2013-08-28 - The Fall of Summer
Funny, even with the temps in the 80's you can still feel fall creeping in. The back to school action is in full swing and for those of you lucky enough to have young runners in the family, cross country meets have started! It seems Labor Day is the dividing line, with the last of the summer races like last weekend's Crim Races in Flint and next weekend's kick off to fall, Run Woodstock, a weekend celebration of this running life.
The crisp, glorious days of fall are a busy time here at Running Fit, we start by clearing out the summer run gear at this weekend's Labor Day SALE and loading the racks with the latest technical fall and winter fashions that help get us out the door as the cold creeps in. I'd call it a shameless plug but our sport requires so little as far as equipment that shopping for a few new items as the seasons change is a simple pleasure with a valuable motivational upside. The excitement we get from new toys never grows old!
Let the leaves fall,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who can't wait for the healing escape of Run Woodstock next weekend and supporting a serious, important memorial for our fallen first responders on October 5th by running Heroes on Hines .
P.S. - When hitting up the Labor Day sales this weekend, put Running Fit on your list! Check out the summer season clearance as we say goodbye to the dog days of summer! 10%-20% off apparel, select apparel up to 50% off, and shoes so cheap you won't believe it!
P.P.S. - Looking for a great fall marathon training run? Join us for a 20 miler at Kensington on September 28, 2013 with aid every 2 miles! More info HERE
2013-08-21 - Run Safe
Every action we take is about risk and reward. An active lifestyle comes with risk, but offers great rewards. That said, a sedentary life is also risky, especially when you take into account medical issues that come up from lack of activity and psychological issues like lack of self esteem or depression, as for rewards? I often say jokingly, "run fast and take chances." The context for this line always has to do with distance and speed and not personal safety, an example is pushing oneself to the limit in a race or running faster or farther than you think you can.
Compared to most sports, running is a safe choice but we all need to keep safety in mind. When we head out the door a lot of things that can happen to us, by running smart we can avoid most but never all of them. Wear bright clothing and always run against traffic. If running at night, light yourself up with strobe lights, a reflective vest and a head lamp. Never trust a car, bike or pedestrian and expect the unexpected, look both ways and be aware. Look for safe routes and only wear ear buds in area closed to traffic of any kind. Have great respect for the weather and adjust your run route, clothing and hydration accordingly, especially in extreme heat.
Get out and run safe!
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who has enjoyed more than 50,000 accident free running miles together with my wife Kathy.
P.S. My wife Kathy was hit by a car while riding her bike on what would seem a pretty safe 25 MPH road in the park last week by a car full of teenage kids that turned right into her, not allowing even a second to react. Amazingly, after flying 35', she sustained no major or life threatening injuries and is on the mend and will be back out there soon. Blogging a bit on safety is all my mind will allow this week, take care.
P.S. The rumors are true, a new Running Fit will be opening at the end of the week in the Arbor Hills shopping center on Washtenaw at Platt Road across from Whole Foods in Ann Arbor. This weekend will be a "soft" grand opening. More info to come next week as we plan for a full blown grand opening party ... and Run!