Camp. Hike. Explore -

A Gift Guide for Your Favorite Trail Runner

by AmieGear, Running November 14, 2024November 14, 2024No Comments

Are you searching for the perfect gift for your favorite trail runner?

Trail runners thrive on the excitement of the great outdoors, embracing both the challenges and the beauty of nature. The right gear, fuel, and gadgets can significantly impact their performance and help them achieve their personal goals—whether they’re training for a big race, enjoying a leisurely run, or racing against the clock.

Every runner is unique and has specific preferences for what they take with them on the trails. Please keep that in mind while going through this list. To help you support their passion, here are some thoughtful and practical gift ideas.

Gravestone medal and finisher medal from Race to Restore

Race to Restore: A Unique 5K in a Cemetery

by AmieRaces, Running November 6, 2024November 7, 2024No Comments

Halloween races are the best. With cooler temperatures and festive atmospheres, they offer the perfect blend of fun and competition. After all, who wants to be beaten by a giant dinosaur?

This year, Race to Restore 5K caught my eye. This race offers a unique experience as participants make their way through the historic Mount Hope Cemetery.

Lake Superior surrounded by yellowing trees and evergreens

Hiking Sugarloaf Mountain in Marquette, Michigan: A Fall Adventure

by AmieAdventures, Hikes, Michigan October 29, 2024October 29, 2024No Comments

As the crisp air of autumn sweeps across Marquette, Michigan, there’s no better time to lace up the hiking boots and head to Sugarloaf Mountain. This local gem offers breathtaking views, vibrant foliage, and a sense of tranquility that’s perfect for anyone looking to connect with nature.

There’s just something special about hiking Sugarloaf in the fall. It is an experience that you won’t want to miss.

Hustling for Hot Cider & Caramel Apples

by AmieRaces, Running October 28, 2024October 28, 2024No Comments

Celebrate the season with the Hot Cider Hustle 5K. This race is set in the picturesque Hawk Island Park in Lansing, Michigan. The course includes beautiful views of vibrant autumn foliage and the tranquil lake. The best part? Once crossing the finish line, unique treats await! All participants receive hot cider and a tasty caramel apple.

Amie looking at a lake in River Bend Natural Area

Take a Hike in Lansing

by AmieHiking, Michigan Trails September 19, 2024September 19, 20242 Comments

You may think that hiking in the Lansing area means pavement pathways and a disconnect from nature, like most cities. But that’s not the case in Lansing. In fact, within a short drive, trail goers have access to many beautiful forested trails, right in the heart of nature.

Run Woodstock bag, finisher medal, and bib

Run Woodstock: Completing the Happening 100K

by AmieRaces, Running September 17, 2024September 17, 2024No Comments

It is said that you live a lifetime in an ultra. You have ups and downs. You make new friends. You discover hard things about yourself. You overcome challenges. You fade into darkness. You break into light.

This September I participated in my first 100K. It was hard, uncomfortable, and beautiful.

Trail through the pine trees at Lake Lansing North

A Michigan Trail Experience: Deer Fly 5

by AmieRaces, Running August 22, 2024August 22, 2024No Comments

Don’t be afraid of the name. You’re more likely to encounter mosquitoes than deer flies on this unique and fun trail 5K. The Deer Fly 5 occurs on the pretty, forested trails at Lake Lansing North Park in Haslett, Michigan.

Why I Loved Running the Tahqua Trail 25K

by AmieRaces, Running August 15, 2024August 11, 2024No Comments

Imagine spending a morning among giant pine trees, fern-covered forest floors, lush bogs, a wide river with waterfalls, and beautiful lakes where moose love to roam. Sound perfect? I thought so. The Tahqua Trail Run takes runners along a spectacular route that has all of those things and more.

Out of all of the races that I have participated in, the Tahqua Trail 25K is one of my favorites. It has everything that I love about trail running on a relatively easy course.

Don’t Miss the Incredible Ash Cave in Hocking Hills

by AmieAdventures, Hiking, Ohio Trails, State/City Parks & Forests August 9, 2024August 9, 2024No Comments

You don’t want to miss Ash Cave in Hocking Hills State Park.

Ash Cave isn’t like those we splunked through in Cumberland Caverns. It is a type of cave called a recess cave – and it is the largest one in the state of Ohio.

Hiking to Cedar Falls in Hocking Hill State Park

by AmieAdventures, Hikes, Hiking, Ohio Trails, State/City Parks & Forests August 2, 2024August 2, 2024No Comments

Cedar Falls is one of Hocking Hill State Park’s greatest waterfall by volume. However, don’t get your hopes up of seeing this waterfall roaring with life if you visit any time in the summer. Like the other waterfalls in this area, Cedar Falls is likely to dry up during the warm seasons. Still, the unique …

The Rock House in Hocking Hills State Park

by AmieAdventures, Hikes, Hiking, Ohio Trails, State/City Parks & Forests, Uncategorized July 25, 2024July 22, 2024No Comments

Hocking Hills State Park is well known for its caves. But did you know that there is actually only one true cave within the park? That’s the Rock House.

The Rock House cave is about 200 feet long and 20 to 30 feet wide with a high ceiling of 25 feet. It sits midway up a 150-foot cliff made of Blackhand sandstone and is quite the sight to see up close.

Hocking Hills State Park Old Man's Cave Gorge

Top 5 Reasons Why Old Man’s Cave is Worth Exploring

by AmieAdventures, Hikes, Ohio Trails July 18, 2024July 18, 2024No Comments

Old Man’s Cave is the most popular area in Hocking Hills State Park. There is so much to see along a short, easy hike that is unique and very beautiful.

Hocking Hills State Park Campground

by AmieCampgrounds, Camping, Ohio Campgrounds July 11, 2024July 11, 2024No Comments

Be at the center of it all. Stay at Hocking Hills Start Park Campground and have immediate access to most of Hocking Hills’ hiking trails. Located directly in the park next to the infamous Old Man’s Cave, this campground makes an excellent home base for all your adventures in Logan, Ohio.

Participating in the Trail Town 5K

by AmieRaces, Running July 3, 2024July 3, 2024No Comments

Spend a Saturday morning racing on the Lansing River Trail during the Trail Town 10K and 5K event. Enjoy scenic views of the Grand River, wildlife sightings, and help support the maintenance and expansion of the Lansing River Trail.

Spicy Chorizo Tacos

by AmieCamping, Cookbook June 27, 2024July 1, 2024No Comments

I love tacos. Who doesn’t? These spicy chorizo tacos are not only delicious but are easy to make. Pre-make at home and warm up at camp or cook over a fire, these are sure to be a favorite.

Staying at Island Lake Campground in Hiawatha National Forest

by AmieCampgrounds, Camping, Michigan Campgrounds June 20, 2024June 21, 2024No Comments

If you like camping in peace and solitude, off the beaten path but still close to a multitude of things to do, Island Lake Campground is the perfect place for you.

A Bucket List Race: The Rock River Canyon 50K

by AmieRaces, Running June 15, 2024June 16, 2024One Comment

Ever since my first ultra three years ago, I have been eyeing the Rock River Canyon 50K. This race is described as a race for runners who want to “immerse themselves in the wild backcountry of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on Zen single track”.

Now that I have completed this race, I can honestly say that is a very accurate description.

My First Adventure on the Big Bay Pathway

by AmieAdventures, Hikes, Hiking, Michigan, Michigan Trails, Running June 3, 2024June 3, 2024No Comments

When I first discovered the Big Bay Pathway, I was intrigued. I had difficulty finding any information about it other than a tiny image of a detail-less map and that it was used primarily for cross-country skiing. I visited what I had thought was the trailhead a few times but never felt confident enough with …

Running the 50K at Trail Weekend

by AmieRaces, Running May 10, 2024May 10, 2024No Comments

Trail Weekend is a popular trail race in the area and for good reason. Held in the beautiful Pinckney Recreation Area, it is one of the most challenging courses in the region. Offering 4 distances, it is a fantastic race for anyone who loves the trail.

A Weekend Stay at Crooked Lake Rustic Campground

by AmieCampgrounds, Camping, Michigan Campgrounds May 1, 2024May 1, 20242 Comments

There is something special about places like that. You never knew the campground existed, but once you discover it, you are hooked.

Crooked Lake Rustic Campground is one such place. Tucked away in Pinckney Recreation Area, this campground is at the heart of it all.

Lake Superior Shoreline and Grand Sable Dunes

Running on the North Country Trail: Pictured Rocks

by AmieAdventures, Michigan, National Parks, Running April 11, 2024April 11, 2024No Comments

In 2016, we had the wonderful opportunity to backpack through the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Since then, it has been a dream of mine to run the length of the park. While this trip was short, it gave me a taste of that experience and made me even more determined than ever to complete the dream.

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

by AmieRaces, Running, State/City Parks & Forests March 15, 2024March 15, 2024No Comments

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

by AmieRunning March 1, 2024March 1, 2024No Comments

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.

Running Through the Woods Under the Moon: Full Moon 5

by AmieRaces, Running February 1, 2024February 1, 2024One Comment

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

by AmieHiking Tips & Skills January 24, 2024January 24, 2024No Comments

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.