Obsessed Runner Blog
October 6, 2010 - Extreme Skirts
Yo run gang,
I love extremes ... But I must admit, glorious fall days also rock the run! Don't you love a fall run that starts in the cold and dark, heads through a breathtaking sunrise, then, as the day quickly heats up, finds you sweating like it's a summer day and stripping down to the basics by the end. There is a bit of magic in a run that takes you from the night into the day, it's not easy to explain but it seems to give the satisfaction and feeling of the long run, powerful, like a run that lasts 2 days.
I'm not sure if it's politically correct, (sexist?), to say it but I think the running skirt is a flattering look on women. For some, it's a great alternative to the despised lycra shorts or tights...Personally, I think it would be fun to jazz it up a bit and try the winter skirt over tights... but I'm just a guy, who wishes I could sport the plaid shorty... just sayin'.... Skirt Sports got my vote for product of the week ... The decade!
Yikes! The Freep Marathon and Half Marathon are a week from Sunday! For those of you who have trained and put in the miles needed to toe the line, I salute your commitment! For those of you with the half marathon or marathon on the bucket list as a future goal, may I suggest you head to Detroit and cheer on the runners. Watching a marathon is an inspirational and motivational experience that can help you to achieve your running goals. Running or not, come visit the Running Fit booth at the expo Friday and Saturday for great deals on fun stuff!
Final thought: For those of you who did not train as much as you had planned but will still be toeing the starting line ... There is Ibuprofen!
Run forever,
Randy Step, an obsessed runner
2012-04-18 - Keep it simple
As the world gets more complicated by the minute, the simplicity of going for a run continues to notch up in value, especially on the psychological side. I put running in the number one spot in sport for getting down to basics and fulfilling our need for clarity. The run leaves the individual to compete against distance and time, no equipment or special environment necessary, few activities compare.
When using the litmus test of "Can I do this sport naked with no equipment and no other participants?", yoga is right up there but does not quite fulfill my athletic need for an exact measurement of success. Swimming fits the bill, but having 80 degree water limits its practicality. The other sport that comes to mind is bouldering, or free climbing. Yes, some equipment like footwear and goggles may add to the experience of these simple sports but the point is our need to get down to basics. On a run we get to bedrock, we move, sweat and challenge ourselves, finishing inspired, confident and ready to take on this loud, complicated and busy life.
Escape with a run,
Randy Step, an admitted obsessed runner, enough said.
4/21 - Saturday - feetandfriends.org - Join me in Dexter at Hudson Mills Metro Park for the Feet and Friends 5k and 8K (5 miles) A good cause.
Volunteer Registration and the details here - Volunteer now!
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.