Obsessed Runner Blog

February 9, 2011 - Nothin' is easy...

It is so true, nothing good comes easy. We are reminded every time we layer up for our winter runs ... So much stuff. The footing, the schlepping, the laundry but then, the amazing feeling of satisfaction and control of our lives that can't be explained or measured by the effort. A run that gives back much more than we put into it, more memorable and valuable than any fair weather run will ever be. Dig it!

The passion for what we do and sharing that passion with you makes Running Fit a wonderful place to work, thank you! If winter starts to drag and get you down, come in for a visit and a pep talk. Sure it's a shameless plug but new shoes and a new cool technical running jacket, tights, base layer top or whatever can reinvigorate and jump start your running and keep you rolling into spring. It also helps when much of our winter gear is on sale ... we told you it was shameless!

The run is always worth the effort,

Randy Step, an obsessed runner who works in a toy store!

October 6, 2010 - Extreme Skirts

Yo run gang,

I love extremes ... But I must admit, glorious fall days also rock the run! Don't you love a fall run that starts in the cold and dark, heads through a breathtaking sunrise, then, as the day quickly heats up, finds you sweating like it's a summer day and stripping down to the basics by the end. There is a bit of magic in a run that takes you from the night into the day, it's not easy to explain but it seems to give the satisfaction and feeling of the long run, powerful, like a run that lasts 2 days.

I'm not sure if it's politically correct, (sexist?), to say it but I think the running skirt is a flattering look on women. For some, it's a great alternative to the despised lycra shorts or tights...Personally, I think it would be fun to jazz it up a bit and try the winter skirt over tights... but I'm just a guy, who wishes I could sport the plaid shorty... just sayin'.... Skirt Sports got my vote for product of the week ... The decade!

Yikes! The Freep Marathon and Half Marathon are a week from Sunday! For those of you who have trained and put in the miles needed to toe the line, I salute your commitment! For those of you with the half marathon or marathon on the bucket list as a future goal, may I suggest you head to Detroit and cheer on the runners. Watching a marathon is an inspirational and motivational experience that can help you to achieve your running goals. Running or not, come visit the Running Fit booth at the expo Friday and Saturday for great deals on fun stuff!

Final thought: For those of you who did not train as much as you had planned but will still be toeing the starting line ... There is Ibuprofen!

Run forever,

Randy Step, an obsessed runner

2012-04-18 - Keep it simple

Yo run gang,

As the world gets more complicated by the minute, the simplicity of going for a run continues to notch up in value, especially on the psychological side. I put running in the number one spot in sport for getting down to basics and fulfilling our need for clarity. The run leaves the individual to compete against distance and time, no equipment or special environment necessary, few activities compare.

When using the litmus test of "Can I do this sport naked with no equipment and no other participants?", yoga is right up there but does not quite fulfill my athletic need for an exact measurement of success. Swimming fits the bill, but having 80 degree water limits its practicality. The other sport that comes to mind is bouldering, or free climbing. Yes, some equipment like footwear and goggles may add to the experience of these simple sports but the point is our need to get down to basics. On a run we get to bedrock, we move, sweat and challenge ourselves, finishing inspired, confident and ready to take on this loud, complicated and busy life.

Escape with a run,

Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner, enough said.


PS: Some upcoming events to add to your running enjoyment ... 

4/21 - Saturday - feetandfriends.org - Join me in Dexter at Hudson Mills Metro Park for the Feet and Friends 5k and 8K (5 miles) A good cause.  

4/22 - Sundaytrailrunning101 - Run trails and volunteer! A quick trail running 101 class with tips for the trail runner followed by a run on the trails ... followed by some volunteer work picking evil invasive plants in Pinckney Recreation area as we help out the DNR's Stewardship Committee.   
4/29 - Sundaytrailmarathon.com - The Road Ends 5 mile trail run - Give trails a try!    
4/29 - Sunday - Novi, MI - Livelikeandi.org - If flat fast road racing is more you style, Live Like Andi offers 5K, 10K and 10 Miles.   
5/12 - Saturday - Chelsea MI - chelseaheartandsole.com - Heart and Sole 5K,10K and 2 mile.   
6/16 - Saturday - Canton, MI - Cantonlibertyrun.com - What other run give you a Statue of Liberty costume to run in? Don't miss this nonsense! 5K, 10K. 

 

PS: Another Awesome Volunteer Opportunity! The Trail Races - April 27, 28 
Join us at the Start/Finish area, in the woods or in the store for pre-registration on the 26th.
Volunteer Registration and the details here - Volunteer now!

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