Obsessed Runner Blog
2013-09-04 - Some runs just suck
It's amazing how different we can feel both physically and mentally at different times during the same run. We live for the magic runs that are effortless from the first step to the last and go on like that till the end leaving us fired up for the next time out. That said, more often we start out dragging, breathing hard and feeling heavy and tired. Sometimes it takes a couple miles for the body to groove in so no matter how bad it starts we can be patient, miserable but patient. Most of the time we are finally rewarded as our heart rate drops and our steps become light ... But not always.
Last week I headed out for my long run, rested and ready to get in a good solid effort. From step one my body went south. I battled the demons for two miles before having to walk to catch my breath. After a minute I gave the run a second try but the body was having none of it. I turned and struggled home, hoping for a change in my biorhythms or whatever. I made it back ready to throw in the towel. I downed a glass of orange juice and a banana as my wife walked into the kitchen and told me if I headed out for another 20 minutes and circle back, she would join me for some miles, an offer good enough to get me to give it another try. I'm sure you're thinking this is the part where my run made a magical turn. Not. The 20 minutes were endless and the final miles with my wife were agonizing but I got it done. I took the following two days off and the next run was a gem, go figure.
Get out the door, this may be your day,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who admits not all runs will take you above the astral plane ... but are always an adventure.
P.S. - Looking for a chance to set your soul free? Join me this weekend for 3 days of peace, music and running! Online registration is closed, but join us for late registration Friday and Saturday in Pinckney, MI! www.runwoodstock.com
2013-08-28 - The Fall of Summer
Funny, even with the temps in the 80's you can still feel fall creeping in. The back to school action is in full swing and for those of you lucky enough to have young runners in the family, cross country meets have started! It seems Labor Day is the dividing line, with the last of the summer races like last weekend's Crim Races in Flint and next weekend's kick off to fall, Run Woodstock, a weekend celebration of this running life.
The crisp, glorious days of fall are a busy time here at Running Fit, we start by clearing out the summer run gear at this weekend's Labor Day SALE and loading the racks with the latest technical fall and winter fashions that help get us out the door as the cold creeps in. I'd call it a shameless plug but our sport requires so little as far as equipment that shopping for a few new items as the seasons change is a simple pleasure with a valuable motivational upside. The excitement we get from new toys never grows old!
Let the leaves fall,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who can't wait for the healing escape of Run Woodstock next weekend and supporting a serious, important memorial for our fallen first responders on October 5th by running Heroes on Hines .
P.S. - When hitting up the Labor Day sales this weekend, put Running Fit on your list! Check out the summer season clearance as we say goodbye to the dog days of summer! 10%-20% off apparel, select apparel up to 50% off, and shoes so cheap you won't believe it!
P.P.S. - Looking for a great fall marathon training run? Join us for a 20 miler at Kensington on September 28, 2013 with aid every 2 miles! More info HERE
2013-08-21 - Run Safe
Every action we take is about risk and reward. An active lifestyle comes with risk, but offers great rewards. That said, a sedentary life is also risky, especially when you take into account medical issues that come up from lack of activity and psychological issues like lack of self esteem or depression, as for rewards? I often say jokingly, "run fast and take chances." The context for this line always has to do with distance and speed and not personal safety, an example is pushing oneself to the limit in a race or running faster or farther than you think you can.
Compared to most sports, running is a safe choice but we all need to keep safety in mind. When we head out the door a lot of things that can happen to us, by running smart we can avoid most but never all of them. Wear bright clothing and always run against traffic. If running at night, light yourself up with strobe lights, a reflective vest and a head lamp. Never trust a car, bike or pedestrian and expect the unexpected, look both ways and be aware. Look for safe routes and only wear ear buds in area closed to traffic of any kind. Have great respect for the weather and adjust your run route, clothing and hydration accordingly, especially in extreme heat.
Get out and run safe!
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who has enjoyed more than 50,000 accident free running miles together with my wife Kathy.
P.S. My wife Kathy was hit by a car while riding her bike on what would seem a pretty safe 25 MPH road in the park last week by a car full of teenage kids that turned right into her, not allowing even a second to react. Amazingly, after flying 35', she sustained no major or life threatening injuries and is on the mend and will be back out there soon. Blogging a bit on safety is all my mind will allow this week, take care.
P.S. The rumors are true, a new Running Fit will be opening at the end of the week in the Arbor Hills shopping center on Washtenaw at Platt Road across from Whole Foods in Ann Arbor. This weekend will be a "soft" grand opening. More info to come next week as we plan for a full blown grand opening party ... and Run!