The following post is sponsored by Fleet Feet Sports, Burbank.

One of the things that I love about being a runner is that you are instantly part of a community. Despite being a competitive sport, the running community is welcoming and supportive to novice and long-time runners alike.  A few weeks ago I was asked by a FitBloggin’ 2013 buddy to be part of a running community event as the dietitian on hand for Diva Night at Fleet Feet Sports in Burbank and I was more than thrilled to attend.

Even though I live by online shopping, I thoroughly believe that no convenience rivals being properly fit for running shoes by an expert!  Having your gait and feet analyzed by someone who understands how shoe can serve you in whatever sport you choose, may save you (from injury) in the long run.   The expert team of runners at the one-year old Fleet Feet Sports Burbank understand the need for fit, form and function in the long-term pursuit of a fit and healthy lifestyle.

Some of the experts at Fleet Feet Sports Burbank

Although Fleet Feet Sports Burbank serves and loves all, they sometimes agree with Beyonce and recognize “who runs the world – Girls!” and gave local female fitness enthusiasts a special night.

Some glimpses of Diva Night at Fleet Feet Sports Burbank

Attendees were offered not only appetizers and the chance to buy fitness apparel at a discount but they were also offered fabulous wines from Luna Vine Wine Bar, expert bra fittings from Moving Comfort, mini-massages from Certified Massage Therapist, Caitlin O’Connor and raffle prizes from great organizations like Pablove Foundation (a pediatric cancer organization), Superfeet (premium insoles), Sweaty Bands (non-slip headbands) and Curves Burbank (circut workouts for women).

Diva Night

It was great to meet new people and see my SCLB buddy Chris@WhatIRunInto enjoying the wine, nibblies and the fitness atmosphere.  There were quite a few “graduates” of the Fleet Feet Training (FFT) training program that were there to support the home of their running mentors.  In 2013, FFT helped runners get ready for 3 5K’s, 2 10K’s and a half marathon.

If you ever thought about running a marathon and doing it for a good cause (other than your own health), you can join the Team Pablove Training Program with Fleet Feet Sports for the 2014 LA Marathon right now!  FFT is accepting applicants until mid-December and you can find out more here.  Even though I have no intentions of ever running another marathon, the Pablove Foundation is one I fully support – you might remember that I participated in local indoor cycle event to support the 500 mile bike ride, Pablove Across America just last month.

If marathon training isn’t up your alley, Fleet Feet Sports offers the following events every week:

• Wednesdays at 6:30pm: Pub Runs to Tony’s Darts (often with showcases by vendors)
• Saturdays at 8:30am: Social Runs with mileage options from 3-8
• every other Thursday at 7:00pm: In-store Yoga classes

If you’re a “Game of Thrones” nerd like me, you also know that “Winter Is Coming”, right?

If you want to make sure that you keep your running motivation strong through the winter months in LA, beginning in December, you can join the free FFT Winter Warrior Program runs at 6:30pm on Tuesdays (participants accrue points to win prizes and ultimately be crowned “The Winter Warrior”).