2015-09-16 - Yes, you are a runner!

randy sunglassesI witnessed tears of joy from a first time 5K trail run finisher at Run Woodstock. The steep hills and dirt footing made this run a challenging adventure for many who were venturing off the roads for the first time. Each run is a stepping stone, a learning experience that moves us forward to the next adventure. Many of us saw the finish line of our first race as an affirmation, giving us the OK to say to the world that, "I am a runner!"  Great stuff. Yes, there were runners who ran 100 miles this weekend at Run Woodstock, runners who left me standing in awe of their commitment to the sport and the incredible mental and physical tenacity they have developed in their running lives, 100 mile finishers who had tears of joy in their eyes, the same tears of joy they experienced long ago when they crossed their first 5K finish line ...
 
Keep running forward,
 
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner with greater adventures calling me on.

PS: Join us on the Dirt Crew for an epic weekend in HELL, MI the weekend of September 26! We love our volunteers and this is a down and dirty weekend you wont forget! Check out the details HERE!
 
PS: One last chance for a trail race finish in 2015, Run Vasa in Travers City, Saturday November 14th. Yes, it might be a wicked cold day and yes, it may even snow .. but it is guaranteed to be an adventure to remember, one that will move you forward. 5K, 10K, 25K, enter at http://runvasa.com/

2015-09-09 - Run so you can help

randy sunglassesThe thoughts I had while watching the tragedy unfold on 9/11 would change me forever. Before that, I would say my actions would have been those of a survivor, doing what it would take to save myself and my family. That day I watched as hundreds of people much braver than I can imagine ran into The World Trade Center instead of running away from it. First responders with families at home and other brave souls who stopped to help those who were in need rather than sprinting away. Since that day, each daily run takes on new meaning. When tragedy strikes, I want to be physically and mentally ready to help ... and not be the one who needs help or thinks only of myself. For all first responders and members of the military, you have my utmost respect and gratitude.
 
Run to help,
 
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who is proud to live among so many brave Americans.

PS - Join us this fall for one of the wildest SKEDADDLES out there! Scrumpy Skedaddle 5K and 10K at Almar Orchards in Flushing, MI on October 4th is JUST what the doctor ordered... an apple a day, right? Join us for a scamper around the orchards. runscrumpy.com