Obsessed Runner Blog
2015-09-16 - Yes, you are a runner!
I witnessed tears of joy from a first time 5K trail run finisher at Run Woodstock. The steep hills and dirt footing made this run a challenging adventure for many who were venturing off the roads for the first time. Each run is a stepping stone, a learning experience that moves us forward to the next adventure. Many of us saw the finish line of our first race as an affirmation, giving us the OK to say to the world that, "I am a runner!" Great stuff. Yes, there were runners who ran 100 miles this weekend at Run Woodstock, runners who left me standing in awe of their commitment to the sport and the incredible mental and physical tenacity they have developed in their running lives, 100 mile finishers who had tears of joy in their eyes, the same tears of joy they experienced long ago when they crossed their first 5K finish line ...
Keep running forward,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner with greater adventures calling me on.
PS: Join us on the Dirt Crew for an epic weekend in HELL, MI the weekend of September 26! We love our volunteers and this is a down and dirty weekend you wont forget! Check out the details HERE!
PS: One last chance for a trail race finish in 2015, Run Vasa in Travers City, Saturday November 14th. Yes, it might be a wicked cold day and yes, it may even snow .. but it is guaranteed to be an adventure to remember, one that will move you forward. 5K, 10K, 25K, enter at http://runvasa.com/
2015-09-09 - Run so you can help
The thoughts I had while watching the tragedy unfold on 9/11 would change me forever. Before that, I would say my actions would have been those of a survivor, doing what it would take to save myself and my family. That day I watched as hundreds of people much braver than I can imagine ran into The World Trade Center instead of running away from it. First responders with families at home and other brave souls who stopped to help those who were in need rather than sprinting away. Since that day, each daily run takes on new meaning. When tragedy strikes, I want to be physically and mentally ready to help ... and not be the one who needs help or thinks only of myself. For all first responders and members of the military, you have my utmost respect and gratitude.PS - Join us this fall for one of the wildest SKEDADDLES out there! Scrumpy Skedaddle 5K and 10K at Almar Orchards in Flushing, MI on October 4th is JUST what the doctor ordered... an apple a day, right? Join us for a scamper around the orchards. runscrumpy.com
2015-09-02 - Smile, Laugh, Run
We run to give ourselves the personal time we all need. We run to unplug, reboot and erase some of the built up stress of life, getting it back to a manageable level. We run to nurture ourselves. So, how is it that at times we find ourselves stressing over aspects of our running? Things like our pace, missing a workout on our schedule for a good reason or no good reason, or disappointment at not running a goal time.
Perhaps when we find ourselves stressing over the run it might help to remember the reasons we run. The run is what we do for enjoyment and when this is not the case let's try to take our minds back to a time that getting out for a run once a week was a joy, when we were proud of ourselves for running any distance at any pace. The only thing to take seriously about the run is the fun, we can let the rest go!
Smile, laugh, run,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who wastes a lot of time reminding myself to enjoy this amazing running life. Gheesh!
PS: That said, It's time to get back to the land and set your soul free! The healing weekend of Run Woodstock is just over a week away, dig? Music, yoga, hikes and running... 5k to 100 freakin' miles! Join us at Runwoodstock.com.