Obsessed Runner Blog
2013-03-13 - Make the long run easy
March 13, 2013
Not all miles are created equal. For example, a 6 mile run with friends can seem shorter than a 6 mile run alone, and 6 miles in a race might be the longest 6 miles you will ever encounter ... especially those last 6 miles in a marathon, or getting lost on a 3 mile run that turns into 6 or....
You get the point; it's not only the distance but the mindset that affects the run.
One trick I sometimes use is to show up early and run 5 miles before joining friends for a 5 mile run. Another fun way to get in your long run is to include a race in your total mileage; not a race that you want to run seriously - like planning to set a PR - but let's say you are training for a half marathon and the schedule calls for an 10 mile run the same weekend as a very fun 10K that you don't usually miss. Plan your long run around it and get in 4 miles before lining up at the start, doing the last 6 in the race setting can make for a motivational finish to the long run! You will find it a huge mental advantage running along with people that are only at mile 3 knowing you are at already at mile 7 of your own 10 mile secret event! You are a running God!
Make the run fun,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner until the end.
2012-11-14 - Fun runs
We are headed into what I call off season for serious running events, the long and more serious races are over and now it's time for holiday and frozen snowflake kind of family races. Putting these fun runs on the calendar gives us a bit of winter run motivation ... but it's a good time to dial back the intensity, lick our wounds and rest up so we are ready to come back recharged and excited to work hard again in March.May I offer the perfect low key calendar of events for your winter pleasure? Starting Saturday evening December 1st with the Holiday Hustle 5K in Dexter, next, a fun winter get-a-way to stumble around in snowshoes on January 19th at the Bigfoot 5 and 10K in Traverse City (Snowshoe running is just slow running, no experience necessary and they rent the big shoes if you don' have em'). Lastly, the Super 5K, Super Bowl Sunday morning February 3rd in Novi, kind of like the turkey races, where you exercise early, get a finisher's pint glass and earn your bragging rights and spot on the couch for the big game!
Button, button ... We hope you've been enjoying the addition of getting a button at all the Running Fit events over the past year. I find the buttons fun to collect reminders of all I've done this year! I especially like the custom artwork. You can expect another year of buttons in addition to the race medals, shirts and other swag in the year ahead. That said, come and show off this year's buttons at the December 1st Holiday Hustle, you will get a raffle ticket for each button you have collected! A drawing for new shoes and other great swag will take place at the run, special prizes for the people sporting the most buttons! Our 2013 race calendar will help you plan a fun year of running and button collecting!
Run easy, rest and reinvigorate,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner ... with a fun collection of hardware to prove it!
2011-08-17 - What does this all mean?
We all know the type, people who are always looking for immediate gratification, short cuts, get rich quick schemes, miracle diets... seemingly anything that does not require hard work, discipline or patients. It's easy to avoid these kinds of people, just hang around with people who run, we thrive on no short cuts to success, just long tough miles!
Some interesting statistics on who enters running races: There are more men in the 40 - 44 age group than any other male age group, there are more women in the 30 -34 than any other female grouip. 61% of race entries are people over 35. Race entries are about even in numbers for men and women... but based on the growth in women's running, women will soon be ahead (20% of the women's field is under 30 where only 16% of the men's field is under 30.)
What does this all mean? Beats me but it's time to get out for a run!
Yours in running,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who has found there is never a short cut to get to the finish line!
PS - Labor Day weekend is the last chance for a summer race road trip!
How about the Cadillac 5K, 10K and Run, Bike Kayak Adventure Triathlon!
Running Fit will be there to time the event, stop by and say hi!
PS: Runwoodstock.com
Run one race, get 3 free! The Challenge, run 4 events in 3 days ... so you can say, Run Woodstock, I was there man! Dig it!
PS: Roadies Needed - Run Woodstock!
On top of all the "thanks" and "you rock" you will get throughout the day, you also get an awesome volunteer shirt, a $30 coupon toward any Running Fit event (includes race shirt) and a great feeling for giving back to your sport!
Click here for more information on the Running Fit volunteer program and the online registration link for Run Woodstock or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.