Running Archives - 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pine planation at Proud Lake Recreation Area

The Running Adventure I Didn’t Want at Proud Lake Recreation Area

by AmieAdventures, Hikes, Hiking, Michigan, Michigan Trails, Running, State/City Parks & Forests December 14, 2023December 14, 20232 Comments

Visiting Proud Lake Recreation Area has been on my bucket list for quite some time now. With over 3,000 acres, including the scenic Huron River, this recreation area provides activities for all outdoor adventurers.

Two Days, Three Races: Running the Treetops Trifecta

by AmieRaces, Running November 9, 2023November 9, 20234 Comments

Two days, three races, and a whole lot of hills. The Treetops Trifecta offered everything I could hope for in a trail run, which is why I continue to return to this rugged and challenging race year after year.

A Spooktacular Event: The Dansville Halloween 5K

by AmieRaces, Running November 2, 2023November 2, 2023No Comments

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.

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

by AmieRaces, Running October 27, 2023October 27, 2023No Comments

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.

Fueling My Runs with Gnarly Sport Nutrition

by AmieRunning October 19, 2023October 19, 2023No Comments

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.

Exploring the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail

by AmieAdventures, Hikes, Hiking, Michigan, Michigan Trails, Running, State/City Parks & Forests October 5, 2023October 5, 2023No Comments

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.

Gear Review: Salomon Adv 5 Skin Hydration Vest

by AmieGear, Running September 17, 2023September 17, 2023No Comments

Finding what method of carrying water and food on a long run (or even a day hike) can be a challenge. You want something that is light, versatile and fits your style comfortably.

For me, that is the Salmon 5 Skin Hydration Vest.

Running The Legend at Sleepy Hollow State Park

by AmieRaces, Running, State/City Parks & Forests August 10, 2023August 10, 2023One Comment

If running through hardwood forests and prairie grasslands is your thing, the Legend trail run in Sleepy Hollow State Park is a race for you.

Celebrate Old Town’s ScrapFest with the Great Scrap Run

by AmieRaces, Running July 27, 2023July 22, 2023No Comments

Enjoy the Great Scrap 8K (4.97 miles) run on the beautiful and scenic Lansing River Trail in Lansing, Michigan. Get treated with a tasty popsicle at the finish line and explore the incredible ScrapFest sculptures in Old Town.

Not a bad way to spend a Saturday morning.

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

A Fast and Fun 5K: Elise Dairy Dash

by AmieRaces, Running July 12, 2023July 13, 2023No Comments

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

Running the Half Marathon at Trail Weekend

by AmieRaces, Running April 30, 2023April 30, 2023One Comment

Trail Weekend is a well-known race in the area. It takes place in the beautiful Pickney Recreational Area in Pickney, Michigan, and has a little bit of everything for all trail runners. Participants can choose from 4 different distances, each with its own set of challenges.