2011-08-24 - Consistant and Calming
Are we still in Michigan? The weather and running have been glorious, a nice stretch just in time for the fall mileage build up for those of us training for one of the longer races.
Few things are as consistent and calming as the daily run in this inconsistent world. The housing and stock market boomed and we ran, the housing market and stock market crashed and we ran, the country continues to go to war and we continue to run. During our runs we have the option to contemplate solutions to the world's problems or to escape reality and enjoy playtime. Either way, we finish energized, focused and ready to take on the day! I'm outta here!
Run the world,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner contemplating life's biggest questions, what shoes to grab and what route to take!
PS - I'm getting ready to camp out on the land and set my soul free!
Join me for the most valuable runs (And classic rock) of the year the weekend of September 9th, see runwoodstock.com
Run any or all of the weekend events, a great way to get in marathon training mileage or just a much needed hippy hike and perhaps a bit of Yoga... Peace Out.
PS - Labor Day weekend is the last chance for a summer race road trip!
How about the Cadillac 5K, 10K and Run, Bike Kayak Adventure Triathlon!
Running Fit will be there to time the event, stop by and say hi!
PS: Roadies Needed - Run Woodstock!
On top of all the "thanks" and "you rock" you will get throughout the day, you also get an awesome volunteer shirt, a $30 coupon toward any Running Fit event (includes race shirt) and a great feeling for giving back to your sport!
PS: Running Fit is looking for a few motivated and friendly folks who are passionate about running and fitness for part time help at our stores in Northville, Novi, and Ann Arbor. Part time usually is three to four shifts ( 4 to 6 hours) per week including some evenings and weekends. It is not a "get rich quick system", but it is fun work and we do have some great perks. For details please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
PS: United Bank & Trust, presenting sponsor of Big House Big Heart 5 & 10K this year, is trying to give away more money.
They'll donate $1.00 for every "like" on their Facebook page. Please take the time to click the link below and "like" United Bank & Trust and help us meet the goal of $7500. Please "share" and encourage the world to do the same!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/United-Bank-Trust/210518148019
2011-08-17 - What does this all mean?
We all know the type, people who are always looking for immediate gratification, short cuts, get rich quick schemes, miracle diets... seemingly anything that does not require hard work, discipline or patients. It's easy to avoid these kinds of people, just hang around with people who run, we thrive on no short cuts to success, just long tough miles!
Some interesting statistics on who enters running races: There are more men in the 40 - 44 age group than any other male age group, there are more women in the 30 -34 than any other female grouip. 61% of race entries are people over 35. Race entries are about even in numbers for men and women... but based on the growth in women's running, women will soon be ahead (20% of the women's field is under 30 where only 16% of the men's field is under 30.)
What does this all mean? Beats me but it's time to get out for a run!
Yours in running,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who has found there is never a short cut to get to the finish line!
PS - Labor Day weekend is the last chance for a summer race road trip!
How about the Cadillac 5K, 10K and Run, Bike Kayak Adventure Triathlon!
Running Fit will be there to time the event, stop by and say hi!
PS: Runwoodstock.com
Run one race, get 3 free! The Challenge, run 4 events in 3 days ... so you can say, Run Woodstock, I was there man! Dig it!
PS: Roadies Needed - Run Woodstock!
On top of all the "thanks" and "you rock" you will get throughout the day, you also get an awesome volunteer shirt, a $30 coupon toward any Running Fit event (includes race shirt) and a great feeling for giving back to your sport!
2011-08-10 - The Fire Burns!
Aging up, slowing down ... So what? If you're working hard and you're at your edge, that's all that matters, don't let ego get in the way of the personal satisfaction of laying it all on the line and giving it your best. I'm running a couple minutes per mile slower than my fastest years but the fire burns and the effort and feelings experienced while running and racing are as fulfilling as ever. This also relates to coming back from injury or time away from running, where you're at today is all that matters so get out there, give it all you have and savor the glow.
The leaves won't be changing for a while but the official Michigan high school cross country training season kicks off this week. This is a great time to encourage the youth of America to lace em' up and give running a shot.
Currently, running is the country's largest participant sport in school, this gives me hope for our future. Running is a no B.S., non-political, no-cut sport where you speak with your feet and know exactly where you stand, it ain't no game! Another plus, the "All Academic Team Award" (Sport with the highest G.P.A) almost always comes from running!
Running Fit has upcoming Cross Country nights with give-a-ways and discounts on training shoes and spikes. A great way to kick off the season and get the motivation needed to run out the door!
Run to the edge,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner, no matter what condition I'm in!
"Champions are made in summer" - Coach Tony Magni, Novi-Detroit Catholic Central Cross Country coach.
P.S. Join me on the Red Carpet this Thursday night at Running Fit West Bloomfield ... I'm wondering, does the color of my bow-tie effect my pace? Enter at redcarpetrun.com for a night of nonsense, running and fun!
PS: Volunteers Needed - T-Rex Triathlon!
On top of all the "thanks" and "you rock" you will get throughout the day, you also get an awesome volunteer shirt, a $30 coupon toward any Running Fit event (includes race shirt) and a great feeling for giving back to your sport!
T-Rex Triathlon - August 17 - Brighton, MI
Click here for more information on the Running Fit volunteer program and the online registration link for the T-Rex Tri or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
2011-08-03 - Born Free!
Yo run gang,
Pure Michigan! We are so lucky to live in state with so much natural beauty and a park system that makes it so accessible. The Kid rock music video "Born Free" inspired a recent trip to run trails in the UP in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Park. It's as good as it gets if you have not been north in a while it's time for a road trip! The Vasa Trail in Traverse City is another gem, join us on the trails this fall at runvasa.com.
I just love the glitz, glamour and nonsense of the "Red Carpet Run". Get out that old suit or little black dress and join us for one of the most fun time you will ever have dressed to the 9's. Strut you stuff on the Red Carpet on August 11th and be ready to run 5K at 7PM, the champagne will flow as you cross the
finish line with that little red purse tucked under your arm. Check out redcarpetrun.com and you won't find an excuse not to be at the dress up running event of the year.
Look good, run great,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner who's thinking his new black Mizuno Elixirs will be the perfect shoes to wear with my tux!
PS: The Legend!
On Saturday August 6th, join us on the shaded trails at the Legend 5 mile, 10 mile and Half Marathon. (RunLegend.com )
PS: Volunteers Needed!
On top of all the "thanks" and "you rock" you will get throughout the day, you also get an awesome volunteer shirt, a $30 coupon toward any Running Fit event ( includes race shirt) and a great feeling for giving back to your sport!
The Legend! - Saturday August 6 - Sleepy Hollow State Park, Lansing, MI
- We need volunteers to staff the aid stations and the finish line during the race.
Click here for more information on the Running Fit volunteer program and the online registration link for The Legend or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Red Carpet Run - August 11 - West Bloomfield, MI
Click here for more information on the Running Fit volunteer program and the online registration link for the Red Carpet Run or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
T-Rex Triathlon - August 17 - Brighton, MI
Click here for more information on the Running Fit volunteer program and the online registration link for the T-Rex Tri or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
PS: Running Form
Running myth: Your form is natural and can't be changed. It's not that many coaches believe this but from our experience, not many coaches address form seriously. If you want to address form seriously check out www.runningfit.com/runningform
2011-07-27 - The Magic Kingdom
Yo run gang,
Nothing can compare to the daily run from home on a no stress, familiar course where we can get lost in our thoughts or seek the answers to life's difficult questions, our daily bread. The fond memories of the course and the place it plays in the grand scheme of life will be etched in our minds ... We won't remember each outing as they will blend together but a mental journey to the old course will be like going home.
As we run on vacation or as we travel the world, a simple run down the Champs-Elyses, through The Mall in Washington D.C, around the castle in Magic Kingdom or down Alii Drive in Kona, will take on epic proportions as we reminisce ... giving us the content feeling of satisfaction from a life lived fully.
Don't miss a single run on each precious healthy day,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runners with memories that remind me why.
2011-07-20 - "Like what?" you ask?
Often, the most exciting things we can do in this life come with a bit of risk and danger ... like going for a run on a 95 degree day with high humidity! Run smart, run short, run hydrated but don't miss the chance to experience the exhilarating feeling of accomplishment you'll get from just getting out the door. Bring it on!
If you have never been to the Running Fit World Headquarters at 5700 Jackson Rd. in Ann Arbor, it's time you came to visit and be sure to ask one of us to show you around, we love to show off all that is going on. Like what you ask?
HQ has a great retail running shop, our flag ship store, with quality running products and services you expect from Running Fit. The staff at HQ includes our footwear and apparel buyers, accounting, I.T. and inventory control staff (All passionate runners!). HQ also houses our creative event staff (passionate runners too!) that produces 23 events including 3 triathlons, the Martian Invasion of Races, the 4 state extreme trail series Dances With Dirt, Run Woodstock... It's a three ring circus atmosphere with a warehouse full of race equipment that would rival any parade company! Across the hall from events, you might be lucky enough to run into Christi the Swimmer working with clients in our pool studio, equipped with 2 state of the art Endless Pool trainers, you've got to see them in action, better yet, book some pool time with coach Christi!
Big HQ news to share! On June 28, Michigan Rehabilitation Specialists opened the doors to their new clinic inside the Running Fit World Headquarters! This physical therapy clinic includes the specialized services of "The Running Institute" to provide both rehabilitation and performance enhancement to runners. Besides physical therapy, services include video running analysis and coaching for running form or improved performance. The team includes Pete Kitto, PT - a physical therapist who has worked the USA Olympic Trials and World Championships, Ron Warhurst - the former University of Michigan Track coach who has trained Olympic medalists and the last American man and woman to win the Boston Marathon and Earl Wenk, ATC, CSCS - an athletic trainer and conditioning specialist to Olympic and NCAA athletes.
Just last week I ran into 2 Olympians in the hallway at HQ, Canada's Kevin Sullivan and New Zealand's Nick Willis, a silver medalist in the 1500 looking for gold in London in 2012. Like I said, you have to visit Running Fit HQ!
More amazing stuff, The Running Institute has one of the only publicly-accessible Alter-G Treadmills in Michigan. You have seen elite marathoners on it in Runner's World, now you have the opportunity to see what it is like to run at 50% of your body weight. Imagine being able to run pain-free as you rehabilitate an injury? Keeping you on-target for your fall marathon or half-marathon. Check out all they offer at runinstitute.com .
Sorry, I'm long winded today but there is so much to share throughout the company ...
Like our amazing Art Fair sidewalk sale this Wednesday through Saturday at Running Fit downtown Ann Arbor on the corner of 4th and Liberty.
Enjoy this busy running life,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner who invites you to live the dream, we can rest when they throw the dirt on.
PS: The Legend!
On Saturday August 6th, join me us on the shaded trails at the Legend 5 mile, 10 mile and Half Marathon. (RunLegend.com )
PS: More trail!
The 5 Mile Road Runner Classic at Maybury State Park this weekend, July 23, offering a bit of on and off pavement running. (http://www.active.com/running/northville-mi/northville-road-runner-classic-2011)
PS: Come One Come All to see the Brooks Run Happy Cavalcade of Curiosities!
Brooks is bringing a double decker bus full of curiosities, prizes, give-a-ways and sales to the Northville Running Fit on July 24th from 1 - 5 pm. Sign up for a free 15 minute gait analysis by calling the store at 248-380-3338! Get great deals on Brooks clothing and shoes! Have a chance to win some awesome Brooks prizes! Eat free popcorn! Play fun games and see the Brooks show!
Preview the Cavalcade by coming to Northville Running Fit group run on July 21st at 6:30 pm and take the Ghost 4 test drive! Get a inside view of the upcoming sales!
More Info, click here!
PS: Volunteers Needed: The Legend! - Saturday August 6
Sleepy Hollow State Park, Lansing, MI
We need volunteers to staff the aid stations and the finish line during the race.
Click here for more information on the Running Fit volunteer program and the online registration link for The Legend or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
On top of all the "thanks" and "you rock" you will get throughout the day, you also get an awesome volunteer shirt, a $30 coupon toward any Running Fit event ( includes race shirt) and a great feeling for giving back to your sport!
2011-07-13 - Did I mention: You Rock?
Yo run gang
Knowing that less than 1% of the population can run 2 miles is a darn good reason to feel good about your level of fitness. You rock! Unfortunately, most of us compare our running to the to the top 1%, the elite runners, instead of the slackers, diminishing our amazing personal achievements. Did I mention: you rock!
That said, I invite you to join me in the Righteous Woodstock Weekend Challenge on the weekend after Labor Day. My dream is to have the entire running community come together for a weekend that celebrates peace, music and RUNNING! The challenge is to set your soul and inner hippie free with a festival of music and running! On Friday, we'll run an evening 5K, with headlamps on! A 5 mile race on Saturday morning (Or longer if you like), a 5K evening run and a 5 mile run to finish the weekend up on Sunday morning. You'll get a cool hippy trinket award just for doing it all but even if you can't swing the entire weekend, join us for any of the runs. We'll throw in some optional yoga and a hippie hike to Hell to round out the days.
Invite your non-running family and friends, they won't even miss you as you head off for the runs as they lay back and enjoy the classic rock. Camp, commute, hotel it or whatever but ... Be there man! Commit now at runwoodstock.com and save a few bucks over late registration.
Peace Out,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner and a dreamer like you, but we're not the only ones, maybe someday they'll all join us, and the world will run as one ...
PS: Put Sunday July 24th on your calendar!
The Brooks Run Happy Cavalcade of Curiosities Tour Comes to Northville Running Fit - 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
More Info
2011-07-06 - Our Daily Run
Some days are diamonds, some days are stone. (We miss you John Denver.)
As I've said many times, enjoy every healthy running day. The reason for this of course is that we are not as bullet proof as we'd like to be and that we are only as strong as the weakest link. What seems like the stupidest little issue, be it a pain, head cold, stomach issue or whatever, can derail our carefully designed training plan and crush the dream of an upcoming race ... Or the most valuable thing of all, our daily run. Dang!
Run smart and smile,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner who takes nothing for granted.
2011-06-29 - Fast Road, Tough Trails, What could be better?
At some point in our adult lives we realize we can't do everything, dang. The world is too vast to visit every city, to climb every mountain ... And to run every race. Once we come to grips with this we become more selective, not wanting to waste a race experience on a poorly put on event or one that is not our style.
For me bigger is not always better, last year I ran the San Antonio Rock and Roll event and found that yes, 25,000 people can be wrong, a sterile expo, a city course with lots of bad pavement, too many turns and the list goes on. That said, much of it is personal preference. I believe a road course should be fast and accurate, offering a chance for a personal record, OK, some hills, turns and chuck holes but mostly good fast roads, leave "tough" to the trail races where personal achievement has little to do with time and more to do with adventure and accomplishment.
Based on the number of participants, I guess the Muddy, Warrior, Buddy, obstacle course kind of events that are popping up are fun for someone ... but there is too little running for my likes. Most of the web sites for this type of event pride themselves in only having a mile or so of real running, a lot more crawling and climbing. Even with similar stupid spots in Dances With Dirt, the event is still 90% great trail running. But again, it's personal preference.
Here comes that shameless plug you should now be expecting ... Check out the Running Fit event calendar, our goal is to create a fun, well managed, well balanced year of running events, from old school 5K's on the road to weekend long running festivals. Yep, we've done the work for you!
Love this running life and live it up,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner who loves events that make runners sweat, work ... and smile
2011-06-22 - Time to Train!
Thinking fall marathon or half marathon? If you seriously want this to happen, this is the week to commit! (My Marathon Justification speech might help!)
We are 15 to 17 weeks out from most of the fall races. If your current long run is at least 6 miles, the marathon is within reach, you can all be ready for a fall half. The best way to stay motivated is to enter NOW, then tell everyone that you are doing it, Yikes!
Check out the Training Guide and Half & Marathon Training Schedules. (On the schedule, just count the weeks back from your target event and jump on.)
Hot tip, sign up with Running Fit's 501 Marathon and Half Marathon Training Group and increase your chances of marathon success dramatically!
Note: The training manual refers to the full marathon but it all applies to the half too.
Note: We are 11 weeks out from the Run Woodstock Half Marathon & Marathon, the weekend after Labor Day, consider a run on the trails, it's good for your rock and roll soul!
You can do this,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner, who has already signed up for a full fall marathon!
