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

Fire pit, hammock, and tent at Sleeper State Park

Camping at Sleeper State Park

Sleeper State Park is located in Caseville, Michigan at the tip of Michigan’s thumb. Caseville is most prominently known for its annual cheeseburger festival. While we weren’t there to celebrate the cheeseburger, we did enjoy our time at Sleeper State Park.

Mile 10 of the Rock River Canyon 50K

A Bucket List Race: The Rock River Canyon 50K

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.

The Poto trail at Trail Weekend

Running the Half Marathon at Trail Weekend

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.

Hoppin’ Along the Hippity Hop 5K

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.

Wildflowers in the woods

An Outdoor Michigan Spring Bucket List

There are few things more exciting than the first blooms of Spring. Life is beginning to awake from the long, cold winter. And with it, adventures are being planned and hikes are being taken.

Camp, hike, and explore all spring long with these bucket list items.

Cabin porch

A Wonderful Cabin for a Winter Weekend Getaway

Winter has been lacking this year in our area of the state. Snow has not been sticking around. So we decided to pack up the pups and head north in search of a cozy cabin for a winter wonderland getaway. We found just that in Afton, Michigan.

Snow covered trail at Woldumar Nature Center

Snowshoeing in a Winter Wonderland

Winter has been lacking in these parts this year. So when a large snowstorm finally rolls through, you can find skiers and snowshoers alike out on the trails. Woldumar Nature Center is one of my favorite mid-Michigan destinations to do just that.

Gear Review: XOSKIN Shirts, Sleeves, & Socks

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.

Tent christmas ornament

Gift Guide For Your Favorite Outdoor Enthusiast

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.

Amie looking at a lake in River Bend Natural Area

Take a Hike in Lansing

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.

Amie & and her dad at the finish of Dragons in the Woods 5K

Here Be Dragons: Dragons in the Woods 5K

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.

North Country Trail - View from Lake Superior

Take a Hike in Marquette

Hiking options are abundant in Marquette, Michigan. With scenic views everywhere, unique terrain, and waterfalls galore, it is easy to see why Marquette is one of my favorite Michigan hiking destinations.

Here are some of my favorite trails to hike in the area.

Timber Trails 5K Long sleeve shirt

Race the Timber Trails 5K

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.

Little Mountain in the fall

Pick Your Fall Michigan Adventure

Fall in Michigan is a spectacular time of year to celebrate the great outdoors. Crisp cool days, no bugs trying to carry you away, and scenery unlike any other. So refuel your bucket list and get ready for another set of adventures.

Map and Compass

A Beginners Trail Guide to Hiking

Going on your first hike can be overwhelming and intimidating. With all of the information out there, it’s hard to know what to do and how to do it. Based on my experiences as a hiker and a trail runner, I decided to put together this basic guide to trail hiking in hopes to help you get started on your journey into the great outdoors.

Amie at Hungarian Falls

5 Waterfalls to Visit in the Keweenaw

Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula is a haven for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. It has rugged mountain views, wild rivers, and quaint historic towns sprinkled in between. There are plenty of adventures and waterfalls to keep one satisfied. So grab your hiking boots and get ready to visit these 5 waterfalls.