September 1, 2010 - Run fast, take chances!

Yo run gang,
 
I'm amazed at the volume of running articles and blogs focused on how to run races, or should I say, complete races, with the least training and fitness level possible. Yes, this information has a positive side, it lowers the intimidation level, brings new people to the sport and as John Bingham would say, "Gives them the courage to start", all good stuff. Because of the success of this message, the average finishing time for a marathon has gotten an hour slower in the past 10 years and similar slower averages are seen in shorter events. It's true that the joy of running can be experienced at many levels but I'm feeling a responsibility to add balance to the running message, spreading the word that it's also OK to train hard, run high mileage and to run FAST! Yes, it's a wonderful feeling and great accomplishment to finish a marathon even if it takes over 5 hours, but the world also needs to hear that it's VERY COOL to run a marathon time that starts with 3 hours or even 2 hours! With greater commitment to the sport comes greater risks but ... BIG TIME REWARDS, especially on the self esteem side. I should mention that running a Boston Marathon qualifying time is not out of reach if you dare to dream big! Check out this link and set your goal!  http://www.bostonmarathon.org/bostonmarathon/qualifying.asp.
How to get faster? Runners are creatures of habit. We run the same routes at the same time at the same pace. We don't get faster ... duh?  To get faster we have to jump on the track. To get faster we need to Increase our mileage, change our course, change our pace and maybe change our form. Are you ready to run fast and take chances? Read More.. .

Run fast, take chances,

Randy Step, an obsessed runner, who hopes to line up with you in Boston!