2012-05-02 - Long trails, long hours, great pleasure!
Yo run gang,
This weekend at the Running Fit Trail races, I was constantly reminded how blessed we are to work in a business that is our passion and better yet, gets to serve your passion, making our job special in a way that is hard to describe. The smiles and high fives were going on everywhere.
Jeff, our Traverse City store manager, lined up for his 20th Running Fit Trail Marathon. West Bloomfield manager Robin lined up for her first trail half, swapping shifts with assistant manager Farra so Farra could run the 50K event on Sunday. Our Retail General Manager Trevor worked a long finish line shift with our Art Director Anna. (OK, many of you know that Trevor and Anna are my kids, making it wildly special for me!) The list of participating members of our crew is a long one ... The other familiar faces that made us smile were yours, our customers, perhaps known to us from coaching you in Running 101, our long distance group 501 or from our form clinics, weekly store runs or just meeting you while selling you the shoes we finally got to see you wearing in action! The most recognizable faces were the volunteers, those of you who have found that giving back to our sport and making the weekends experience possible for so many, gives a satisfaction that again, is not easy to explain but one that adds to this running life as much as any personal record. Thank you.
Our event crew averaged an insane amount of hours over the weekend but showed up with smiles and stories to tell as we dug in and dug out on Monday morning, before going for a run ... And taking naps!
Thank you for your support of all we do at Running Fit, we look forward to seeing you on the roads, trails and in our stores, where we'll be happy to discuss your goals and fit you in new gear to wear out!
Run forever,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner who loves this running life, Running Fit and all of you who make it so special.
PS: Movie Night at 5700 Jackson Road
Join Running Fit and Montrail for Montrail Movie Night on Thursday, May 3rd! We will be screening "Unbreakable: The Western States 100" which is an epic journey to the finish, course record and phenomenal adventure of the Western States 100 (check out www.ws100film.com for details about the film). Cost is Free. Snacks will be provided. Movie starts at 6:30.
PS: Another Awesome Volunteer Opportunity! Dances with Dirt Gnaw Bone
Join us in beautiful Brown County State Park (it's amazing!) Wander and shop in the art community of Nashville, IN, before/after the race.
PS: Self-Defense Class!
Lee Shaykhet, former Russian special forces trainer, is offering a 90 minute class that will give you a lifelong feeling of personal security for about the price of a good massage. This fun, effective session will leave you with moves that will instantly become second nature to you!
Location: Running Fit: 5700 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor
Class dates: 6:30 PM May 30, 2012 (Limit 15 people per class) $69!
Registration: click here
More info: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
2012-04-25 - Down Home
Yo run gang,
I enjoy the hype and excitement of the premier events, they give credibility to our sport and allow us to line up with the world's best, a bit behind them maybe but there is something magical about knowing we are toeing the same starting line and racing the same course, cool stuff.
That said, rounding it out by entering the small, down home, grass roots events seems ... Good for the soul. Train alone, train with a partner and balance your year's event calendar with variety, diversification keeps us motivated, excited and gives us back more than the sum of its parts.
A couple great down home event choices coming up fast are:
- This Saturday, the Live Like Andi, 5k, 10k, and 10 Mile run/walk in Novi. A flat, fast road course and a great cause. Check out livelikeandi.org/run-2012.html.
- This Sunday, the Road Ends 5 Mile Trail Race in Pinckney Recreation Area is a rugged single track run/hike in South East Michigan wilderness. Enter at trailmarathon.com or at Running Fit Ann Arbor- West (5700 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor) on Friday from 3-7 pm. There is no race day registration.
- Next Wednesday evening, May 2nd, The Fit 5K (7:05 PM) and Kids race and One Mile (6:30 PM) takes place from Running Fit Novi. A mid week, evening, old school road race/walk that has been going on for over 20 years. Don't train, don't be nervous, just come enjoy a casual evening run or walk raising funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Enter at runfit5k.com or at the store after 4 PM Wednesday May 2nd.
- May 19, in South Lyon, The Book'n Trilogy, 10K run, 5K run/walk and Kids Storytime Challenge, to benefit the library. Enter at ssldl.info/bookntrilogy/
Run, run, run, run, run, walk,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who is looking forward to lining up at a starting line with you!
PS: Another Awesome Volunteer Opportunity! The Trail Races - April 27, 28
2012-04-18 - Keep it simple
Yo run gang,
As the world gets more complicated by the minute, the simplicity of going for a run continues to notch up in value, especially on the psychological side. I put running in the number one spot in sport for getting down to basics and fulfilling our need for clarity. The run leaves the individual to compete against distance and time, no equipment or special environment necessary, few activities compare.
When using the litmus test of "Can I do this sport naked with no equipment and no other participants?", yoga is right up there but does not quite fulfill my athletic need for an exact measurement of success. Swimming fits the bill, but having 80 degree water limits its practicality. The other sport that comes to mind is bouldering, or free climbing. Yes, some equipment like footwear and goggles may add to the experience of these simple sports but the point is our need to get down to basics. On a run we get to bedrock, we move, sweat and challenge ourselves, finishing inspired, confident and ready to take on this loud, complicated and busy life.
Escape with a run,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner, enough said.
PS: Some upcoming events to add to your running enjoyment ...
4/21 - Saturday - feetandfriends.org - Join me in Dexter at Hudson Mills Metro Park for the Feet and Friends 5k and 8K (5 miles) A good cause.
4/22 - Sunday - trailrunning101 - Run trails and volunteer! A quick trail running 101 class with tips for the trail runner followed by a run on the trails ... followed by some volunteer work picking evil invasive plants in Pinckney Recreation area as we help out the DNR's Stewardship Committee.
4/29 - Sunday - trailmarathon.com - The Road Ends 5 mile trail run - Give trails a try!
4/29 - Sunday - Novi, MI - Livelikeandi.org - If flat fast road racing is more you style, Live Like Andi offers 5K, 10K and 10 Miles.
6/16 - Saturday - Canton, MI - Cantonlibertyrun.com - What other run give you a Statue of Liberty costume to run in? Don't miss this nonsense! 5K, 10K.
PS: Another Awesome Volunteer Opportunity! The Trail Races - April 27, 28
2013-04-17 - We run as one
Yo run gang,
April 17, 2013
I've always known running can give us a bit of an escape from our feelings of anger, sadness, and frustration as we deal with the troubles of this world, but since the bombings in Boston, the run seems to have taken on a new sense of purpose and meaning. Every step feels like a dedication to those who suffered. Just heading out the door is like thumbing our nose at terrorists that are out to change our way of life and limit our freedoms. From the social media posts I read, everyone will be trying to qualify for Boston just to be there and show the terrorists that they have wasted their time.
We welcome home and congratulate all the Boston Runner's, especially the 22 members of the Running Fit 501 team and Running Fit staff members: Lori (Novi Manager), Aaron Kosel (HQ) , Swim Coach Leslie Braun and Tom Artushin (West Bloomfield).
To celebrate your return, and to run in solidarity for Boston, Running Fit will be hosting "Runners For Boston" unity 4.15 Mile run/walk on Wednesday, April 24th at 6:30pm. Meet at Kensington Metro Park, East Boat Launch. "Runners for Boston" is an event bringing the community of runners and supporters of runners together to show support for those affected in Boston on Monday, April 15th. On the run, participants are invited to wear past/present Boston Marathon gear, gear sporting the iconic blue & yellow Boston colors or your favorite race shirt for the occasion.
Run as one,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed American runner.
2012-04-11 - Pre-Race Jitters, YIKES!
Yo run gang,
YIKES! It's the feeling I get when race day draws near, for every race, no matter how important or insignificant the event is to me. Even after all these years, the nervous jitters attack! Many of you will be experiencing the same feelings this weekend as you line up for one of the events at the Martian Invasion on Saturday or the Big House Big Heart on Sunday.
The reality is that your race is personal, you are the only one who cares about the outcome so the feelings we are having should only be from our concerns, no, the world is not watching and no one else really cares. Our training is done or not done, we are either healthy or on the mend with hope and our strategy is pretty much set so being nervous is unproductive stress. I find that reminding myself of the reality of the situation reduces my race anxiety from YIKES! to ... yikes and maybe reading this will do the same for you.
Yikes,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner who continues to make strides against irrational pre race feelings ... More work to do.
PS: Check out martianmarathon.com and bighousebigheart.com, it's too late to enter online but both events offer late registration at their great pre race expos along with great shopping deals! Just think of all the stress you missed by not entering until now!
Run forever, --Randy Step, an obsessed runner
P.S. Yikes! Just a couple of days until the Martian Invasion of Races, Saturday April 14!
I'll be working the finish line area, come and say hi .... Better yet, click the volunteer link below and join me! We'll also be setting up all day Thursday and Friday so you can volunteer, then run! Thank you for giving back to the sport that gives us so much!
Martian Marathon - April 14 - Volunteer Now!
PS: Another Awesome Volunteer Opportunity! The Trail Races - April 27, 28
PS: Great LOCAL events this month
PS: Endless Pool time at Running Fit Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor
Triathlon season is in sight! Time to dive in, 80 degrees, the feel of open water and a workout you can't get in a standard pool! Spring rates, $10 for 30 minutes - $15 for 60 minutes - $30 for 4 x 30 minutes package price - $50 for 4 x 60 minutes package price.
Info and Registration
2012-04-04 - Never give up!
Yo run gang,We strive for the complete fitness lifestyle, eating healthy, getting in the scheduled runs, workouts, core work, sleep, and getting in the personal best shape of our lives ... The reality for many of us are far too many days with work and family issues that get out of control,
leaving us with no time for the workout, skipping meals, skipping sleep and worse yet, we may follow it up with and overindulgent night out that we trick ourselves into thinking we deserve as the answer to stress reduction or some such nonsense, when we know the reality is ... a deeper hole.
Fitness, like freedom, takes constant vigilance and hard work, a lifelong battle with victories and setbacks but always worth every ounce of energy we put forth. Never ever give up, each hard won fitness victory is sweet, and worth a lifetime of struggle. We start again today!
Run forever,
--Randy Step, an obsessed runner
P.S. Yikes! Just over one week until the Martian Invasion of Races, Saturday April 14!
I'll be working the finish line area, come and say hi .... Better yet, click the volunteer link below and join me! We'll also be setting up all day Thursday and Friday so you can volunteer, then run! Thank you for giving back to the sport that gives us so much!
Martian Marathon - April 14 - Volunteer Now!
PS: Another Awesome Volunteer Opportunity! The Trail Races - April 27, 28
PS: Great LOCAL events this month
PS: Endless Pool time at Running Fit Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor
Triathlon season is in sight! Time to dive in, 80 degrees, the feel of open water and a workout you can't get in a standard pool! Spring rates, $10 for 30 minutes - $15 for 60 minutes - $30 for 4 x 30 minutes package price - $50 for 4 x 60 minutes package price.
Info and Registration
2012-03-28 - Diamond Days
Yo run gang,
As runners we learn the body is as strong as it is fragile, it can be trained and conditioned to run 26 miles and it can shrivel up and die from an invisible germ or cancer. The body is complicated, life is complicated ... Enjoy every healthy day and never take it for granted. Get out and run and enjoy, knowing how good it was and how good it can be will give us the strength to crawl and fight our way back when the dark days hit.
20 years ago, just after setting P.R's for just about every running and triathlon distance, my aortic heart valve stuck open, sending me into congestive heart failure. The valve was damaged by an infection I fought in childhood, damage that was unknown to me
until it failed. I had major reconstructive heart surgery, including some human transplant tissue, followed by some serious down time but eventually worked my way back to marathon shape. From the dark days I gained a greater appreciation of the diamond days ... like today! It's time to shut this computer down and head to the woods to hammer!
Do what you can do,
--Randy Step, an obsessed runner or obsessed rehab, PT, kind of patient, depending on what life decides to throw at me on any given day.
PS: Some great LOCAL events next month
PS: Volunteer Opportunities Abound!
Volunteer for any Running Fit event - get stuff!
Martian Marathon - April 14 - Volunteer Now!
PS: We're looking for part time help at our west Bloomfield store.
E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your resume.
2012-03-21 - Too Much, Too Soon
Yo run gang,
Just a heads up, last year, this same week was the dead of winter and on April 25th, 2008, it snowed 6" at our Trail Race weekend! So, get out there now, get consistent and roll right on through any bad weather days ahead without missing a beat!
Finishing a race on the 50 yard line of the University of Michigan's Big House is pretty amazing. More amazing still is being able to land the use of this hallowed field to put on a run ... whatever date the University says it has to be. That said, this year's date for the Big House Big Heart 5K and 10K run is April 15, 2012, yes, the day after the Martian Invasion of Races, a tough decision, two great events, one weekend. I'll be at both, join me if you can! BigHouseBigHeart.com , MartianMarathon.com .
It's easy to run too much, too soon, especially when spring hits, remember, the body adapts slowly to the new work load, so run every other day or alternate long & short days and don't increase total mileage by more than 10% per week, dang.
Run smart, run injury free,
--Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner needs to practice what he preaches, dang
PS: Some great LOCAL events next month
PS: Volunteer Opportunities Abound!
Volunteer for any Running Fit event - get stuff!
Martian Marathon - April 14 - Volunteer Now!
PS: We're looking for part time help at our west Bloomfield store.
E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your resume.
2012-03-14 - Run Local!
The coldest winter in years followed by the mildest, perhaps we're being rewarded? All in all, I love Michigan, its seasons, great lakes, the running community and the hundreds of great running events available to us. Michigan makes it easy to commit to "Run Local"!
As for running local, what I call the "spring race season", started last weekend with the St. Pat's races. Sunday was a glorious day for Detroit's Cork Town event and for the Conner O'Neils & Running Fit Shamrocks and Shenanigans race in Ann Arbor. Thanks to those of you who ran in Ann Arbor, Running Fit will be writing a check to Mott's Children's Hospital for over $40,000! Grass root local events have a tremendous positive impact by creating healthy, active and fun days for us to come together as
a community. In addition, a small amount from each entry fee
from thousands of runners along with the donations of sponsors add up at these events, making serious contributions to important causes possible.
Fire up the family, get out the calendar and make some healthy weekend, activity choices, a bit of planning now will keep you motivated and excited for the running season ahead. You can start by scheduling the time this Sunday, March 18th for the Running Fit Triathlon expo. An informative,
Run, smile, give and share,
--Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner, looking forward to writing a check to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society after the Martian Invasion of Races and Fit 5K next month... and a few thousand dollar check for the upkeep of the trails in Michigan's State Parks after the Running Fit Trail Race weekend, and... The year is young!
PS: Some great LOCAL events next month
PS: Volunteer Opportunities Abound!
Volunteer for any Running Fit event - get stuff!
DWD Green Swamp Dirt Crew - March 24 - Volunteer now!
Martian Marathon - April 14 - Volunteer Now!
2012-02-29 - Not so obsessed...
Running Fit owners Steve Angerman and Randy Step, 25 years in business together and still running!
And now a word from Steve...
Yo run gang,
I was an obsessed runner once. Now I think I am just obsessed. I am obsessed about my family, my work, my health, even the Kansas City Chiefs. My son will tell you I obsess over his homework. But I no longer obsess over my running. Running has been part of my life so long I forget to obsess about it. Now it is like my faith, just a part of the fabric of who I am. The fact is after 40 years of running I have been rewarded with the ability to truly love the experience. Period. The run does not need my obsession.
While my training logs are thinner and my weekly mileage has slipped like interest rates, there is definitely no recession in my passion for the sport. I cherish running trails in the early morning when it happens. I like being one of the last people to leave after working all day at the Trail Marathon. I love watching high school cross country. I still find satisfaction in the competition of the occasional race and I embrace the challenge of working towards new goals. But I am not obsessed.
So as a not-so-obsessed runner I encourage you to keep the thread of running in your life. Even if the miles are not accumulating on your odometer, stay in tune with the sport. Jump in a low key local road race (shameless plug number one: Shamrocks & Shenanigans 5K) and feel the agony and joy of hitting the finish line even if it is several minutes slower than your PR. Or volunteer at a race (shameless plug number two: Shamrocks & Shenanigans 5K) or just go out and watch a road race or a high school track meet and cheer and witness up close the energy and emotion in each runners efforts. Stay connected.
So there, in the tradition of the Obsessed Runner I threw in my plugs for the Shamrocks & Shenanigans 5k next weekend in downtown Ann Arbor. Guilty. This race was founded by Conor O'Neils and truly is a great fundraiser for Mott Children's Hospital. Last year alone the race raised over $40,000 for Mott's Save-A-Heart program which allows babies who are born with heart defects to have an opportunity to grow up and become obsessed about their passion. And I hope that passion is running. Come to think of it, I guess I am still obsessed about running, just not my own.
Thanks for reading and next week we promise the Obsessed Runner will return with his usual motivation, wit, and shameless plugs.
Full disclosure: I am the race director for Shamrocks & Shenanigans. My wife was a pediatric nurse for over 30 years at Mott, a majority of those working in the Thoracic ICU. She currently works in the new Cardiovascular Center.
Heard at our house: Dad sells shoes; Mom saves lives.
--Steve Angerman, a not-so-obsessed runner who saves lives in his own way.
PS: Endless Pool time at Running Fit Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor
You can't beat this deal! Your own pool, your own lane, 80 degrees and the feel of open water and a workout you can't get in a standard pool! To get you addicted we are offering these amazing rates. Book now, filling fast!
$10 for 30 minutes - $15 for 60 minutes - $30 for 4 x 30 minutes package price - $50 for 4 x 60 minutes package price.
Info & Registration
PS: Registration is now open for the Canton Liberty Fest Run!
Celebrate our freedom at the Liberty Festival 5K, 10K and one mile on June 16, and be a part of something ... BIG!
More Info & Registration
PS: Volunteer Opportunities Abound!
Volunteer for any Running Fit event - get stuff!
Shamrocks & Shenanigans - March 11 - Volunteer Now!
DWD Green Swamp Dirt Crew - March 24 - Volunteer now!
Martian Marathon - April 14 - Volunteer Now!
