Obsessed Runner Blog
2014-06-25 - We run, we get it
We live in a world surrounded by runners of incredible abilities and amazing accomplishments, from Olympic athletes to world record holders. Runners who train over 100 miles per week and some that run 100 mile races in less than 24 hours. Runners who run faster than our personal best times at every distance ... while training on a daily basis. That said, the non-runner may wonder why we even get out of bed to put in a 4 mile run at a what might be middle of the pack 10K pace as we train for our next event. The answer, as you all know, is that our running is all about us, and because we train and race, we actually have an intimate understanding of what the best runners in the world do, because we do what they do. When we line up and race a personal best time, even if we come in close to last in the event, every training mile seems worth the effort, we savor OUR victory. The runners in front of us do not demoralize us they inspire us ... and yes, we inspire them. It's a running thing those outside our world may never understand.
I am proud of us all,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner, who might only run half the weekly miles at a much slower pace than you, and I'm OK with that!
PS: Join us for a romp on the trails at The Legend 5 mile, 10 mile and 13.1 mile trail run on August 2nd! Registration prices increase on June 29... REGISTER NOW!
PS: Shoe of the week: Saucony Omni 13
Dan Says: It's easy to assume that a moderate stability shoe just has more posting than a light stability, however, more measures have been taken to correct the greater rate of pronation. The new Saucony Omni 13 is the perfect example of that. When taking a close look at the mid-sole/out-sole of the Guide and the Omni, you'll see the glaring difference being the ground contact in the mid-foot of the Omni vs a plastic torsion piece in the Guide. A greater amount of posting in the Omni and designing the mid foot with more ground contact will give a greater degree of stability than what the Guide's posting & torsion piece have to offer. No drastic changes have been made from the Omni 12 to the 13. Tweaking the upper by adding some seamless overlays and modifying the mid-sole/out-sole for even more ground contact were the most notable updates. And remember, Saucony does not make a double wide. - 8 mm Drop - Weight - Men's - 11.2 oz - Women's - 9.3 oz - Retail - $130
2014-06-18 - OMG, Shoes!
As you can imagine, I pretty much wear running shoes all day every day, and yes, I even run in them. I like the performance, support, fit, the look and feel of them but it goes deeper than that, like many of you, I have a history, a 30 year relationship you could say, with the shoes in my closet. That said, selecting each new pair brings with it a childlike excitement that never gets old as I think of my current goals and what I have in mind for them.
We have an incredibly passionate staff of shoe fitting runners at Running Fit and even I ask a ton of questions and look for insight from them when I get my shoes. Like many of you, I have a couple of Running Fit staff members who know what I've run in and has worked for me in the past ... but I also like to hear from new, young staff members for fresh insights that get me to question what may be, my dogged beliefs.
Enjoy the adventure of running ... and shopping!
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner, in my closet is the proof.
PS: Join Saucony and the crew at Running Fit Novi for our Breakfast Run! The event takes place at Running Fit Novi on Saturday June 21st. Doors open at 7am, run begins at 7:30. Loops of 3, 6, or 10 miles will be marked and aided. Erin from Saucony will be there with try on Ride 7's available to run in. After the run enjoy a delicious spread of breakfast goodies.
PS: We have an internal weekly staff newsletter at Running Fit with a section called "Dan's Shoe Corner". To read everything about every shoe from every manufacture takes more than a passion for running shoes, it takes a shoe obsession, Dan the manager from our West Bloomfield store has it. We let Dan sift through it all and report his findings. Here is a sample and a link to recent posts by Dan.
Dan's Shoe Corner
How many time have you heard: "I think I used to run in the Pegasus when I was in high school."?
Nike's flagship shoe that has been going strong since they first debuted in 1983 has just released the 31st version. More mid-foot ground contact and an easier transition from heel-toe is trending in neutral shoes right now and the Pegasus is following suit. Dropping the Pegasus to a 10mm offset, filling out the mid-foot, adding a "crash rail" on the lateral side and increasing the sprung toe angle all help aid in an easy transition from heel/mid-foot strike to toe off. Also, Nike has done away with +Sensor capabilities in both the Pegasus 31 & the Vomero 9.
2014-06-11 - Running with Dad
One day I returned home after a long hard run and was sitting on the back porch in a sweaty post run haze. My dad looked at me shaking his head and commented, you might not live to be 100 ... but it will sure seem like it! My dad was from an old world family and my running passion took awhile for him to accept. Later in life, he let me know that he was proud of his running son and that he could see that it was positive influence, giving me a discipline and consistency that carried over to my work and family life ... Much like the influence my dad worked to give me growing up, running kind of picked up for my dad when I left the nest.
I lost my dad earlier this year. Never have my runs seemed such a valuable comfort to me. I've been spending the miles recalling our times together, hearing his voice, his laugh and seeing his smile.
The run is there for you,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner and father of my own adult children that I could not be more proud of. And I'm sure you're wondering, yes, they run.
PS: Some great runs we hope to see you at:
This Saturday June 14th, join us for a bit of pre-father's day action at The Canton Liberty Festival 5K-10K run/walk. A Patriotic Party with the ridiculous costume theme of Stars, Strips and Jorts! Lots of awards for your creative effort, and a post-race beer. Enter at cantonlibertyrun.com
June 28th, Novi. A nice race for a great cause, "Live Like Andi" 5K & 10K run and 5K walk and one mile walk.
Running 501 Registration in Northville/Novi is open! Orientation is scheduled for 6:15pm on Wednesday June 18. Certified Coaches, Suzi Stock and Doug Goodhue are returning for their 7th year to again create a running environment and challenge for not only our returning runners, but new runners of all ages and fitness levels who are looking for a organized group training experience! This 18 week training program is centered around the 2014 Fall Marathon and Half-Marathon season...especially the Detroit Free Press Marathon on October 19, 2014.
Thinking about running the Traverse City Lighthouse Half Marathon? Then we've got just the thing for you. A 12 week training program in Traverse City!