Obsessed Runner Blog
2013-12-16 - Run Proud!
I saw a FB headline today about a 13.1 sticker on a car, "I don't give a sh-t!" I had to respond with, "Well I do!" Seriously, I smile when I know I'm around a kindred soul, someone who understands my running world, a small sticker tells a big story. A story of dedication, determination, a story about a goal oriented individual, a positive role model. I find it a refreshing sticker, not politics, religion or controversial subject ... Or so I thought!
Run proud and loud,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner with Oval stickers on my hippie van to prove it!
PS: Picking a series to register for is a great way to head into the new year with some motivation! We've got 3 great series to keep you moving into the new year. Check out the Serious Series, The Thirsty 3 Series, and the T-Rex Tri Series! We can't wait to cheer you on in 2016.
PS: Hey Hippies, MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Run Woodstock CAMPING AND RACE REGISTRATION will open on December 28, 2015. PEACE!
2015-12-09 - This is not a dress rehearsal
I am a fan of the line: "this is not a dress rehearsal." Every day is precious as I was reminded this year when I lost two, way too young friends, to sudden illness and death. Yes, we may be training for a goal event, saving money for some future purchase or working on some elaborate long term project ... But this stuff all depends on what tomorrow brings. We know that it's important that we take time each day and live in the moment, it takes effort, but the effort is always rewarded. Our run fits this live in the moment requirement pretty well. That said, no matter how passionate we are about our daily run, it still takes an effort to leave all those projects behind and get ourselves out the door each day. When we finish our run, we realize how important the run was to our lives and we are always happy we ran. So why in the heck don't we have that same feeling and realization as we contemplate getting out for our run? We do get out the door and we do run ... but not often is it easy. This continues to baffle me, but it is what it is.
Get out and run,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner ... who still needs a reminder of why.
PS: The Thirsty 3 Series is back and better than ever for 2016! The third year of the Thirsty 3 is something you won't want to miss! Visit thethirsty3.com for all the details!
PS: Get your planners out! The RF Events 2016 calendar is LIVE.. and what's more? Registration for the T-Rex Triathlon Series and Run Woodstock will open THIS MONTH!
2015-12-02 - Smug self-satisfaction
We've been spoiled by a mild November that has not helped us adapt to cold days to come. This will make it a bit harder to get out the door. I find it helps to overdress to reduce the cold slap in the face that might have kept us inside. Wearing a light pack allows us to shed layers and also to put them back on if needed, this can relieve our internal thermostat issues and make the run a lot less intimidating. Yes, the winter laundry pile can get ugly, dang. All that said, a successful, brutal winter run can build our self-esteem like no other. We will need to control our desire to give others the smug look of self-satisfaction as we plow on ... The frost build-up on our face and hat should suffice!
The worse the better, bring it on,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner ... Who talks a big game, at least to myself until the door is closed behind me and I'm out there.
PS: Ease up and lick your wounds, the serious run season is over. Perhaps enter the Holiday Hustle 5K and 1 Mile, December 12th, then take a silly winter road trip romp in the snow at the Bigfoot 5 or 10K Snowshoe run in Traverse City January 23rd, then party and run on Super Bowl Sunday at the Super 5K February 7th. Just enough commitment to get us out the door this winter so we will be ready to ramp up again for the new season!