Obsessed Runner Blog
April 27, 2011 - Avoid depression, go for a swim!
Yo run gang,
I've mentioned before that a diversified fitness portfolio insures you won't go into depression when a running injury strikes. I think Triathlon is the perfect sport to add to the mix, giving you 2 additional aerobic options to get your HDL/Endorphins fix! I've shared my system with you before, splitting my year up so during winter I target and train for the spring running races before become an obsessed triathlete for the summer. I switch my focus back to running in mid August and aim seriously for long fall race. I throw in some biking and swimming all year to keep the portfolio current, all in all, a mix I've enjoyed, not to mention, Triathlon has the coolest toys!
From triathlon, I've found I like to run my long runs and races in Tri-Shorts; I never chafe and love the support. I run my half marathons in Zoot shoes, a light fast brand I would not have
come across as a runner. Other Tri focused brands I love are 2XU and Blue 70. Running Fit's headquarters for Triathlonbrands and information are Running Fit Novi and Ann Arbor West. When visiting the Jackson Road Ann Arbor store, ask to see our swim studio with 2 endless pools where our coach Christy the Swimmer turns floundering swimmers into fast fish!
Swim, Bike, RUN!
Randy, the obsessed runner ... From August 22 to May 29th! Check out the blogs at rfmultisport.com!
PS: Hoping to improve your Running this summer?
Look no further than Running Form Improvement Training with Running Fit. In one session we will start to change the way you think about running forever. Improve your performance and get more out of your running and training experience. Reduce injuries as you develop and understand the importance of form and balance. Go to www.runningfit.com/runningform for details and class schedules. Class sizes are limited so sign up today!
PS: For Women Only 5K, 29th Running!
Sunday, May 15th at 10:30 AM, on the grounds of St. Joesph Health Center in Ypsilanti at 10:30 AM. This race has a tradition of celebration of women in sport, with a fast two loop course, great for spectators or PR's. We will be featuring beautiful New Balance Tech Shirts and cool champagne glass age group awards. The race will benefit Susan G. Komen Foundation and Girls on the Run, two charities committed to bettering the lives of women in our community. You can also enter as team with mother/daughter, sister/sister and grandmother/granddaughter teams. Walkers are welcome on any team, and you can combine walkers and runners on one team.
More online at http://www.aatrackclub.org/2011-05-15/for-women-only-5k/10/ or email rThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions or would like a paper entry form.
Men! Email Rachel to volunteer!
PS. Live Like Andi - May 14 Another great, charitable race is coming up on May 14 on the streets of Novi, MI, The Live Like Andi 10 Mile (Yes, a fast, road, 10 mile!), 10K and 5K. Entries are a bit down, please help out this great race and great cause and enter today at
2013-03-06 - Work?
March 6, 2013
Some days I take myself out for a run; other days, the run seems to be in charge and chooses my path, even my path in life.
Today I write this from a remote house on the bank of the Withlacoochee river in Florida's Green Swamp. I'm dressed to run and am about to head out to work. Work? I am armed with a hydration belt, GPS and marking flags. Today's job: to mark 15 miles or so of a wild wilderness course for this Saturday's Dances With Dirt trail running event. As they say ... Somebody has to do it! No doubt, running has shaped my life and taken me on this career path. Yes, it's a blessed life and I thank my running obsession for taking me here.
This will be a weekend with very little sleep and the responsibility of the event will weigh heavily on me and the other dedicated members of the Dirt Crew until the hundreds of adventure seeking runners come back from the swamp, safe, physically beat to a pulp and proud of their accomplishments.
Follow your path, follow the run,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner headed out with hopes of spotting a few feral hogs, 'gators and armadillos on my way to work!
PS: Running Fit Novi and New Balance are hosting a Saturday morning breakfast run!
Join us for a fun group run starting from the Novi Running Fit store located in the Novi Town Center. New Balance 890 (neutral) and 870 (light stability) test shoes will be available to demo. Route will consist of an out and back route (up to 10 miles) along the I-275 metro trail. Water will be available at the halfway point. Breakfast will be served after the run courtesy of New Balance. Store opens at 7:30, run leaves the store at 8:00 AM. Please RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 248-347-4949 to let us know you'll be there!
November 26, 2008 - The worse the weather, the more valuable the run.
Yo Run Gang,
Bring it on, the worse the weather, the more valuable the run, both physically and mentally. There is something about a cold morning run in horrid conditions in the dark that gives a feeling of power, what I call a Rambo Run. Its like you have something over everyone else. These runs can make us feel like superheroes, something a run on a beautiful day just cant match. Get out there and feel the power!
Traction time is coming. There is no reason to worry about slipping and taking a fall on the winter run. Putting on Yak Tracks adds to the feeling of invincibility on the winter morning run, there is something about running on crap footing with reckless abandon that fires up the soul!
A time of thanks. Especially during the holidays, I think of our American soldiers on the other side of the world away from family and friends putting it all on the line for us and I stand in awe. Thank a vet.
At a recent convention of all the running stores in North America, Running Fit was awarded the Ubuntu award for being the most charitable Running Store in the world, our industries highest honor. Yikes! The truth is, this award was won by our customers and staff who made such giving possible. With the increasing difficulties in our economy, charity will become even more important in the year ahead but will also be more difficult. Again, we thank you.
Get out and run!
Randy Step
Running Fit, an Ann Arbor, Michigan based company wins international humanitarian award!
Running Fit is the 2008 winner of the Ubuntu Award, a special honor to recognize the leading running specialty store for outstanding community service and involvement.
"The word 'Ubuntu' has no literal translation in English, but in essence it means humanism, a shared world view or vision of humanity," said Russell Clark, C.E.O. of Balega, sponsor of this award. "It's about the principle of caring for each other, and a spirit of mutual support. A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, generous, hospitable, caring and compassionate. More broadly it is the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity."