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Michigan Runner Girl

The Michigan Runner Girl podcast is where you'll find a passion for running, hiking, paddling, and cycling crosses paths with a love of nature and outdoor exploration in the beautiful state of Michigan — and beyond. A mother, writer, gigantic Great Lakes fan, and book lover Heather Durocher, creator of the running and travel site MichiganRunnerGirl.com, hosts the show. Expect to hear informative, engaging, and inspiring conversations with others also on their own health and wellness journey. The Michigan Runner Girl podcast is about finding our way, through movement. Season One of 2022 now underway, with a theme of Reconnection.
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Now displaying: 2018
Dec 26, 2018

Heather shares some special MRG announcements in this short and sweet episode—the final show of 2018. 

* Special events where you can catch MRG (hint: the team will be traveling to a number of places across the state!)

* The upcoming MRG Winter Weekend Getaway, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, taking place Feb. 8-10, 2019.

* New and helpful info to look for on the web site, including delicious recipes and the MRG winter running guide.

* Race and training plans for 2019, including tackling IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City on Aug. 25.

Thanks for listening in 2018—we can't wait to see you in 2019! Lots of great guests to come!

 

Dec 18, 2018

Ann Arbor triathlete Nikki Derrick wore race bib #1184 at this fall's Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii—the same number worn by her close friend Karen Perzyk in the 2016 event.

Nikki, 47, requested this number as a way to honor Karen, a beloved friend and fellow Michigan triathlete, who died in January after a brief battle with stage IV esophageal cancer. 

Karen's death at age 49 was a devastating loss for Nikki, and for many others in their close-knit group of endurance athlete friends. It was Karen who inspired Nikki to return to competing in triathlons again after several years away from the sport. Karen was the kind of person whose enthusiasm for life and love of movement were infectious, Nikki says. She loved watching her friends succeed and was their biggest cheerleader.

Nikki shares how she decided to turn her race in Hawaii into a tribute to Karen, a way to honor the friend who meant so much to her and to so many others.

Nikki gives a detailed account of the World Championship in Kona and what it felt like to be there without her friend ... and what it felt like to push through the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bicycle ride, and a tough, hot 26.2 to reach the finish line.

Heather and Nikki also talk about her love of mountain biking (she finished strong at this November's Iceman Cometh Challenge in Traverse City) and what's next for her in the coming year (a marathon out west, in wine country, among other adventures). They also talk about where Nikki finds her motivation, and how she carves out time for staying active while also being committed to her job as a physician assistant at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. 

Dec 3, 2018

It’s about that time … time to get serious about starting training for Ironman 70.3 Traverse City, a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run triathlon set for Aug. 25, 2019. Yes, this race is 8 months away. There is plenty of time ahead to get ready for this inaugural race. And yet, if you’re like Heather and this distance and event is going to be a first for you, you just might be thinking of getting things rolling in the coming weeks, as winter gets underway. For Heather, the swim portion is definitely a key component of earlier-than-later training. As she shares during this episode, getting into the pool this month, at least a couple of times, is part of the plan.

Heather talks with guests Rebecca and Tony Venticinque, both of whom are accomplished triathletes and seasoned coaches. Heather will be working with Tony and Rebecca, who operate Tri Again Fitness in Traverse City, as she trains for Ironman 70.3 Traverse City. Rebecca also shares her most recent full Ironman experience, a Nov. 4 race that almost didn’t happen in Florida because of Hurricane Michael. It was moved from Panama City Beach to Haines City, Fla. “After the hurricane hit … it was all up in the air even three weeks before the race,” she said. Tony was there as well, this time a volunteer and not competing as he has in two other full Ironman events. Rebecca talks about what it was like to complete this race in pretty warm conditions and, later in the race, a downpour.

Rebecca and Tony provide a preview of what’s to come in Heather’s training throughout winter and spring and during the summer (open water swimming!) as race day gets closer. Tony and Rebecca’s coaching business also includes a team of athletes, many of whom are signed on for Ironman 70.3 Traverse City. They’re also hosting a 70.3 triathlon training camp, May 10-12, 2019, that is open to anyone interested in preparing for the Traverse City event – or other triathlons.

Lodging, meals, group training, and plenty of optional topics will be discussed throughout the weekend. Full course previews of the Traverse City event also will be part of the weekend.

With over 45 years of combined coaching experience, Tri Again Fitness has helped coach individuals to national recognition, club national team wins, multiple World Team qualifications at all triathlon distances, all-American honors, Boston Marathon qualifiers and helped countless athletes achieve personal bests and lifelong milestones.

Tony has been coaching in one respect or another since 1991, and professionally coaching triathlon since 2006. Professional accomplishments at the USAT Club Nationals include winning the Division V in 2009 and securing runner-up at the Division IV in 2010. He’s also coached 21 age group athletes to 33 world team qualifications at the sprint, olympic, 70.3 and 140.6 distances over the past five years. Tony is a USA Triathlon Certified Level 2 Coach and USA Cycling Certified Level 2 coach.

Rebecca is an athlete turned coach. She has coached since 1993 in various sports. She has a Bachelors of Science in Management of Health Services, Group Exercise certification from ASFA Personal Training Certification from ISSA. USAT (Triathlon) certification and USATF (Track and Field) certification.

 

 


Nov 12, 2018

No matter where you live in Michigan, or where you may be visiting for the Thanksgiving holiday, a turkey trot likely isn’t too far away. In this latest episode of the Michigan Runner Girl show, Heather highlights several taking place around our beautiful Great Lakes State – all listed on the MRG Race & Event Calendar – and also sits down with the race organizers of her hometown turkey trot.

The Up North Media Traverse City Turkey Trot, now in its 11th year, is a Thanksgiving morning tradition for Heather and her family. In recent time, her dad has joined as a walker in the 5K run/walk event that starts and ends in the downtown area, at St. Francis High School on 11th Street. Heather talks with race founder Brian Hagerty, a hilarious guest who takes a look back on how this race started more than a decade ago, the changes it’s gone through over the years (venue and course updates being among them), the interesting costumes that come out each year, and how this year will be extra special because it’s his daughter’s birthday. Also joining Heather and Brian is Race Director Amy Fritz, a newer runner and recent half marathon finisher. She talks about how she trained for the Bayshore Half Marathon this past spring and was excited to exceed her goal of a 2-hour finish. (“I got really into running last year,” she shares.)

The conversation covers what runners can expect at the Traverse City event as well as explores why turkey trots are such great events for families. Brian shares how he’s taken part in several different ones over the years, in places such as Detroit and Chicago, while visiting family. Brian, Amy, and Heather all agree that these events help bring families together in a different and special way – whether your family members consider themselves runners or not. Most turkey trots are 5Ks, though some offer other distances, such as Traverse City’s 5-mile option. It’s just such a good way to get outdoors together.  “It’s a neat space for everyone,” Brian says. “It’s special to see all those families get together,” Amy added.

Special discount codes are mentioned for both the Traverse City Turkey Trot and also the Grand Rapids event.

Nov 5, 2018

MRG Contributor Ali Lopez is back on the show to talk about her most recent adventure: the Bad Apple Ultra, which takes place in late October each year in Greenville, Mich. near Grand Rapids. This Oct. 27 event is a timed ultra marathon event held at Klackle Orchards. A timed ultra—what does that mean, you may be wondering. You have the choice of doing a 3-, 6- or 12-hour run on a 4-mile loop through an apple orchard, pumpkin patch, wooded trails and a carnival!

"When I tell most people that you run a 4-mile loop as many times as you can in the time you pick, the first question is always 'doesn’t it get boring???'" Ali says. "Absolutely not."

Ali shares what it was like to take on a race like this, and what it meant to her following a year in which she came off an eye injury (which prevented her from running and being active for a long while). 

"When it got tough out there, I just remembered, 'I get to do this' and a smile would cross my face. I found that during each loop, my head was in a new place (as happens with ultras), and my body was in a new place." 

--

Ali Lopez is a northern Michigan runner, chef and health coach. You can learn more about her at her web site Healthy Chef Ali. She's also on Facebook here »

The Michigan Runner Girl Show is made possible in part by the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa

If you enjoy what you're hearing on the Michigan Runner Girl show, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a few moments to write a review on iTunes. This will help more runners and Michigan lovers like yourself find the podcasts. Thank you!! Also, the quickest way to get the podcasts is to subscribe to the show via iTunes or via Stitcher or your favorite podcast app. 

A special thanks to Mike Moran, Mike Youker and Jonny Tornga of Quarter After Productions in Traverse City, Mich. for producing the show. Check out this studio's work 

 

Oct 29, 2018

When two of the funniest women you know get together—finally—to share stories of great Michigan trails to explore and fall races to run, you just know it's going to be epic. This is, of course, what happened when Maia Turek, statewide recreation programmer for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and Kelly Yauk, e-marketing manager for the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Traverse City, joined Heather in the studio for the latest show. 

While they've all known one another for awhile now, this recording marked the first time Heather, Kelly and Maia all sat down together—and just as Heather suspected, the gathering was one for the books. Kelly and Maia are hilarious and smart and just a ton of fun to be around. Topics covered ran the gamut, from the Great Beerd Run next month at the Resort (Kelly is the mastermind behind this untimed fun run 5K that incorporates beer stations throughout the course) and the creative ways runners at this event celebrate "all things beers and beards," to the cool connection Maia and Kelly have with each other (Kelly's dad has worked for the DNR for a long time; he is an expert on our state's beautiful trails) and how the two of them first met (a motorcycle was involved). They also talk excitedly about the Iron Belle Trail, which extends more than 2,000 miles from the far western tip of the Upper Peninsula to Belle Isle in Detroit on a biking trail and hiking trail. The biking route utilizes many of the state’s existing bike paths, bike lanes, and signed, designated biking routes as it travels up the east side of the state, while the hiking route utilizes sidewalks, trails, and the 1,000-mile plus North Country National Scenic Trail traveling up the west side of the lower peninsula.

Get ready to laugh—and sign up for next month's Great Beerd Run-when you listen to this episode. Kelly and Heather convinced Maia to join the fun at the 5K on Nov. 10—you all should join us, too. (Discount code shared during the show!)

Oct 15, 2018

It’s a big week for fall racing in Michigan with this Sunday marking the 41st running of the Detroit Free Press Chemical Bank Marathon and Half Marathon. Since 1989, Barbara Bennage has been involved with helping organizing this race tradition in The D. She’s served as executive race director of the event since 2014.

“The best part about my job, aside from giving runners the opportunity to experience a unique race and change their lives, is I have the greatest staff in the world,” says Barbara, who works in the marketing department at the Detroit Free Press and describes herself as a recreational runner – “I run for mimosas,” she jokes.

This race brings between 26,000 – 27,000 runners to the downtown streets of Detroit, across the Ambassador Bridge into the Canada (for the international races), and onto Belle Isle. Barbara shares the history of the longstanding race – it started as the Motor City Marathon in 1963; the course began including the Ambassador Bridge, which connects Detroit with Windsor, Ontario, Canada, in the late 1970s – and also explains how today there are both international and domestic distances for runners, and what that means for the runner experience.

Barbara also talks about the race’s health and fitness expo that takes place in Cobo Hall this Friday and Saturday. More than 100 exhibitors will be on hand for this event. The race after-party, meanwhile, is a big celebration that offers some $5,000 in giveaways.

While online registration is over, runners still can sign up for domestic races this weekend (not race day) at the health and fitness expo. There is a 5K and mile option, too. Learn more at the race web site: https://www.freepmarathon.com/

Oct 8, 2018

When was the last time you tried something different with your exercise routine, when you decided it was time to shake things up -- and then you went for it? 

Heather and co-host Cassy Stone dive deep into what it means to ask ourselves, "What's next?" as it relates to considering a big goal, whether it's starting to run for the first time, training for a first 5K, getting back into running after a break (due to injury, illness, or otherwise), or testing out a new-to-you sport. Heather and Cassy share their own experiences of breaking out of ruts and setting big goals. They reflect on what these endeavors meant to them at the time -- and how they helped shape their lives, both as runners and as women, wives, mothers, and friends.

Heather talks about why she feels now is the time to go big by signing up for her first IRONMAN 70.3 next summer. Cassy shares how living with a chronic disease impacts her running and everyday life -- and how she's looking forward to seeing where her determination and strength will take her at an upcoming 5K. 

Heather and Cass also laugh their way through a conversation about a shared favorite podcast featuring a well-known film and TV star (and Michigan native). 

If you've ever found yourself thinking it's time to shake things up a little, but maybe you're not sure exactly how that'll look, this episode is for you. You'll be inspired to get moving in the direction your heart is leading you.

Oct 2, 2018

Next summer, on Aug. 25, Michigan will get its second IRONMAN 70.3 – behind IRONMAN 70.3 Steelhead in Benton Harbor, set for June 30, 2019 – when Traverse City hosts the triathlon featuring a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run.

Buzz around this new event has been significant, to say the least, with athletes throughout Michigan and beyond eagerly anticipating registration day last month. And when general registration opened on Sept. 25, the race filled up incredibly fast – within a half hour, according to race organizers. Heather is among the 2,500 athletes signed on for this race.

To hear all about this exciting new event coming to northern Michigan, Heather sat down with Frank Lowery, Midwest and Great Plains Regional Director for IRONMAN, and Joel Gaff, IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City race director.

While exact course details aren’t yet available – Joel and Frank are now working on building out where athletes will swim, bike, and run – they do share that the race will take participants into West Grand Traverse Bay, into Leelanau County, and around Boardman Lake and through downtown Traverse City. They also offer up great insight into what an IRONMAN race is really like, the training that’s involved, the athletes (of all ages and experience) who come out for these events, and many more details. As triathletes themselves (Joel, a Traverse City native and longtime race director, recently finished his 6th full IRONMAN races), Heather’s guests are well versed in triathlon and share their own experiences taking on swim-bike-run events.

Heather will be sharing all of her training in the coming months leading up to IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City – stay tuned for more here on the podcast and over on the MRG blog.

Sep 24, 2018

Thinking about heading to Traverse City this fall or early winter for a race weekend getaway? Coryn Briggs, a northern Michigan runner and cyclist who works for Traverse City Tourism, gives listeners a preview of upcoming events and races taking place in the area over the next few months.

Coryn, who is behind Traverse City Tourism's social media channels — she serves as digital marketing manager for TC Tourism — also shares some lodging specials you may want to take advantage of, whether you're making it a girls' weekend, couples getaway, or family mini-vacation.

Coryn and Heather talk about their own experiences with these northern Michigan races, which include: the Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K on Oct. 6 in Empire, Mich.; Traverse City's 10th annual Zombie Run on Oct. 27; the 5th annual Great Beerd Run on Nov. 10 (which takes place during Traverse City Beer Week, Nov. 9-16 - and there's a special MRG discount code); the Up North Turkey Trot on Nov. 22; and the Farmland 5K Run and Free for All Bike on Dec. 1 on the east side of Traverse City.

Coryn also shares her family's trip to the U.P. this summer, for the popular Ore to Shore mountain bike races in Marquette.

Traverse City Tourism has a new site, which provides information on special lodging deals as well as other resources. Heather recently contributed a blog post about great places to see autumn color on a run. You can read it here.

Links:

Farmland 5K: https://www.farmlandtc.com

Great Beerd Run: http://thegreatbeerdrun.com

Zombie Run: http://www.tczombierun.com

Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K: https://www.enduranceevolution.com/sleeping-bear-marathon-half-marathon-5k/

Up North TurkeyTrot: http://www.tcturkeytrot.com

 

 

Sep 13, 2018

At age 62, west Michigan runner and race director Don Kern is going strong—he's running marathons (the East Canyon Marathon in Utah this summer marked #324), completing triathlons, eyeing a 4-mile swim across the Straits of Mackinac next summer, and race directing the event he helped start 15 years ago, the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon, Half Marathon, and Marathon Relay set for Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. 

Don talks about his own running and endurance sports journey over the years and how he views his athletic pursuits these days.

He also shares how the GR Marathon got its start in 2004 (a brewery was involved!), how it's grown and evolved over the years (it started with just over 900 runners and now between 4,000-4,500 runners come out each year), and what runners can expect at this year's milestone event (the event is known as a race "designed by runners, for runners"). Race weekend also includes a kids' marathon on Saturday. "It's a very very high energy event. They're running their little hearts out and it's a blast having them out there." 

Don also is race director of the Groundhog Marathon and Half Marathon in Grand Rapids each February and the new Millennium Meadows Marathon that takes place in GR in August. 

A special MRG listener and reader discount code is good for all of these GR races. Use the code rcRunnerGirl to receive 10% off your race entry. 

Aug 29, 2018

Listeners will be excited to hear from Maia Turek, our Michigan Department of Natural Resources State Parks guru, as she sits down with Heather to talk about upcoming happenings around the Mitten this fall. (As Maia puts it, “Hoop-la” season is about to get underway, everyone!) Along with sharing fun and interesting spots to explore, and cool events like harvest festivals taking place at our state parks – did you know we have 103 state parks and 138 state forest campgrounds? – Maia and Heather talk about the State Department of Natural Resources’ Centennial celebration in the coming year, Heather’s end-of-summer trip to the Upper Peninsula and Van Riper State Park (did someone say moose-sightings?), AND how all of us can contribute to a joint project between the DNR and MRG that’s going to help us all explore our gorgeous state even more.

As was announced on the blog a couple of weeks ago, Michigan Runner Girl is teaming up with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to create an online guide of the best running routes in Michigan from the runners who know Michigan best…you

We all have our favorite Michigan routes – the ones with the perfectly located scenic overlook, or the road with the breeze off the lake, or simply the route with a great mix of scenery and geography to create an exhilarating challenge. 

Share your favorite routes to help visitors “know before they go” so they can be more confident in exploring some of Michigan’s most beautiful places. These spots can be in a Michigan state park or trail, your nearby hometown, or favorite vacation spot. 

Submit as many running routes as you want by Labor Day, Sept. 3, and you will be entered to win either a Michigan Runner Girl hoodie or Michigan state park sweatshirt!

Click here to share your favorite running route! 

MRG is super excited to be part of this project. This is another way we’re partnering with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources — did you also know that MRG participates in the DNR’s These Goods are Good for Michigan program? Michigan Runner Girl is among the businesses partnering with the DNR to raise awareness and financial support for Michigan state parks, trails, and waterways. A portion of the proceeds from these products, including MRG online store items, will be donated back to programs and amenities that benefit natural resources and outdoor recreation in this state.

Haven’t been over to the store lately? Been wanting to snag your own cozy MRG hoodie? Check out the MRG store here »

The Michigan Runner Girl Show is made possible in part by the Grand Traverse Resort & SpaTraverse City Tourism also helped make this episode possible.

If you enjoy what you’re hearing on the Michigan Runner Girl show, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a few moments to write a review on iTunes. This will help more runners and Michigan lovers like yourself find the podcasts. Thank you!! Also, the quickest way to get the podcasts is to subscribe to the show via iTunes or via Stitcher or your favorite podcast app. 

A special thanks to Mike Moran, Mike Youker and Jonny Tornga of Quarter After Productions in Traverse City, Mich. for producing the show. Check out this studio’s work here.

Aug 19, 2018

The summer of 2017 started out well for Ali Lopez, with big plans for triathlons as well as trail running and racing. But this all suddenly changed when she critically injured her left eye in an accident while at her home. 

Ali went from competing in a northern Michigan triathlon to the next day facing downstate surgeries and weeks of recovery. She couldn't be upright (no walking or running) and in fact had to spend significant amounts of time laying face down as her eye healed.

Ali, a wellness chef and health coach, is a longtime contributor to MichiganRunnerGirl.com, writing columns about fueling smart and sharing delicious recipes. She opens up about her experience last summer -- "Mentally, it was tough," she shares -- and what it's now like being on the other side of this injury and getting back into running, triathlon, and cooking. 

"It was hard ... but now when I am running and it's really hot or I'm running and it's really cold, or whatever, I just laugh. Because this is not hard. Yeah, this hard, but this is nothing compared to [what I went through]. I keep telling myself, you get to keep doing this. You couldn't do anything last summer, so everything that I get to do, I am just so grateful for. Even now, I just hope I finish [a race]. I hope I'm not last, but I just hope I can finish. I can be in the water, I can be on my bike, I can be on the trails, I can be running, I can be doing stuff. Because it sucks when you can't."

 

Jul 30, 2018

It’s end of July -- time for a summer check-in! Heather welcomes Joe (her hubby) back to the show to talk about his running and racing over the past couple of months, and new role with MRG (check out his happy smile on the new site here.)

Joe’s racing has included the Bayshore 10K and helping cheer on Heather and Emma as they finished the marathon. They also talk about what they’ve been up to lately with their family (a day trip on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail most recently). We'd love to hear where you're exploring in Michigan this summer -- send MRG a note at heather@michiganrunnergirl.com or joe@michiganrunnergirl.com.

Also  …. <drum roll> … Heather and Joe share some exciting things happening with MRG, including the MRG Box.

This episode also includes race news and deals you’ll want to check out as you look to fill your late-summer, fall, and winter race schedules.

--

Mentioned during this episode...

Local race happening in July in Glen Arbor, Mich.: 12th Annual Running Bear Run 

Awesome place to eat if you're in Leelanau County and on a day trip near Glen Arbor: Boone Docks

 

Jul 24, 2018

"I think the mile requires a hybrid type of athlete. We’re half sprinter and half distance runner. I think that the mile race itself is just long enough to create a dramatic anticipation for that last lap, and then this explosive finishing kick where really anything can happen. It’s a sort 4-minute story that’s really exciting to watch." ~ 1996 Olympian Paul McMullen, who grew up in Cadillac, Mich. and now lives in Grand Haven

On this latest episode, Paul talks about the allure of the mile, his amazing talent for this distance, both in high school and on the collegiate level -- his best mile time was 3:54 -- and what it was like to become an Olympic athlete. Paul, the father of three children, also shares what eventually propelled him beyond the mile and toward much longer distances, including the ultramarathon. He ran this year’s Boston Marathon and also participated in an especially grueling ultramarathon in Spain. Paul also is candid about how his relationship with running has changed over the course of his athletic career.

Paul, who is running this fall's Holland Haven Marathon, has a passion for encouraging young runners. Through his youth running club Chariots of Firein west Michigan, he is inspiring kids ages 6 - 13 to enjoy running. Through play, these kids have a fun place to discover and develop their gift of running, Paul says.

Paul also talks about how In 1997 he lost parts of two toes when his foot slipped under a lawnmower he was operating. He returned to the sport in December 1998 and was able to run even faster than before the accident. Runner's World referred to him, somewhat tongue-in-cheek, as "the world's fastest eight-toed miler."

Paul is an eight-time NCAA All-American who graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1995. At his specialty of 1500 meters, he was the 1996 Olympic Trials 1500-meter champion, 1995 USA Outdoor champ and 1998 USA Indoor mile champ and tenth at the 1995 and 2001 World Championships outdoors. His personal bests are: 1500m-3:33.89 (2001), Mile-3:54.94 (2001) and 800m-1:45.71 (2001).

Jul 17, 2018

West Michigan runner and race director Kevin Curley vividly remembers hearing fellow runner Veronica Constantine's journey of living with a chronic health condition. Her story, of continuing to be active despite having Hydrocephalus — which involves excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain— left a lasting impression. And when Kevin learned that Veronica and her family were behind a local race that raises money for Hydrocephalus, he decided to get involved. "Running has been her way of not letting Hydrocephalus run her life," he says. "The race has always been a way to make more people aware of this condition." 

The Brainy Day Trail Run 10K and 5K, now in its 12th year, is set for August 11 in Nunica, Mich. Taking place on privately-owned trails, this event benefits the Brainy Day Fund, a nonprofit organization helping those affected by hydrocephalus. 

Race organizers say the event has drawn a solid number of runners over the years — and they're excited to welcome even more this summer. With its beginner-friendly 5K course and a challenging-and-satisfying 10K course, finisher medals for both distances, cool post-race party featuring Odd Side Ales brew and live music, not to mention unique age-group awards (fresh produce from the farm across the road!), this event is a great one to place on your race calendar this summer. AND: race organizers have generously provided a race discount code — MRG2018 — for listeners and readers. Get signed up here 

According to the Brainy Day Fund's web site, the goal "was to not only help families, but also create research grants for medical professionals looking to end hydrocephalus." For the past two years, the organization has been working to develop programs that it can manage as a small organization and that can also be very helpful to the community.

Thanks to the guidance of the Hydrocephalus Association, the Brainy Day Fun decided to launch two programs in 2018: a scholarship program for graduating high school seniors in Michigan living with hydrocephalus; and a research grant program.

The organization has raised more than $100,000 since the first race in 2007. The goal is to double that by 2025. "We would love the opportunity to help as many children heading off to school as possible, at the same time helping scientists find a more reliable way to manage hydrocephalus and continue to explore how to cure this condition," according to the site.

A third program still in the works is an education platform. The idea is to reach as many medical professionals in Michigan who have patients with hydrocephalus. "We want them to be made aware of the resources we provide as well as that of the Hydrocephalus Association."

 

Jun 18, 2018

The Fourth of July is almost here -- do you have plans for a patriotic race? One of MRG’s favorites: the super family-friendly Stars Stripes & Splatter, a 5K color run at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa near Traverse City. Color stations -- manned by volunteers who spread the cornstarch red, white, and blue love with runners as they pass by -- are located throughout the 3.1-mile course. The run, which is untimed, starts at Jazz Live Field on the resort grounds, and loops back to the start area, with portions of the race running on Lautner Road.

Race Director Kelly Yauk joins Heather on the show to talk about this year’s Stars, Stripes, and Splatter 5K, which is set for this coming weekend, Saturday, June 30. Also joining the conversation: Kelly’s Resort colleagues and fellow runners Jillian Manning, public relations manager, and Courtlyn Reekstin, marketing intern. They talk all about this weekend’s race, including new features (even more treats and goodies during the post-race party) and how the event continues to partner with Habitat for Humanity-Grand Traverse Region.

Kids 12 and under run for free with an adult participant. Children must pre-register for complimentary entry. Cost is $35 through this Friday, June 29, or $40 day of race if spaces remain.

Learn more and get signed up here: http://starsstripesandsplatter.com/

For more Fourth of July-themed and summer races happening all around Michigan, check out the searchable race and event calendar on MichiganRunnerGirl.com here: https://michiganrunnergirl.com/event/



Jun 11, 2018

Lifelong athlete and former collegiate volleyball player Sara Grey unexpectedly became a mother at a young age, in her 20s just as she was preparing to apply to law school. She describes that time of her life as challenging, and yet she also persevered—having her son, working hard to obtain her law degree—and she credits the "resilience and tenacity" she learned through moment and athletics as helping her not only get through a tougher time, but to ultimately thrive as a young mother and lawyer. 

Today, Sara practices law in Grand Rapids, Mich. and her son Henry, 18, just graduated high school. She's also recently launched WANNABE, maker protein blends and supplements for the everyday female athlete. "I want to help women find their own space and place and a community where they can grow and thrive and encourage. And train in resilience, and train in that sense of confidence—not just to train to have strong legs, but train to have a strong mindset. I want to create products that are the mirror back to women that celebrate their movement and power their movement and have messages along with it."  

"I have really invested a lot in my law career. I love the work that I do. But WANNABE, I feel called—I know it sounds a little cheesy—but i felt called. After I turned 40, I started to feel responsible for all the daughters I didn't have. As I got a little older, I started to think, what can we do for the next generation to help power them forward?"

Sara Grey is the Founder of WANNABE, maker protein blends and supplements for the everyday female athlete. As a three-decade athlete and whole-body health advocate, Sara’s pre-gym morning ritual meant making potions of protein, Ayurvedic herbs, supplements, superfoods, and power flowers. In order to get out the door faster, Sara streamlined her formulas, creating the first-of-their-kind WANNABE protein blends in the process. Sara is also the host of the podcast Power the Hustle where she interviews game-changing women from around the world about real bodies, real hustle and real team.

Jun 5, 2018

For months, Heather and Emma trained — as so many runners throughout Michigan (and beyond) did this spring — for the popular Bayshore Marathon that takes place each Memorial Day weekend in Traverse City, Mich. It would mark Heather's 4th Bayshore Marathon and 9th marathon overall, and for her daughter Emma, a 2018 high school graduate who celebrates her 18th birthday this month, the race would be her very first attempt at 26.2 miles following a 4-year high school cross country running career that included, after this spring's Gazelle Girl Half Marathon, five 13.1 races. 

Anyone who ran, or spectated, this year's Bayshore knows this: it was HOT. Brutally warm. Super humid. Low 70s at the 7:15 a.m. start — and it kept getting warmer. The weather certainly was fantastic for an exceptional long holiday weekend. But for running a marathon, half marathon or 10K? Not so much. (At least, not so for most runners who struggled with not having been acclimated to running in these conditions). 

Still, it was a beautiful day and it was Bayshore weekend — the unofficial kick-off to summer in northern Michigan.

Heather and Emma talk about the 18-week training plan they followed (they shared some of their runs on the MRG Youtube Channel, as well as on the MRG Facebook page). Emma also shares what it was like  committing to a marathon training plan during her senior year.

Mother and daughter get real about how the race unfolded (it was an emotional race, for more reasons than they expected), and what it meant to have shared this experience.

 

May 30, 2018

Ann Arbor-based race management company Epic Races is known for putting on, well, pretty epic races. From its flagship event Tri Goddess Tri each June and the American Home Fitness Detroit Women's Half Marathon, 10K & 5K in the fall, to a slew of year-round races and events for cyclists, skiers, swimmers, and runners, Epic Races provides myriad ways for us to stay moving. Eva Solomon helped start this company and she joins Heather on the show to talk about this year's events, including next month's 10th annual Tri Goddess Tri at Waterloo Recreation Area at Big Portage Lake State Park near Chelsea, Mich. (This also happens to be Heather's first triathlon a couple of years ago--it's a fantastic beginner-friendly triathlon that this year features the Olympic distance in addition to the sprint, mini-sprint, duathlon, and aquabike. Eva also talks about the special event happening over race weekend -- the Zen Tri, which takes place on Friday and includes running, yoga and meditating.

Tri Goddess Tri also is again welcoming well-known triathlete Meredith Atwood, who is behind the site and community Swim Bike Mom, to this year's event.

Be sure to use the special race discount code MRGEPIC2018 to receive 10% off any Epic Races race entry.

[Producer note: Eva and Heather talk about this spring's Ann Arbor Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K, which is another Epic Races event. Unfortunately this episode didn't come out prior to the race start as hoped. However, mark your calendars for next year's event!]

May 21, 2018

Scenic water views, Leelanau Peninsula wine, and cherries … all the makings of some fun and fabulous summer race weekends in Michigan, wouldn’t you agree?

As we look ahead to summer – this weekend marks the unofficial kick-off to the season, or what’s known as the 90 days of summer – MRG provides a closer look at three awesome summer racing events worth checking out: the Charlevoix Marathon, Half Marathon 10K & 5K on June 23; the National Cherry Festival of Races Half Marathon, 15K, 10K and 5K on July 7 in Traverse City; and the Vineyard to Bay 15K and 5K run/walk on Sunday, Sept. 2 in Suttons Bay.

Race directors Michelle Elliott (Festival of Races), Ross Deye (Vineyard to Bay), and Jeff Soffolk (Charlevoix) join Heather on the show to talk about their respective races – and also to share how these three events are part of the 2018 Record-Eagle Running Series.

You’ll hear why the Vineyard to Bay, which has contributed thousands of dollars to TART Trails and local schools in the past five years, moved to a new date – Labor Day weekend – and why pickle juice (and bacon) is served on the marathon course in Charlevoix. Michelle gives details of the cherry treats available post-race, and all three race directors talk about their own personal running adventures.

About the R-E Running Series: There is no cost to participate. Online pre-registration for the 2018 Record-Eagle Running Series is available until 8 am on Thursday, June 14 2018. Participation in the series is free. However, participants must register for each race and pay the according race fees on their event websites. Runners must participate in an event at the Charlevoix Marathon, Cherry Festival of Races and Vineyard to Bay Races. Times from all 3 events are combined, and at the Record-Eagle 2 Mile Championships in September, awards will be given to winners. Overall, Masters and Grand Masters Male and Female runners in each speed division will receive trophies and $100 cash. Top male and female runners in each age category will receive medals. 

https://events.bytepro.net/record-eagle-running-series

https://www.charlevoixmarathon.com/

http://www.vineyard2bay15k.com/

https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/TraverseCity/MeijerFestivalofRaces

May 11, 2018

“If there was ever a year where I thought this was not my year, this was the one.”

Elite runner Desiree Linden didn’t think she would win this year’s Boston Marathon, but in fact she did—and in doing so became the first American woman since 1985 to win the historic Patriot’s Day race that starts in Hopkinton and finishes 26.2 miles later in Boston.

Des, who trains in Rochester Hills and lives in Charlevoix with her husband Ryan, had figured she was in a re-building year following some time off from running in 2017. “I took the break probably in mid-July. Looking back, I had done the [Olympic] Trials, I had done the [Olympic] Games, then done Boston [2017], so three really high-stress, high-pressure marathons back to back to back, and physically it was a lot to ask of my body and mentally, it was just like, I was exhausted and it wasn’t really fun anymore. I felt like I was trying to have this big breakthrough performance and was forcing it more than anything. So I needed to step away and hit re-set and re-group and figure out what I really loved about the process and not focusing so much on the goal. So that gave me time to hate the process, fall in love with the process, and then set the next goal. And that happened over a really big amount of time.”

On this special live podcast recording, Des shares her journey to Boston – and what it was like to battle brutal weather conditions on April 16 – with co-hosts Heather Durocher and Pam Carrigan during the third annual Michigan Runner Girl Spring Getaway at Timber Ridge Resort in Traverse City, Mich.

Des speaks candidly about falling back in love with running. “It probably happened when I was training for this Boston.”

“I had ups and downs with it in November and December and January … It’s when you forget you’re trying and you’re just doing … it’s ‘oh, yeah I do love this.’”

She takes the audience through the miles of the race, including when she turned to fellow elite runner Shalane Flanagan and told her she wasn’t thinking this was her day and that she was there to help Shalane if she needed it, and what it really was like to run in such freezing, wet conditions: “I would take a snow day over, like 30,  just above freezing and rain. That’s the worst. Those are the worst conditions. It was bad at the start … and whatever the weather is, it’s only getting worse as you get into the city. That held true.”

Looking back on her historic win, Des believes her consistent training – over the course of many years – led to her triumphant moment of crossing the finish line and breaking the tape.

“When I got to the [start] line, it was like, last year I got my butt kicked so why should I expect anything different this year especially when I really haven’t pushed the envelope to try to get better? But that’s why we line up in a race, because every race is different … It all makes sense now.”

Apr 30, 2018

If Traverse City is among your summer travel destinations -- or you've been looking for an excuse to spend some time in this northern Michigan town on the shores of Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay -- you'll love this episode featuring a conversation between Heather and Coryn Briggs, a runner whose enviable job is digital content manager for Traverse City Tourism. 

Coryn is a return guest on the show -- she previously was on to talk about destination races with Kelly Yauk -- and she has lots to share about upcoming races, bike activities, and delicious food and wine events happening in the area this spring and summer. Coryn also shares her favorite routes to run in the Traverse City area -- and Heather chimes in with her favorites, too.

This "City Spotlight" episode kicks off a series of shows Heather will have focusing on different towns and regions of Michigan (and the cool things to do and places to run when you're there). If you have thoughts on what city Heather should focus on next, please email her at heather@michiganrunnergirl.com 

 

Apr 24, 2018

Spots still remain for the 3rd Annual MRG Spring Getaway, set for May 4-6 at Timber Ridge Resort in Traverse City, Mich. Heather is joined on the show by co-hosts Pam Carrigan, MRG event coordinator, and Meranda Lambert, who oversees events at Timber Ridge. The trio talk about the upcoming girls' weekend, which includes everything from running and biking and hiking, to dining and shopping downtown, to relaxation and sunrise yoga -- and lots more. They also share details (and their hard-to-contain excitement) about the weekend's featured guest: 2018 Boston Marathon Champion Desiree Linden. 

Weekend registration is here: https://mkt.com/michigan-runner-girl

More event details are here: http://michiganrunnergirl.com/2018-mrg-spring-getaway/

Latest Retreat News: Desiree Linden, 2018 Boston Marathon champion, is the featured guest at the third annual Michigan Runner Girl Spring Getaway this May 4-6 at Timber Ridge Resort in Traverse City. Following her historic win on April 16 -- she is the first American woman to win the race since 1985 -- we are offering a special Friday evening-only option. Here's your chance to: go for a trail run with Des and enjoy drinks and heavy apps (and fantastic conversation) with Des as well as other like-minded women. We'll also have time to sit around the campfire with Des, who trains in Rochester Hills, Mich. and lives in Charlevoix with her husband Ryan and their dog Boston, and take in a cool slack-line demo by Sam at Backcountry North. Giveaways also will be part of the evening. And if you decide you'd like to stay the night, Timber Ridge has several lodging options -- you can also stay the entire weekend with us (simply sign up for the MRG Spring Getaway here at the online store; this Friday evening described above is all part of the weekend price.) For those who are interested only in the Friday evening option, simply purchase this option here. We're capping the event at 40 women, so please sign up soon if you're interested! We look forward to seeing you!

Apr 16, 2018

Wow, what a day! History was made when Michigan's own Desiree Linden, a 34-year-old runner who trains with Hanson-Brooks Original Distance Project in Rochester Hills and lives in Charlevoix, was the first woman to cross the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Her epic victory marked the first time an American woman has won this race since 1985. The first in 33 years! Des also demonstrated incredible sportsmanship when she slowed to make sure friend Shalane Flanagan (a fellow 2016 U.S. Olympic team member) was OK after she stopped for about 13 seconds to use the bathroom near the race's halfway mark.

Des, the two-time Olympian and 2011 Boston runner-up, pulled away at the end of Heartbreak Hill to finish in 2 hours, 39 minutes, 54 seconds. That was more than four minutes better than second-place finisher Sarah Sellers, one of seven Americans in the top 10.

"I'm thrilled. I'm exhausted. I left it all out there. Now I'm ready to warm up," Linden told CBS Boston. "It hurts right now, but it's a perfect day for me. This is a grinder's day. That's why I keep showing up here, and I think that's why I have success here is because I can kind of tough it out through anything.  

On this short-and-sweet MRG update episode (recorded a few days pre-Boston), Heather shares details of exciting things happening with Michigan Runner Girl, including having Des Linden be part of the upcoming 3rd Annual Michigan Runner Girl Spring Getaway on May 4-6 in Traverse City.

Lots more cool stuff shared during this update show! (Hint: new web site, Gazelle Girl info, fresh MRG designs!)

If you haven't yet listened to the MRG interview with Des Linden, take a listen here: http://michiganrunnergirl.com/desiree-linden-2-time-olympian-michigan-lover-ready-boston-2018/

 

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