2012-10-31 - Every moment
Yo run gang,
This is my attempt to explain what I am learning and observing from my friend Amy's road to recovery after she was struck by a truck while out training. Grief sucks ... and worse yet, slows our path to acceptance and the reality that only learning, then moving and looking forward, matter.
All setbacks vary in severity and the road back to the front of the pack can be a long one but it's what we do, what we've trained to do and what makes this competitive life precious, perhaps it's the essence of our life. The goal is always clear, to get back to the starting line, and share what we've learned to help others get to get to the starting line. Every moment of this life is precious ... even the moment we are struck by a truck that breaks half the bones in our body and puts us in a coma.
Live, love, learn and run again,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner, running with a smile and a drying tear.
P.S. Amy has survived several reconstructive surgeries, is healing well and is out of the life threatening aspects of the crash. Amy's brain trauma was severe but she makes progress forward every day and continues to impress the crew working with her in the rehabilitation unit. It may take months or years but I know that Amy will be back on the run again.
2012-10-24 - Sneakers
Yo run gang,
Do you ever find yourself sneaking away from work, friends or family to get in a run? Not really sneaking away but not mentioning it or letting anyone see you come and go because they may question your sense of priority? ... OK, I guess sneaking is the correct word, dang.
The truth is that there is so much that we get from the run that it can't always be explained or appreciated by the non-runner. That said, hopefully they will notice that we return looking healthy, invigorated and happy and that the run has rejuvenated us, making us more attentive, interested and productive. The reality is that the run has made us a better friend, family member and person. The run teaches us long term goal planning and the value of delayed gratification, giving us the tools to be successful and prosperous. What a wonderful sport ... so perhaps ... the ends do justify the means!
Sneak out and run!
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner, sharing my justifications for the passion ... Hmmm .... Does my guilt give away my Catholic upbringing?
PS: Wicked Halloween RunMore Costume running fun! Online registration open until 10 PM on Thursday. Wicked Halloween Run
2012-10-03 - It's a gift
Yo run gang,
The fall race season is upon us! Yikes! Many of you will be lining up in Chicago this weekend or in Detroit or Grand Rapids in just a couple weeks. No matter what the outcome, remember, it is a gift just to make it to the starting line, enjoy the adventure (From the Latin, adventura, where the outcome is uncertain. The spice of life!)
An under-trained runner with a positive attitude will beat a trained runner with doubts every time. Just relax, run smart and enjoy the sights, sounds and ... Pain! You work hard to feel this bad, savor it, as the rest of the world lives in a couch potato haze you are fully alive and diggin' it!
In all distance events, 9 out of 10 world records are set when running negative splits, a faster second half. A difficult concept to get your head around in a long race: the idea that you will pick it up. Going out too fast is the number one mistake, every minute you are ahead of schedule is a potential to walk 10 minutes at the end; it is not money in the bank. Don't do it!
For those who heed my words, I'm proud of you already!
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who loves the long run, an event that continues to offer self discovery, keeping the fire lit.
2012-09-26 - Cool Morning Mist
Yo run gang,
We are fragile, we are invincible, we are warriors and we are pacifists, we run alone and we run as one ... I'd say this running gig gives us much of what we need, enough that we have some to share. Amen.
These are some lively days indeed, I wake up ready to run into the cool morning mist ... and fight the instinct to stop to rub my head on a tree, fall, bring it on! That said, join me Saturday Morning October 6th at Wiard's orchard in Ypsilanti as we run 5k or 10K through farms and fields at RUN SCREAM RUN! The perfect fall run through Michigan's number one horror theme park! OK, I admit, the reality is that is that it all seems cute, harmless and fun in the light of day, OK by me! We also run through the country fair with its corn maze, petting zoo and U-pick apples to round out a perfect fall color run! And yes, you can win prizes by having a great costume, running fast, or both! Enter today at runscreamrun.com.
Run Scream Run,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner diggin' the change of seasons ... and praying for Amy.
PS: A follow up on one of Michigan's premier athletes, Amy Gluck, who was struck by a truck while training just over a week ago: Amy seems to be trying to come out of the coma, she has opened her eyes a bit, moved her arm and may have tried to speak, all very good signs but all so real and she is far from out of the woods. Your positive thoughts, prayers and support can only help. Thank you.
PS: For the runner who likes a good deal (All of us!) Running Fit is clearing out the warm weather gear this weekend! Deals to be had! The more you buy, the more you save on summer clearance items. 1 item 25% Off, 2 items 35% Off, 3 or more items 50% Off. All other apparel 10% Off. Select Shoes on Sale!. Heck, what a great time to shop for summer stuff before joining Running Fit for its annual winter break & run trip, February 15th - 22nd!
2012-09-19 - Run Safely!
Yo run gang,
As I write this today one of Michigan's premier athletes, Amy Gluck, is fighting for her life in intensive care after being struck by a truck while training. We can only hope her incredible fitness level will help her win this race. Amy is a 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 USAT All-American Triathlete and was training for the Ironman World Championships in Kona next month. Keep Amy in your thoughts and prayers .... And be careful out there.
As the days shorten many of us will be training in the dark. Always wear a reflective vest, carry a light, wear a headlamp, run against traffic, or better yet, run where there is no traffic whenever possible. All the flashing lights in the world won't help you if a careless, distracted driver is veering out of their lane and coming your way. I love the beauty and powerful feeling of running into the sunrise or sunset. I love running on a star filled night with a crunch of snow underfoot, I love it all but I also respect and accept the risks that can't be avoided as we head off into adventure.
Get out and run ... smart,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner ... looking forward to the day I see Amy out training again.
2012-09-05 - Yoga buzz
We really are only as strong as our weakest link, dang. Avoiding injury by having good core strength and flexibility is Key, but who has the time and if you're like I was, only enjoying the aerobic part of fitness, making the time for it was harder yet.
I used to joke that because I am a runner, I never have to exercise, as if running gave me a free pass. The reality is this is only partly true, yes, I don't consider running exercise, it is my passion, the highlight of my day but alas, I did need a core workout also or would risk painful time away from my runs. The answer was to find a not aerobic passion that fit the bill, yoga was my answer. Like running, I did not magically do yoga once and become hooked, it was a slow, frustrating process. Like running, I had to stick with yoga long enough to experience positive results that motivated me. After months of yoga I finally noticed improved muscle tone and flexibility but most importantly, I developed a natural high, what I call, my yoga buzz. I go to a yoga class once in a while but the majority of my sessions are alone, either with yoga on CD or just doing poses that I've learned and work for me, making it as convenient as my run.
May you find a non aerobic, core passion, so you can run forever ... with no exercise involved!
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner and closet yoga dude.
PS: Join me for a run, walk, classic rock and yoga this weekend at Run Woodstock (See runwoodstock.com). Just follow the Running Fit hippy bus to Hell Creek Ranch! For just $15, you can get a weekend pass to the music, yoga, a hippy hike and run night runs, additional entry fees for morning, timed events.
Speaking of VW ... Our favorite family owned car dealer, Ralf Thayer, will be at Run Woodstock, Make sure to stop by the Ralph Thayer Tent race weekend for a free gift! If you haven't registered for Run Woodstock, check out the Ralph Thayer face book page for free entry opportunity!! http://www.facebook.com/ThayerAuto. Shameless plug- Ralph Thayer Automotive in Livonia, MI is proud to be an automotive leader in our area. Since opening our doors, Ralph Thayer Automotive has kept a firm commitment to our customers. We offer a wide selection of vehicles and hope to make the car buying process as quick and hassle free as possible. We offer a full selection of service areas including: New Vehicle Sales, Pre-Owned Vehicle Sales, Car Loans and Financing, Certified Service Department, Full Selection of Hyundai, Mazda, Volkswagen Parts and Accessories.
PS: Kick off Halloween early and get into the spooky fall spirit with the 5K or 10K at Run Scream Run, SATURDAY MORING, OCTOBER 6TH! At Wiard's Orchard in Ypsilanti, MI, Michigan's number one haunted attraction! Yikes! see runscreamrun.com
PS: More early fall fun October 7th, the "Stay Dry Tri" in the scenic Kensington Valley in Milford, Michigan. 5K Canoe/10K Mountain Bike/5K Trail Run. Enter as a Two Person Team or Two Person Relay. All of the proceeds from this race will help the World Champion GM-HVS HOT Robotics Team continue their pursuit of engineering excellence"
Go to www.rftiming.com for more info and the link for registration!
2012-08-29 - Read on...
Yo run gang,
I find motivational running books and magazines can help get us out the door. The trick, pick up a running magazine or book and after a few pages, the excitement, or guilt, will set in and you will soon be in the training mind set. Motivational movies can do the same.
My latest summer read is "A life without limits", by Chrissy Wellington, the undefeated Ironman triathlete with 10 wins including 3 wins in Kona. The amazing part of her story is that she was not a serious athlete until the age of 30 when she found triathlon, and then found out she was not only a gifted athlete but the best in the world. This came as a shock to Chrissy and a life changer. Her story is a reminder to us all to keep exploring our potential. Other great books: "Once a Runner"; "Return to Carthage" and "Let's pick it up a bit". All available at Running Fit, of course!
Run, read, run,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner ... Who is looking for the next good running book to share.
PS: Calling Volunteers! Please join me as a greeter for Run Woodstock on Friday September 7th in Hell, Michigan! A fun day of showing people to their campsites, and sharing the hippy vibe. You'll get cool hippy swag, pizza and great music to work to! Sign up as "Hippy Host" at https://runningfitevents.webconnex.com/roadies2012
2012-08-22 - Trouble
Yo run gang,
Ego can sure get us into trouble in this running world, especially when a pain comes up during a race or training run with friends, it takes great humility to just stop, walk home and get out the ice. Running into increasing pain is always a mistake, surely making the recovery and our time away from running longer ... but that darn ego ... Run smart and remember, I'm proud of you for your DNF (Did nothing foolish!)
That said, I have been dealing with a calf strain for a while and have taken time off from the run, I've gotten in lots of biking and some swimming. Last Sunday, I entered an Olympic distance triathlon in Triathlon in Traverse City, knowing that my calf might not be ready to run. After a good swim (for me) and a decent bike split, I headed out on the 10K run, my sport, the fun part, where I get to pass lots of great biker/swimmer types. NOT. The calf was bad from step one so did I the smart thing, the hardest thing ... I walked it in. It was humbling to cheer on each passing athlete but all in all, it was a wonderful day and memorable event.
Run smart, run forever,
--Randy Step, an obsessed runner on the mend.
P.S. May I suggest the perfect fall race schedule? Join for a healing, rocking running weekend, September 7, 8, at Run Woodstock (runwoodstock.com) I'll be walking a few events ... dang. On October 6th we'll run in costume though the haunted grounds of Wiard's Orchard, home of Michigan's number one haunted theme park! Fun stuff! Enter at runscreamrun.com. October 14th consider a fall color Pure Michigan road trip to the 1st ever, Lighthouse Half Marathon in Traverse City ... it gets no better! Enter at lighthousehalf.com
2012-08-08 - Proud
Yo run gang,
Why do we take our bodies to the limit, to the point that we insult our senses, even to a state of panic? I bet just asking ourselves these questions is cathartic, I'm sure that as we contemplate why, a plethora of responses shakes loose and start to flow ... Passion! Obsession! Nirvana! The chance to feel complete, living life in full color and on the crumbling edge ... Knowing that even a crash won't shake the fulfillment of the moment that we have created for ourselves. Amen.
I ran into my American hero last week, Bob Ranta, pounding out the miles at Island Lake Recreation Area, 80 years young, a great dad, husband, Ironman triathlete and for as long as I've known him, a sober alcoholic, a man who traded up in the obsession game! Bob worked into his 70's so he could afford the toys of his trade, running shoes, fast bikes, wetsuits and race entry fees. God blessed you Bob!
Go USA!
Randy Step, an unashamed, obsessed, American runner, proud to the point of tears of every athlete in London!
PS: Run Woodstock is just a month away, please don't miss this chance to trip to a bygone age of peace, love, music and sweat! Enjoy classic rock, running and healing. Walk, run, rock ... rest! At Run Woodstock you can find whatever your body and mind needs, commit now at runwoodstock.com. Be it your first 5k, or for you fall marathon maniacs looking for the perfect long mileage weekend, Run Woodstock is the answer. Peace out.
2012-08-01 - Your precious time
For those of us who don't normally watch TV, it sure is odd to be sitting in front of one watching the fittest people in the world compete in the Summer Olympics at sports we know little or nothing about, but here we are, and loving it!
For many of us runners, our sport is mostly personal, we follow our own progress, training and personal records, not the athletes at the top of the game, but here we are during the Olympic year, learning their names, the hardships and training they have gone through to be on the world stage, and cheering them on like personal friends.
Time is precious during the games; polish your time management skills and get the run in. I won't take any more of your precious time!
Run, watch, learn, run,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner who can't wait for the distance running to begin!
