Obsessed Runner Blog
2013-06-19 - Feeling the need for speed!
Runners are creatures of habit. We run the same routes at the same time at the same pace. We don't get faster ... duh? To get faster we have to jump on the track. To get faster we need to increase our mileage, play with our pace and change our form.
Take a look at your run routes: Are you running on some flat or wimpy rolling course most of your runs? It's time for us to grow up and find routes filled with long killer hills. Better yet, let's hit up some stump-jumping trail with switchbacks and butt-slide grades, they will give us strength and increased range of motion. Tricky footing will help develop ancillary muscles that will help keep us injury free. These ancillary muscles will also be our go-to/change-up muscles late in the race or run when all others are failing. Variation is the key.
Let's get out the door and start hammering!
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who is also reminding myself to throw in some nice long fast surges into some of my (way too often) even-paced runs.
2012-10-24 - Sneakers
Yo run gang,
Do you ever find yourself sneaking away from work, friends or family to get in a run? Not really sneaking away but not mentioning it or letting anyone see you come and go because they may question your sense of priority? ... OK, I guess sneaking is the correct word, dang.
The truth is that there is so much that we get from the run that it can't always be explained or appreciated by the non-runner. That said, hopefully they will notice that we return looking healthy, invigorated and happy and that the run has rejuvenated us, making us more attentive, interested and productive. The reality is that the run has made us a better friend, family member and person. The run teaches us long term goal planning and the value of delayed gratification, giving us the tools to be successful and prosperous. What a wonderful sport ... so perhaps ... the ends do justify the means!
Sneak out and run!
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner, sharing my justifications for the passion ... Hmmm .... Does my guilt give away my Catholic upbringing?
PS: Wicked Halloween RunMore Costume running fun! Online registration open until 10 PM on Thursday. Wicked Halloween Run
November 10, 2010 - From the front lines
Yo run gang,
As the world continues to get more complex due to technology I can only bet the insanity rate goes up proportionately. Yikes! The down to basics psychological and physical freedom the run brings is becoming proportionally more precious. When it comes to scheduling your priorities, never underestimate the value of the daily run!
If our day to day lives seem complex and stressful, I can only imagine the what difficulties and stress our US military troops face, around the clock for their entire tours of duty in Iran, Afghanistan and every other dangerous places they are sent. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow, Veterans Day, and every other day they are out there on the line for us. I have received several emails from Running Fit customers on tours of duty telling me how much they appreciate the midweek mail. They explain the difficulties of getting in runs in dangerous combat areas, not to mention searing desert heat, but they do get them in, again, priorities. The attached picture shows Vernon Pratt and Company posted in Afghanistan, we sent them Run Woodstock T-shirts and other race goodies so they could participate from afar! Vernon and company, you ROCK!
Run and be safe,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner in the land of the free, where freedom does not come free.
Subject: Hey man, what can a Soldier do......
Man am I sorry I am not home for this run. Our unit is deployed to Afghanistan and there are a number of us who are avid runners; we enter any and all sponsored runs here on Bagram Airfield. I myself have sponsored a run initiative where Soldiers are rewarded for mileage totals; for 100 miles a certificate of achievement from me, 500 miles and coin of excellence from the Command Sergeant Major, and 1000 miles a coin of excellence from our Commanding General. Anyhow, would it be possible to obtain t-shirts from your run? I would love to show off your run which I think is totally cool.
Vernon Pratt
1SG, USA
First Sergeant
