Obsessed Runner Blog

2020.07.09 - Heat Kills

randy flowersWeird times indeed. So often in Michigan summer is a blink of an eye, perhaps a couple rare 90 degree days, I'm sure this is a record streak of warm days. As runners we need to respect the heat, yes, it can kill you. Run smart, find a shady route, do short loops so you can bail and drink more than just water, the danger goes up when you drink tons of water and flush your body of the minerals that keep your heat ticking straight. That said, as I have said, I love extremes. Yep, a 3 mile run can bring on a feeling of danger and adventure when it's 90 and humid or -10 and windy! Plan for it, run smart but don't miss the opportunity! Dig it.


Run smart,

Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who is dreaming up a new triathlon event that includes a run, chugging a cold beer and skinny dipping!

2020.07.01 - Run smart, run cool

randy bridgesRare for Michigan, the weather predicts a couple warm weeks in a row. It helps if you can get out early or late in the day. For sure, shaded paths are the place to be. Yep, the flies and bugs are heavy on the trails but I ran long today with bug spray and fly tape on my hat and they become a non-issue. Once a fly is on the tape, all flies go to the tape, lemmings ... Just look for 'Tread Not' deerfly patches, made in Michigan! On another note, when you train for a race that is canceled, the miles are not wasted. Every mile you run becomes a part of who you are, not just the fitness aspect but the cumulative miles of a lifetime have taught you to handle and respect extremes like weather and pain, failure and success. Long miles prepare us for long term hardships and have taught us to be patient, knowing the joy will return.


Run smart, run cool, run with hope and never stop,

Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who knows my daily run is never wasted.

2020.06.24 - Will Run for Beer

randy dirtshirtOut on my run today I came across some flags in the woods, the kind we mark our trail races with. My heart soared, then sank. My first thought was, trail race! My next thought was, canceled race and the reality of our world. There are some small events getting back on their feet with the 100 person limit and more to come as the limit gets raised to 250 after July 4th. Our first foray back to live events will be the Pterodactyl Triathlon (fingers crossed). In the interim, I must admit, I've been enjoying the challenges the RF Events Crew have created. Like many of you, my mileage in May was way up with the Head Goat challenge and June's Stay Cay is fun, motivating and educational. This virtual Michigan touring has me excited to see more of Pure Michigan in person. My must visit bucket list is growing! The next challenge the RF Event Crew has for you includes BEER! The Michigan Beer Adventure motivates us out the door to get in the fitness minutes we need to get to the next Brewery and crack open their beer! (Finally, a non-virtual beer!) Expect to (virtually) visit some amazing Michigan breweries, drink some well-deserved beers, get caught up in theme days, happy hour fun, a sure to be wild FB group and so much more! Limited 12 packs, grab one today!


Randy, an admitted obsessed runner who, will run for beer!

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