2012-02-01 - Smart & Efficient

A common comment I hear, "I'm not really a runner, I only run 2 to 3 miles, 3 or 4 times a week." I have thought about this and where this mindset comes from. Lacing them up and getting out the door, consistently, while putting in minimally 5 miles a week lets me know this person is definitely a runner and a dedicated runner at that! My guess is when we look at ourselves we have a tendency to compare what we do, for example running, with the people we know that run more than we do, not those who do less and not looking at the whole picture, we sell our accomplishments short. 

If we look at all we do in a week, between family, business, socially and then look at the commitment it takes to put in the weekly runs that we do get in, and then consider the physical and mental benefits these runs give us, we'll realize we are not only RUNNERS but smart and efficient ones!  

 --Randy Step,  an admitted obsessed runner, a runner, just like you! 
 

PS: 30 years ago today, I lined up with my bride Kathy in Kona for a sub 12 hour Ironman performance that changed my life forever.

I went to Hawaii as a funeral director, obsessed runner and triathlete ... and I have never worked a day in my life since. Thank you all for helping me live the dream! (Good trivia, yes: we raced in the  Kona World Championship race twice in 82', as they moved and have held the race to October ever since!)

PS: The Super 5K Volunteer Registration is now open!

Join us on February 5 in Novi as we kick off Super Bowl Sunday!

PS: Life is too important to be taken seriously (quote credit goes to Victor S.)!

Join me on June 16th at the Canton Liberty Festival 5 and 10K... dressed as the Statue of Liberty! Seriously! Costume included with race entry! Stay tuned, more info to follow...

2012-01-25 - Carpe Currere!

A snow free, above freezing running day nearing the end of January, "carpe currere!"

For those of you running the Bigfoot Snowshoe race in Traverse City this weekend, not to worry, there will be enough snow to stumble around in. Rooms are cheap and a spontaneous road trip is always good for the soul, join us! Runsnow.com

More winter run fun in a week! Sunday, March 5th, we take on 5K in Novi before watching the Patriots take on the Giants. Like a Turkey Trot, The Super Bowl 5K is a big party run before a day of tailgate food and a well deserved spot on the couch. The 5K finisher's pint glass can be put immediately to use! We have a big heated indoor post race space complete with junk food served by the "Pauli Girls" and a TV with past Super Bowl highlights. Invite your non-wimp friends and enter at runsuperbowl.com. Optional on the entry site, for every $20 you donate to North Star Reach, a summer camp for kids with severe medical problems, you get a football square and a chance to win Mizuno shoes and other swag!

Keep the fun in your run,

 --Randy Step, an admitted impetus cursor, who just looked up a bit of Latin lingo on Google!

2012-01-18 - I'm Impressed!

Yo run gang

The demographics of runners are pretty impressive, I guess that means I'm writing this to a smart, college educated, self directed, hard working, affluent group that understands commitment. Hmmm, that puts the pressure on me, especially as far as my spelling and grammar are concerned, dang. You do what you do with little fanfare or recognition; that said, I'm here to say I'm proud of the running community and to be a part of it. We run side by side in races with a quiet but special bond, knowing exactly what it took to get where we are.

2011 Woodstock

When we do finish a race it's always nice to get a bit of bling
for our efforts. Medals, age group awards and T-shirts that let  the world know we are serious endurance athletes! (Yes, that includes those of us who survive a 5K, something the average American can't come close to, be proud!) So, to add to that bling, in every Running Fit event this year, you will receive a little something extra, a custom designed finisher's pin made for each event, this will be in addition to the medals or whatever we normally give out, a priceless collector's item to dress up your wardrobe

The first couple pins of the year? The Bigfoot Snowshoe race in TC and the Super 5K in Novi on Super Bowl Sunday morning!

Speak with your feet, 

--Randy Step, an obsessed runner, who is proud of your passion!

 

PS: The motivation and information shared in a running class setting will take your running to the next level at a pace you can't hit alone.

Running 101 for the beginning runner. 101 Info Here. Running 201 in Northville will start January 19 and runs for 10 weeks. 201 Info Here. Running 501 will take you to distances where higher math is needed to explain ... Like any good 500 level class! Running 501-West Bloomfield starts January 23 and runs for 18 weeks. 501 Info here.

PS: The Super 5K Volunteer Registration is now open!

Join us on February 5 in Novi as we kick off Super Bowl Sunday!

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 January 24 (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.

PS: Life is too important to be taken seriously (quote credit goes to Victor S.)!

Join me on June 16th at the Canton Liberty Festival 5 and 10K... dressed as the Statue of Liberty! Seriously! Costume included with race entry! Stay tuned, more info to follow...

2012-01-12 - Where's Winter Hiding?

Going on 5 months of fall running, a gift! What a difference weather can make. So, now winter can't be more than another 60 days, we are now ready to handle anything mother nature throws our way and we'll be fast and fit come spring!

For those of you struggling along with your running, waiting for the magic to come, hang tough; like all good things, it does not come easy. The following is an excerpt from an email I recently received from a graduate of Running Fit's 101 class, it may help keep your fire lit, and get you to passionate runner level. 
"I'm one of the slowest runners on the planet, but have successfully completed several 5ks and my first few 10k's! I'm now training for a half marathon and am just so excited to finally understand why people think running is awesome. I just wanted to send you a note to say thank you! Running Fit has changed me in the best ways a person can be changed."

Share the passion,

Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner, still working the pied piper shtick!

PS: The motivation and information shared in a running class setting will take your running to the next level at a pace you can't hit alone.

Running 101 for the beginning runner. 101 Info Here. Running 201 in Northville will start January 19 and runs for 10 weeks. 201 Info Here. Running 501 will take you to distances where higher math is needed to explain ... Like any good 500 level class! Running 501-West Bloomfield starts January 23 and runs for 18 weeks. 501 Info here.

PS: The Super 5K Volunteer Registration is now open!

Join us on February 5 in Novi as we kick off Super Bowl Sunday!

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 January 24 (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.

PS: Life is too important to be taken seriously (quote credit goes to Victor S.)!

Join me on June 16th at the Canton Liberty Festival 5 and 10K... dressed as the Statue of Liberty! Seriously! Costume included with race entry! Stay tuned, more info to follow...

2012-01-05 - Happy New Year!

There is a lot of joking this time of year about failed New Year's resolutions, but for us who run and walk on a regular basis it's no joke, we speak with our feet and do what we plan. So yes, we don't fit the average American mold, we know from experience what it takes to reach goals and make positive changes in our lives. We know the value of the hard work we are about to do and that the success of our long term goals are worth the effort, physically, mentally and personally.

I'll see you out on the roads and trails as we log our miles, set personal bests and keep our streaks going!

...Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner, excited to fill up my running (swimming, biking, yoga ... ) log book pages for 2012!

PS: Upcoming Classes!

Running Fit 501 is starting a session in West Bloomfield on January 24. More Info Here. Running 201 in Northville will start January 19 and runs for 10 weeks. More Info Here.

PS: The Super 5K Volunteer Registration is now open!

Join us on February 5 in Novi as we kick off Super Bowl Sunday!

PS: Self Defense Class: The perfect New Year's Resolution, to gain self confidence and a new awareness of where you run.

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 Ann Arbor West, 5700 Jackson Rd  Class dates: 6:30 PM, January 10 (Limit 15 people per class) Cost: $69 More Info: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PS: Life is too important to be taken seriously (quote credit goes to Victor S.)!

Join me on June 16th at the Canton Liberty Festival 5 and 10K... dressed as the Statue of Liberty! Seriously! Costume included with race entry! Stay tuned, more info to follow...

2011-12-28 - You Yourself

Yo run gang

That said, to be motivated to be our best, we must be our own cheerleaders. What others observe and comment about our running accomplishments can boost the ego to some extent, but what counts deep down and will take us to the next level is what we ourselves have witnessed.

PS: Upcoming Classes!

Running Fit 501 is starting a session in West Bloomfield, details to follow... Running 201 in Northville will start January 19 and runs for 10 weeks. More Info Here.

PS: The Super 5K Volunteer Registration is now open!

Join us on February 5 in Novi as we kick off Super Bowl Sunday!

PS: Self Defense Class: The perfect New Year's Resolution, to gain self confidence and a new awareness of where you run.

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 Ann Arbor West, 5700 Jackson Rd  Class dates: 6:30 PM, January 10 (Limit 15 people per class) Cost: $69 More Info: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PS: Running Fit is teaming up with Michigan's State Parks for a Shoe Year's Day Celebration!

Join us on New Year's Day at 11 AM for an hour walk, hike, run or wander! Start the new year with a head-clearing hour in the great outdoors. We'll finish up with healthy snacks around the campfire. Bring family, friends and a story to tell. If you can bring some canned Tuna for Gleaner's Food Bank, it will be appreciated! Two $50 Running Fit gift cards will be given out randomly at each of these parks, Island Lake, Maybury and at Eddy's Discovery Center at Waterloo. Join us, I'll be at Island lake!

2011-12-21 - Time is Precious

Another good note, the darkest days are behind us, starting today!  

Randy Step, an obsessed runner, living the dream.

2011-12-14 - Chill Out!

On the first cold days of winter you will find it easier to get out the door if you over-dress a bit. Start with a short loop where you can drop a layer once you feel out the weather.  After the loop, continue your winter runs into the wind, not fun, but knowing that at anytime you can turn your back to the weather and have a more comfortable run home can give the motivation to stick it out. Yes, many days we will just want to skip the winter run... but as always, you will be happy that you ran so don't think about it, just get out the door!

Must have winter run items:

Base Layer: A wicking base layer. A close fitting layer keeps out the draft and lets your body heat push the moisture away from you.
Balaclava: It keeps the wind off your ears and neck, making a huge difference in comfort.
Mittens: Often, gloves just don't cut it, you can always take off the mittens and hold them if you get too warm.
 

Stop into Running Fit, they'll dress you for success!

Run warm,

Randy Step, an obsessed runner who had a comfortable, empowering run on the trails this morning! Take that you nasty weather!

 

P.S Never know what to ask for for Christmas? How about Running Fit event entries!
Get what you really want this year with the Running Fit Event Wish List Registry!

Registering for your event wish list is easy! Simply fill out your registration information, select the events you would love to receive as gifts, and give us the e-mail(s) of your friends and loved ones who never know what to get you. We will take care of the rest!
https://runningfitevents.webconnex.com/giftregistry

Get Wishing, then get out and run!

January 12, 2011 - CORE! CORE! CORE!

January is a great time for CORE, CORE, CORE! I consider December and January as off season running months, a time where distance and speed are ignored and our running satisfaction can be taken from nothing more than constancy, just getting out the door. With the cutback in running, we have time for planks, abdominal work, strength and balance, perhaps yoga or palates. I like simple workouts where you use the weight of your body. Once winter starts to break and our mileage goes up, well have the strength to handle the increased stress. I think Ill close my office door now, and sneak in some planks, crunches, one legged squats and pushups!

I know we love winter and all J but Im sure looking forward to sneaking off to Florida for the Dances With Dirt trail runs on February 12th! Join us! Flights are cheap (Under $200) to Tampa (a 45 minute drive to the race) and we have a room block at Dade City Hampton Inn! We all need a bit of spontaneity in life, not to mention a run in the Florida wilderness! All distances from 10K and up! Run easy and enjoy nature. dwdgreenswamp.com

Run easy,

Randy Step, an obsessed runner, whos working to stay that way.

2011-12-07 - Cowboy Hat?

Yo run gang

Randy, Steve and Trevor are in Austin, Texas this week at "The Running Event", the convention for running specialty stores. Randy had this to say about it a few years ago:

 It's a convention unlike any other. Picture a convention that includes daily runs and a "Shoe and sock bar", a place where you can stop in anytime and grab any shoe and socks by any manufacturer and go out and run in them. This morning we raced 5K, the field included several Olympians and a who's who of sponsored athletes and running celebrities, perhaps one of the fastest races in the country ... on a Wednesday morning! Yes our jobs can be a lot of fun and yes, we're lucky to live and love what we do.