organizer Ken Radley of Scenic City Multisport said, “The unique layout of the Tennessee Valley around Chattanooga allows us to show competitors the best of Chattanooga while providing a picturesque scene for runners to enjoy.”
He continued, “Chattanooga’s running community has strived to have a marathon in the city for years. We have listened and are responding to this desire.”
The race festival will also include a 5-kilometer race, 1k Family Fun Run, and post-race party for all participants at Fast Break Athletics.
Joey Howe, local running legend and manager at Fast Break Athletics, is very excited that Chattanooga finally has a downtown marathon. “This race is sure to become one of Chattanooga’s signature sporting events,” he said.
Several members of the Fast Break Race Team plan to compete: Alan Outlaw, Jason McKinney, Matt Gregory, Joey Howe, Jimmy Swansbrough, Leslie Becht, and Erin Rayburn will race the full distance, and Jack Findley is competing at the half. 
Packet pickup on FRIDAY will be from 4:00-6:00pm at Fast Break Athletics, located at 19 Cherokee Boulevard on the North Shore of Chattanooga. The staff specializes in gait analysis and proper shoe fit, as well as high quality customer service. Packet Pickup on Saturday morning will be at Outdoor Chattanooga, located at 200 River Street in Coolidge Park.
Race-Day Schedule of Events:
5:00-6:00am: Packet Pickup — Outdoor Chattanooga
7:00am: Marathon, Half Marathon Start — Renaissance Park
7:30am: 5k Start — Coolidge Park
9:00am: 1k Family Fun Run Start — Coolidge Park
2:00pm: Post-Race Party — Fast Break Athletics
For more information or to register for an event, visit www.7bridgesmarathon.com or contact the race director: director@sceniccitymultisport.com.
