Obsessed Runner Blog
2014-03-19 - This Running Life
The physical and psychological benefits of the daily run are wonderful gifts but other aspects of our sport can add to the rich and fulfilling nature of this running life.
Setting a goal, researching and committing to a specific event, equipping ourselves for the task and making plans for big event weekends all motivate us out the door and eventually to the finish line, upping the ante of our runner's high. Add to this a powerfully motivating and fulfilling nature of volunteering, when planning a training schedule, a volunteer day at an event similar to your target event is invaluable, helping others achieve their goals is about as good as it gets!
I'm as excited about the events I've chose to train for this year as I was decades ago, actually, if anything, my feelings for this running life continue to grow. I'll be doing trail races, road races, a relay, a multiday event, a triathlon, an ultra-marathon and yes, I will volunteer!
Can't wait to join you out there,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner, chomping at the bit!
PS: Many of us are not quite ready to race after a tough winter... If you're not running in the Martian Invasion of Races on April 12, consider getting in an early volunteer gig. Sign up here!
PS: This is the time Running Fit seriously closes out the winter gear, 20% off one item, 40% off two, or three pieces at 50% off! Time for a top, tights and jacket!
2014-03-12 - Time for some new play clothes
This winter I used more of my running gear than any season I can think of. Never have I had so many mornings that I awoke to subzero temperatures and had to put on so many layers for the daily run. All that time spent putting on layer after layer, then later pulling off layer after layer, and then washing, hanging, folding and putting away all this stuff has really given me a better perspective of what apparel items I need, dislike, and love. One problem is that I'm wearing out all my favorites. (Luckily I work at the best running store in the world for finding great "New Favorite" pieces.) I think I'll spend this weekend doing a bit of spring cleaning and deciding on items to donate so I can do some guilt free shopping for new play clothes! Perhaps a new lightweight jacket for spring, and pick up some new baselayer tees I have my eye on. Working in a toy store has its perks!
Enjoy your toys,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner with the toys to prove it!
PS: Join us for spike nights at Running Fit! 20% off for student athletes! Northville - every Friday in March. Novi - Every Wednesday in March. AA West - Every Tuesday in March. AA East - Every Thursday in March. Traverse City Downtown - March 20.
PS: GET SERIOUS! Running Fit's Serious Series is BACK. Three dates, three locations, three SERIOUS trail runs. Join us as we tour our favorite Southeast Michigan trails!
2014-03-05 - Treadmills have their place
I get a kick out of Facebook posts where someone mentions a treadmill workout. Then, they get hammered by a so called "friend" beating them up for wimping out and not getting out the door. I kind of get it but on the flip side some runners use the treadmill as a tool, regardless of the weather. The fact is, treadmill running can make you a faster, more efficient and a mentally tough runner.
Let's start with the, "mentally tough" claim. Let's say you jump on the treadmill for a workout. After what you guess is about hour of running, you look down at the time readout on the treadmill and you see that you have actually been on the thing for all of 5 minutes. If you hold out for an actual hour, you will be one mentally tough runner when you get back outside running in the natural environment!
The treadmill makes you more efficient. An interesting phenomenon takes place when you run on a treadmill. Let's say you set the speed of the treadmill at 9 minute per mile pace. As you run to keep up with the moving belt at a specific speed, you will have a natural tendency to adjust your running form to make it the least effort possible. These adjustments in form will even happen with little conscious effort. A runner may have other form inefficiencies such as those that make them bounce or lift their feet too high. These runners will actually clean up their form seeking the easiest way to run the pace set. These effects are increased if the pace is a difficult one for the runner to hold. After using a treadmill consistently for a period of time these changes in form will be learned, you will take them with you when you go on the road.
That said, it comes down to your running goals, some of us are out to get faster, some of us are out to get outside!
Get in your run, it's all good,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner, headed out the door.
PS: Join us for spike nights at Running Fit! 20% off for student athletes! Northville - every Friday in March. Novi - Every Wednesday in March. AA West - Every Tuesday in March. AA East - Every Thursday in March. Traverse City Downtown - March 20.
PS: Join us Tuesday, March 11, at our bi-monthly forum at Running Fit Novi as we explore The Rise of the Charity Runner and what running for charity means for individuals, organizations and races. There will be plenty of lively discussion and ample opportunity for audience comments and questions.