Obsessed Runner Blog
2012-08-29 - Read on...
Yo run gang,
I find motivational running books and magazines can help get us out the door. The trick, pick up a running magazine or book and after a few pages, the excitement, or guilt, will set in and you will soon be in the training mind set. Motivational movies can do the same.
My latest summer read is "A life without limits", by Chrissy Wellington, the undefeated Ironman triathlete with 10 wins including 3 wins in Kona. The amazing part of her story is that she was not a serious athlete until the age of 30 when she found triathlon, and then found out she was not only a gifted athlete but the best in the world. This came as a shock to Chrissy and a life changer. Her story is a reminder to us all to keep exploring our potential. Other great books: "Once a Runner"; "Return to Carthage" and "Let's pick it up a bit". All available at Running Fit, of course!
Run, read, run,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner ... Who is looking for the next good running book to share.
PS: Calling Volunteers! Please join me as a greeter for Run Woodstock on Friday September 7th in Hell, Michigan! A fun day of showing people to their campsites, and sharing the hippy vibe. You'll get cool hippy swag, pizza and great music to work to! Sign up as "Hippy Host" at https://runningfitevents.webconnex.com/roadies2012
2013-06-05 - New Shoes!
Part of our love of running comes from the no nonsense simplicity and convenience of the sport, no complicated or expensive equipment and it takes place, right out our front door. At times I feel I am a prisoner to a life that demands me to constantly learn new technologies to keep pace with the competition. The run allows us me to unplug, reboot and shut down all the life sucking applications running in the background.
As the minimalist footwear craze started it seemed only natural for us runner types to be attracted to the idea, to take our sport to the next level of simplicity. The manufacturers jumped out in full force trying to capitalize on the new segment, creating hype and cashing in. Many of us found we could get away with a lot less on our feet than we were wearing but many of us suffered time away from the run from injury due to the need for the supportive footwear that worked for us or from not taking the time to let the body adapt to the change.
I'd say overall, the minimalist movement has been good for our sport, as we are coming out the backside of the craze with a focus on our running form, allowing for healthy changes in footwear to lighter, less controlling and more flexible models to ease into. Cool stuff!
Run efficiently,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner that is digging the new lighter faster shoes ... that still offer support.
PS: Shoes like the Saucony Kinvara 4 and the Saucony Ride 6 are proof that some great changes have taken place in footwear, beautiful, lightweight, responsive, shoes with amazing transition and ride not found in the pre minimalist world, making all old shoes ... old shoes! Got to have em!
PS: Yoga for runners takes place 10:30 - 11:30 AM Tuesdays at Running Fit Northville. Come join us, your core will thank you! No experience necessary, no matter what your level of yoga experience you will benefit from Yogi Leslie's knowledge. Class fee $12. Register Here . Namaste'
2013-02-20 - Philosophy of Running
February 20, 2013
It's nice to preach to the choir - you - who get it. I'm sure it's not often that I share things that you don't already know, I can only hope that I can give some confirmation to your choices in life and keep you ... keep both of us, on track. (Or road or trail ...).
I don't consider myself a philosopher, the title is a bit lofty, I've read that a philosopher is someone who tries to say or put down in words what we all know and think already, and I'll accept that's what I attempt to do when it comes to the daily run, our daily bread ... That said, it would have been far out to discuss running in the forum or public baths - like Plato or Aristotle - instead of a blog. Dang!
Give us this day our daily run, and we'll get through the rest,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner would have loved to have spent some time in the tub with y'all during the Classical years, after the run of course!
PS: Public baths fulfilled many of the needs and desires of citizens in classical times and were the center of social life. These extravagant structures were places where one could relax, enjoy art, discuss politics, and converse with others about the issues of the day. These great "palaces of entertainment served all tastes and admitted almost anyone," both rich and poor.
PS: RunWoodstock.com, I'm thinking this may be as close as we get to the social and physical center of running in this day and age. A weekend where we can beat ourselves up on the trails, mellow out to the jams, sit around the fire and share our joy/pain, and set our souls free.