2013-04-10 - You are an Inspiration!
April 10, 2013
Michigan is a sedentary state with just about the top obesity rate, but I have hope. On Saturday, 6,000 adults will take to the streets at The Chocolate Milk Martian Invasion of races. As runners, we can be proud of the example we set. High profile, fun events like this can inspire those who spectate or read about it in the blogs, often creating the spark that will change a life. A big race is a dramatic testimony that yes, you can do this!
That said, the most amazing story at the Invasion is the Martian Kid's Marathon. This is not the typical fun run but a 26.2 mile journey of dedication and long term goal planning. These young athletes are required to keep a log and show that they have put in 25 miles to earn a spot on the starting line for the last 1.2 miles. Each receives the same medal and finisher's T-shirt as the adults. Now for the most incredible statistic that give me hope: the kid's race has been growing by over 50% each of the past 3 years and this Saturday, we expect over 2,000 to toe the line! I'm sure it's the biggest kid's run the state has ever seen, now, who is inspiring who? Many of these kids will be accompanied by sedentary parents who will witness the magic! (Special thanks to Fit Crew member Mandy who has spent many a long day on the road, using her creative magic to fire up the kids at student assemblies throughout SE Michigan!)
Keep the faith,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who invites you to come and run or walk with us this weekend, then stick around to cheer on these young athletes! Race distances from 3.1 miles on up! Enter at Martianmarthon.com or at the very fun, free, fitness expo on Friday. (Where there are great deals to be had, even if you can't make Saturday's event!)
2012-05-02 - Long trails, long hours, great pleasure!
Yo run gang,
This weekend at the Running Fit Trail races, I was constantly reminded how blessed we are to work in a business that is our passion and better yet, gets to serve your passion, making our job special in a way that is hard to describe. The smiles and high fives were going on everywhere.
Jeff, our Traverse City store manager, lined up for his 20th Running Fit Trail Marathon. West Bloomfield manager Robin lined up for her first trail half, swapping shifts with assistant manager Farra so Farra could run the 50K event on Sunday. Our Retail General Manager Trevor worked a long finish line shift with our Art Director Anna. (OK, many of you know that Trevor and Anna are my kids, making it wildly special for me!) The list of participating members of our crew is a long one ... The other familiar faces that made us smile were yours, our customers, perhaps known to us from coaching you in Running 101, our long distance group 501 or from our form clinics, weekly store runs or just meeting you while selling you the shoes we finally got to see you wearing in action! The most recognizable faces were the volunteers, those of you who have found that giving back to our sport and making the weekends experience possible for so many, gives a satisfaction that again, is not easy to explain but one that adds to this running life as much as any personal record. Thank you.
Our event crew averaged an insane amount of hours over the weekend but showed up with smiles and stories to tell as we dug in and dug out on Monday morning, before going for a run ... And taking naps!
Thank you for your support of all we do at Running Fit, we look forward to seeing you on the roads, trails and in our stores, where we'll be happy to discuss your goals and fit you in new gear to wear out!
Run forever,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner who loves this running life, Running Fit and all of you who make it so special.
Join us in beautiful Brown County State Park (it's amazing!) Wander and shop in the art community of Nashville, IN, before/after the race.
PS: Self-Defense Class!
Location: Running Fit: 5700 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor
Class dates: 6:30 PM May 30, 2012 (Limit 15 people per class) $69!
Registration: click here
More info: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.