Obsessed Runner Blog

2013-07-03 - We run as one

randy runningWhen feeling happy, heading out for a run increases the joy; on the flip side, a good run can also chase away the blues. The run is one of life's great coping tools, truly a gift to those of us who run. When the bombs went off in Boston, we headed out and ran, when our friend Amy was fighting for her life after being hit by a truck, we ran. Grief shared is grief diminished, we grieved, we shared. As I listened to the tragic news story of the 19 firefighters killed in the line of duty I felt the need to run, to think... I was struck by the thought of why we build memorials and how important it is to have a place to share our sense of loss and to give tribute to those who gave their all. I've mentioned recently that a new memorial for local fallen first responders will be dedicated on October 5th at the corner of Hines Drive and Haggerty Road with the first running of the "Heroes on Hines" half marathon and 5K, where all proceeds from the event will go to cover the cost and ongoing upkeep of the memorial. The memorial will be a place for families to grieve and a place for the community to come together. Please join us as the running community once again comes together for each other. Commit now at heroesonhines.com

Run for them,

Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who is proud of our great fitness community

P.S. Heroes on Hines is perfect for a last long run, two weeks out from the Detroit Free Press events. Many of us will run some miles before the start to get in our final long marathon training run, more info to come on this.

P.S. Selection of the 50 Best Running Stores in America is underway! Vote for Running Fit!

2012-01-05 - Happy New Year!

There is a lot of joking this time of year about failed New Year's resolutions, but for us who run and walk on a regular basis it's no joke, we speak with our feet and do what we plan. So yes, we don't fit the average American mold, we know from experience what it takes to reach goals and make positive changes in our lives. We know the value of the hard work we are about to do and that the success of our long term goals are worth the effort, physically, mentally and personally.

I'll see you out on the roads and trails as we log our miles, set personal bests and keep our streaks going!

...Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner, excited to fill up my running (swimming, biking, yoga ... ) log book pages for 2012!

 

PS: Upcoming Classes!
Running Fit 501 is starting a session in West Bloomfield on January 24. More Info Here.
Running 201 in Northville will start January 19 and runs for 10 weeks. More Info Here.
 
PS: The Super 5K Volunteer Registration is now open! 
  Join us on February 5 in Novi as we kick off Super Bowl Sunday! Voluneer Now!
 
 
PS: Self Defense Class: The perfect New Year's Resolution, to gain self confidence and a new awareness of where you run.
Lee Shaykhet, former Russian special forces trainer, is offering a 90 minute class that will give you a lifelong feeling of personal security for about the price of a good massage. This fun, effective session will leave you with moves that will instantly become second nature to you!
Location:  Running Fit Ann Arbor West, 5700 Jackson Rd 
Class dates: 6:30 PM, January 10 (Limit 15 people per class)
Cost: $69
More Info: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
PS: Life is too important to be taken seriously (quote credit goes to Victor S.)!
Join me on June 16th at the Canton Liberty Festival 5 and 10K... dressed as the Statue of Liberty! Seriously! Costume included with race entry! Stay tuned, more info to follow... 

March 3, 2009 - You are a Running Rock Star!

Yo Run Gang,

This is an excerpt from an email I received last week:

I am a 47 y.o. female fitness buff who likes to take on challenges (esp. as I mature). Last fall I did the Detroit Marathon: interesting experience, but I'm not a long-distance runner, so one is enough. I prefer the woods and running on the earth And Randy, just an aside: from your emails you would classify me a "wuss," but for almost everyone I know I'm obsessed! It's all relative to one's perspective!

Less than 1/10 of one percent of the population can finish a marathon so yes, she is obsessed (Ok to use passionate here if that helps you), she IS a distance runner, and she is not a wuss!

That said, I can relate to her email and Im sure you can too. As a running store owner Im surrounded by athletes that are faster, do harder workouts and run more mileage than I ever have. As silly as it may sound, I still find myself feeling a bit embarrassed when asked what kind of mileage Im running or what kind of time I hope to run in my spring marathon, with my mileage and times sounding wimpy to me. On the other hand I cringe when I hear someone say, Im not really a runner, I only run 3 or 4 miles 3 or 4 times a week knowing that they certainly are runners and that consistently running 10 miles per week or more is a serious commitment to the sport.

Our perception really is our reality, but its a reality we can change by changing our perception, so lets! Please slap me the next time I get embarrassed when talking about my running; Ill do the same for you!

You are a running rock star!
Randy Step, an obsessed runner, no two ways about it

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