Obsessed Runner Blog
2013-11-06 - Winter Run Tricks
Winter Run Tricks, November 6, 2013
Unlike the dog days of summer where even running naked might not bring relief from the heat, we can always dress for whatever winter throws in our path.
The most difficult part of running on a blustery winter day is just getting out the door into the dark and cold. A trick is to over dress to avoid that cold slap in the face that might drive us back inside. Perhaps plan to start the run with a short loop that passes your house or starting point so you can shed some clothes - or wear a small pack to stash items - so you will be able to pull them back out if the weather changes for the worse. A couple of my favorites for the winter arsenal are a balaclava to pull up over the head and ears, especially on a windy days, or tucked back down around the neck, also dual layered glove or mittens that allow us to take off or put back on a layer, both are items that can be used like a thermostat.
Don't forget reflective apparel, lights and headlamps for safety and shoe traction to keep out butts from slamming into the ground. This is a link to a cute little video on Brooks Light Night apparel . And yes, it is available at Running Fit along with lots of flashy fun items to keep you safe and seen. Notice how I repeat the important stuff?
The wimpy world will look out the window in awe as we go by enjoying the crunch of a new snow on a crisp winter morning as we run into the sunrise!
Bring it on,
--Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who gets a kick out of coming across other runner's footprints in the snow, making comments to myself about their stride length, foot strike, and guessing what shoes they are wearing!
P.S. - Come be FLASHY and SAFE with us at our Run Safe, Be Safe group run on Monday, November 11 at 6:30pm, Running Fit NOVI! Reflective giveaways and great deals, don't miss out!
2013-10-30 - The Adventure continues...
As I lined up for this year's Detroit Marathon, with what I knew was minimal training, I also knew I was in for an "Adventure" (From the Latin "Adventura". Definition: Where the outcome is uncertain). Other words I could have used in place of adventure are escapade, lark, feat, ordeal, test, trial, tribulation, risk, venture, expedition, exploration, mission, quest or stunt; the bottom line, this would be a memorable day, a day of learning, a day of self discovery ... the kind of days we LIVE FOR!
Like sailing out into the ocean at an approaching storm, I knew I would be tested, I knew there would be hell to pay, but I also knew that when it hit, I would break out in a smile knowing this is exactly what I came for. Just past mile 21, while heading back up the Belle Isle bridge, my world got dark. I laughed, smiled, shed a tear and took inventory. I changed my form, searching for unused muscles that might have a bit of glycogen left. I made goals of not walking until the next mile mark, until the next block, until the next crack in the road ... I imagined I was being lifted and pushed forward by an imaginary force, I yelled out like a madman, "It's time to pick up the pace and take it home!", and for a few yards, I actually did ... so I tried this again. I fought pain, I lost coordination, I stumbled but did not fall, after an eternity of struggle the darkness cleared and I could just make out the sign, mile 26.
Randy Step, an admitted Obsessed Runner
2013-10-16 - Run, Grow, Live
I've been a runner... for a long time. How we run, the thoughts we have about running and what completes us as a runner will continue to evolve, adding a richness to this running life that only gets better.
In the early years I loved the breakthroughs in my time and speed. Learning and growing faster from books, magazines, coaches, speed work, schedules, high mileage and racing kept my fire lit.
Eventually my running transitioned into the social framework of my life. Training partners, the running club, group trips to races and shared running experiences got me out the door. My personal records motivated me because I could share them with a group that could appreciate my accomplishments and I in turn took pleasure in hearing of or witnessing their success.
As I matured as a runner, I became the coach. Taking new runners, guiding them past the mistakes and helping them accomplish their personal goals allowed me to bask in the glory of their success along with my own. On my runs, my mind was consumed by how I could make a difference in the success of others. As a coach, my runs took on new meaning, I was out there putting in long and hard miles in an attempt to gain insight into something I could share.
Today, the meditative and philosophical stream of consciousness aspects of the run, in combination with living in the moment, fulfills me to the core. There are days I need to run long and alone, on others I enjoy sharing the moment, sharing thoughts or sharing only the sounds of footfalls and labored breath.
Run, grow, live,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner... And I'm really OK with that.
PS: The Self Defense Clinic coming to Running Fit Northville on 10/21 6:30pm: More Info and Registration HERE. This 90 minute class is led by Lee Shaykhett and you can find more info on his training techniques at http://www.shaykhettraining.com/
PS: Save the Date: October 30th: Grand Opening Festivities will take place at the New Running Fit, Arbor Hills, Washtenaw at Platt Rd., Ann Arbor, run, food, drinks, music, swag!
PS: Join us for a Runner's Slam Breakfast Run celebrating running and racing! The doors will open at 7am Saturday, October 26 at Running Fit in Novi, with a group run at 7:30am. Saucony will be bringing out some wear test shoes! Don't miss a FREE post run celebratory breakfast! More info HERE!