Obsessed Runner Blog
2013-06-05 - New Shoes!
Part of our love of running comes from the no nonsense simplicity and convenience of the sport, no complicated or expensive equipment and it takes place, right out our front door. At times I feel I am a prisoner to a life that demands me to constantly learn new technologies to keep pace with the competition. The run allows us me to unplug, reboot and shut down all the life sucking applications running in the background.
As the minimalist footwear craze started it seemed only natural for us runner types to be attracted to the idea, to take our sport to the next level of simplicity. The manufacturers jumped out in full force trying to capitalize on the new segment, creating hype and cashing in. Many of us found we could get away with a lot less on our feet than we were wearing but many of us suffered time away from the run from injury due to the need for the supportive footwear that worked for us or from not taking the time to let the body adapt to the change.
I'd say overall, the minimalist movement has been good for our sport, as we are coming out the backside of the craze with a focus on our running form, allowing for healthy changes in footwear to lighter, less controlling and more flexible models to ease into. Cool stuff!
Run efficiently,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner that is digging the new lighter faster shoes ... that still offer support.
PS: Shoes like the Saucony Kinvara 4 and the Saucony Ride 6 are proof that some great changes have taken place in footwear, beautiful, lightweight, responsive, shoes with amazing transition and ride not found in the pre minimalist world, making all old shoes ... old shoes! Got to have em!
PS: Yoga for runners takes place 10:30 - 11:30 AM Tuesdays at Running Fit Northville. Come join us, your core will thank you! No experience necessary, no matter what your level of yoga experience you will benefit from Yogi Leslie's knowledge. Class fee $12. Register Here . Namaste'
2013-02-20 - Philosophy of Running
February 20, 2013
It's nice to preach to the choir - you - who get it. I'm sure it's not often that I share things that you don't already know, I can only hope that I can give some confirmation to your choices in life and keep you ... keep both of us, on track. (Or road or trail ...).
I don't consider myself a philosopher, the title is a bit lofty, I've read that a philosopher is someone who tries to say or put down in words what we all know and think already, and I'll accept that's what I attempt to do when it comes to the daily run, our daily bread ... That said, it would have been far out to discuss running in the forum or public baths - like Plato or Aristotle - instead of a blog. Dang!
Give us this day our daily run, and we'll get through the rest,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner would have loved to have spent some time in the tub with y'all during the Classical years, after the run of course!
PS: Public baths fulfilled many of the needs and desires of citizens in classical times and were the center of social life. These extravagant structures were places where one could relax, enjoy art, discuss politics, and converse with others about the issues of the day. These great "palaces of entertainment served all tastes and admitted almost anyone," both rich and poor.
PS: RunWoodstock.com, I'm thinking this may be as close as we get to the social and physical center of running in this day and age. A weekend where we can beat ourselves up on the trails, mellow out to the jams, sit around the fire and share our joy/pain, and set our souls free.
November 3, 2010 - I DO love winter...
Yo Run Gang,
As the fall race season draws to end you might find the motivation to get out the door also coming to an end ... Don't let this happen! Think of the shape you want to be in when it's time to line up again next spring. Think of the personal records and goals you thought about during this running year and where you hope to be next year, CHAMPIONS ARE MADE IN WINTER!
Those who put in the winter miles have the base needed to rock as the spring run season heats up, those who don't get them in have to put up with the setbacks often seen while increasing mileage and getting "Back" in shape. You will be starting out in spring with a good mileage and strength base. Outdoor winter running will give you strength, the heavy clothing, the varied footing, all play into getting the ancillary muscles of the body into play. I'll see you on the roads and in the woods, seeing stuff you won't on a treadmill! Yes, treadmill running is way better than no running and has its own unique benefits, but you do need to get outside consistently for sanity and all the above.
Run against the wind, then with it!
Randy, an obsessed runner who loves winter, who loves winter, who loves winter (Sorry, I need to keep up the mantra)