Fleet Feet Sports / Nike Racing Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Fleet Feet Sports / Nike Racing Team?
The racing team is a group of runners who simply enjoy running, racing and having fun. There are two branches of the team -- the club team (the main branch) and the local elite team.
2. What is the Club Team?
The club team is open to anyone who would like to join. There is a $65 fee to join, however you receive more than $65 in apparel, gear, and discounted race entries. The focus of this team is to compete in local races including Fleet Feet Sports owned/produced races and those on the CARA circuit.
3. What do Club Team members receive?
• Team singlet or bra top
• Team shorts
• Long sleeve and short sleeve cotton t-shirts
• Team string backpack
• Coaching from Coach Bill Leach
Coach Leach has 34 years of coaching and performance enhancement experience – including serving as Head Coach of Track and Field and Cross Country at the University of Illinois-Chicago and DePaul University
• Weekly team runs and workouts
• Team camaraderie and carpools to races
• Communications network
• Incentive prizes for top overall and age group finishers
• Discounts at Fleet Feet Sports races
• Opportunities to participate in wear-test programs
• Gear check at Fleet Feet Sports-sponsored races
• Hospitality tent at selected races including the Chicago Distance Classic, The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon and The LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle
• Year-end awards party
• Free injury screenings from Fleet Feet Sports’ physical therapy partner
• Nike Team Sponsorship and opportunities to join the Nike North/South Marathon Program
4. What is the Local Elite Team?
The Local Elite team is a select group of up to 20 men and women who run at a very high level. They include Olympic Trials qualifiers, CARA Runners of the Year, Age group winners, Masters National Champions and “local elite” athletes. The runners must sign a contract to run for Fleet Feet Sports and are required to run certain races and wear Nike footwear and apparel. The focus of this team is to run in highly competitive local, regional and national races. Travel is provided to select races.
5. How do I join the Local Elite Team?
Local elite team members are selected on an individual basis. Factors taken into consideration include (but are not limited to): an individual’s performance during the 2006 racing season and an individual’s 2007 goals (and how they relate to the Fleet Feet Sports Racing Team’s 2007 goals).
If you think that you may qualify for a local elite team sponsorship, please request an application and return it to Team Director Mark Colpoys (mcolpoys@fleetfeetchicago.com).
6. What if I am not a very fast runner or what if I am downright slow?
Not to worry. The Club team is perfect for you. The emphasis is on participation, having fun, and love of the sport. There are currently runners of all ability, shape, size and talent on the team.
7. Are there any requirements to be on the Club Team?
We ask that you run in as many races as you are comfortable, and target eight (8) races for the year that are either on the CARA circuit or are Fleet Feet Sports owned/produced races (Ravenswood Run, Soldier Field 10 Mile, Women’s 5k, 10k & Festival, Elvis Is Alive 5K, Pumpkins In the Park). We also ask that you volunteer for two (2) Fleet Feet Sports events during the year as a way of giving back to the running community and promoting the sport.
8. Are there team workouts and are they mandatory?
Workouts are not mandatory and are somewhat informal, as many of them coincide with our store Fun Runs. Currently they are as follow:
Mondays: 6:30pm Piper’s Alley location – 6- to 8-mile tempo run
Wednesdays: 6:30pm Lincoln Square location – track workout coached by Coach Bill Leach
Saturdays: informal long run from various locations
We will also have more structured options for weekend long runs. Communication of these runs and workouts occurs via a Yahoo Group message board.
Runs in Elmhurst in addition to our Monday and Saturday store Fun Runs will be explored based upon interest.
9. When does the team “start”?
Participants can sign up beginning Monday, January 29, and should expect to receive their first racing team emails on February 19.
10. What if I still have questions?
Please don’t hesitate to contact Team Manager Samantha Morales at smorales@fleetfeetchicago.com or 773.305.3338.
Sign up for the racing team online...
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