June 2, 2010 - Birthday

Yo Run Gang,

Birthdays are a celebration of life so why let age get in the way? After one hits adulthood the actual age of a person is not very relevant, actually, even keeping track of your age can be detrimental, you are either too young or too old, by just mentioning your age you open yourself up to age discrimination either way. Better to be judged by your accomplishments along the way.

This may not be a popular thought, but I believe age groups in running need re-thinking. I often get an age group medal that I would not have if I was in the next older age group where people ran faster than I did. This happens more often in the younger age groups ... so why should a younger age group winner get an award for running a time slower than an older runner?  Should you get an award just because no fast people your age show up?  Wouldn't it be better if the awards were given to the top so many % or runners, just based on time? Better yet, if you want to keep age groups, throw out any times of all runners who ran slower than anyone older than themselves, then calculate the awards. This would encourage us all to train that much harder. Just some birthday thoughts ... on my birthday!
 
This weekend brings us a Michigan classic, the race from Dexter to Ann Arbor. Point to point races seem to make more sense than running like heck, only to end up where you started! The race is sold out but it's fun to go to Ann Arbor anyway to enjoy this great city, the race weekend party atmosphere only adds to the fun, besides, you can take advantage of the race weekend sale at Running Fit (Sorry for the shameless plug!)
 
Run forever,
 
Randy Step, an obsessed runner, of an irrelevant age!

May 20, 2009 - Those darn long term goals take quite a commitment!

Yo Run Gang,

For those of you considering running a fall marathon, especially for those of you thinking about running your first one, it sounds early to make the commitment but you should do it by mid June, yikes! Those darn long term goals take quite a commitment but the payback is huge, perhaps life changing. Marathon training requires time management, but the upside is, during marathon training, you will find that you are more productive and more responsible with family and work than when you were just drifting along. Busy people do everything, people who do nothing, have no time to do anything. You can do this! Check out the Running Fit 501 marathon and half marathon training program. Theyll teach you all the tricks to make it happen, great schedules, group long runs and coaching can make all the difference.

Girls night out! Be spontaneous, join the Diva Darling party Wednesday May 20 Northville - 6 Mile & Haggerty - (248) 380-3338 or Thursday May 21 - Downtown Ann Arbor - Corner of Liberty & 4th downtown - (734) 769-5016. No fee for this evening of woman, wine, chocolate, bra fittings, and more And Im not invited!

Have you visited www.half2run.com? This challenge is a fun way to keep your running on track for years to come. A half marathon in half the states? Just over 1,000 have joined the challenge Including me!

For those of you off to race in Traverse City this weekend, no matter what race day brings, enjoy the natural beauty and the adventure Not to mention the store wide sale at Running Fit! The official Bayshore race apparel will also be for sale at Running Fit before and after the event. Shop early for the best selection, besides, buying Bayshore apparel gives you one more motivational reason to get to the finish line, so you can wear it proudly!

Running Fit Traverse City is on the corner of Front Street and Park. The hours are Friday: 10am 9pm, Saturday: 10am 8pm, Sunday: 10am 5pm. We are closed on Monday Memorial Day. The staff will be on the course taking hundreds of photos that will be posted around the store after 1 PM race day, a fun tradition!

Enjoy every healthy running day,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner ready to head north for adventure!