Obsessed Runner Blog
2017-02-08 - Don't waste your run
I found myself almost done with my run when I realized I had not once looked around at the wonder of the world around me, and had not once listened to my footfalls or the sounds of nature. My mind remained a buzz, cluttered with all I should have left behind for the run to do it's magic. I know that it takes a conscious effort to clear the head and live fully in the moment. I had ignored all the triggers that usually bring me to the place that I feel completely alive and living in full color. I came to a dead stop, took a deep breath of cold outside air, erased my thoughts and started to feel the right now, a feeling as good as it gets.
Don't waste a moment of your run,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who promises myself to remain vigilant to never miss all that is part of this gift.
PS: I am so excited to have the Trails in Motion trail running film festival back in Michigan! I guarantee a beautifully produced motivational afternoon at the Farmington Civic Theater, a Michigan gem! I will introduce the films and after we will be headed to the brew pub next door, join me! Only 270 seats available, grab a couple! Check out the trailer!
2017-02-01 - Don't think, just run
This busy life has enough obstacles keeping us from the run, let alone having tough weather to wear down our resolve. One cold weather solution is to not overthink it, just overdress and run out the door. Once out and running, you can then consider the distance, the weather and if you should circle back and shed some clothes. If the wind is wicked, look to find a stretch that is protected, then, perhaps repeat it for a while, maybe for the entire run. Make it a point to notice something different on each lap, birds, types of trees, how your footprints are adding up in the snow. You find yourself getting more into it on each lap and heading home only because your window of time is up. Convinced?
Run out the door first, then give it some thought,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who must admit, I'm scraping the bottom of my bag of my "get us out the door" tricks but we will prevail.
PS: Last chance to save some bucks on the Super 5K is coming up! Online registration closes at NOON on Friday! Don't miss the Lady Gaga "Half Way" 5K show Sunday morning, February 5th! Weather is looking good! runsuperbowl.com
2017-01-25 - Run alone and connected
I use the free version of the Strava running App on my phone and I must admit, it helps motivate me out the door. Today's apps are not only a way to log miles and track totals but a way to interact with other runners. You can follow others and be followed, and there is the chance of getting kudos, even for my short, slow runs or walks, much like getting likes on social media! OK, exactly like it. You can use these apps on many of the GPS watches, but I like the security of running with my phone. (I do keep the ringer off to run in peace.) On almost every run I encounter something beautiful or interesting enough to snap a photo of to add to my post/log. When my day gets long or stressful, these images can plug me back into an energized moment from my run and clear the funk. And yes, by having the phone you may be the first to come upon an accident scene, dial 911, and save a life.
Run fully connected and peacefully alone,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner with an app on my phone to prove it.
PS: Want to train for the Martian Invasion of Races Half Marathon on April 22, 2017 in Dearborn, MI? There's still time! Join us for a spring half marathon training program starting this Saturday, January 28th. Check it out here!
PS: If you haven't taken a spin on the Potawatomi Trail in Pinckney, MI we highly suggest you do... on April 29th and 30th for the 31st Annual Trail Marathon Weekend! Road Ends 5 Mile, Trail Half and Full Marathon and 50K! You're in for a trail treat with this one! trailmarathon.com