December 3, 2008 - Tis' the season of giving.
Yo Run Gang,
Those of us who are passionate runners know that running is truly a gift. Not only does it add to our mental and physical health but our quality of life, our self esteem and so much more. Life without running would be quite different.
Tis the season of giving. As with all that is good in life, we tend to want to share our experiences with others. Unfortunately, our passion for running cant be transferred, the passion must be found by the individual but we can play a part. Yes, we can roll model our happiness and health and can invite the beginning runner (Or potential runner) along for a non intimidating walk/run but we all know, new running gear helps get us out the door and fires up the excitement. When we get a new running jacket, new shoes, new watch we cant wait to get out and play with our new toys. By giving these kinds of gifts, you may light a flame that will burn forever. Just try to find a gift that could beat that!
The Obsessed runners suggested Gifts for the potential runner; of course you get this stuff at Running Fit! (Shameless plug).
New shoes: Yes, shoes are a lousy gift because they will need to be exchanged and fitted correctly. A gift card would be more practical but cracking open a box of fresh running shoes adds a bit of magic. You can always include a card that says, yes, you will need to take these back to the store and get fitted in the right shoes but I could not bring myself to giving you a gift card!
A paid entry to a walker friendly event or the Running 101 class for the beginning runner: Remember your first event when you expected to come in last but ended up far from last and excited to enter another! Include a 5K training schedule (Ive linked one here!). Perhaps the Martian 5k on April 4th would be a fun event. Get the info at www.martianmarathon.com.
A running magazine and gift card: People love magazines and the glossy pictures!
Garmin 205: For the potential runners who is a tech nut. Not a cheap gift, your will guilt them into becoming a runner!
Run, shop, run, shop, run, shop,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner who likes new toys
November 26, 2008 - The worse the weather, the more valuable the run.
Yo Run Gang,
Bring it on, the worse the weather, the more valuable the run, both physically and mentally. There is something about a cold morning run in horrid conditions in the dark that gives a feeling of power, what I call a Rambo Run. Its like you have something over everyone else. These runs can make us feel like superheroes, something a run on a beautiful day just cant match. Get out there and feel the power!
Traction time is coming. There is no reason to worry about slipping and taking a fall on the winter run. Putting on Yak Tracks adds to the feeling of invincibility on the winter morning run, there is something about running on crap footing with reckless abandon that fires up the soul!
A time of thanks. Especially during the holidays, I think of our American soldiers on the other side of the world away from family and friends putting it all on the line for us and I stand in awe. Thank a vet.
At a recent convention of all the running stores in North America, Running Fit was awarded the Ubuntu award for being the most charitable Running Store in the world, our industries highest honor. Yikes! The truth is, this award was won by our customers and staff who made such giving possible. With the increasing difficulties in our economy, charity will become even more important in the year ahead but will also be more difficult. Again, we thank you.
Get out and run!
Randy Step
Running Fit, an Ann Arbor, Michigan based company wins international humanitarian award!
Running Fit is the 2008 winner of the Ubuntu Award, a special honor to recognize the leading running specialty store for outstanding community service and involvement.
"The word 'Ubuntu' has no literal translation in English, but in essence it means humanism, a shared world view or vision of humanity," said Russell Clark, C.E.O. of Balega, sponsor of this award. "It's about the principle of caring for each other, and a spirit of mutual support. A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, generous, hospitable, caring and compassionate. More broadly it is the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity."
Click here to read the rest of the article
November 19, 2008 - The weather is consistent!
Yo Run Gang,
The weather is consistent! Consistently MISERABLE! Yes its the off season, but a goal of getting out the door at a minimum of every other day should be a minimum. No mileage minimum needed, once you get out the door that part works out fine. Get out the door. Yes, I do repeat the important stuff!
Last week I mentioned shopping for value, bang for the buck, not spending on unnecessary stuff, garden statues come to mind As I packed my running garb today for my mid-day run, I noticed I always grab the same pair of CWX tights, my Peal Izumi Jacket, my Brooks mitts The point is, you dont need 10 of everything, just a couple of good pieces in each apparel category and you can run all winter. Run gear is all constructed from different variations of the same polyester fibers and good technical apparel wears like iron. Someone once asked, You paid $200 for a Gore-Tex running jacket?, my response, some people pay that much for a suit coat, just try wearing that 7 days a week and see how long it lasts. Seriously, I wear the same couple of jackets day after day, all winter long, year after year, talk about value.
Pull it on, lace em up, and you know what,
Randy Step, an obsessed and consistent runner
November 12, 2008 - It looks like we are in for some tough days.
Yo Run Gang,
On the economic side it looks like we are in for some tough days and as Ive said so often, we are fortunate to have running to get us though. With the mental and physical health we get from our runs we can better handle adversity. Running puts us in a better position to be a positive and helping source for others as well as ourselves. We will all be looking for value in not only what we buy but also in what we do. Running will be a valuable use of our time; a great return on the time we invest each week. A short run can go a long way!
At Running Fit, we continually work hard to find and offer products based on value. As runners ourselves, we test products for performance, durability and price. Our goal is to carefully fit you into the proper footwear and apparel that will keep you injury free, comfortable in all conditions and will last, adding to the return on your running investment.
We encourage you to encourage others to get out the door; the best way is to lead by example.
Enjoy every healthy day,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner, and the faithful running crew at Running Fit who share your passion.
November 5, 2008 - I'm obsessed with the holidays!
Yo Run Gang,
As I said last week, its the off season, time to lick your wounds and ease up the mileage. That said, to make good use of the extra time you will have, might I suggest working on your core strength and flexibility, something that many of us (Me) neglect during the intense running months. We have even set a couple clinics to show you how! See below.
Last week I also suggested starting some healthy, family and friends fun run traditions. Below, I have included the information on some great choices so you can fire up the family and get them entered. Another option is to start a family tradition of not running but volunteering at a run each year, there is a link on each event to do just that!
Run for fun!
Randy Step, an obsessed runner, obsessed with the holidays!
October 29, 2008 - November, the start of the stress free running season!
Yo Run Gang,
Ahhh November, the start of the stress free running season! Sure, the weather sucks, but who cares. The racing season is behind us and for the most part, there are no scheduled miles to worry about. A time for short runs, days off, and perhaps a long run if you feel like it every other week or so But not too long.
Running is that sweet spot of our day, its what we do to escape work, worries and stress. So, when I say stress free running its a bit of an oxymoron, but not all things are black and white. To follow a running schedule and prepare for an event takes dedication and commitment, with that comes a certain kind of stress, not a serious stress like the things you have little control over but you get the idea. From now until the end of January, lighten up and enjoy!
The serious events are over but the fun family running events fit in well with the holiday schedule. If you havent already, I suggest starting some holiday running traditions to get the family out together and share some fun miles. It starts with the Detroit Turkey Trot. Its worth a trip to the big city for this Parade of an event, and yes, there is even a parade!
Get out and run!
Randy Step
October 22, 2008 - What a glorious weekend in the D
Yo Run Gang,
What a glorious weekend in the D. Congrats to all who accomplished their goals on such a beautiful running day. I didnt run Freep but came up with my own spectator event, laying out a 10 mile run course that allowed me to see the leaders at several points during the race. You cant run them all but you can always dream up new ways to enjoy the sport and get in your miles!
Frost tonight! Running tip of the week, dont run naked! Actually, I find that by over dressing, it makes it easier to get out the door on these cold days. Start your run with a small loop so you can drop off the extra layer as you warm up.
Along with the cold comes the dark, it figures. Thanks to the new L.E.D. headlamps, running in the dark aint as bad as it used to be. In fall and winter, for those of you who continue to run trails, I suggest a hand held flashlight in addition to the headlamp to help spot those roots. My choice of headlamp, the Princeton Tec, 4 L.E.D. lamp, (Shameless plug) $39.99 at Running Fit!
Light the night,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner, be it winter or summer
October 15, 2008 - Yikes, its the Detroit Freep Marathon week!
Yo Run Gang,
Yikes, its the Detroit Freep Marathon week! For those of you who put in the long hard miles all summer and will tow the line this Sunday for the full or half marathon, congratulations! All the work is done and the marathon will just be icing on the cake, enjoy. For those of you who did not get in your training miles but are still going to line up Sunday, you will be doing all the work on race day, good luck!
For those of us on the marathon side lines, we are envious of your dedication to training and you inspire us to perhaps consider the marathon or half marathon next year. For you first timers, to increase your chances of marathon success and have the motivation to get in those miles, consider joining the 501 marathon training class at Running Fit. Classes will form in January preparing you for a spring marathon, and in June preparing you for next years fall marathons. Go to www.runningfit501.com and take the plunge!
Running Fits Scrambled Legs BBQ!
Post Freep Marathon party takes place at Bookies Tavern! After your run, come join the party and share your war stories with people who want to hear about it! Bookies will be the place to be! Bookies Tavern is at 1265 Washington Blvd., right back at the starting line! The Head Goat extends his personal invitation for you to join the Running Fit gang for this Barb-B-Q beer bash. Heck, you deserve a reward! Family, friends, spectators, volunteers and street people welcome.
Get out and run!
Randy Step
Head Goat and Obsessed Runner
October 8, 2008 - Coming off a fall marathon and feeling beat up.
Yo Run Gang,
This running life Coming off a fall marathon and feeling beat up. Anticipation, worry, focus and accomplishment followed by post event depression. The answer to this is a new goal, time to start training and planning for another event. Savor the pain and move on. You worked hard to feel this bad! As I say all the time, you get to experience the true highs and lows of life, not that numb middle of the road, couch potato, comatose haze of constant blahhh. You know the full range of what life has to offer. Enjoy the ride!
The chill is in the air. Now is the time to commit to a winter of getting out the door consistently and putting in the miles. One of the reasons we run is that it is simple and requires hardly anything. Yes winter requires a few more layers, but in the grand scheme of sports, winter running is still as basic as it gets. A synthetic base layer next to the skin to wick away moisture, (staying dry is staying warm) covered by a micro fiber vented shell to stop the wind. Add to that, hats, mitts, some traction control for the shoes, head lamp and reflective vest. (Did I mention its always dark) The winter gear is just trickling in at Running Fit. A fun time to shop for the few but essential pieces of the winter puzzle. We have some serious tech clothing geeks on staff that love to tell you what they wear and will steer you right.
Bring on what ever; well be ready to run.
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner and tired Goat
October 1, 2008 - Fall, time to reap the benefits of the years training!
Yo Run Gang,
Fall, time to reap the benefits of the years training and crank in a fall race unless you are like me, coming off a summer drought (sidelined by injury). Luckily, I got in a late crop that seems to be coming in nicely (healed and back training!), no personal records this fall, no hay in the barn, but Im hungry for next year, and thats a good thing!
As Ive said in the past, the market might crash or soar but getting out the door for the days miles is one of the rocks you can steady this life on, a recession proof passion. In the lean years, we might not be able to afford to fly to Hawaii to run the marathon but we can lace em up and head out the door for head clearing trip to nirvana, with no $4 per gallon gas needed. A simple sport worth so much more than the sum of its parts, the ultimate investment.
Run with the bulls,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner
" at 57, I had decided to become and athlete. Putting the intensity and involvement that I once felt for the life of a physician into the life of the distance runner My fitness program was never a fitness program. It was a campaign, a revolution, a conversion. I was determined to find myself. And, in the process, found my body and the soul that went with it." Dr. George Sheehan (This Obsessed Runners favorite philosopher)
