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Now displaying: Category: general

E082 Bonnie Sexton, president of Michigan's largest running club 0

Feb 13, 2017

Going from 200 runners in 2004 to more than 1,400 members today, Kalamazoo Area Runners is the largest Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) running club in Michigan. This growth has taken place under the leadership of Bonnie Sexton, president of KAR and a certified running coach. Bonnie joins Heather on the show to talk all things running in Kalamazoo and the surrounding area. This region of the state boasts a thriving running scene, and Heather and Bonnie talk not only about KAR but also the other running opportunities available, from races to training groups and camps. Two upcoming events mentioned (with race discount codes for listeners!) during the show: Winter Blast Half Marathon, 10K and 5K on the Portage Trailway System on Feb. 26, 2017 and the popular Kal-Haven Trail Run on April 8. Heather also asks Bonnie about her own running journey, from track and field sprinter to endurance runner later in life -- she has completed 38 marathons, including five Boston Marathons (she was at the 2014 race and talks about what it was like to be there a year after the Boston Marathon bombings). Bonnie is married and has three children. She and her family live in Mattawan, Mich.

Also featured on this episode: news about this spring's North Mitten Half Marathon, 10K and 5K at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, Mich. Janice Davidson, race director and recreation director at the resort, joins Heather in the studio to talk about adding a 5K to this year's event the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend (May 28) and the all-new post-race party at the top of the slopes. A race discount for this event is mentioned for listeners to take advantage of, too.

Heather Johnson Durocher

Writer/Editor/Publisher/Podcast Host

Michigan Runner Girl ~ In a state of motion

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E081 The Michigan Runner Girl Weekend May 4-11, 2017 0

Feb 6, 2017

Michigan Runner Girl invites women from across the state who have a passion for living healthy (and spending time with other fabulously fun women) to spend the weekend of May 4-7, 2017 in beautiful Traverse City. This is the second annual, all-inclusive Michigan Runner Girl Weekend taking place at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. On today's show: Heather welcomes Pam Carrigan and Ali Lopez to talk about this year's event. Pam is the event coordinator extraordinaire for MRG (she served as captain for Team MRG at last year's Ragnar Michigan) and Ali is, as listeners likely know, the talented chef who contributes delicious recipes to the blog. Ali prepared some awesome food at last year's MRG Weekend, and she's returning for the second annual retreat this spring.

Heather, Pam and Ali give a quick recap of last year's event and then dive into what's taking place this time around. Participants are sure to make new + amazing friends while running (trail and road options, all guided, are involved). Delicious and healthy food — an ways to re-create these easy, yummy dishes back home -- are also in the weekend line-up. Yoga and Pilates sessions, as well as spa treatments, are part of this long weekend. New this year: an afternoon of running and wine tasting planned, on the stunning Old Mission Peninsula. The ladies are also excited about a "pajama party" Friday night, and a delicious dinner-with-views at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge on Saturday night.

Registration is underway for this Thursday-Sunday retreat featuring running, rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. That's right, this year MRG added an extra day to include even more time for connection and re-centering and, of course, running.

More details and registration information: http://michiganrunnergirl.com/michigan-runner-girl-weekend-join-us-in-traverse-city-this-spring/

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E080 Tony Anderson, running 50 marathons in 50 states for to help children 0

Jan 30, 2017

Tony Anderson, a northern Michigan runner and 54-year-old father of three and grandfather of two, is on a mission to run a marathon in all 50 states. And he's completed 35 so far. But his reason for chasing this ambitious goal is special because it is tied to an organization that's near and dear to his heart: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Michigan. Having grown up without his father -- his dad died in a car accident at age 28 -- Tony understands both the pain of growing up without one a parent and the importance of having mentors to help guide a child following a loss. Heather talks with Tony about his dedication to running and commitment to helping children who, as he experienced, are in need of mentors. He created Marathon 4 Kids to help raise funds, through his marathon running, for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Michigan. He's raised almost $210,000 so far for this organization. Heather and Tony talk about his most memorable 26.2 races, what it means for him to be helping raise funds for Big Brithers Big Sisters, the impact his running has had on his own family, and the marathon he is eyeing for his 50th 26.2.

Link: marathon4kids.com

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E079 Running for mental health: Sasha Wolff, creator of Still I Run 0

Jan 23, 2017

For a long time, Grand Rapids runner Sasha Wolff kept her depression a secret. "It was a diagnosis I was ashamed of and rarely talked about," Sasha says of the diagnosis she received in 2003 at age 18. "Because of that, I carried my burden of shame around for years." But Sasha, who grew up in California, realized she needed to do something to cope with her depression, and ultimately, the shame she felt. She started to run in 2012, and in 2015 ran her first marathon. Sasha joins Heather on the show to talk about her journey, which has included creating a community of runners -- Still I Run -- helping others combat depression and anxiety through our sport. "We're a community of warriors determined to take control of our physical and mental health while also breaking the stigma surrounding people who live with mental illness," she says. Since taking up running in 2012, Sasha has run two more marathons as well as completed a half Ironman, 10 half marathons, a 25K and countless 10Ks and 5Ks. She also shares on the show her involvement with Pine Rest Mental Health Services, and how she has a team of runners helping raise awareness at this year's Fifth Their Riverbank Run.

Link: stilliruncommunity.com

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E078 Elite runner, book author Luke Humphrey of Hansons-Brooks Distance Project 0

Jan 16, 2017

With spring marathon and half marathon training getting underway for many runners, Heather welcomes elite runner and coach Luke Humphrey to the show to talk about his books Hansons Marathon Method and Hansons Half Marathon Method. Luke, who is a runner with the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project in Rochester, Mich., wrote these books with Keith and Kevin Hanson, elite running coaches and owners of Hansons Running Shops in southern Michigan. Their training method is used with impressive success by members of the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project as well as everyday runners all across the country. Runners who follow the plan often achieve personal best times -- sometimes huge PRs -- given the method's unconventional approach (one example: the longest run in the marathon plan is 16 miles, not the traditional 20 or 22). Luke explains in detail how the method's combination of "smart science with proven practice" makes all the difference. You'll hear about the importance of "cumulative fatigue" and how you learn to train hard and consistently by following the plan, resulting in a strong performance on race day. Luke also shares his own personal running journey, which began in high school and continued at Central Michigan University. He has qualified for three Olympic trials in the marathon -- in 2008, 2012 and 2016 -- and has a personal best marathon finish time of 2:14:38.

Link:

Hansons Coaching Services: hansonscoachingservices.com

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E077 Feel-Good Cooking Ideas & Tips for Runners 0

Jan 9, 2017

For this first Michigan Runner Girl episode of 2017, Heather welcomes wellness chef Ali Lopez and dietician nutritionist Miranda Monroe back to the show to talk about a favorite topic of runners: food. Many of us may be looking to improve upon our eating in the coming year, so we can fuel well and feel great. Heather shares how she's been spending more time in the kitchen lately, trying out new recipes specifically geared toward an active lifestyle, and Ali and Miranda -- both training for the Boston Marathon this April -- talk simple, small-step ways we all can improve upon our eating habits and enhance the experience of cooking and preparing meals that in turn help us stay strong and healthy for running. Learn the importance of "starting where you are" and planning ahead (the trio talk quite a bit about the power of a well-stocked pantry, as well as practical ways to make the most of your grocery shopping trips.) The trio also touch on how to become a mindful eater -- and how it makes a big difference in our overall health and well-being. Whether you're feeling on track with your food intake, or wish you could give it a boost, there's lots to digest (pun intended) and take away in this latest episode.
--

Heather Johnson Durocher

Writer/Editor/Publisher/Podcast Host

Michigan Runner Girl ~ In a state of motion

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E076 Winter exploring at Michigan state parks + join the MRG-DNR Fitness Challenge 0

Jan 2, 2017

From guided, lantern-lit snowshoe hikes and peaceful cross country skiing, to Yurt camping, moose-viewing and experiencing "dark sky parks," the Michigan Department of Natural Resources offers myriad opportunities for outdoor recreation each winter. Maia Turek, statewide recreation programmer for the DNR, returns to the Michigan Runner Girl show to talk about the numerous winter programs and nature experiences available at many of Michigan's 103 state parks and 138 state forest campgrounds. "When you're there in the summer, parks have a sound - kids playing, seagulls, campers ... when you go in the winter it's completely different. You can hear nature," Maia says. Just a few of the parks Heather and Maia talk about during the show: Ludington State Park (family-friendly snowshoe programs); Rockport Recreation Area near Alpena (an old quarry that's an awesome spot for snowshoeing, who knew?); Muskegon State Park (check out the Yurt!); Blueberry Ridge near Marquette (fantastic cross-country ski trails). You'll also hear about the state's 5 "dark sky parks" as well as learn that the entire Upper Peninsula is designated a dark sky preserve. Maia and Heather also announce a joint fitness challenge kicking off this January -- the Michigan Runner Girl - Michigan DNR Fitness Challenge. The challenge is free and open to anyone interested in getting outdoors and experiencing nature in Michigan this winter. Prizes will be given away each week during the challenge, which will run through February. How it works: snap a photo of yourself, or of you and your family and friends, being active outside. It could be a run, a snowshoe, a hike, a ski -- whatever gets your body moving outdoors. Share the photo on Instagram, using the hashtags #MRGEnergy and #MIStateParks. Each week, MRG will share a reader/listener photo on the MRG Facebook page (and on Instagram, of course) and that person will win a prize from Michigan Runner Girl and the Michigan DNR. (hint: could be free camping, gear or other fun prizes!)

Links: michigan.gov/recsearch, michigan.gov/natureprograms

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E075 Everything You Need to Know About Winter Running 0

Dec 23, 2016

We've got you covered for running outdoors throughout the next few months. In the "best of" MRG Podcast re-release, Heather Durocher and co-host Cassy Stone talk about their love of winter running and have a great conversation with fellow winter running lover Susan Hoddinott, assistant store manager at Gazelle Sports in Grand Rapids. Susan shares her vast knowledge of essential clothing and gear to have for your outdoor running adventures. The trio talk about the importance of layers, and Susan explains why merino wool is great for your head and feet. Traction for shoes (and the right shoes to keep your feet dry) also is part of the discussion. One newer product Susan mentions -- a headlamp for your early morning or evening runs -- got Heather and Cassy thinking about adding this to their winter running gear (you just might do the same). Whether you've run outside throughout winter in the past, or you're thinking of giving it a try this year, you're sure to be inspired to stay active no matter the weather.

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E074 Rose Coleman on discovering running later in life 0

Dec 15, 2016

At age 47, Rose Coleman took up running and decided to go big: train for a marathon. Since that day about six years ago, this mother and grandmother has racked up an impressive number of races -- 8 marathons, 70 half marathons, countless 10Ks and 5Ks -- and has also delved into the world of obstacle races (Tough Mudder, warrior runs and Spartan races) as well as relay races; for the past three years, she has served as captain of a team of women running The Fred, a 200-mile relay race here in Michigan. Rose joins Heather in the studio to talk about her athletic journey that began after moving to northern Michigan from Florida as a single mom. Rose, who is also a mountain biker, has big plans for the future, too: Ironman Louisville, Kentucky in October 2017. (She's been swimming in the pool a lot lately and is killing it!) No matter where you're at in your own running journey, hearing this 53-year-old talk about how running alleviated stress in her life and her favorite kinds of adventures (and what she's learned along the way) is sure to inspire. It's also a reminder that no matter how old we are, it's always a good time to give running a try!

Heather Johnson Durocher

Writer/Editor/Publisher/Podcast Host

Michigan Runner Girl ~ In a state of motion

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E073 4 Common Runner Injuries, How to Treat Them + Ways to Keep Running Strong 0

Dec 10, 2016

When you're a runner, injuries can happen. You might be injured now (we feel your pain, physically and mentally!) or you may have been injured in the past and know all too well what it's like to be sidelined for awhile. In this episode from the archives, Heather talks with Suttons Bay runner Krista Scott, a physical therapist, and Dena Johnson, a certified athletic trainer, about common runner injuries -- why they happen and what we can do to treat them. Dena, who was training for her first Boston Marathon at the time of this recording, has 20 years experience in the outpatient physical therapy setting. She is the clinic director at ATI Physical Therapy Traverse City West and the Running Institute. Krista, a former competitive swimmer and three-time Boston Marathon finisher, is a physical therapist and former clinic director for ATI Physical Therapy in Suttons Bay. All three women talk about different aches and pains they've dealt with throughout their running journeys, and also what has helped them get back out on the roads and trails. ATI Physical Therapy is a nationwide physical therapy business with locations throughout Michigan.

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E072 2017 Race Preview with Epic Races' Eva Solomon 0

Dec 3, 2016

You may know of Epic Races, the Ann Arbor-based race management company, for their well-known Detroit Women's Half Marathon, 10K and 5K on Belle Isle each September and Tri Goddess Tri, a beginner-friendly triathlon held at Waterloo Recreation Area in June. But did you know this company also is behind a slew of southern Michigan road, bike, swim and ski races that take place throughout the year? Eva Solomon, who founded Epic Races in 2008 (Tri Goddess Tri was the inaugural event, held for the first time in 2009), joins Heather on the show to talk about the numerous events Epic Races is helping put on in the coming year. The timing of their conversation aligns with online registration opening this very week for 2017 races. You'll learn all about Epic Races' larger, more well-known races (how they've changed over the years, what's to come in the new year) and also details on races like the Frosty Ski Fest Weekend in January in Brighton, Swim to the Moon 5K and 10K in August, the Waterloo Gravel Road Race in March and several others. Eva also shares what's been going on with her own personal running and athletic pursuits (she opens up about a long-standing injury and how she's coping), and what she's looking to accomplish in 2017.

Link: epicraces.com

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E071 Mid-Michigan Ultra Team Trail Race (the MUTT) 0

Nov 26, 2016

Kevin Fowler had an idea for a very different kind of team trail racing experience--a race that would allow four runners with varying distance preferences to race together who might not normally have the opportunity to race together. Strategizing pace, as a team, also would be a key component of his race. The end result: the Mid-Michigan Ultra Team Trail Race, also known as MUTT, that takes place each June in Harrison, Mich. Kevin joins Heather on the show to talk about this race that takes place on trails and starts and finishes at Mid-Michigan Community College. Kevin, who started running a decade ago, is a marathoner and triathlete -- his first marathon was in Grand Rapids in 2007 and he's completed 30 triathlons, including an Ironman. This trail lover at heart talks about what led him to start the Mid-Michigan Ultra Team Trail Race in 2014, how exactly it works (hint: it's NOT a relay), how it quadrupled in participation in 2015, and what runners can expect for the 2017 event, which is set for June 17. Kevin also shares a special race discount code for listeners, and offers up details on another race he's involved with, the Snow Moon Trail Run, an evening race in February, 2017 on Midland City Forest trails.

Link:

Mid-Michigan Ultra Team Trail Race: muttrace.com

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E070 Live at the Great Beerd Run in Traverse City 0

Nov 18, 2016

Heather and co-host Mike Moran are on-site at last weekend's Great Beerd Run 5K for this show. The event, held Saturday, Nov. 12 on the grounds of the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, celebrates all things beards (natural and otherwise) and Michigan beer. Runners show up donning beards of their own making -- and beards that they carefully crafted themselves (race swag includes your own knit beard cap and a bottle opener finisher medal). Three breweries are featured at this untimed fun run: Right Brain Brewery in Traverse City, Shorts Brewing Company in Bellaire and Beards Brewery in Petoskey. This Michigan craft beer makers not only part of the post-run festivities, they also offer up tastings on the course. Heather and Mike talk with race director Kelly Yauk pre-run, sharing the race atmosphere and vibe, and then post-run, runner and brewer Jeff Houser joins in the conversation to talk about his love of the Great Beerd Run (he's won it a couple of times in the past, though this year he took a different approach to the event). The guys' interest in wooden ships also comes up...hear how they all try to bring it back to running and beer. It's an interesting and fun show, to say the least -- and there's even some live music in the background.

Links:

Great Beerd Run: http://thegreatbeerdrun.com

Right Brain Brewery: http://www.rightbrainbrewery.com

Shorts Brewing Company: https://www.shortsbrewing.com

Beards Brewery: http://www.beardsbrewery.com

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E069 Run for Turkey + Pie: Thanksgiving Races in Michigan 0

Nov 12, 2016

Thanksgiving is just a couple of weeks away, which means delicious food and family time--and racing! Turkey trots and Thanksgiving-themed runs take place all across Michigan, with some starting this weekend and many others happening on Thanksgiving morning. Heather shares her family's tradition of running their local turkey trot, the Traverse City Turkey Trot 5K (there's also a 5-mile option), and is joined by northern Michigan runner and race director Michelle Elliott to talk about this year's event that starts and ends at Thirlby Field. You'll also hear from Jenae Schultheiss, race director of the Gobble Wobble, a fun run now in its 9th year that raises funds for area children. The show's regular upcoming race segment highlights turkey trots and includes a few race discount codes. Also featured on this show: an upcoming pre-order holiday sale on MRG clothing AND save-the-date info on the 2nd annual Michigan Runner Girl Weekend taking place up north this coming spring.

Links:

Traverse City Turkey Trot: http://www.tcturkeytrot.com

Gobble Wobble: http://gazellesports.com/wp/gobblewobble/

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E068 Destination Racing: Tips for planning your next run-cation 0

Nov 7, 2016

As we near the holidays and the end of 2016, you might be thinking about your race calendar in the coming year -- and making plans for a race in another city or state. Heather is joined by Michigan Runner Girls Kelly Yauk (a regular on the show) and Coryn Briggs, both of whom enjoy traveling for running events, to talk about destination racing. Kelly is fresh off her latest destination racing adventure -- running a half marathon through California's majestic redwoods! -- and she talks about the planning that went into this 10-day trip out west with her husband Chris, who ran the race's 5K. Coryn, who happened to be out in California with Kelly for a few days (they attended an industry conference together) talks about finding some time to run the hills of San Francisco together. Coryn goes on to share her experiences traveling to Chicago for the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon this past July (things got interesting when a storm came rolling in) and to Grand Rapids for Gazelle Girl Half Marathon earlier in the year. All three runners offer up been-there, done-that advice, tips and tricks for making the most of your race trip, including the importance of making restaurant reservations ahead of time, finding the best lodging, and pre-planning (don't forget your race fuel and go-to pre-race breakfast!) to ensure a memorable and seamless destination race experience. Also on this week's show: news about next week's Great Beerd Run at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, and the different ways to enjoy Traverse City Beer Week, which kicks off the day before this race and continues through Nov. 17, 2016.

Links:

Great Beerd Run: thegreatbeerdrun.com

Traverse City Beer Week: https://www.traversecity.com/tcbw/

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E067 Wisconsin Runner Girl (and new MRG contributor) Amy Bailey on midwest running 0

Oct 28, 2016

Heather introduces Amy Bailey, a mother runner in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on this week's show. Amy, who previously lived in the Lansing area for six years as an Associated Press reporter, is among the essayists who contributed to the book Tales from Another Mother: Triumphs, Trials, Tips and Tricks from the Road. This is actually how Heather and Amy met last year -- Heather contributed an essay to this 2015 book as well -- and the two became fast friends given their multiple running and writing connections. As a reporter and then editor for 15 years, Amy has always been a writer, but she didn't write about running until 2009. She only started running a year before that -- a few months after her son was born. Since then, though, she has done a handful of half marathons in each of the past several years. She's regularly running 4 to 5 miles a day on some of the nearby trails. Amy, who is a member of the Oiselle Volee ambassador program, talks with Heather about her love of running in Wisconsin and the midwest. Our neighboring states -- with a shared Great Lake -- are home to a growing number of awesome races and running communities, and Amy and Heather talk about how it's an exciting time to be a runner in the midwest. As the newest contributor to MichiganRunnerGirl.com, Amy will be exploring this very topic as she shares the races and places she loves running here in our beautiful region of the country.

Links:

Follow Amy Bailey ...

Twitter: @Amy_Bailey

Instagram: amy_bailey

Tales from Another Mother: Triumphs, Trials, Tips and Tricks from the Road: http://anothermotherrunner.com/2015/04/01/tales-from-another-mother-runner-thurday-amy-bailey/

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E066 Fellow Flowers founders Mel Charbonneau and Tori Sager 0

Oct 22, 2016

Thousands of women across Michigan, the midwest and beyond have taken to wearing a bright-colored flower in their hair while racing -- a symbol of what running has come to mean to them. Each flower -- 13 varying colors -- represent "different reasons, stories and purposes behind why we run." This community and movement, which began four years ago in Marquette, Michigan, is known as Fellow Flowers. Longtime friends Tori Sager and Mel Charbonneau are the co-founders of Fellow Flowers and join Heather on the show to talk about their running journeys and how their passion for women and running led them to become business partners and creators of a community that has touched more than 25,000 women across the country. Mel and Tori are both former collegiate athletes who came to running later in life. They ran their first half marathon together in Green Bay, Wis. "We always say, I think the universe knew something we didn't that day," Tori says of that race experience with Mel. A seed was planted when they crossed that finish line, they say, and years later, to celebrate her birthday, Tori and 13 of her friends (including Mel) "ran with flowers in our hair -- it was the 'infamous flower race.' There were amazing stories that came out of that day ... the flower was a symbol of connection and of our 12-week journey and what that meant to us." Mel, Tori and Heather talk about the reasons women run and how our individual "why I run" stories ultimately connect us to one another. Mel and Tori also share what it's like to operate a business together while living in two different cities -- Tori lives with her family in Marquette while Mel and her family reside in Madison, Wis. -- the growth Fellow Flowers has experienced since its inception, and the exciting plans for future adventures within their community.

Link: fellowflowers.com

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E065 Running Disney Races with Michigan Runner & Author Megan Biller 0

Oct 13, 2016

Some 250,000 people participate in runDisney events in Orlando, Fla. each year (more than half of these runners are women), and most make the journey to Walt Disney World not just to race but to also enjoy a fun-filled vacation at Disney theme parks. Michigan runner and writer Megan Biller is one of the many who share a passion for these races. In addition, Megan is the author of Magical Miles: the Runner's Guide to Walt Disney World, a tour book that guides families through all the aspects of a runDisney event, including resorts, restaurants, the races and more. Megan joins Heather on the show to talk about how she started running within the past 10 years, why she loves Disney races so much, and why she decided to write a book to help other runners make the most of their race experience in "the most magical place on Earth." Megan has run numerous runDisney events, including the Dopey Challenge, an event featuring four race distances totaling 46 miles in one weekend. Megan also co-hosts a Disney-themed podcast, Let's Run Disney.

Links:

runndersguidetoWDW.com

facebook.com/runnersguidetoWDW

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E064 Recap of the inaugural Reebok Ragnar Michigan 0

Oct 8, 2016

Well, we did it! Team MRG -- 12 women from Traverse City, Northville, East Lansing and Kalamazoo -- crossed the finish line (all together!) of the first-ever Reebok Ragnar Michigan this past Saturday at the Open Space in downtown Traverse City -- 29 hours and 40 minutes after starting this12-person relay race 200ish miles away in Muskegon. What an adventure! Heather is joined by five of her teammates in re-living this epic running experience. The girls give all the details (well, most of them anyway -- "what happens in the van, stays in the van," after all!) of their two-day trek on the west side of Michigan, on country roads and along the Lake Michigan shoreline. More than 150 teams participated in this inaugural Michigan race. Team MRG talks through the logistics of accomplishing such a feat, and also offers tips, tricks and reflections on what it was like to be in a van together, cheer one another on (cowbells and lots of "woos!"), run during the night, and complete three different legs of running on little sleep. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to try a Ragnar -- and become a "Ragnarian" -- you'll definitely want to tune into this show. Heather also makes a call-out for listener experiences -- we'd love to share your Ragnar story on an upcoming podcast.

Link: runragnar.com

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E063 Farmland 5K Run and Free For All Bike in Traverse City 0

Sep 30, 2016

This year marks the 5th anniversary of the Farmland 5K Run and Free For All Bike event held each December on the east side of Traverse City. Lisa Taylor, high school cross country coach, frequent podcast guest/co-host and founder of this race, joins Heather in the studio to talk about Farmland, which takes place on Saturday, Dec. 3. Together, they talk through the top 5 reasons for signing up for this race. These touch on the time of year it takes place (no matter the weather -- lots of snow or extremely cold -- it still goes on), the cool swag and post-race party runners and cyclists get to experience, the unique cross country terrain and cycling-run combo components, and lots more. Come north this early-winter (lodging rates in the Traverse City area this time of year are lower) and join Heather and Lisa at this super-fun December race. (Heather might even be giving the run-bike combo a try...just maybe.)

Link: FarmlandTC.com

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E062 Wicked Halloween Run + Kona Chocolate Run 0

Sep 22, 2016

Kona Running Co. is known for its numerous races held throughout the year in Michigan, and two upcoming events are featured on this week's show. Marathoner and longtime runner Alan Whitehead, owner of Kona Running Company, joins Heather on the show to talk about the Wicked Halloween Run 10K, 5K & Monster Mile on Sunday, Oct. 30 in Plymouth -- billed as the "largest Halloween run in the state" -- and the Kona Chocolate Run 10K, 5K & Cocoa Mile on November 20 in Plymouth, an event now in its fourth year and known as "Michigan's largest chocolate party." Heather and Alan also talk about Kona Running Co.'s two running speciality stores, in Canton and West Bloomfield; Alan operates these in partnership with Road Runner Sports. Thousands of runners come out for both of these fall racing events -- some 3,800 at the Wicked Halloween Run, many in costumes, an about 5,500 runners at the Chocolate Run. Alan shares what runners can expect to experience at both of these races (sweet swag and delicious post-race food are things Kona Running Co. races are known for).

Links:

Kona Running Company: http://konarunningcompany.com

Kona Chocolate Run: http://www.konachocolaterun.com

Wicked Halloween Run: http://www.wickedhalloweenrun.com

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E060 Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K on Oct. 1 0

Sep 8, 2016

You've likely visited northern Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, either as a kid or with your own family, but have you run this area known nationally (and beyond) for its scenic beauty? The Sleeping Bear Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K, held each October, is an opportunity to explore the Lakeshore on foot. Endurance Evolution is behind this race, which for the first time sold out this year. (But don't fear--there's still a chance for you to run this race! Keep reading for details...) Joel Gaff, race director and founder of Endurance Evolution, joins Heather in the studio to talk about this year's event, which starts in Empire, on the shores of Lake Michigan. The marathon and half marathon courses take runners along the incredibly beautiful Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, while the 5K course is in the quaint village of Empire. All races finish at the same spot at a Lake Michigan beach. Celebrate your race with fellow runners (and Short's beer), then wander over to the nearby Empire Hops Festival. Heather announces a special giveaway -- two free race entries -- during the show, so if you haven't been able to sign up, or you're on the waiting list, be sure to enter the Facebook giveaway.

Link: endurance evolution.com

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E059 Race Director Holly Visser Shares Gazelle Girl 2017 Updates 0

Sep 1, 2016

Registration gets underway this week -- Sept. 1! -- for the 2017 Gazelle Girl Half Marathon in Grand Rapids. This annual race tradition, set for Sunday, April 23, 2017, has added a 10K option to its roster of events. Now, runners can choose to take on the 5K, 10K or half marathon. Thousands of female runners take part in Gazelle Girl each spring, with the event raising tens of thousands of dollars for area charities. Runner Holly Visser is the event's new race director and she joins Heather to talk about the 2017 event organized by Gazelle Sports. Holly is a longtime runner who has been involved with the Gazelle Girl event since its beginning in 2013. More than 3,500 runners ran at Gazelle Girl this past spring -- 700 of them were running their very first race ever. Holly talks about why this race is so important to so many women from all around the state and the significance of involving local non-profits. She also shares what this sport means to her personally, her goals as race director, and what she's looking forward to running-wise this fall.

Links:

gazellegirlhalfmarathon.com

gazellesports.com

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E058 Ultra Runners Share Stories of Going Long 0

Aug 25, 2016

Three ultra runners -- Jeff Gaft, Dan Oberski and Erika Kuhnle -- join Heather to talk about their love of running long distances...super long distances. These Michigan runners each have their own stories of how they got interested in running ultras (defined as any distance longer than a marathon, or 26.2 miles) and what keeps them going back for more. Jeff, who is a longtime store manager with Running Fit in Traverse City, began running in 1976 when he was 20 years old and has completed no fewer than 75(!) ultras in the years since. Dan Oberski, a father and high school principal, began running just a few years ago, but discovered he especially enjoys the challenge (mental and physical) of taking on ultras. Erika, a triathlete as well as an ultra runner mother of two, talks about working her way toward a 100-mile race. The trio of runners share great tips about what makes for the optimal ultra running and racing experience (you'll probably be wanting to eat a Snickers candy bar after hearing Dan talk about his favorite way to re-fuel during a race) and they also talk about good first-timer ultras and memorable races they've all experienced. If you've ever thought about going the distance and trying an ultra, these runners' perspectives are sure to leave you inspired -- and ready to sign on for this kind of endurance event. Speaking of which, this episode's race segment is dedicated entirely to upcoming ultras this fall and winter in Michigan.

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E057 Mighty Mac Bridge Run 10K on Sept. 24 0

Aug 24, 2016

Runners have several opportunities each year to cross the Mackinac Bridge on foot, and the Mighty Mac Bridge Run 10K is one of them. This race, which has been an 11K in the past, takes place Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. Runners meet in St. Ignace on race morning and then are shuttled across the Mighty Mac for the start on the southern side of the Bridge, in Mackinaw City. (There will be some awesome photo opps here at Colonial Michilimackinac, with amazing up-close-and-personal views of the Mackinac Bridge.) Runners will then travel north across the Bridge and finish in St. Ignace. Quincy Westhuis, assistant director of the St. Ignace Visitors Bureau, joins Heather on this special bonus episode to talk about this event -- and share cool information about the experience runners can expect when they sign on for this 10K. (Great discounts from local businesses and restaurants, the night before the race and also on race day.) Quincy also shares some interesting facts about the St. Ignace area, including must-see attractions and one historical fact that surprised Heather.

Links:

St. Ignace Visitors Bureau: www.stignace.com

Race registration: http://www.saintignace.org/event/mighty-mac-bridge-race/

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