When Caesar created the Julian calendar, he thought it would be appropriate for January, Janus' namesake month, to be the doorway to a new year.. As for New Year's resolutions, January was just a bad choice, perhaps if Julius lived in Michigan, the year would start in spring, it would just makes sense. We could work to change this but I'm guessing it would be more difficult than getting people to call the half marathon a Pikermi...

That said, it's time to plan the year, ease into training and get on a roll. I stress "ease into training" because too much too soon is the norm for fitness resolutions, leading to pain and failure. A rule of thumb: Don't increase any activity more than 10% per week, example, run 10 miles one week and up it to 11 the next.  (Side note: The 'rule of thumb' means upping your running more than 10% will inflict as much pain as if you were beating yourself with a stick larger than the width of your thumb)

Run smart, run forever,

Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner ... with a bit of foot pain from running 6 days in a row, yes, I write this stuff to myself.

P.S. Train With Us! Running Fit 501 and Bayshore Half Marathon and Marathon Training classes are starting soon. Kickoff/informational meetings on 1/10 at 8:30 am for Ann Arbor, 1/21 at 6:00pm in Northville, and 1/25 at 3:30 pm in  Get the details here.

P.S. Yoga For Runners with Kristina is back. This is a 6 class series with a focus on poses that will help you run more efficiently and stay injury free. Two weeks will be spent on each topic: Core, Power, Recovery.

PS: 2015 New Year's resolution list is linked here for all the world to see ... To guilt us to success!