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,

free, fun, kick-off of the triathlon season.  Expo schedule, more info & RSVP

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

April 14: Dearborn, MI - Martian Marathon - 5K, 10K, 13.1, 26.2 - Kids 1.2 Mile

April 15: Ann Arbor, MI - Big House Big Heart - 5K, 10K, 1 Mile

April 21: Dexter, MI - Feet and Friends - 5K, 8K(5 Mile)

April 28: Novi, MI - Live Like Andi - 5K, 10K, 10Mile

April 28-28: Pinckney, MI - Running Fit Trail Races - 5, 13.1, & 26.2 miles, plus 50K (new this year), yikes!

 

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...

 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.

Shamrocks & Shenanigans - March 11 - Volunteer Now!  

DWD Green Swamp Dirt Crew - March 24 - Volunteer now! 

Martian Marathon - April 14 - Volunteer Now!

2012-02-22 - Commitment!

Planning out your event year will keep you motivated and on track. Entering an event and signing on the bottom line is a contract to yourself, you are committing to train and be ready when race day arrives. Notice how I repeat the important stuff! And yes, I suggest the events put on by Running Fit because the passion our crew has for running is directed into every detail of what we do. We understand your commitment to training and that you have put your trust in us by putting down your, hard to come by, disscretionary dollars, to enter our events and shop in our stores.

If a Triathlon is on your race list, especially if you are a first-timer, register now for Running Fit's triathlon Kick-off Expo on March 18th. No admission fee! Limit, 200.

We'll have triathlon vendors, triathlon club representatives and a transition demonstration race between 6 elite triathletes that will follow up with a Q & A. Coach Christi the Swimmer will be on hand to answer questions and show off the endless pool studio. And yes, an optional bike ride and/or run! More Info & Registration

Now is also the time to get to runtrextri.com and enter the fun and challenging 3 race, mid week, sprint series that will sell out!

With this mild winter, many of us will be ready to run longer events earlier. The Martian Invasion of races lands in Dearborn, MI on April 14th, offering 5K, 10K, 13.1 and 26.2 and a great expo, it's the perfect target for all of us!  Commit now at martianmarathon.com!

Commit, train, race,

--Randy Step, an obsessed runner who is blessed to be a part of the Running Fit team where we get to share our passion with you!  

Shamrocks & Shenanigans - March 11 - Volunteer Now! 

Martian Marathon - April 14 - Volunteer Now!

2012-02-15 - Tricks

 

Yo run gang

Even an obsessed runner needs tricks to get out the door...

I love running, but there are many days that I find it hard to get out the door, how can that be? It is because day to day life is an "almost" inescapable trap. The effort needed to step out beyond work, laundry, bills, cooking, cleaning, newspapers, shopping and the sludge of daily existence is huge. Throw in bad weather, colds and flu, pain and injury and even with my priorities in line, it gets even trickier. I have been running pretty much every day for 30 something years. I am often asked, "How do you find the time or motivation to do it?" It's not magic but let me pass along a few tricks I use.

#1. Keep a log. This can be the most important weapon in your athletic arsenal. Simple numbers in a log can be tremendous motivation. The log is essential for success.

#2. Lie to yourself.  On the days the numbers in the log don't stir your soul, this is the time to lie to your body. Promise it that you just want to go out for a 10 minute jog and that if it still wants to go home and lay on the couch after that you will let it. Once out the door, the run is licked!

#3. Visit a Running Store. This suggestion might sound like sales pitch ... Because it is! Stop by a running store at least once a month to pick up a new running magazine, book or some race applications. It helps to visit an environment that supports your effort

#4. Find a training partner. Knowing some poor soul is out there waiting for you at 6 AM will force you out of bed and out the door

#5. Read about running. Motivational Running books and magazines can also get you out the door. The trick, pick up a running magazine or book and after a few pages the guilt will set in, you will soon be back in the training mind set.

Run like you have to,

Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who is happy every time he runs, but not always happy to run.   

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

PS: Volunteer Opportunities Abound!

Volunteer for any Running Fit event - get stuff!

Shamrocks & Shenanigans - March 11 - Volunteer Now! 

Martian Marathon - April 14 - Volunteer Now!

2012-02-08 - All I Really Need To Know

How does that go? ... All I really need to know I learned by running a marathon!

I learned long term goal planning, time management and what is meant by delayed gratification. I learned about my body, how to eat healthy and get enough rest. I learned anger management (in the late miles), how to deal with success and how to deal with failure. I learned who I was and who I could be. Yes, somewhat clich, but running a marathon will change your life forever, I suggest you move it up on the bucket list if you haven't already.

Running Fit offers Running 101, a class for the beginning runner. So it only made sense to offer a 500 level class when you talk half marathon and marathon distance! Check out Running Fit 501, all other credit hours you have earned will pale in comparison. runningfit501.com

--Randy Step, an obsessed runner on the road in search of a ... doctorial degree in running!

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...