Obsessed Runner Blog
2013-01-30 - Sanity Maintenance
January 30, 2013
Winter is a time to make sure we just get out the door consistantly, the runs don't have to be hard or long, just basic maintenance for the body and our sanity. Any winter racing should be fun, social events.
Winter races are an opportunity to see that we are not the only one out there putting in the winter miles. SuperBowl Sunday is the perfect day for such nonsense. Join me at the Super 5K this Sunday, February 3rd in Novi. A run that gives you a finisher's pint glass to show you've earned your spot on the couch during the big game! Runsuperbowl.com
Winter is a time to learn a bit about our sport, write a training plan for ourselves and set some goals. Is this your year to set your goal to do a half marathon, marathon or triathlon? Daunting goals, but not when you have a plan in place and set yourself up for success. For some winter run reading, I've written a training plan that will get you there, the information is aimed at the marathon and half marathon but even if you are building up for your first 5 or 10K, the basics are similar. Training
I joke that I am an obsessed runner and closet triathlete. Yes, my passion is the run, it's simplicity and get down to bedrock basics fulfill me like nothing else. The triathlon is a fun and challenging cross training diversion for me. Triathlon training helps my overall fitness level and makes me appreciate running all the more. Not to mention, there are tons of cool toys and fashion forward apparel in the triathlon world! If you have not already given Tri a try, perhaps this is the year to dive in. Running Fit has a few triathlon related clinics and classes coming up, the first is half-day clinic on February 23, an intense and fun hands on day of learning. April 7th is our Triathlon expo and season kick off at Ann Arbor West, no charge but limited to the first 200 that RSVP. Check out the training tabs at runningfit.com for more coaching, training and events.
Run, study, plan, run,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner ... that digs triathlon brands like Zoot, 2XU and Blue Seventy!
P.S. Sale, Sale, Sale this weekend! Winter is not over but the big price tags on winter run gear are! All stores 20-50% off all winter apparel. 30% Off winter hats and gloves. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Watch your inbox for more details.
April 21, 2010 - Boston Survivor!
Yo run gang,
Its been many years since I last ran the Boston Marathon and I swore Id never go back. From what I remember it was a race put on by an unresponsive old boys kind of club and had a crowded disorganized start at noon on a rainy cold Monday. I ran my worst marathon time ever thinking back, Im sure my poor time and the rain contributed heavily to my bad memories. Last year, my son ran a Boston qualifying marathon time and this past Monday, my wife, my son and myself ran the Boston Marathon. Kathy and Trevor ran stellar marathons and the event organization was incredible. I was dreading a start with 26,000,000 people on a road that I remembered was crowded with 4,000. What I experienced was great fast start and a fun and exciting flawless event that ranks at the top of my race experiences and I ran poorly! The moral of the story, old dogs can learn new tricks and every race deserves a second chance. I encourage everyone to put running Boston on the bucket list. The people of Boston are incredible, they love the marathon and love the runners and add much to this must do event!
We all love the solitude of the daily run and the mental and psychological benefits, but toeing the line in a spring race gives our training additional purpose and meaning. Here are few fun upcoming races to consider, great choices to P.R., or to race for your first time ever at the distance.
Saturday May 1st in Novi - Live Like Andi - 10 Mile, 10K, 5K and Fashion Walk! Enter at www.livelikeandi.org/run-2010.html Saturday May 15th - Heart and Sole 5K, 10K and 2 mile Walk or Run in Chelsea, enter at www.chelseaheartandsole.org
For a trail run consider: Saturday June 12th Flirt With Dirt 5K and 10K, gnarly single track trails in Novi. Enter quick at runflirt.com, this race fills early
To really beat yourself to a pulp, and to get in a fun road trip, check out Danceswithdirt.com, May 15th in Gnaw Bone, Indiana or July 10th at Devils lake, Wisconsin. Run, run, race, Randy Step an obsessed runner who just might run Boston again next year!
2013-05-08 - Women run the world
Yo run gang,
May 1, 2013
When it comes to running, women are in the majority, entering more races and buying more shoes than men. From observing my wife and women friends, the social aspect of running plays a bigger role in the sport than what I see on the guys' side of things, I have no specific statistics on this but from a study of one, I put in a lot more miles by myself. I know that the times I do make a plan to run with others, I find it motivating and easier to get out the door ... but rarely do it, perhaps a guy thing, not making plans. Time to learn from the women, as usual!
That said, It's time for "Ladies night out" at Running Fit, click the link on the right for days, stores and times! Meanwhile, I should call for someone to go for a run, but I'm sure I won't!
Run with a friend,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner guy