November 24, 2010 - Turkey Turpor
Yo run gang,
Black Friday shopping tip: Save your sanity and get out and run before you shop. You will be a calmer, more patient and critical thinking shopper who makes better buying decisions!
Toning Shoes? Merit or marketing gimmick? I've mentioned them before but because we are asked this all the time ... We took the time to speak with local podiatrists, physical therapists and chiropractors for some perspective on this latest craze and got the same answer over and over again, that there is not one peer review article from medical professionals stating that these shoes have any effect on toning muscles. What people feel is the rocker motion of the shoes, and the perception is they are working their muscles. There are many people looking for the magic pill that will make them younger, thinner, prettier, smarter, stronger, fitter, etc. The truth is, after buying toning shoes, many people get out for a walk or run, perhaps for the first time in years, what they feel is the benefits of a walk or run (something we already know) and credit the shoes. Another concern is the unknown, the possible long term negative effects of these shoes. Many of the major shoe companies are pushing for Running Fit to cash in on the craze but darn, we're taking the high road ... or else I would be writing a shameless plug ... One that might include a sexy backside photo!
Join us at the Holiday Hustle 5K and Mile run in Dexter 4:15 PM December 4th! The perfect family fitness holiday activity with tree lighting, Santa, ice sculptures under the stars. Enter at www.runholiday5k.com
Run, eat turkey, run, shop, run,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner ... betting the butts you see in the rocker shoe adds did not get that way because of those shoes!
November 10, 2010 - From the front lines
Yo run gang,
As the world continues to get more complex due to technology I can only bet the insanity rate goes up proportionately. Yikes! The down to basics psychological and physical freedom the run brings is becoming proportionally more precious. When it comes to scheduling your priorities, never underestimate the value of the daily run!
If our day to day lives seem complex and stressful, I can only imagine the what difficulties and stress our US military troops face, around the clock for their entire tours of duty in Iran, Afghanistan and every other dangerous places they are sent. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow, Veterans Day, and every other day they are out there on the line for us. I have received several emails from Running Fit customers on tours of duty telling me how much they appreciate the midweek mail. They explain the difficulties of getting in runs in dangerous combat areas, not to mention searing desert heat, but they do get them in, again, priorities. The attached picture shows Vernon Pratt and Company posted in Afghanistan, we sent them Run Woodstock T-shirts and other race goodies so they could participate from afar! Vernon and company, you ROCK!
Run and be safe,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner in the land of the free, where freedom does not come free.
Subject: Hey man, what can a Soldier do......
Man am I sorry I am not home for this run. Our unit is deployed to Afghanistan and there are a number of us who are avid runners; we enter any and all sponsored runs here on Bagram Airfield. I myself have sponsored a run initiative where Soldiers are rewarded for mileage totals; for 100 miles a certificate of achievement from me, 500 miles and coin of excellence from the Command Sergeant Major, and 1000 miles a coin of excellence from our Commanding General. Anyhow, would it be possible to obtain t-shirts from your run? I would love to show off your run which I think is totally cool.
Vernon Pratt
1SG, USA
First Sergeant
November 17, 2010 - Running, Naturally
Yo run Gang,
The focus of my midweek mail usually targets motivation but today I'm writing during my midday break at The Running Event in Austin, Texas, a conference for the specialty running store. We get together at as an industry and share what we are doing to bring back to you the best in products, training information and anything that might add to your running experience. Yes, we are here working hard for you but it's a labor of love ... not to mention it's a convention that starts each day with a group run (Where they give us all new shoes to try out) what's not to love!
So far, the key topics have been the natural running movement and compression apparel. Natural running focuses on form and lighter, neutral, minimalist footwear and even barefoot running. For years the industry has focused on putting runners in footwear based on foot type and the runners gait. The shift is to suggest better running form instead of putting the runner in controlling shoes to compensate for bad form. The most common form issue is over striding. A long stride results with striking the heel first, causing the runner to actually break their forward movement, causing impact that leads to many common running injuries. Cutting the stride in half cuts the impact and the motions of the joints to almost zero. By shortening stride and striking midfoot, the runner can run with lighter less controlling footwear. How to tell if you are over striding? If you wear your heels down you most likely over stride. A way to check is to count one arm swing during one minute of running, by getting this number to 80 or more, your stride will be about right. We will be offering form clinics to give you more tricks, stay tuned!
Compression apparel is hot, hot, hot! Wearing compression tights on a run can cut the perceived effort by 25%, it does this by reducing energy lost to muscle vibration and improving circulation. Compression has been used in the medical industry for years but has only recentlly has it become a staple product for sports. Take a look in the running publications and you will see compression socks or calf sleeves on most world class runners, they would only use these products if they experienced the benefits. The most common use for compression is to wear it after the run, it promotes healing and faster recoveries. Today while talking to many top US distance runners at the conference, all agreed they wear compression calf sleeves or socks when traveling to and from events, making a huge difference in giving them fresh legs to race with!
Get out and run,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner who's finding new toys just for you! Hmmm ... new stuff always motivates me out the door, I gues my focus was motivation afterall!
November 3, 2010 - I DO love winter...
Yo Run Gang,
As the fall race season draws to end you might find the motivation to get out the door also coming to an end ... Don't let this happen! Think of the shape you want to be in when it's time to line up again next spring. Think of the personal records and goals you thought about during this running year and where you hope to be next year, CHAMPIONS ARE MADE IN WINTER!
Those who put in the winter miles have the base needed to rock as the spring run season heats up, those who don't get them in have to put up with the setbacks often seen while increasing mileage and getting "Back" in shape. You will be starting out in spring with a good mileage and strength base. Outdoor winter running will give you strength, the heavy clothing, the varied footing, all play into getting the ancillary muscles of the body into play. I'll see you on the roads and in the woods, seeing stuff you won't on a treadmill! Yes, treadmill running is way better than no running and has its own unique benefits, but you do need to get outside consistently for sanity and all the above.
Run against the wind, then with it!
Randy, an obsessed runner who loves winter, who loves winter, who loves winter (Sorry, I need to keep up the mantra)
October 20, 2010 - I love winter...
Yo run gang,
The chill in the morning air and the crunch of leaves underfoot are reminders that winter runs are coming soon. Love and hate are choices, and because winter is part of living in Michigan, my wife and I made a decision to love winter... rather than complaining about it. To help make this happen, whenever the topic of winter comes up we answer with our new mantra, we love winter, we love winter, we love winter. The truth, we were not big fans of most aspects of winter but by dressing properly and getting out for the daily run, we find we actually do love the active outdoor times in winter and with our new attitude and our new mantra we continue to find more and more to love about winter. Join us and make the I love winter choice!
I'll be heading up a winter running Clinic at 6:30 PM on Wednesday November 3rd at Northville Running Fit and Tuesday November 9th at 5700 Jackson Rd. Ann Arbor. We'll show you tricks on how to dress and where to run. Make this the winter you get outside! I'm working on the manufacturers for some give-A-ways but we will for sure have a drawing and will offer discounts on the latest and greatest in winter run wear on clinic night. RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject: "I want to go out and play!" For those of you who can get there early, join me for an optional run at 5:30 PM, 3 to 6 miles, all paces welcome. If you plan to run, mention it in your RSVP.
Get outside and run,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner who loves winter, yep, I love winter, I love winter...
October 13, 2010 - To the finish line!
Yo run gang,
So, how long will we continue to be runners? I always say, until they throw the dirt on! As we age our pace and goals will change but the psychological and physical benefits of our running won’t. Yes we may be sidelined, nothing in life is a given but until or “if” that happens, we can continue to focus on the next day’s run … and the goal for our next race, yes, at any age! Seeing Jim Forshee battle with Dick Sarns in the 80 to 84 age group at the Bighouse Bigheart 5K, not to mention seeing finishers in the 85 -89 and 90-94 year age groups proves my point!
I do have a habit of repeating the important stuff … It’s Free Press Marathon & Half Marathon this weekend in Detroit, a motivational and exciting time for the sport of running in Michigan. Even if you are not running, make the pilgrimage to the city, check out the race expo on Friday and Saturday (Visit the Running Fit booth!), and cheer on the Runner’s Sunday morning. You will find it to be a motivational, inspirational jolt for the future of your running life. Lastly, make sure you get in a run while you’re in the “D”!
Run till the end,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner … headed to the “D”!
October 6, 2010 - Extreme Skirts
Yo run gang,
I love extremes ... But I must admit, glorious fall days also rock the run! Don't you love a fall run that starts in the cold and dark, heads through a breathtaking sunrise, then, as the day quickly heats up, finds you sweating like it's a summer day and stripping down to the basics by the end. There is a bit of magic in a run that takes you from the night into the day, it's not easy to explain but it seems to give the satisfaction and feeling of the long run, powerful, like a run that lasts 2 days.
I'm not sure if it's politically correct, (sexist?), to say it but I think the running skirt is a flattering look on women. For some, it's a great alternative to the despised lycra shorts or tights...Personally, I think it would be fun to jazz it up a bit and try the winter skirt over tights... but I'm just a guy, who wishes I could sport the plaid shorty... just sayin'.... Skirt Sports got my vote for product of the week ... The decade!
Yikes! The Freep Marathon and Half Marathon are a week from Sunday! For those of you who have trained and put in the miles needed to toe the line, I salute your commitment! For those of you with the half marathon or marathon on the bucket list as a future goal, may I suggest you head to Detroit and cheer on the runners. Watching a marathon is an inspirational and motivational experience that can help you to achieve your running goals. Running or not, come visit the Running Fit booth at the expo Friday and Saturday for great deals on fun stuff!
Final thought: For those of you who did not train as much as you had planned but will still be toeing the starting line ... There is Ibuprofen!
Run forever,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner
September 29, 2010 - Dress for Success
Yo run gang,
The changing of the seasons adds some excitement to our simple sport. On the warm days, dressing to run is mindless, just wear as little as possible, but when the temp drops, some thought is necessary to enjoy the run. I move to a long sleeve wicking base layer as we go into the 50's, as it dips to the mid 40's to 30's, on come the gloves, hat, tights and perhaps a vest or jacket depending on the wind. For the snow I wear Yak Tracks for traction and start to layer up. The time to prepare is now so the transition to winter will not keep you from getting in your run but will add to your running adventure! The latest high tech fashions are now flowing onto the racks at Running Fit and we are ready to get you suited up for success!
The Bighouse Bigheart 5K and 10K race is Sunday and it looks like a perfect base-layer long sleeve sunny day in the 50's! I'm looking forward to running into the stadium and hope to see you there! Enter at Bighousebigheart.com . Next weekend is the Vasa 5K, 10K and 25K Trail Run in Traverse City, a fall color tour road trip and natural beauty run! Enter at runvasa.com
Shameless Plug: For those not headed north to Vasa: John Farah, a friend, marathon runner and loyal Running Fit customer's son has produced a movie here in Michigan called "Answer this!" Support our local economy and join me on the Red Carpet at Friday Oct. 8th . If you want, meet us at Ann Arbor Downtown Running Fit at 6:30 PM and walk up the street to hangout on the red carpet and meet the producer, writer and stars, Showtime is 7:30pm, you will not be disappointed! The story, shot in Ann Arbor, is about a group of frustrated academics who finally get a shot at beer, women and nerdy redemption when they enter the most important contest of their lives... the First Annual Ann Arbor Trivia Tournament. ANSWER THIS! is an authentic Michigan story about a grad student finally coming of age - when he's 30. Advance tickets available here and www.answerthismovie.com .
Run warm,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner
September 22, 2010 - Peace Out!
Yo run gang,
I can't imagine life without a passion, we all know people who just seem to be going through day to day life, they sleep, work, eat, clean house, make check lists, work on check lists, sleep, retire, die. Fire up the running passion and transcend the day to day trap!
The smells of fall are filling the daily runs. I am amazed how the miles fly by fueled with the smells, sights and sounds of a country dirt road, single track trail through the woods or even running down a subdivision street. We are truly blessed by the 4 seasons ... even the one I'm not such a big fan of ...
I'm headed off to Hell Creek Ranch today for Run Woodstock, I invite you to come by and say hi! Thursday is a set up, the decorating day, come by any time from morning until dark. Friday the music (5 bands) starts at 4 PM and goes until 9PM, and Saturday music is from 9 AM - 9 PM, with a bit of yoga from 2-3PM, you can get into visit for just $5, or sign up at runwoodstock.com and join us for one or many of the morning and evening runs! Volunteers are always welcome, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Run with passion and peace out,
Randy Step, and obsessed runner ready to camp out on the land, run, and set my soul free!
September 15, 2010 - Cold & Lonely
Yo run gang,
A body in motion stays in motion. As I headed out for the run this morning I had all the negative thoughts, it's dark, it's cold, I have so much other stuff to get done ... when the reality was, the sun would soon be up, it's not like it was a wicked winter day and if I skipped the run now I would not get to work that much sooner and I'd be cutting out at lunch or earlier to run anyway. On top of all this, my wife was joining me so it was not going to be cold, dark and lonely. So, knowing all these things and knowing that once out the door I would eventually get into the groove, love the run and would be happy and satisfied that I did run, it still took what seemed to be a serious effort to get out the door, but I did what I always do, I headed out the door. The moral of the story, nothing good comes easy so get to work, perhaps don't think, just get out and run.
During our run my wife, a Nurse Practitioner specializing in geriatric medicine, said that the secret to longevity is to just keep moving. One example she used was that once a person starts to use a wheel chair to ease the burden of walking, their chances of never walking again are very good and it goes downhill from there. It seemed to me that running teaches us this at an earlier stage in life, giving us a leg up as we keep moving ahead!
Never ever, ever stop!
Randy Step, an obsessed runner ... with no good excuses not to be.
