Obsessed Runner Blog
2014-05-14 - Fielding Questions
I read that Running Fit was acquired, what will change?
The staff and management you know and love will be the same people you have been supporting for the past 30 years at your local Running Fit.
Yes, the Running Specialty Group (RSG) based in Denver acquired the retail portion of Running Fit, but all our Michigan based staff and stores will be working with the RSG team to bring you the greatest running gear and the same quality service you have received for years. Why? We will be here to listen and help you reach your running goals, it's what we love. In fact, we are hoping we improve as we have the opportunity to learn from some of the best running stores in the country who are part of RSG.
So the manager John will still give me S*** when I stroll into the downtown Ann Arbor Running Fit?
John has been with us nearly 20 years and like every other Running Fit store manager, he will continue to bring the same service and warped humor you deserve. In fact, even though RSG is located in Denver, our staff are all local runners as always. No new guys from HQ. RSG has some of the best running stores in the country in their family and we are proud to be part of their team and be able to access their resources and experience.
What about the running groups?
Our classes and clinics like many other parts of specialty running will improve as we learn from our sister stores like Boulder Running Company, Blue Mile in Indy, Roncker's Running Spot in Cincinatti and The Boston Running Company. The whole goal of RSG is to invest in successful local running stores and take them from good to great!
Will Running Fit still support local events and charities?
Absolutely. Running Fit will continue to work in our community to support events, schools and organizations as we have always done. Steve and Trevor will continue to work full time running our retail business and helping support local events. This merger has been going on for months, but Running Fit still had time to raise over $45,000 for Mott this year at Shamrocks & Shenanigans.
So Randy isn't moving to Hawaii?
Only if we can get a Dances With Dirt on the Big Island. No, actually everything stays pretty much the same on the work side...Randy and the Dirt Crew will continue to direct our events and lead our timing company and Steve will be behind the wheel of the retail ship.
OK, Races will still be a part of Running Fit?
Oh yeah, in fact, we have already had a new race since our merger, Hightail to Ale was a huge success when 4000 runners hit motown for a Friday night 5k and cold Atwater Brews last week. We truly look at this as a partnership as Running Fit Events is still owned by your favorite obsessed runner and his long time business partner. Races have always been what made Running Fit a success and will continue to be a fabric of Running Fit.
Is Running Fit still a local business?
Well, our bookkeeper is in Colorado, but we still employ over 100 Michigan residents, pay State taxes, donate in our community, and invest in local real-estate for our Ann Arbor stores. Our managers and staff live and run in our community. I have lived every minute of my life in Michigan and run millions of steps in this state, so yeah we still feel like townies, be it downstate or up North. The Running Fit event and timing company is locally owned, producing over 25 local events, many to support people and causes in our communities.
The best is yet to come,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner, on the job as always, right here at Running Fit along with Steve and the rest of our amazing, passionate crew of runners, at your service!
P.S.: There are some amazing events coming up at Running Fit, don't miss out!
- Northville Sidewalk Sale: May 16-18. Up to 75% off!
- Brooks Run Happy Island: May 16 from 3-8pm. Tons of Brooks swag, gait analysis, and fun!
- Meet Meb Keflezighi! May 20, limited seating! Sign up today. Register here: MEBTALK
- Bayshore Marathon Weekend! Get your official race gear at Running Fit on Front St. May 23-25.
2014-05-07 - Run Smart
A couple nice days and it's like winter never happened ... OK, maybe this year we'll remember. That said, we need to be careful as we ramp up the miles. This is the time of year we forget that easy days and rest days are an important part of training, dang. I just tried sneaking in a long trail run for the second time this week. There is no "sneaking" in a long run. A couple of my body parts are giving me a stern warning. Remember, ice is a miracle drug, take the time to ice the spots that are barking at you. Did I ever mention I write this section of the midweek mail to myself?
For those of you who are new to trail running or want to give it a try, there is a nice little trail in the Washtenaw County Farm Park, right next to Running Fit Ann Arbor East, in Arbor Hills. Shop and run, you can't beat it! Perhaps dinner at the Zola Café, also in Arbor Hills, my new favorite.
Run smart and live it up,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner. Obsessed, not smart.
P.S.: Summer is almost here and it is time to bust out your JEAN SHORTS and join us at the Canton Liberty Run! Get the scoop at cantonlibertyrun.com/
2041-04-30 - Running Fit grows up!
I am excited and proud that the Running Specialty Group acquired Running Fit to be part of their retail team of 58 of the top running stores in the country. As far as changes, the major change will be in the back end of the store, the way the buying and receiving is done. The brand Running Fit will stay Running Fit. Our customers (Our friends), will be greeted by the same Running Fit store managers and staff and the Running Fit culture will carry on! That said, the acquisition will allow Running Fit to have a wider selection of inventory, more colors and more styles due to the collective inventory and resources the Running Specialty Group will bring to the table.
The Running Fit crew numbers about 100 full and part staff between the 8 stores, the acquisition will help out in the H.R. area, offering better and more affordable benefits.
My partner Steve will continue to work with vendor relations and managing the retail products carried by Running Fit. My son Trevor Step, will continue to be Running Fit's retail General Manager. I will continue to develop and run the Event Company, offering the running community fun, imaginative events to keep our running goals alive and motivate us out the door! The event division will carry on as a separate company but the synergy of what goes on between Running Fit retail and the events won't change.
At Running Fit, the excitement we get from sharing our passion for running comes from motivating, outfitting and keeping you or preparing you to be life-long runners through our fit process, classes, clinics, and weekly store runs. Running Fit is here to keep your fire burning!
Run forever,
Randy Step (An admitted obsessed runner), and the passionate crew at Running Fit!
PS: Spring is here and things are finally blooming, Including some nasty invasive species! Help us out as we team up with the Michigan DNR at the annual Garlic Mustard Pull. This Sunday, May 4, the Dirt Crew is teamin' up with the stewardship folks at the DNR to rid Pinckney Rec. of this vermin' weed and we need yer help. Join us for a weed pickin' festival of mustard slaughter, and a pre slaughter run! Click HERE for more details and to RSVP!