Obsessed Runner Blog

February 18, 2009 - Its grey, windy and getting dark...

Yo Run Gang,

When looking at the daily calendar and to-do lists, were reminded life is busy, complicated and at times overwhelming And to think, we choose to live like this! The other option is to do nothing, an option which comes with the stress of boredom, laziness and feelings of failure. There really is no in between or moderation, once you take on responsibility, be ready to rock and roll. Whats this got to do with running? Im sure you already know, youre a runner, Ive just described your M.O! As we crunch the daily run into the schedule something magic happens, somehow this busy life, is fulfilling. Bring it on!

Its grey, windy and getting dark, time to get out and run!

Randy Step, an obsessed runner, much like you

September 23, 2009 - The rest of the world looks through sadly through the glass.

Yo run gang,

I just returned from a weekend in Atlanta, Georgia where it rained non stop, so, needless to say, each days run was in the rain and I loved it! Pounding into a hard rain adds adventure and a sense of combat with the elements. Once finished, a run in the rain gives back a sense of satisfaction much bigger than the sum of its parts. Yes, only a run in the rain but a run that requires you to open the door and go for it while the rest of the world looks through sadly through the glass.

This weekend marks 3 weeks out from Detroit Free Press Marathon and Half Marathon. Many of you have a very long run on the schedule. If your run goes good, it will give you confidence, if your run goes bad, just be glad you got the bad run out of the way before the race! One last plug for the Running Fit training run on Hines Dr. 8 AM start from Nankin Mills on Saturday. Run up to 20 traffic free miles. Enter at Runningfit.com (Click here for the exact web page) or pay a couple bucks more and just show up to run. The run is sponsored by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and their Team In Training program. Go Team!

For those of you who need to release your inner hippie, join me this weekend at Run Woodstock. 3 days of peace, love, running and a badly needed escape from reality. Even if you can only come out for a few hours, the music and miles will free your soul. Check out the fun at www.runwoodstock.com

If thats not enough Running Fit run plugs for you, The Big House Big Heart 5K and 10K are a week from Sunday on Oct. 4th. This is a must do run to give back run with the greatest finish line ever! Be there! www.bighousebigheart.com

Run near the edge,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner, with heavy wet shoes.

August 27, 2008 - Motivation

Yo Run Gang,

I was recently asked what to do when youre not feeling motivated to go out for a run. I thought Id give some of my common answers: Motivation is a feeling, feelings are a choice. Like so many things in life, yes, happiness is a choice. Example: You get in a traffic jam, your choice could be to sit in this rush hour traffic jam and appreciate the time alone with your thoughts, to sort out the world, or, you could park the car and get in a run, not loosing any time in your day, or, you can gripe, moan and complain about how the world is and be miserable. Your choice! (Reminder: Keep a bag of running gear in your car at all times!)

Another example: When the weather is hot and muggy, you can make an action plan and put out some ice water on a shaded loop and get psyched about the challenge of this hot run and how it will help with your heat adaptation for the next hot race, or, you can gripe, moan and complain about how the world is, do nothing and be miserable!

So, when your mind seems to be made up that it wants to do anything but run, go run. Show your mind that not running is not an option. Hey head, get with the program or be miserable, it's up to you, I'm running! Feel bad; run down, unmotivated, good! Once this run is finished you will have a much greater feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment than an easy run on a nice day. Those are the wimpy runs!

So the next time you feel unmotivated, get your lazy butt out the door and hammer!

Randy Step, who chooses to be an obsessed runner

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