Obsessed Runner Blog
2014-02-12 - Stop, drop and plank
As winter drags on, there are plenty of excuses for not getting out the door, but no excuses for ignoring your CORE! Running does not injure the runner, we do it to ourselves. If we run a lot of miles and do not balance it with an overall body work out, we create imbalance and open ourselves up to overuse pains. Again, this is our fault and not the fault of our running. Do those planks and get into a yoga routine!
When we layer up and get out there in the cold, the workload seems to triple from a fair weather run, for those of you who run for time and not mileage, I envy you on these winter days, dang.
Today I found a nice windless stretch behind a shopping center with clear pavement and sunshine. The 10 degree run was actually pleasant, a bit hamster-like as I ran back and forth over the third of a mile or so but nothing like the dreadmill. Get out there and find a sweet spot to get the run done!
Stop, drop and plank, right now!
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner and as imbalanced as they come ... but promising myself to do more core, Namaste'.
PS: There is a distance for everyone at The Martian Invasion of races in Dearborn, MI on April 14th, offering 5K, 10K, 13.1 and 26.2 and a great expo, it's the perfect target for all of us! Commit now at martianmarathon.com!
PS: GET SERIOUS! Running Fit's Serious Series is BACK. Three dates, three locations, three SERIOUS trail runs. Join us as we tour our favorite Southeast Michigan trails!
2014-02-05 - Permission to Slog
I'm giving everyone permission to get out the door for 5 minutes, stumble around, and call it a great achievement! Your reward will await you!
Actually, with every run, no matter how short, far, fast or slow, our efforts are rewarded with a peaceful inner feeling, increased fitness and afterglow of personal satisfaction. Never do we feel like we wasted our time, even with a 5 minute slog in the slop! ... I do admit that the laundry we pile up this time of year, especially for a short run, sucks.
The feelings we experience after our daily runs are cool, the feelings we get after a race we plan for, train for and meet our goals at are the pearls of life, the ones that get etched in our memories, stand test of time and become a part of who we are. That 5 minute slog becomes a valuable piece of the whole.
Keep the faith,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who accepts turning into a slogger and jogger when the conditions warrant ... and some other days when my conditions warrant.
PS. Going, going, gone! Join us this coming weekend, February 7,8, and 9 for the Winter's Best deals on apparel and accessories! Save 20-50% off all of our favorite winter apparel pieces.
2014-01-29 - When you need just a little more
On the way into work on southbound US-23 I passed a McDonald's billboard with the slogan: "When you need just a little more", referring to adding a couple $1 menu burgers to an already oversized meal. I also passed Taco Bell who advertises: "4th meal, late night food". On the way home on northbound US-23 I passed a billboard for smart liposuction, ironically, just about across from the McDonald's billboard. I'm guessing the price of adding a few $1 menu items would pale in comparison to the price of "Smartlipo!"
For those of us working to live a healthy, active life we find this all disgusting but perhaps ... A motivational reminder that there is hope for us to escape the unhealthy messages that surround us. How many of you read "When you need just a little more", thought of getting in a couple extra miles! I bet I'm not alone.
Fight the good fight, bundle up, and get out there!
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who understands that if I add an additional 370 calorie Bean Burrito off the "Value menu", I get to run an extra 4 miles!
PS: Just a reminder that Running Fit is open! Yep, running and retail are suffering from a brutal winter. This Fri - Sun. we are out to pay the rent and salaries by raising some cash. The deal, $25 off a ton of current model shoes! We call it the no wimp sale, to reward you for getting out to shop ... and RUN!
PS: Join the fun people at the Super 5K on Sunday morning! You'll get a medal, a pint glass and a Super 5K beanie cap to wear to the Super Bowl party, not only showing you deserve your spot on the couch but you will setting an example and motivating others to join you in your active fun lifestyle, register now! Injured? Just want to help out? Come join us at the Super 5K, Volunteer here!