Obsessed Runner Blog
2013-07-10 - Hydrate of Die!
A summer reminder, but it applies during all seasons. 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated, as runners, we should not be one of them!. (Likely applies to half the world's pop.) In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger. Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as much as 3% and prevents your body from recovering from your run or injuries. Lack of hydration is the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue. Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page. Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer. Are you drinking the amount of water you should every day?
One good trick is to jump on scale before and after a run and correct any loss of weight due to fluid loss ... Dang, you mean I didn't really lose 3 pounds on that 4 mile run!
Run, hydrate, run,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner ... gulp!
PS: Running Fit has a great selection of hydration carriers, don't run out the door without one!
2012-06-20 - Careful ouit there
Diggin' the heat! As you know, I love extremes, truly the spice of life, give me a humid 95 degree or 10 below zero 3 mile run and I'll trade them for any blah, blah, 50 degree 10 mile run! A short run in extreme conditions is such great bang for the buck, an efficient use of time that leaves us not only wasted, but fulfilled, raising our self esteem and that darn feeling of smug satisfaction we get over the rest of the world that stays inside re-breathing stale heated or cooled air.
All that said ... running in the heat is the most dangerous condition you will face as a runner. Heat kills, take a run in the heat seriously. Run short, run in shade, and run hydrated by more than just water and ideally, finish where you can jump in a lake or stand under a cold hose. Stop and walk if you feel strange.
Run smart,
Randy Step, and obsessed runner who is watching the weather channel and planning for today's run!
2012-04-25 - Down Home
Yo run gang,
I enjoy the hype and excitement of the premier
events, they give credibility to our sport and allow us to line up with the world's best, a bit behind them maybe but there is something magical about knowing we are toeing the same starting line and racing the same course, cool stuff.
A couple great down home event choices coming up fast are:
- This Saturday, the Live Like Andi, 5k, 10k, and 10 Mile run/walk in Novi. A flat, fast road course and a great cause. Check out livelikeandi.org/run-2012.html.
- This Sunday, the Road Ends 5 Mile Trail Race in Pinckney Recreation Area is a rugged single track run/hike in South East Michigan wilderness. Enter at trailmarathon.com or at Running Fit Ann Arbor- West (5700 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor) on Friday from 3-7 pm. There is no race day registration.
- Next Wednesday evening, May 2nd, The Fit 5K (7:05 PM) and Kids race and One Mile (6:30 PM) takes place from Running Fit Novi. A mid week, evening, old school road race/walk that has been going on for over 20 years. Don't train, don't be nervous, just come enjoy a casual evening run or walk raising funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Enter at runfit5k.com or at the store after 4 PM Wednesday May 2nd.
- May 19, in South Lyon, The Book'n Trilogy, 10K run, 5K run/walk and Kids Storytime Challenge, to benefit the library. Enter at ssldl.info/bookntrilogy/
Run, run, run, run, run, walk,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who is looking forward to lining up at a starting line with you!
PS: Another Awesome Volunteer Opportunity! The Trail Races - April 27, 28
Volunteer Registration and the details here - Volunteer now!