Amie running at Winter Trail Fest

Over the Hills and Through the Creek: Running the Half at Winter Trail Fest – West Side

In 2020, I set off on an adventure to complete my first winter trail run. It was 5 miles through Yankee Springs Recreational Area. It was cold, snowy, and a blast. I’m happy to say I have finally returned to the Winter Trail Fest – West (W.T.F) event and tackled the half marathon. While everything …

My Favorite Brands for Running

Running is hard. It requires physical and mental endurance, determination, and a bit of stubbornness. One way to make it a little bit easier is to find the right gear that makes you feel comfortable and excited about hitting the trails.

No two runners have the same gear. It is a very individualized sport and that includes personal preference for gear. These are my favorites.

Finisher Full Moon 5

Running Through the Woods Under the Moon: Full Moon 5

When I signed up to participate in the Full Moon 5, I thought it was a great opportunity to get some night-running experience. Little did I know how much fun I was going to have, running on muddy, icy trails in the dark with a bunch of strangers. The sounds of laughter filling the darkness, broken only by an occasional hoot of a Great Horned Owl.

The 3 Layers of Winter

Winter is one of my favorite times to camp and explore the outdoors. There is nothing more beautiful than the sound of winter in the woods. But before venturing out into the cold it is important to have a plan on how to stay warm.

Hiking in Afton

Finding Adventure in 2024

There is something special about reflecting during this time of year. Perhaps it is because the new year feels like a clean slate – we can start over again. Or perhaps it is because things are slowing down as winter begins to settle in – at least for some people.

Now is the time to think about what you might want out of 2024. What is left on your bucket list? Is there someplace special that you want to revisit? How do you want to continue to challenge yourself? Or simply, what do you need to get by?

Halloween race shirt, bib and gourd

A Spooktacular Event: The Dansville Halloween 5K

I love running in the fall. There is more joy in it for me than any other season. To support that love of the season, I try to squeeze in as many races as possible.

This year I decided to sign up for a Halloween-themed race and that race was the Dansville Halloween 5K.

I chose this race not because the course sounded particularly interesting or because the goodies were enticing (although they were). I chose it because Dansville is my dad’s hometown.

Amie running Dragon in the Woods 5K

Here Be Dragons: Dragons in the Woods 5K Round 2

Last year I participated in the Dragons in the Woods 5K trail race at Burchfield Park. The race was cut unexpectedly short by a miscalculation of the course. By over a mile.

Typically I wouldn’t return to a race that is missing that much mileage, especially in a 5K. But because Dragons in the Woods is hosted on one of the trail systems I’m frequently running, I decided to sign up again this year. I’m really glad I did.

Gnarly Sample Packs

Fueling My Runs with Gnarly Sport Nutrition

I first heard about Gnarly while participating in the Two Hearted 50K. The race director was a hardcore Gnarly fan and had it at all of the aid stations. At the time, I was using a different liquid calorie that was favored by many runners I knew, but it wasn’t right for me.

Large mossy rock with tree growing out of it next to a trail

The Magic of the Bush Bay Trail

Take a magical hike in the woods on the Bush Bay Trail near Cedarville, Michigan. With beautiful views of Lake Huron, limestone and dolomite formations, and all the moss that would make a fairy garden jealous. This hike is well worth the stop.

The Bush Bay Trail has been nicknamed “the Narnia Trail” and for good reasons. There’s something whimsical about it.

Waterloo-Pinckney Trail

Exploring the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail

Waterloo Recreation Area is truly an outdoor enthusiast’s haven. With 20,000 acres of land, Waterloo Recreation Area is the largest state park in Michigan’s lower peninsula. It includes diverse camping options, 11 inland lakes, and multiple systems.

On my visit, I decided to explore the extensive Waterloo-Pinckney Trail.

Michigan Capitol Building

Race the Capital City River Run Half Marathon

The Capital City River Run in downtown Lansing celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. The race highlights the beauty of the capital city by following primarily the Lansing River Trail. This was my first time participating and I was excited to be completing it with a friend for his first half marathon.

Maybury State Park Trail

Take a Hike at Maybury State Park

Maybury State Park boasts nearly 1,000 acres of rolling terrain, open meadows, and mature forest. Located in southeast Michigan near the town of Northville, this park provides an excellent escape from the city.

With trails to accommodate hikers of all experiences, horses, and bikers of all levels, Maybury State Park has something for everyone. This park has been on my bucket list for a long time and I’m happy I finally made it.

Nachos

Campfire Nachos

Who doesn’t love a good nacho? Bonus. It’s cooked over a fire. Campfire Nachos is one of my favorite go-to meals. Easy to make and easy to customize.

Fire pit, hammock, and tent at Sleeper State Park

Campfire Ethics

Who doesn’t love having a campfire? It is one of the most iconic aspects of the camping experience. We rely on fires for food, warmth, and happiness.

Whether roasting marshmallows for s’mores or having a laugh with friends and family, fires are a place of comfort. However, with the enjoyment comes the responsibility of following fire safety and ethics.

Amie at Elise Dairy Dash 5K in front of the cow

A Fast and Fun 5K: Elise Dairy Dash

I signed up for the cowbells but I’ll be back for the community.

This fun and fast 5K takes runners and walkers through downtown Elise, Michigan during the Elise Dairy Festival. Beginning at 7:30 a.m. to beat the summer heat, this fun and energetic race is great for all ages and levels of participants