Obsessed Runner Blog
2013-10-23 - Night Moves
Twas' a fine weekend for running down in the "D" at the Detroit Free Press Races. Congrats to all who accomplished their goals or at least had the courage to start! It was fun for us to see so many of you at the Running Fit booth or on or along the course.
Safety is always a running priority but as the days shorten and we run into and out of the darkness it takes constant vigilance. Always run against traffic and even though we will all be running with reflective clothing, vests, headlamps and perhaps strobe flashers, expect the unexpected and remain alert and agile. This is also the time to dig out your running shoe traction tricks like Yak Tracks, in case of a bit of black ice or snow. And yes ... Running Fit has a great selection of footwear traction devices, reflective vests and headlamps, be prepared.
Sunrise and sunsets experienced on the run take on a mystical quality, making the run seem to cover more than one day and supercharging the experience, leaving us with a satisfaction the non running world will never know. Bring on daylight savings, we can handle it!
Run long, run safe, and run into the seasons,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who is ready to take on the night!
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!
2013-10-09 - I NEED to Run
I have found running and now I am a runner, no longer do I just want to run, I need to run. My need for running is like my need to get outside, it's like my need to get to the woods. Running is my natural fix. Running is a place I must go to recharge my body and mind, like an ancient druid that gets supernatural powers from contact with the earth, I draw clarity and energy with each foot fall. A walk in the woods works wonders; add sweat and it's like throwing on the holy waters of baptism, cleansing me from deep in my soul to the surface of my skin.
Perhaps the need to run comes from the get down to basics nature of our sport. Running is so unlike the complicated, computer generated framework that has come to control much of our daily existence. The run allows us to unplug and reboot. Running requires so little, in fact, it can be done naked, I'd say that's a pretty good test for simplicity. Some minimal shodding and covering may add to our comfort and keep us from some puritan violations but all in all, still beautifully simple.
Eat, drink, sleep, love, run,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who ... needs to run.
PS: RUN SCREAM RUN with us at Wiard's Orchard in Ypsilanti on Saturday! Glorious weather, Zombies and other nonsense. 5K, 10K, enter at runscreamrun.com . Late entry on site Friday and race morning.
PS: Run Scream Run raffle to benefit one of Hope Clinic's Care and Share Closet, which provides personal care items and household cleaners to individuals in need. For each donated item get a raffle ticket to win running shoes, gift cards, event entries and cool stuff! Drop off at early registration or race day. Donation Items needed: Toilet paper, Dishwashing liquid, High-efficiency (he), powdered laundry detergent, All-purpose cleaners - Comet, Ajax, Pine Sol, etc., Baby formula - Enfamil in yellow cans, Baby wipes, Deodorant, Feminine hygiene products. (Limit 5 tickets per person) Hope Clinic, serving those in need with dignity and respect.(www.thehopeclinic.org )
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: Run with us in Mexico! February 15 - 22, 2014! Official details to come, express interest here!
2013-10-02 - Plan, Run, Learn, Race
Fall is certainly the sweet spot of the running year, not only do we get glorious crisp running days but it's the season for us to put all our hard work and training into action at the fall events. Many of you have targeted your year towards a fall race, be that the marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K or whatever, you now get to reap the rewards from your long term goal planning and execution. Training for an event teaches us the life skills that will bring us success in all aspects of this busy and wonderful life. For those of us who have been at this a while, each event is a bit of a refresher course in time management and planning. I find that during the time period that I'm training for a specific race, my life's direction seems clear and focused and my productivity is high in all areas, when not in training I get sidetracked with nonsense, perhaps the answer is to always have a goal.
Plan, run, learn, race,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner ... Who does not move forward well without a game plan
PS: For those of you who have chosen to join us at Heroes on Hines, we thank you. We are proud to be a part of this serious and important fund raising project for the memorial to fallen first responders. I can't wait to check out the finished project race day, this Saturday, October 5th! Half marathon and 5k Late entry is available for those of you who have not yet entered, what a great way to get in a last training run for Detroit. See heroesonhines.com
PS: Thinking of running a Turkey Trot this Thanksgiving? Join Running Fit for Turkey Trot training beginning Saturday October 19. Turkey Trot Training
PS: Soon the nonsense starts, the silly and fun races to wind down the year. Runs like Run Scream Run 5k, 10k on October 12th, where we get to dress up and run from or with the Zombies at Michigan's number one horror attraction, Wiard's Orchard, in Ypsilanti. It's also the perfect low key taper fun for Detroit Freep (With awesome finisher's medals!). See runscreamrun.com. You can't beat a fall color road trip to Traverse City, especially when you throw in an October 26th Zombie race from a brewery when you get there! See tczombierun.com .
PS: Finish up the year with the Holiday Hustle 5k in Dexter, the perfect holiday tradition. See
runholiday5k.com