30 years ago my friend Jeff Gaft introduced me to Pinckney Recreation Area's Potawatomi Trail, a hilly monster that goes past a dozen lakes in a Pure Michigan wonderland, a trail that to this day continues to beat me up and keep me honest. I find it helps to have a running loop to call your own, a route special to you, a place to run home to.  When I run Poto, it brings on a flood of memories. At times I'll remember exactly what I was thinking at the exact same points on the trail,  perhaps on a similar day 10 years earlier. These thoughts will often intertwine with whatever my current day's thoughts or worries are and help to ground me and give me answers.

May you find a route that becomes an old friend,

Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who will be celebrating my 30th year with my old friend Poto this weekend.

PS: Join me with over a thousand of my running friends this weekend on Poto for 5, 13.1, 26.2 or 31 miles of new memories. http://trailmarathon.com/

PS: This is also the weekend of the International Trails In Motion Running Film festival. These 7 short films add up to 2 incredibly motivational and breathtaking hours. Join me Saturday afternoon in Dexter. https://runningfitevents.redpodium.com/trails-in-motion-film-festival  After the films, I will head for a beer at the Null Tap House, join me! http://www.nulltaphouse.com/nl/index