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.
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 …
Read more “Over the Hills and Through the Creek: Running the Half at Winter Trail Fest – West Side”
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.
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.
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.
Here are some gift ideas to help find the perfect gift for your favorite trail runner, whether they are just getting started or are long-time trail warriors.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
The Hippity Hop 5K has become an annual tradition for me. This was my fourth year participating. This year was especially challenging as severe flooding made it impossible to follow the typical route, which ended up being a blessing.
From the first time I learned about XOSKIN, I was curious to try it out. It sounded too good to be true. Apparel that mimicked skin. I’ve heard these claims before and have been disappointed. But after purchasing three different XOSKIN items, I have to say, I’m sold.
There is little better than giving a gift that helps support someone you love to continue doing what they love. Finding the right gift can be challenging. There are so many options out there and everyone has their own preferences, especially when it comes to outdoor gear.
Finding a local 5K trail race is quite the feat. Most races in this area stick to the pavement. Dragons in the Woods is one of the few exceptions. It is 100% a trail race and takes place on one of my frequent stomping grounds – Birchfield Park.
The Timber Trails 5K is an example of an iconic fall race. Cool temperatures, wooded trails, and a scenic course through one of Mid-Michigan’s prettiest county parks.
The “world’s most perfect little trail race” began at sunrise.
With the sound of a buzzer, the Hungerford Games Trail Race started. I was happily on my way to completing my first 50-mile ultramarathon.
From the first time I heard about the Powell Township Recreation trails, I could not wait to step foot on them. Located in one of my favorite locations, Marquette County, this trail system has a lot to offer. As part of the Noquemanon Trail Network, it does not disappoint.