Yo run gang,

I love extremes ... But I must admit, glorious fall days also rock the run! Don't you love a fall run that starts in the cold and dark, heads through a breathtaking sunrise, then, as the day quickly heats up, finds you sweating like it's a summer day and stripping down to the basics by the end. There is a bit of magic in a run that takes you from the night into the day, it's not easy to explain but it seems to give the satisfaction and feeling of the long run, powerful, like a run that lasts 2 days.

I'm not sure if it's politically correct, (sexist?), to say it but I think the running skirt is a flattering look on women. For some, it's a great alternative to the despised lycra shorts or tights...Personally, I think it would be fun to jazz it up a bit and try the winter skirt over tights... but I'm just a guy, who wishes I could sport the plaid shorty... just sayin'.... Skirt Sports got my vote for product of the week ... The decade!

Yikes! The Freep Marathon and Half Marathon are a week from Sunday! For those of you who have trained and put in the miles needed to toe the line, I salute your commitment! For those of you with the half marathon or marathon on the bucket list as a future goal, may I suggest you head to Detroit and cheer on the runners. Watching a marathon is an inspirational and motivational experience that can help you to achieve your running goals. Running or not, come visit the Running Fit booth at the expo Friday and Saturday for great deals on fun stuff!

Final thought: For those of you who did not train as much as you had planned but will still be toeing the starting line ... There is Ibuprofen!

Run forever,

Randy Step, an obsessed runner