Obsessed Runner Blog
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!
2015-11-25 - Thanks & Keep Smiling!
The fitness lifestyle continues to grow in our culture but so does the obesity rate which is over 35% in American adults. So, as we head out for our run we are still part of what is perceived by many to be an oddball minority, those who choose to run and to associate it with fun. For over 30 years I continue to hear the same comments like, I only run to the fridge or when I'm being shot at. When asked about my running I find myself dumbing down my answers about how far I run or the races I enter. My hope is to make our sport less intimidating and more attainable. Yes, some of our athletic accomplishments might inspire others but I think what will help most is for more and more of us to get out there and set the example. When they see we are all shapes and sizes, running and walking, fast and slow, they may eventually get out to join us to find the fun in the run.
Get out there, your run can change the world,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner, trying to smile on my runs, even on the hard days ... At least when someone is looking!
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!