March 30, 2011 - Time to breathe...

Yo run gang,

As runners, we drink a lot more fluid and consume more calories than those who are sedentary. That said, our risk of health problems due to taking in chemicals, pharmaceuticals and whatever other impurities there are in our food and water may also be greater. In addition, we suck in a lot more air that is filtered by our lungs than the average couch potato.  I believe we need to keep this in mind and look to run away from busy roadways and dirty air and look for sources of healthy food and pure water, we need to be aware.
 
This may sound like a shameless plug but ... We have Absopure Water delivered and available at all the Running Fit stores and in our corporate office. I believe it's a healthy, inexpensive perk to offer our staff and customers. It's not sponsored water; we pay Absopure for it and are happy to support a Michigan based company that is also the 4th largest plastic recycler in the country (They recycle here in Dundee, MI).  But yes, I admit, the water you drink at all the Running Fit events is pure water from Absopure, delivered to us at no charge from our sponsor!  Thank you Absopure for your support of the running community!

Run smart,
  
Randy Step, an obsessed runner, headed to run a trail where the air is fresh and clean ... And yes, with my Fuel Belt on filled with pure water.

March 23, 2011 - From the ashes

Yo run gang,

Thanks to injury, sickness and all that life throws in our path, every healthy running day is a gift.

But we runners are like the Phoenix, after the crash we have the ability to look through the smoke and ash for a route that allows us to crawl back to standing.  We then put one foot in front of the other until we are running once again.

My favorite Steve Prefontaine quote: To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.

We owe it to the running community to volunteer, at a minimum, for one run per year, why not get it done early? There is a time to run, and a time to give back. The Martian Invasion of Races is Saturday April 2nd. For those of you not running, consider joining me as a volunteer. You'll get the infamous "Obey Me!" volunteer shirt a $30 voucher for a future Running Fit event and you get to put your special touch on the event, making it a special day for 7,000 fellow runners! Click here to volunteer!

Don't waste a single running day,

Randy Step, an obsessed runner, soon to be well again!
 

PS: Hey, we especially need some lead cyclists for the Martian Invasion so the lead runners don't have to think, just run! Click here to volunteer. 

PS: Running Fit is hosting a Job Fair on April 6th! Click here for more info.

March 16, 2011 - Nervous steps into Spring!

I always get a kick out of runners who take to the streets and seem to bloom like wildflowers on the first nice weather days. For those of us who have kept our winter outdoor running vigil alive through sleet, gale force wind, snow and dark of night, we can secretly smile with a smug feeling of superiority and satisfaction as we wave and say hello. Ha!

The truth is, what we put into and take from our running is very personal and we don't really know what that new runner we see out there is experiencing. Perhaps they are taking those first brave and nervous steps into the fitness world and that are about to get the satisfaction we all got that time we finally got up the courage to start! Bravo and a high five to all! Runners Rock!

Please join us on April 2nd at the Martian Invasion of Races as we cheer each other on, fulfilling  our personal goals, be they finishing a run/walk through our first 5K or a personal best marathon. We will party together at the finish line as one big happy fitness community, planting the seeds in the sedentary world who watch and stand in awe of us all! Enter at martianmarathon.com

May you run forever,

Randy Step, and obsessed runner and Alien at heart, Nanu, Nanu!

March 9, 2011 - Mellowin' out...

Running is simple ... why can't life be? I know, why is this coming from a guy who lives by "Everything to excess and busy people do everything and the rest do ... What?" Yes, it's out of character but...

I'm writing today from the Caribbean island of Dominica; that should help explain things. I'm staying with my family in a cabin with no electricity, an invigorating cold shower and more natural beauty than I can describe. Each day starts with a long mountain run, a jump in the ocean followed by a breakfast consisting of local fruit and honey on some killer biscuit from a tin shack bakery. After a nap and a long swim I fall asleep reading a book in the shade. Dinner in the local village is always a new kind of fish with several unfamiliar starchy vegetables served on a plywood table.

The moral of the story? Jump out of the rut, whatever it takes, and spend some quality down time ... So we can return fit and ready to crank!

Peace out,

Randy Step, an obsessed runner who is feeling as mellow as jello.

March 2, 2011 - Where's the Obsessed Runner?

The Obsessed Runner seems to have been abducted by Leprechauns or possibly Martians.

We're not really sure, he was here, there was a flash of green, he was gone!

Come to Shamrocks & Shenanigans on March 13 or the Martian Marathon on April 2 & help us look for him!

Thanks, The Crew at Running Fit

February 23, 2011 - Spring Hopes Eternal

Life is tough, even when things seem to be going well. Stress from day to day life can lead to midlife crisis, depression and even suicide, Yikes! What's the answer? I don't know for sure but I'd bet something as simple as a bucket list could get you out of the rut. What to put in there? My vote is for a half marathon, marathon, triathlon, ultra marathon (What did you expect?) Worse case scenario, you will get a clean T-shirts to wear after you finish each of them! Where to start? Go to runningfit.com and click on marathon training on the left hand links. I think you will find it entertaining, if not, maybe you should buy a Harley, learn to pole dance or jump out of a plane!

First sign of spring? I have not seen a bluebird yet but some colorful new shorts and short sleeve tops are starting to bloom on the walls at Running Fit! Feeling blue, shopping for spring is an effective way to fight SAD!

Jump the rut,

Randy Step, an obsessed runner, afraid but excited by what's next on my bucket list!

February 16, 2011 - Heat up your running!

Yo Run Gang,

Mid February, the back side of winter, it's time to heat up our running and focus on the early spring events! Pick an event, enter and commit, if you have not already. A race entry is strong motivation to get in the miles. No yikes about it, people who don't train at all show up and waddle through running events all the time so no need to get nervous. I'm serious, we all have to start somewhere, just do it, the satisfaction of finishing will be the catalyst for your future running goals!! 

The Martian Invasion of Races on April 2^nd (6 weeks from this Saturday) gives us all something to shoot for, 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon. Heck yes, you can be ready, here's a 6 week schedule, check out the mileage my 5K & 10K schedules call for next week and pick the event that matches where your running stands now (even if it's Zero!). Tip: walk run the miles if you need to, start with alternating 3 minutes of running with 2 minutes of walking, or find any combo that gets you there. I like Friday's and Monday's off, but you can adjust it to your life.

Run forever,

Randy Step, Obsessed Runner 

5K

10K

February 9, 2011 - Nothin' is easy...

It is so true, nothing good comes easy. We are reminded every time we layer up for our winter runs ... So much stuff. The footing, the schlepping, the laundry but then, the amazing feeling of satisfaction and control of our lives that can't be explained or measured by the effort. A run that gives back much more than we put into it, more memorable and valuable than any fair weather run will ever be. Dig it!

The passion for what we do and sharing that passion with you makes Running Fit a wonderful place to work, thank you! If winter starts to drag and get you down, come in for a visit and a pep talk. Sure it's a shameless plug but new shoes and a new cool technical running jacket, tights, base layer top or whatever can reinvigorate and jump start your running and keep you rolling into spring. It also helps when much of our winter gear is on sale ... we told you it was shameless!

The run is always worth the effort,

Randy Step, an obsessed runner who works in a toy store!

February 2, 2011 - Let it snow...

Yo run gang,

Let it snow, we can handle it, heck, we choose to live in Michigan for a reason. The 4 seasons add variety and excitement to our daily runs, walks or slogs. You bring it on, we go play in it! The satisfaction of just getting out, breaking a healthy sweat and breathing in the fresh air is what we live for. Yee ha!

Proof is in the numbers, at the current registration rate for this Sunday's Superbowl  5K run on Feb. 6th, we expect over 2,000 runners and walkers coming out to have some fun, burn some calories and earn the best spot on the couch later that day for the big game. You'll even have the 5k Finisher's pint glass to prove it! Come join the best pre-game nonsense anywhere. Yes, we do have a big, warm indoor space to meet in before and after we frolic in the snow and some traditional Superbowl post race junk food will be served. Enter now at runsuperbowl.com and save a few bucks over the weekend price increase.

Enjoy it all,

Randy Step, an obsessed runner who plans on plodding along with some Cheese Heads & Hard Hats on Sunday. Join me!

January 26, 2011 - Look of a runner

Yo Run Gang,

It's hard not to notice ...The distance athlete's body has the chiseled look of speed, endurance and movement, even while standing still. Not a body built in a gym but a one with defined muscles sculpted by long miles and hard work. The distance athlete has an uneven tan, tight skin and an outdoor look of challenge and adventure ... Let's get out the door and get this look!
 
Never, ever, ever hesitate when it comes to the weather, but get excited about the elements and the challenge before you. On Sunday morning I awoke to a single digit day that had me stalling for a few more degrees before heading out. Finally out the door I was greeted by a brilliant sunny day, light winds and was soon warm, in rhythm, enjoying every step and thinking, I should have done this sooner and saved the mental energy!
 
Let it rip,
 
Randy Step, an obsessed runner who's excited to get the look but for now is content with being a work in progress!