2014-06-25 - We run, we get it

We live in a world surrounded by runners of incredible abilities and amazing accomplishments, from Olympic athletes to world record holders. Runners who train over 100 miles per week and some that run 100 mile races in less than 24 hours. Runners who run faster than our personal best times at every distance ... while training on a daily basis. That said, the non-runner may wonder why we even get out of bed to put in a 4 mile run at a what might be middle of the pack 10K pace as we train for our next event. The answer, as you all know, is that our running is all about us, and because we train and race, we actually have an intimate understanding of what the best runners in the world do, because we do what they do. When we line up and race a personal best time, even if we come in close to last in the event, every training mile seems worth the effort, we savor OUR victory. The runners in front of us do not demoralize us they inspire us ... and yes, we inspire them. It's a running thing those outside our world may never understand.

I am proud of us all,

Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner, who might only run half the weekly miles at a much slower pace than you, and I'm OK with that!

PS: Join us for a romp on the trails at The Legend 5 mile, 10 mile and 13.1 mile trail run on August 2nd! Registration prices increase on June 29... REGISTER NOW!

PS: Shoe of the week: Saucony Omni 13
Dan Says: It's easy to assume that a moderate stability shoe just has more posting than a light stability, however, more measures have been taken to correct the greater rate of pronation. The new Saucony Omni 13 is the perfect example of that. When taking a close look at the mid-sole/out-sole of the Guide and the Omni, you'll see the glaring difference being the ground contact in the mid-foot of the Omni vs a plastic torsion piece in the Guide. A greater amount of posting in the Omni and designing the mid foot with more ground contact will give a greater degree of stability than what the Guide's posting & torsion piece have to offer. No drastic changes have been made from the Omni 12 to the 13. Tweaking the upper by adding some seamless overlays and modifying the mid-sole/out-sole for even more ground contact were the most notable updates. And remember, Saucony does not make a double wide. - 8 mm Drop - Weight - Men's - 11.2 oz - Women's - 9.3 oz - Retail - $130

2014-06-18 - OMG, Shoes!

As you can imagine, I pretty much wear running shoes all day every day, and yes, I even run in them. I like the performance, support, fit, the look and feel of them but it goes deeper than that, like many of you, I have a history, a 30 year relationship you could say, with the shoes in my closet. That said, selecting each new pair brings with it a childlike excitement that never gets old as I think of my current goals and what I have in mind for them.

We have an incredibly passionate staff of shoe fitting runners at Running Fit and even I ask a ton of questions and look for insight from them when I get my shoes. Like many of you, I have a couple of Running Fit staff members who know what I've run in and has worked for me in the past ... but I also like to hear from new, young staff members for fresh insights that get me to question what may be, my dogged beliefs.

Enjoy the adventure of running ... and shopping!

Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner, in my closet is the proof.

PS: Join Saucony and the crew at Running Fit Novi for our Breakfast Run! The event takes place at Running Fit Novi on Saturday June 21st. Doors open at 7am, run begins at 7:30. Loops of 3, 6, or 10 miles will be marked and aided. Erin from Saucony will be there with try on Ride 7's available to run in. After the run enjoy a delicious spread of breakfast goodies.

 
PS: We have an internal weekly staff newsletter at Running Fit with a section called "Dan's Shoe Corner". To read everything about every shoe from every manufacture takes more than a passion for running shoes, it takes a shoe obsession, Dan the manager from our West Bloomfield store has it. We let Dan sift through it all and report his findings.  Here is a sample and a link to recent posts by Dan.

Dan's Shoe Corner

How many time have you heard: "I think I used to run in the Pegasus when I was in high school."?
Nike's flagship shoe that has been going strong since they first debuted in 1983 has just released the 31st version. More mid-foot ground contact and an easier transition from heel-toe is trending in neutral shoes right now and the Pegasus is following suit. Dropping the Pegasus to a 10mm offset, filling out the mid-foot, adding a "crash rail" on the lateral side and increasing the sprung toe angle all help aid in an easy transition from heel/mid-foot strike to toe off. Also, Nike has done away with +Sensor capabilities in both the Pegasus 31 & the Vomero 9.

More of Dan's Shoe Corner

2014-06-11 - Running with Dad

One day I returned home after a long hard run and was sitting on the back porch in a sweaty post run haze. My dad looked at me shaking his head and commented, you might not live to be 100 ... but it will sure seem like it! My dad was from an old world family and my running passion took awhile for him to accept. Later in life, he let me know that he was proud of his running son and that he could see that it was positive influence, giving me a discipline and consistency that carried over to my work and family life ... Much like the influence my dad worked to give me growing up, running kind of picked up for my dad when I left the nest.  

I lost my dad earlier this year. Never have my runs seemed such a valuable comfort to me. I've been spending the miles recalling our times together, hearing his voice, his laugh and seeing his smile.

The run is there for you,

Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner and father of my own adult children that I could not be more proud of. And I'm sure you're wondering, yes, they run.

PS: Some great runs we hope to see you at:

This Saturday June 14th, join us for a bit of pre-father's day action at The Canton Liberty Festival 5K-10K run/walk. A Patriotic Party with the ridiculous costume theme of Stars, Strips and Jorts! Lots of awards for your creative effort, and a post-race beer. Enter at cantonlibertyrun.com

June 28th, Novi.  A nice race for a great cause, "Live Like Andi" 5K & 10K run and 5K walk and one mile walk.  

Running 501 Registration in Northville/Novi is open!  Orientation is scheduled for 6:15pm on Wednesday June 18. Certified Coaches, Suzi Stock and Doug Goodhue are returning for their 7th year to again create a running environment and challenge for not only our returning runners, but new runners of all ages and fitness levels who are looking for a organized group training experience! This 18 week training program is centered around the 2014 Fall Marathon and Half-Marathon season...especially the Detroit Free Press Marathon on October 19, 2014.

Thinking about running the Traverse City Lighthouse Half Marathon? Then we've got just the thing for you. A 12 week training program in Traverse City!

06-04-2014 - National Running Day

Today is  National Running Day, kind of like a Hallmark Holiday, we won't change the world overnight but anything that might help to wake up the majority of Americans rotting away in a couch potato haze is worth promoting. We are so very lucky to have found running and walking and all the positive aspects that they bring to our daily lives, I feel it's a duty to share what we have and bring new runners into the fold in any way that we find that works. So yes, it's Ok to trick them into it, whatever it takes! Invite the inactive friend out for a walk, when it feels right, suggest running for a minute, stay a step behind and go as slow as necessary, say it's time to walk again before they do. Talk about having them train for a 5K, suggest one about a year away, spark the idea and watch it smolder until it flames.

Share the run,

Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who is working to trick everyone out the door

P.S.- Can't successfully trick your friends into running quite yet? We always need volunteers! Some FUN upcoming volunteer opportunities include the Canton Liberty run on June 14, and the Triceratops Tri on June 18th! CHECK IT OUT! All volunteers receive a $30 race voucher and cool volunteer swag!

2014-05-28 - We share the run

There is so much more to each of us than meets the eye, we each live a rich and interesting life and have a valuable story to tell. As we go through our day to day lives we pass people on the street, they drive by in cars, they surround us in crowds, people we don't know a thing about, people we most likely take for granted. It's hard to remember at times that each of them are special, perhaps they are the most amazing person we could ever meet ... if we met, but we don't always get that privilege. A thought occurred to me as I lined up with several thousand runners at the starting line of the Bayshore Marathon last Saturday. Here I was in a crowd of mostly strangers and I realized that ... I was not taking them for granted, in fact, it felt strangely like they were my friends. The reality struck me that I knew some important things about each of them. I knew they had the guts to toe the marathon starting line and that they had set and accomplished a long term goal. They had managed their time, trained and lived, in at least some ways, similar lives as myself. We smiled, and made eye contact as we went through our pre-race thoughts and rituals. Not strangers but fellow runners sharing the road, sharing our pain and would soon, share our success.

Run forever my friend,

Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner, living a life... much like yours.

P.S.- Don't miss out on AMAZING Running Fit deals this weekend. Stop by the Dexter Ann Arbor Run expo on Saturday, May 31 at Skyline High School from Noon- 6 PM for a sweet apparel sale! Visit us at the Downtown Ann Arbor store Saturday and Sunday for 10-50% off STORE WIDE! (excludes Brooks)

P.S. - The Legend continues! Join us on August 2, 2014 in Laingsburg, MI for a 5mi, 10mi and 13.1mi trail run! Visit www.runlegend.com for more info!

2014-05-21 - Run Again

We all take breaks from running from time to time, be it from a physical issue or some other complication in life. A common theme,  "I used to be a runner but it somehow slipped away from me." The good news is that running is always there waiting for you when you decide to return. Yes, running will punish you a bit as you work yourself back into some semblance of shape but it will also reward you for your effort each and every time you get out the door. Never be afraid to run, again.

That said, we all know that when we stay consistent with our running, the positive physical and psychological aspects that we get from our daily run are accentuated to a level above the astral plane. The daily investment in running is a fine return but consistency is like compound interest, the more you run, the greater the reward.

Invest in the daily run and stay in the running market,

Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner, getting ready to head out the door and cash in.

P.S. - Release your inner hippie and join us as we run above the astral plane the weekend after Labor Day, September 5,6,7 at runwoodstock.com, dig it!

P.S. - Join us for a FREE Liberty fun-run and 5K starting and finishing at Liberty Street Brewing in Plymouth, MI on May 28. This is not a pre-run of the Liberty course, but rather a pre-run to practice running in your jorts! Space is limited so reserve your spot HERE! Then be sure to Join us at the Canton Liberty Run 5K, 10K and 1 Mile on June 14 with it's NEW THEME "Stars, Stripes and Jorts!"

2014-05-14 - Fielding Questions

I read that Running Fit was acquired, what will change?

The staff and management you know and love will be the same people you have been supporting for the past 30 years at your local Running Fit.

Yes, the Running Specialty Group (RSG) based in Denver acquired the retail portion of Running Fit, but all our Michigan based staff and stores will be working with the RSG team to bring you the greatest running gear and the same quality service you have received for years. Why? We will be here to listen and help you reach your running goals, it's what we love. In fact, we are hoping we improve as we have the opportunity to learn from some of the best running stores in the country who are part of RSG.    

So the manager John will still give me S*** when I stroll into the downtown Ann Arbor Running Fit?

John has been with us nearly 20 years and like every other Running Fit store manager, he will continue to bring the same service and warped humor you deserve. In fact, even though RSG is located in Denver, our staff are all local runners as always. No new guys from HQ. RSG has some of the best running stores in the country in their family and we are proud to be part of their team and be able to access their resources and experience.

What about the running groups?

Our classes and clinics like many other parts of specialty running will improve as we learn from our sister stores like Boulder Running Company, Blue Mile in Indy, Roncker's Running Spot in Cincinatti and The Boston Running Company. The whole goal of RSG is to invest in successful local running stores and take them from good to great!

Will Running Fit still support local events and charities?

Absolutely. Running Fit will continue to work in our community to support events, schools and organizations as we have always done. Steve and Trevor will continue to work full time running our retail business and helping support local events. This merger has been going on for months, but Running Fit still had time to raise over $45,000 for Mott this year at Shamrocks & Shenanigans.

So Randy isn't moving to Hawaii?

Only if we can get a Dances With Dirt on the Big Island. No, actually everything stays pretty much the same on the work side...Randy and the Dirt Crew will continue to direct our events and lead our timing company and Steve will be behind the wheel of the retail ship.

OK, Races will still be a part of Running Fit?

Oh yeah, in fact, we have already had a new race since our merger, Hightail to Ale was a huge success when 4000 runners hit motown for a Friday night 5k and cold Atwater Brews last week. We truly look at this as a partnership as Running Fit Events is still owned by your favorite obsessed runner and his long time business partner. Races have always been what made Running Fit a success and will continue to be a fabric of Running Fit.

Is Running Fit still a local business?

Well, our bookkeeper is in Colorado, but we still employ over 100 Michigan residents, pay State taxes, donate in our community, and invest in local real-estate for our Ann Arbor stores. Our managers and staff live and run in our community. I have lived every minute of my life in Michigan and run millions of steps in this state, so yeah we still feel like townies, be it downstate or up North. The Running Fit event and timing company is locally owned, producing over 25 local events, many to support people and causes in our communities.

The best is yet to come,

Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner, on the job as always, right here at Running Fit along with Steve and the rest of our amazing, passionate crew of runners, at your service!

P.S.: There are some amazing events coming up at Running Fit, don't miss out!

• Northville Sidewalk Sale: May 16-18. Up to 75% off!
• Brooks Run Happy Island: May 16 from 3-8pm. Tons of Brooks swag, gait analysis, and fun!
• Meet Meb Keflezighi! May 20, limited seating! Sign up today. Register here: MEBTALK
•  Bayshore Marathon Weekend! Get your official race gear at Running Fit on Front St. May 23-25.

2014-05-07 - Run Smart

A couple nice days and it's like winter never happened ... OK, maybe this year we'll remember. That said, we need to be careful as we ramp up the miles. This is the time of year we forget that easy days and rest days are an important part of training, dang. I just tried sneaking in a long trail run for the second time this week. There is no "sneaking" in a long run. A couple of my body parts are giving me a stern warning. Remember, ice is a miracle drug, take the time to ice the spots that are barking at you. Did I ever mention I write this section of the midweek mail to myself?

For those of you who are new to trail running or want to give it a try, there is a nice little trail in the Washtenaw County Farm Park, right next to Running Fit Ann Arbor East, in Arbor Hills. Shop and run, you can't beat it! Perhaps dinner at the Zola Café, also in Arbor Hills, my new favorite.

Run smart and live it up,

Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner. Obsessed, not smart.

P.S.: Summer is almost here and it is time to bust out your JEAN SHORTS and join us at the Canton Liberty Run! Get the scoop at cantonlibertyrun.com/

2041-04-30 - Running Fit grows up!

I am excited and proud that the Running Specialty Group acquired Running Fit to be part of their retail team of 58 of the top running stores in the country. As far as changes, the major change will be in the back end of the store, the way the buying and receiving is done. The brand Running Fit will stay Running Fit. Our customers (Our friends), will be greeted by the same Running Fit store managers and staff and the Running Fit culture will carry on! That said, the acquisition will allow Running Fit to have a wider selection of inventory, more colors and more styles due to the collective inventory and resources the Running Specialty Group will bring to the table.

The Running Fit crew numbers about 100 full and part staff between the 8 stores, the acquisition will help out in the H.R. area, offering better and more affordable benefits.

My partner Steve will continue to work with vendor relations and managing the retail products carried by Running Fit. My son Trevor Step, will continue to be Running Fit's retail General Manager. I will continue to develop and run the Event Company, offering the running community fun, imaginative events to keep our running goals alive and motivate us out the door! The event division will carry on as a separate company but the synergy of what goes on between Running Fit retail and the events won't change.

At Running Fit, the excitement we get from sharing our passion for running comes from motivating, outfitting and keeping you or preparing you to be life-long runners through our fit process, classes, clinics, and weekly store runs. Running Fit is here to keep your fire burning!

Run forever,

Randy Step (An admitted obsessed runner), and the passionate crew at Running Fit!
 
PS: Spring is here and things are finally blooming, Including some nasty invasive species!  Help us out as we team up with the Michigan DNR at the annual Garlic Mustard Pull. This Sunday, May 4, the Dirt Crew is teamin' up with the stewardship folks at the DNR to rid Pinckney Rec. of this vermin' weed and we need yer help. Join us for a weed pickin' festival of mustard slaughter, and a pre slaughter run! Click HERE for more details and to RSVP!

2014-04-23 - Running into the ages

It was great to see an American win at Boston for the first time in 30 years but what I really thought was cool was that Meb did this at age 38! If America's best distance runner is 38, it proves what a wonderful, life-long sport we have to age into. I was again reminded of this when my good friend Tony, who has been running for 30 years, ran a personal best half marathon at the Martian Invasion of Races last week, at age 69.

As for Meb, we are excited to announce that at 6:30 PM Tuesday May 20th, Running Fit Northville will be hosting a video conference with Meb using live broadcast technology. Runners in Southeast Michigan will hear Meb speak from his home in San Diego! This is an interactive event, so attendees will be able to see, hear and even talk directly to Meb. There is no fee but seats are limited, register here

Run smart, run long,

Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner, who looks for anything positive about moving up in the age groups!

PS: The May 2nd, Friday night Hightail to Ale 5K at Atwater Brewery in Detroit will hit its runner limit ... within hours of this email link going out! http://hightailtoale.com

PS: And speaking of reaching capacity, so will Tuesday May 20th live video conference with 2014 Boston Marathon Winner Meb K. at Running Fit Northville, 17783 Haggerty Rd. Sign up now!