Obsessed Runner Blog
2014-11-05 - Run outside
Many of us live and work in a world that separates us from the earth and the natural environment. Going from a temperature controlled home or office to our car, we spend much of our lives inside. We re-breathe stale, used air, walk on carpet and cement and rarely come in direct contact with the earth itself, the dirt. This type of existence, without the addition of an outdoor passion, seems like a way to lead one to believe there is no meaning to this life. The most important aspect of the run is that it gets us outside. We feel the sun, wind and elements against our skin, we breathe in the sights, smells and sounds of the natural world, we get to look at all of creation, not just what was built by humans. Without the run, how much time would we spend outside every day?
As winter moves in, getting outside for the run becomes essential as almost everything else in our world moves inside. The reality is you can always dress and be comfortable in cold conditions, it's only on hot days that our options get limited. The crunch of a new snow underfoot turns the world into a trail run.
Now is time to get your winter run gear in order so you don't miss a beat as the world turns white and cold.
Run warm,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner, looking forward to every run and what the world throws at it.
PS: Join me this Saturday at Running Fit in Northville at 10 AM for a no obligation meeting where we will buy you breakfast and tell you why you should join The Leukemia and Lymphoma Societies Team In Training Program and run or walk the Rock and Roll marathon or half marathon in San Diego on May 31st! Join us!
PS: We have 40 spots reserved for a run in the sun February 6 - 13, Join this obsessed runner for a 5 star week of fun ... and yes, a bit of running and walking!
Check it out!
2014-10-29 - Keep calm and keep running
With shoe manufactures trying to capitalize on our growing sport, we have to be careful to move slowly when it comes to new technology ... just in case it turns out to be gimmicky crap. I've been running pretty much every day for 35 years (Yikes!) and have been in the running industry almost that long. I have seen every technological change in footwear come and go and looking at my current favorite running shoes, I see little difference from my favorite shoes I ran in in the mid 80's. I do admit that midsole durability and fit has improved ... but that is about it. When shopping for running shoes, start by looking at the core shoes from the major manufacturers that have been around a while. The best sellers are the best sellers for a reason, usually it comes down to durable shoes with a great fit, never inexpensive but I feel with running shoes, as opposed to many purchases, you do get what you pay for.
The goal is to run efficiently and injury free so we can enjoy every healthy day. Good running shoes are part of the solution, good form and a training schedule that works for us will get us to that goal and I believe proper form is the most important and most often ignored. We have learned not to look to footwear to correct our bad habits. The basics of good form has not changed, a short efficient stride with good posture, a bit of forward lean and a straight through, chest high arm carry. What also has not changed is that this form does not come naturally, it takes practice and constant diligence. Yes, another thing I've learned over the years, you can learn good form, you can change your form and you can run injury free.
I've not used the shameless plug line in a while ... but there just happens to be a form clinic coming up at 6:30 PM, November 17th at Northville Running Fit.
Keep calm and keep running,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner, who continues to tweak my form and efficiency ... when I remember to.
PS: Join this obsessed runner for a week or running and walking in the sun. email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions about the trip. Limit, 40. Check it out HERE!
PS: My wife Kathy and I are coaching a team of runners and walkers for the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon and Half Marathon on May 30th, 2015 and raising funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Sign up for an informational meeting on Saturday morning November 8th at Running Fit Northville to find out more.
2014-10-22 - Motivation
As the run season winds down, motivation can take a dive. The answer? To start planning for an amazing 2015, plans that will get you out the door this winter. If you sprinkle the winter with a couple fun events, like the December 13th Holiday Hustle 5K in Dexter and the February 1st Super 5K on Superbowl Sunday morning in Novi, you'll add to your medal collections and won't completely lose your fitness level. By picking a spring goal, like the Martian Invasion of Races on April 18th in Dearborn, a run for everyone with a 5K, 10K, 13.1 and 26.2 mile, every winter run will be money in the bank!
To help you commit now, here is a $3 off coupon code to enter any or all these events! Use coupon code "WINTER15MOTIVATION" The code expires this Saturday, October 25th at 11:59PM. Enter at runholiday5k.com, runsuperbowl.com and martianmarathon.com
Keep the fire lit,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who has your next year planned! Go to our event calendar and save the dates, I'll be at all of them, join me!