Obsessed Runner Blog
May 26, 2010 - Minimalism!
Yo run gang,
While playing (running) in the woods this morning, I was again reminded that running really is play time, an escape from the so called "important" activities of this adult life. Running gives us time to be ageless, a time to put our mind, body and soul into an activity with little practical value ... NOT! The late runner philosopher Dr. George Sheehan once said, "running is like religion and play, it resembles art and music, filling an area of life with great importance ... perhaps one of our most important functions, helping us discover and form the self, a place of self discovery"... Running really does ROCK!
Minimalist running is all the craze and the Vibram 5 Toe shoes are leading the retail end of the charge, basically a rubber glove of a shoe, allowing one to run barefoot with some protection of the foot. We don't suggest you go out and start putting in your miles in 5 Toes but to slowly work your way up as the foot strengthens. Running in 5 Toes will help teach your body proper form and will increase foot strength, a worthwhile addition to the runner's arsenal, not to mention, they are just plain fun to kick around in!
Do I dare include a link to a banned Nike ad for minimalist shoes and "Natural" training, we're talking about the "Bare" basics here ... What the heck, (youtube.com/watch?v=m474JNTLKnQ ) If you find this fun, join us at runwoodstock.com .
Get out and play,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner who's idol is Peter Pan!
2011-06-08 - Hot, hot, hot!
Yo run gang,
Much of what is fun in life is fast or dangerous, like running in the heat! Sure it can kill you, like so many things that we do for enjoyment; the alternative is to do nothing! Respect the heat, carry fluid, hydrate, run short, run easy, and run a course you can bail out on quickly.
An example of this would be running smaller loops from where you start. The upside is you get a great workout in a short time and each hot run gets you more adapted to the heat, making you one tough cookie! Another great thing, a well hydrated body runs smooth in the heat, all the aches and pains seem to disappear and chance of injury goes way down because your muscles and tendons are warm and pliable. Jump in a lake or run a cold hose over your head when you finish, you will feel fully alive and firing on all cylinders while the rest of the air conditioned world lives on in a comatose state of boredom!
Run smart, as usual,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner who loves extremes out near the crumbling edge where life is in full color and not wasted!
PS: News from Up North
Starting Tuesday June 14th 6:30pm, Running Fit Traverse City Stores will be hosting track workouts at TC Central HS. Track workouts will be organized by local fast guy (and coach) Eric Houghton. The very next night the TC Track Club starts its summer series Wednesday: June 15th 6:30pm at TC Central HS. For more info on the TC Track Club series go to www.tctrackclub.com
2013-04-03 - Walk, Run, Race
April 3, 2013
The daily run, our daily bread, can seem like enough, the run's positive influence on our physical and mental state are unquestionable, so why race?
A valid question.
Heck, some people survive this world without running at all but we know, if they had found running, they may have had richer more fulfilling life. I believe it's the same with racing. Many runners put in the miles and never toe the line but those of us who have entered, set goals and raced, realize that this wonderful sport has more to offer. When we race, we become athletes, this happens regardless of our condition or age, when we line up and find out where we stand and attempt to better our performance, we are athletes. Mostly, we compete with ourselves, to see what we have in us, to be honest with ourselves, to run smart, to give our best on the given day. In our day to day family and work life we do so many things where knowing if we gave our best is not so black and white, when we race, it's true, it's clear, it's real. We get down to bedrock, we give witness to the person we are and gather insight into who we might be. And yes, we run against those around us, giving us the momentum and excitement of knowing where we stand in the physical order of things. For us, not being last may be a more valuable and uplifting race experience than it was to the person who won. We get all this, from towing the line!
The sales crew at Running Fit share their experience and passion for running when fitting you in the proper footwear and gear, your success is their success, adding to the richness of their running lives. On the other hand, the passionate runners on the Running Fit event crew use their creativity and knowledge of all that running can be, to put on the kind of races that they themselves know in their hearts, will be amazing. When the reviews come in saying, this is by far my favorite event in the world, they have won! Please consider joining us this year at one of our 23 one of a kind events. From the major road race setting in next week's Martian Invasion to our get back to nature trail runs later this month, there is an entry form that is waiting for you to commit to, and a finish line that will change your life for the better.
Run, train, race,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who can't decide which Running Fit event is my favorite. OK, if I had to pick, I'll go with Run Woodstock, 3 days to live the running life and set my soul free ... But I sure like the excitement of the transition area at the T-Rex Triathlons and the wild party at the start of the team race at Dances With Dirt Hell, heck, why pick, do them all!
PS: I just love finding out that my body's post race cravings have been right all along! Why Chocolate Milk?
Recent studies have shown that the nine essential nutrients in low-fat chocolate milk make it an ideal drink after intense exercise, including marathon and triathlon training and competition."Drinking chocolate milk has been found to be one of the best post-exercise beverage choices for adults due to the unique combination of natural nutrients," said Amy Viselli, a registered dietitian for UDIM. "Chocolate milk is effective in providing endurance athletes the carbohydrates and protein necessary to refuel and repair muscles, the calcium to help maintain strong bones, and the fluids to rehydrate after a strenuous workout, when consumed within two hours after exercise."