Running
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My Favorite Brands for Running
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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…
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The Running Adventure I Didn’t Want at Proud Lake Recreation Area
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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.
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Two Days, Three Races: Running the Treetops Trifecta
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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.
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A Spooktacular Event: The Dansville Halloween 5K
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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…
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Here Be Dragons: Dragons in the Woods 5K Round 2
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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…
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Fueling My Runs with Gnarly Sport Nutrition
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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…
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Exploring the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail
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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.
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Gear Review: Salomon Adv 5 Skin Hydration Vest
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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.
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Running The Legend at Sleepy Hollow State Park
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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.
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Celebrate Old Town’s ScrapFest with the Great Scrap Run
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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.
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A Fast and Fun 5K: Elise Dairy Dash
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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…
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Running the Half Marathon at Trail Weekend
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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.
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Hoppin’ Along the Hippity Hop 5K
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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.
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Gift Guide For Your Favorite Outdoor Enthusiast
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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.
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Here Be Dragons: Dragons in the Woods 5K
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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.
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Race the Timber Trails 5K
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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.
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Completing the World’s Most Perfect Little Trail Race: The Hungerford Games 50 Mile
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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.
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Exploring the Powell Township Recreation Area
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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.
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A Virtual Event: Miles for Migraine
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Every year multiple cities throughout the United States become the host of a Miles for Migraine 5K event. While there are no races being hosted in the cities near me, for the last few years, I have made it a goal to participate in at least one of these events…
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Running the Trails at Ionia State Recreation Area
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Like most of Michigan’s state parks, Ionia State Recreation Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. From forested campsites, sandy beaches, and miles of trails, it has adventure around every corner. This pretty park is a great option for a long hike or run.
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Lansing’s Run for Fame 5K
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With so many 5Ks occurring in the summer months, it is really hard to narrow it down to which ones to participate in. If you’re looking for a quick and easy summer near Lansing, Michigan, I recommend the Run for Fame 5K.
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Exploring the Trails at Ingham Conservation District
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There are few things more exciting than the first run or hike on a new trail system. I learned about the Ingham Conservation District trail from a local running group and was eager to check them out. I was pleasantly surprised by these trails and can’t wait to get back…
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Gear Review: GoodR Sunglasses
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A successful piece of gear does its job and reduces distraction. I used to use a pair of cheap sunglasses that I picked up at some store. Since discovering GoodR Sunglasses, I have realized how important it is to have comfort, even in the smallest pieces of gear.
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How I Fuel for a Long Run
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When it comes to running, there are no “one size fits all” options. Everyone has different preferences for what works for them and what they enjoy. Fueling long runs is no different. But with all the choices out there, it can be hard to know where to get started.
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Run on Island Time: An Ultramarathon
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Spend a day getting to know Robin Hills Farm in Chelsea, Michigan with the Island Time loop race. Choose between a 24-hour, 12-hour night or day, or 6-hour night or day race option and complete as many 2-mile loops as possible.