Obsessed Runner Blog
August 4, 2010 - Workin' Hard!
Yo Run Gang,
I'm writing from the Outdoor Retailer's convention in Utah where I'm on the job... for you! Yep, I'm working hard, once again, it's a tough job but someone has to do it! I kept busy on day one of the convention testing new shoes and other running products on mountain trails above Park City. The convention kicked off with a run put on by Trail Runner Magazine where our vendors were at the start handing us the products to test. Shoes, packs, GPS units, wicking and odor free apparel, waterproof cases for cell phones, even a straw that has a filter and lets you grab a quick drink from any lake of stream.
Seriously, I am here to sift through the thousands of new products offered to find the few items that will be available to you on the shelves at Running Fit. Ours is a simple sport that the world wants to complicate, finding things that will add value to the joy we already get from our runs are few and far between. When I do find running accessories that fits this criteria it's exciting to bring them back to share with you.
I'll see you next week, Thursday night August 12th, on the Red Carpet! redcarpetrun.com
Enjoy this running day ... as I head back to work!
Randy Step, an obsessed runner in search of toys, and value to share.
2011-07-20 - "Like what?" you ask?
Often, the most exciting things we can do in this life come with a bit of risk and danger ... like going for a run on a 95 degree day with high humidity! Run smart, run short, run hydrated but don't miss the chance to experience the exhilarating feeling of accomplishment you'll get from just getting out the door. Bring it on!
If you have never been to the Running Fit World Headquarters at 5700 Jackson Rd. in Ann Arbor, it's time you came to visit and be sure to ask one of us to show you around, we love to show off all that is going on. Like what you ask?
HQ has a great retail running shop, our flag ship store, with quality running products and services you expect from Running Fit. The staff at HQ includes our footwear and apparel buyers, accounting, I.T. and inventory control staff (All passionate runners!). HQ also houses our creative event staff (passionate runners too!) that produces 23 events including 3 triathlons, the Martian Invasion of Races, the 4 state extreme trail series Dances With Dirt, Run Woodstock... It's a three ring circus atmosphere with a warehouse full of race equipment that would rival any parade company! Across the hall from events, you might be lucky enough to run into Christi the Swimmer working with clients in our pool studio, equipped with 2 state of the art Endless Pool trainers, you've got to see them in action, better yet, book some pool time with coach Christi!
Big HQ news to share! On June 28, Michigan Rehabilitation Specialists opened the doors to their new clinic inside the Running Fit World Headquarters! This physical therapy clinic includes the specialized services of "The Running Institute" to provide both rehabilitation and performance enhancement to runners. Besides physical therapy, services include video running analysis and coaching for running form or improved performance. The team includes Pete Kitto, PT - a physical therapist who has worked the USA Olympic Trials and World Championships, Ron Warhurst - the former University of Michigan Track coach who has trained Olympic medalists and the last American man and woman to win the Boston Marathon and Earl Wenk, ATC, CSCS - an athletic trainer and conditioning specialist to Olympic and NCAA athletes.
Just last week I ran into 2 Olympians in the hallway at HQ, Canada's Kevin Sullivan and New Zealand's Nick Willis, a silver medalist in the 1500 looking for gold in London in 2012. Like I said, you have to visit Running Fit HQ!
More amazing stuff, The Running Institute has one of the only publicly-accessible Alter-G Treadmills in Michigan. You have seen elite marathoners on it in Runner's World, now you have the opportunity to see what it is like to run at 50% of your body weight. Imagine being able to run pain-free as you rehabilitate an injury? Keeping you on-target for your fall marathon or half-marathon. Check out all they offer at runinstitute.com .
Sorry, I'm long winded today but there is so much to share throughout the company ...
Like our amazing Art Fair sidewalk sale this Wednesday through Saturday at Running Fit downtown Ann Arbor on the corner of 4th and Liberty.
Enjoy this busy running life,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner who invites you to live the dream, we can rest when they throw the dirt on.
PS: The Legend!
On Saturday August 6th, join me us on the shaded trails at the Legend 5 mile, 10 mile and Half Marathon. (RunLegend.com )
PS: More trail!
The 5 Mile Road Runner Classic at Maybury State Park this weekend, July 23, offering a bit of on and off pavement running. (http://www.active.com/running/northville-mi/northville-road-runner-classic-2011)
PS: Come One Come All to see the Brooks Run Happy Cavalcade of Curiosities!
Brooks is bringing a double decker bus full of curiosities, prizes, give-a-ways and sales to the Northville Running Fit on July 24th from 1 - 5 pm. Sign up for a free 15 minute gait analysis by calling the store at 248-380-3338! Get great deals on Brooks clothing and shoes! Have a chance to win some awesome Brooks prizes! Eat free popcorn! Play fun games and see the Brooks show!
Preview the Cavalcade by coming to Northville Running Fit group run on July 21st at 6:30 pm and take the Ghost 4 test drive! Get a inside view of the upcoming sales!
PS: Volunteers Needed: The Legend! - Saturday August 6
Sleepy Hollow State Park, Lansing, MI
We need volunteers to staff the aid stations and the finish line during the race.
Click here for more information on the Running Fit volunteer program and the online registration link for The Legend or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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!
June 23, 2010 - Comin' Back!
Yo Run Gang,
My friend Karen trained diligently all winter to run a 50K mountain race. A week out from the event a rock shot out from her lawnmower, shattering her tibia.
Life is not fair and as athletes we are reminded of this often. There are no givens, in training, racing or life. When aiming at a long term goal we put a lot of life's eggs in one basket, a risk-reward scenario. The risks are high, a lot can happen during several months of training, especially as race week draws near when our bodies are on the edge, ready for injury or sickness.
We can hope for the best, but need to have a plan for the worst. By reminding ourselves that there is perhaps an 80% chance of making it to the starting line we might train a bit smarter, taking days off when a pain comes up or we are feeling run down. We might be more flexible with our plans, keeping family and friends intact. The worst case scenario plan? Be ready to switch gears 180 degrees when tragedy hits, putting all our effort in a new direction, making a plan for recovery and getting just as focused on the next big comeback as we did for original plan.
Dang, why is it that the hardest things in life to do are the right things?
Run smart,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner, inching my way back from injury ... while wanting to run back!