October 21, 2009 - We live a life that requires risk to be enjoyed fully.
Yo run gang,
By now, most of you have heard that 3 half marathon runners died at the Detroit Free Press Race last Sunday, 2 at around mile 12 and one at just after finishing the 13.1 mile run. My heart goes out to the families who are no doubt looking for answers that might help them accept their loss. I have attempted to read all the information available on this tragedy so that I might learn something that I could share with you, something that could have prevented these deaths or prevent future tragedies. I have found nothing.
At the time of the deaths it was sunny and in the high 30s, low 40s, what most runners would consider an ideal day for a distance run. All three runners, men, ages 26, 36 and 65 appear to have been well trained and healthy. The initial autopsy findings found no immediate cause of death. Toxicology and other tests will take weeks to be finalized but again the autopsy uncovered no obvious reasons for the deaths. Medical attention was immediate and even the use of defibrillators had no effect. It all seems so wrong on a day that seemed so right in the City of Detroit.
Race day from a participants perspective: My wife Kathy and I ran well and enjoyed every minute of the half marathon, from the pre race excitement to the music and dancing at the post race party, heading home tired and fulfilled, totally unaware of the sad events that had taken place on this glorious fall day.
We live a life that requires risk to be enjoyed fully; we must weight the risks and benefits in every choice we make. As I look out my window, the sky is blue, the sun is shining and my choice is to keep working or go out for a run. Ive made my choice; Ill see you on the road.
Randy Step, an obsessed runner, looking for answers
April 21, 2009 - I had a bad long run experience.
Yo Run Gang,
On Friday, I had a bad long run experience, not unlike hitting the wall. I finished the last miles at a snails pace, hoping a car would hit me and put me out of my misery. After a run like this, I find myself afraid to head out the door, nervous about the outcome, even with a day off in between. After a bad run, we question why, over trained, under trained, diet, stress, depression, bad karma, or perhaps the wrong combination of things. Most often a bad run is a learning experience but sometimes, not, its just a bad run. No matter, shake it off, get back on that horse and ride!
Honest, this is not just a shameless plug! I got a new pair of running shoes today and cant wait to get them out on the road. Not only do I like trying on a bunch of shoes and talking to the staff about my shoe options but along with new running shoes come a slew of positive thoughts, feelings and motivation. Fresh shoes, fresh legs, new goals, new run plans, race plans and thoughts of roads and trails I can wait to travel. New running shoes, an investment with immediate and immeasurable returns, even while still in the box!
Trail race weekend! There is still room to enter the Road Ends 5 Mile Trail run on Saturday but Sundays Running Fit Trail Full & Half Marathons are sold out! Enter the 5 mile at www.trailmarathon.com. We are still looking for a few volunteers for Sunday. Not only will you get a voucher for a free race (You can even use it to run for free Saturday!), but you will get an invitation to the Dash & Burn volunteer party and will be giving back to the sport we love. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and say, count me in for a day in the woods!
The Umbuntu award is now on display in West Bloomfield, next week Novi!
Dont think, just get out and run,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner with clean shoes about to get dirty