July 23, 2008 - Running, on the surface, is such a simple, uncomplicated sport...

Yo Run Gang,

Running, on the surface, is such a simple, uncomplicated sport that is fulfilling both physically and mentally. With just minimal equipment needs and even less in the athletic abilities department, you cant get any more basic. It truly is just one foot in front of the other, as they say, even a child can do it.

As we mature into our running, as the positive aspects of its addictive qualities take over, we slide below the surface of this so called simple activity and find an ocean of information to be learned about our sport. Hundreds of running books, monthly periodicals and laboratory reports on physiology, gait analysis, nutritional needs and so much more have been written and new information comes along constantly.

As Ive said, run forever, you wont be bored.

Randy Step, and addicted runner, over 30 years getting out the door and learning every day.

March 11, 2009 - My body felt worse than the weather...

Yo Run Gang,

Yesterday I headed out for a dreary rainy run. My body felt worse than the weather, tired, dead legged, bad stomach and short of breath. I gutted it out for a while then made a turn so it would be a short loop back to home. 20 minutes of this torture and like magic, all pain faded away, like the sun breaking out (But it was only getting darker and wetter). I felt light on my feet, smooth and the running was effortless. I took a turn away from home and into the woods where my short run turned long and my day was made. The moral to the story, who knows?

The spring races start Now! Not exactly the serious race season yet, but the St. Pats races signals the start. A fun choice, The Shamrocks and Shenanigans 5K is this Sunday, the 15th, 11AM start in Downtown Ann Arbor at Conner O Neils Pub. Info is at www.runshamrocks.com. All proceeds go to Save a Heart, Congenital Heart Center at C.S. Mott Childrens Hospital. A great cause, a fun time and an excuse for your behavior!

Hang tough on your run, the fitness, and the magic, will come.

Randy Step, an obsessed runner looking for the silver lining