Obsessed Runner Blog
2014-01-01 - Be A Better You
I’ve had some success over the years with New Year’s resolutions. I’m sure we can all think of 50 bad behaviors we’d like to change but I find if you get it down to one or two that seem like they have realistic possibilities for success we have a good shot at tweaking this life for the better. Let’s make a commitment to ourselves and have the courage to start. Yes, we can change.
A big one for me was giving up my daily Pepsi or Coke, I’ve been soft drink free for 9 years. One of this year’s resolutions is to strictly keep my fitness log. I know that when I do log my miles of running, biking and swimming, it gives me tremendous motivation and keeps me honest with myself. My other commitment is to a minimum of two yoga sessions per week, I’m hoping for 3 sessions but I know how hard it is for me to schedule the time for non-aerobic activities. I’m also shooting for not having more than 2 drinks on school nights … but I know this one will be difficult when out with good friends. The trick is to have the courage to start and getting the streak going, the longer the streak, the more it will drive us to success.
I’d love for you to share your one most realistic resolution with me, I’ll post a link to the list in a future midweek, perhaps we can motivate each other to greatness. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject: "resolution". (Please, just a one liner)
Be a better you,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner and a work in progress.
2014-01-08 - Run, read, rest
Yikes, mother nature sure knows how to give us a challenge! Getting out there on one subzero day was an adventure but even this obsessed runner blew off going out there two days in a row. My partner Steve came in from his -15 degree run and said it was not bad. His quote, "There is no bad running weather just bad dressing for it." Well put!
I consider December and January as the off season, a time to get out there and stay consistent but nothing hard or long. With the bit of extra time we gain I find it a great time to get in some running reading. I'm currently reading "14 Minutes" by Alberto Salazar, one of America's greatest runners. Not that we can hope to run like Alberto but his insight into the sport can help us on our journey. Local Ann Arbor runner John Farah's gook, "Let's Pick it up a Bit" gives great insight into training to run well but also is an interesting memoir of an interesting man. Books like Jeff Galloway's "Marathon, You Can do it!" will leave you excited about giving the 26.2 mile event a try, lets you know that you really can do this! Then, there is the very dark running novel, "On the lips of Children" by Mark Matthews, for those of us who crave the spooky stuff. All available at Running Fit of course!
Run, rest, read and stay warm,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner that hopes to read myself into shape!
2014-01-15 - Run, or we'll know
If you miss a day of running, nobody knows, if you miss two days, YOU know, if you miss 3 in a row, everybody knows! The reality is that everyone could care less about our running and they actually don't know ... but in the mind of a runner, it seems like it! That said, I'm sure glad I got out the door today or everyone would know!
We have such a simple sport that requires so little equipment that I get ridiculously excited about any product that actually adds to my running experience. Winter running opens up a few more opportunities to have this happen. One silly little product this year that fit this bill was the Nathan Light Spur, a goofy little $20 LED strobe light that locks on to the heel of your running shoes. It's ridiculously bright and for sure adds to my safety but what I really like is being able to spot my wife when we run in the dark when our pace varies, or when we run with a group, we can always find each other.
Another find are my Brooks Ghost waterproof, Gore-Tex running shoes. I have always found it amazing that we basically run in the same shoes and socks when it's 100 degrees out or 5 below. I struggle with cold feet and these shoes do keep them dry and help tremendously in the winter. Bring on the icy cold puddles! Yikes!
Run, or we'll know!
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner ... Who admitted that I just took off 2 days in a row, yikes!