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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: Page 6
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/

 

Apr 9, 2018

For the fourth year, students in Kristy McDonald's business communications class are behind the popular BIG Little Hero Race at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City. The race, which features a 10K, 5K & kids' fun run, is set for this Saturday, April 14. All proceeds of this run benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Michigan.

As anyone who has planned a running event knows well, lots of time and energy go into bringing a race to fruition. Each year, a new crop of college students take on this task, handling everything from seeking and finding sponsorship and volunteers, to figuring out race-day logistics and marketing the event. On this episode: three of the students involved in this year's event -- Noah Britton, Lauren Peterson and David Filkins -- talk with Heather about what it's like to tackle this kind of real-life project as a college student. Race Director Kyle Brownley, a college graduate who returned to this project after starting with it as a student himself, also joins the conversation. They all give the scoop of how this race has come together this year, what runners can expect on race day, and why their post-race party is among the best around. 

Runners and walkers typically dress in costume for this race -- there will be lots of Wonder Woman, Batman, Superman, Ironman, and Captain America kids and families (among other fabulous costume choices). Free superhero capes are given to the kids. Races are timed and awards are handed out post-race.

While online registration has ended, day-before and day-of signups are available. The race takes place on part of the Bayshore route, making it a perfect training run if you're participating in the Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon or 10K this Memorial Day weekend! 

Learn more and get signed up at biglittleherorace.com 

The race's Favebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BigLittleHeroRace

 

Apr 3, 2018

Sara Plumstead and Amy Haenick are friends who met through their shared passion for running and living healthy. And in recent time, they've become business partners -- the Detroit-area moms are behind Run Strong Project, which offers coaching and run-specific strength training. They join Heather on the show to talk about becoming friends (Sara also coaches Amy) and their interest in helping other athletes take their running and strength training to the next level. They also share solid tips for incorporating strength training into our routines and improving our running performance.

"Sara began coaching me as a runner about a year ago," Amy says. "We became fast friends and started Run Strong Project in January 2017. I absolutely love being a strength coach and helping others to become stronger and faster!" 

"I started running at the age of 30," Sara says, "after the birth of my second daughter. It was a wonderful stress relief as I adjusted to life as the parent of a special needs child who has a rare chromosome deletion. I ran my first half marathon in 2007, and my first marathon a year later, finishing in 3:31. Since then I have completed at least 20 marathons." As Sara "embarks on my 40s," she is attempting to lower her marathon PR from 3:04 to sub 3:00. She's also an ACE certified group fitness instructor and a VDOT O2 certified distance running coach. 

Amy says she's always loved fitness. "I grew up playing sports. In high school, I was a three-sport athlete participating in swimming, volleyball and softball." She was named Female Athlete of the Year of her high school and went on to Michigan State University and graduated with a degree in Recreational Therapy.  Amy talks about how during her freshman year of college she became anorexic. "It was a tough transition from high school to college and I felt a loss of control. Once I became healthy and recovered (still an ongoing struggle sometimes), I started running. Running helped me so much in my recovery," she says. She ran her first marathon in 1996 and qualified for Boston on her first try. She has since run 10 marathons, including Boston and holds a PR of 3:35.

Links:

Sara's blog (she is currently training for the Bayshore Marathon): Michigan Marathoner

Sara on Instagram: MichiganMarathoner

Amy on Instagram: AmyRunsDetroit

Run Strong Project 

Mar 20, 2018

Endurance athlete, personal trainer, and triathlon coach Rebecca Venticinique ran her first road race at age 7 and continued running and competing throughout high school and college, where she took on the heptathlon (this involves seven events: 100-meter hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200-meter dash, long jump, javelin, and 800-meter run). Rebecca joins Heather on the show to talk about triathlon -- she and her husband Tony coach athletes of all levels through their company Tri Again Fitness in Traverse City -- and how runners in particular can make the transition to this sport. Heather shares her experience with triathlon, having completed a sprint tri in southern Michigan a couple of summers ago (she is hoping to add a couple more this summer).

Since 1993, Rebecca has coached invidious sports, from cross country and track and field, to volleyball, soccer and softball. Most recently, this mother of 7 has found her niche in triathlon and marathon racing -- she's competed in the Bayshore Marathon, the Charlevoix Marathon, Disney's Goofy's Challenge, and the Midland Marathon. She finished her first Ironman in 2015.

 

Mar 13, 2018

Eddie Kline started his early fall marathon and half marathon racing event in west Michigan with a few goals in mind: Make it like the Boston Marathon with a bus ride out and run back to town. Give runners a final opportunity to snag a Boston qualifying (BQ) time in west Michigan. Support local businesses and nonprofits in his community. Also, “I wanted my friends in Holland to have a hometown race where all of their friends and family could come out and enjoy the lakeshore together.”

By all accounts, Eddie has done all of the above. Now entering its fifth year, the Holland Haven Marathon and Half Marathon (and 8K, added last year) takes place each September – the weekend prior to Boston Marathon registration opening – and features point-to-point race courses. (The marathon starts in Grand Haven and ends in Holland while the half marathon starts at the event’s charity partner, Camp Geneva, midway through the marathon course.)

Some 23 percent of marathon finishers BQ’d in 2016 and 2017.

What Eddie, his wife Jen, and their team of race volunteers didn’t necessarily expect: just how much the race would grow – registrations were up more than 50 percent last year. “We had runners from 25 states and four different nations,” he says. About 600 runners participated in one of the three distances, and 1,000 people attended the post-race party and expo, which includes free beer, cider, food, and vendors.

Eddie joins Heather on the latest episode of the Michigan Runner Girl podcast to give us all the details of this fall’s Holland Haven Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K, which is set for Sunday, Sept. 9.

He shares race details, including the opportunity to earn a “trifecta” medal and how the race gives back to the nonprofit Medals4Mettle. Eddie also shares news of his newest race directing endeavor – he decided this spring to hold a new race called the Backward Mile.

“Instead of being so serious about running a race, I want to create a fun, carefree environment. I want to make fun of myself, and have runners make fun of themselves, too. The event will be somewhat of a spoof about running. We will do everything we can think of backward in reverse order,” he says.

The Backward Mile, which will also include collecting medals from runners to donate to Medals4Mettle, is set for Tuesday, April 24 at Big E’s Sports Grill in Holland.

Special discount codes for both races:

Use the code RUN12MRG to save 12% off your Backward Mile registration. This code also will get you $12 (yep, 12 dollars) off your Holland Haven Marathon, Half Marathon or 8K race entry.

Sign up for the Holland Haven races here »

Sign up for the Backward Mile event 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 here.

Mar 5, 2018

As Ragnar Relay Michigan gets ready to mark its third year in the Great Lakes State, an increasing number of runners are signing on for this 2-day, 200-ish-mile team running event that starts in Muskegon and ends in Traverse City. Team MRG participated in the inaugural Michigan race as well as last year’s event – and we’re planning to be there again this fall. It’s so fun meeting up with fellow Michigan Runner Girls and Guys – can’t wait to see you all there! {Be sure to use the special team discount code mentioned on the show to save $80 off your team race entry, if you haven’t yet signed up.}

On this episode, MRG sits downs with Ragnar Relay Michigan Race Director Troy Wheeler to talk about this September’s race, which is slated for Sept. 28-29. This year, race organizers expect about 285 teams to take part in the Michigan race. This is up from 240 last year and 120 the first year.

Troy, who served as race director last year as well, shares how a Ragnar Relay works, a few course changes for 2018, and tips for ensuring a successful and fun Ragnar experience with your teammates. He also shares a sweet story about how his own Ragnar racing experience led to true love.

Troy also welcomes any questions from listeners and readers. You can contact him at troy@ragnarrelay.com

--

Reebok Ragnar Relay Michigan, Sept. 28-29, is a magical combination of fall colors, sugar sand beaches, massive dunes and wild Ragnarians.

This 200-ish mile overnight adventure kicks off in the charming town Muskegon where teams run two days and one star-filled night, past historic ships and lighthouses, apple orchards, cherry blossoms and rolling hills.

No one starts Reebok Ragnar Michigan alone, and no one finishes alone either. A strengthened a team of 12 individuals becomes 1 team and finds out what they can do when they come together.

Fun hashtags to use if you’re racing and posting photos and videos from your adventure on social media:

#RagnarRelay, #innerWILD, #ChaseTheMoon, #ChaseTheSun #UnforgettableScenery #RagnarMichigan

Want more Ragnar? Check out these MRG posts and podcast episodes about this epic relay race:

http://michiganrunnergirl.com/12-women-2-vans-195-5-miles-32-hours-herd-alpacas-mrg-recaps-reebok-ragnar-michigan/

http://michiganrunnergirl.com/episode-64-recap-inaugural-reebok-ragnar-michigan/

http://michiganrunnergirl.com/epic-adventure-mrg-takes-ragnar-relay-michigan/  

Feb 27, 2018

For more than 30 years, the Lake Michigan coastal town of Muskegon has welcomed runners for the annual Mercy Health Seaway Run. In recent years, some 3,000 runners have made this an early summer tradition. Race Director Andrew Buikema joins Heather on the show to talk about this year's race, takes place Saturday, June 23. New this year: a 10K race option in addition to the half marathon and 5K run/community walk. Andrew shares all the details of this year's event (including why the 15K is no longer around and the two places you'll get your post-race brew) and also talks about his own running plans this spring and summer (he's part of a pacing group for the Fifth Third Riverbank Run and is training for the Chicago Marathon).

Last year, Heather ran the half marathon along with friend Amy Keizer -- they were helping lead the 10-minute mile pace group. In addition, MRG had a booth at the Mercy Health Seaway Run Healthy Lifestyle Expo the day before the race. It ended up being a weekend getaway: Joe joined Heather for the expo (he also spectated the race the next day, by bike), and they spent Saturday and Sunday after the race exploring the area and checking out some great restaurants. 

A special race discount code also is mentioned during this episode.

Feb 12, 2018

We’ve all been told that regularly getting enough high-quality sleep is essential to running our best – and to living well overall. (That feeling of slogging through a day super tired, when there’s not enough coffee in the world to help? Pretty awful.)

In an article about sleep and exercise on runnersworld.com, we’re told that while we sleep, hormones such as human growth hormone (HGH) that help us recover from training are released. On the flip side, when we don’t get enough sleep, levels of the stress hormone cortisol and the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein stay elevated, cutting into our ability to recover. Poor sleep also throws off the hormones related to appetite regulation, which could lead to weight gain.

OK, so we know all of this. And yet…how many of us truly make sleep a priority? It’s something I’m continually working on, and I figured I’m far from alone. In fact, when I mentioned sleep on the Michigan Runner Girl Facebook page recently, I heard from fellow runners that sleep is a big deal and not always getting the attention it should in their lives. I also heard from a few of you who always get the recommended seven to nine hours a sleep each night, which impressed and inspired me.

 On the latest episode of the Michigan Runner Girl podcast, I have a great conversation with Dr. David Walker, DO, a board-certified sleep medicine specialist at the Munson Healthcare Sleep Disorders Clinic here in Traverse City, Mich. We talk about the importance of sleep, night owls vs. early risers, how lack of sleep affects our running performance and everyday activities, common sleep issues, and the ways we may be sabotaging our sleep (drinking that glass of wine or pint of beer, and being on our devices, too close to bedtime). Dr. Walker also talks about how a “sleep diary” can make a difference, sleep aids that are OK (and the ones to possibly avoid), and why the quality of sleep is most important when looking at our sleep routines. I also couldn’t resist asking him about dreams (I have vivid ones most every night) and what they may mean.

 Dr. Walker says the National Sleep Foundation site is a great resource. Here’s what the Foundation found about sleep and exercise in their 2013 Sleep in America poll:

Self-described exercisers report better sleep than self-described non-exercisers even though they say they sleep the same amount each night (6 hours and 51 minutes, average on weeknights). Vigorous, moderate and light*exercisers are significantly more likely to say “I had a good night’s sleep” every night or almost every night on work nights than non-exercisers (67%-56% vs. 39%). Also, more than three-fourths of exercisers (76%-83%) say their sleep quality was very good or fairly good in the past two weeks, compared to slightly more than one-half of non-exercisers (56%).

“If you are inactive, adding a 10 minute walk every day could improve your likelihood of a good night’s sleep,” says Max Hirshkowitz, PhD, poll task force chair. “Making this small change and gradually working your way up to more intense activities like running or swimming could help you sleep better.”

“Our poll data certainly find strong relationships between good sleep and exercise,” adds Hirshkowitz. “While cause and effect can be tricky, I don’t think having good sleep necessarily compels us to exercise. I think it is much more likely that exercising improves sleep. And good sleep is fundamental for good health, productivity, and happiness.” 

--

Links:

National Sleep Foundation: http://www.sleepfoundation.org

Munson Healthcare Sleep Disorders Clinic: http://www.munsonhealthcare.org/sleep

Feb 7, 2018

Marathon training is well underway for Heather and her daughter Emma (who is training for her first 26.2, the Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City, Mich.), and they sit down to share how things are going so far. Also joining them: special guest…Heather’s husband and Emma’s dad, Joe, who is planning to run the 10K at this Memorial Day weekend’s Bayshore races. What happens when parents and their 17-year-old daughter get together to record a podcast? Plenty of laughs, a little good-natured family ribbing, and even some backstory on the first time Heather and Joe ever ran together, back in the summer of 1996. (Let’s just say it didn’t go so well.) Heather and Emma talk about the marathon plan they’re following (a plan from friends Sarah and Dimity of AnotherMotherRunner.com), the YouTube Channel they started to chronicle their training (check it out and please subscribe if you’re interested in following along!), how Emma’s plant-based eating is working with her running, and how Joe has gotten into a groove of early-morning running (and why he doesn’t like to eat anything before he heads out for a few miles). The trio also talks about spring break and summer plans – and how they’ll be incorporating running, exploring, and staying active as much as possible.

Links:

Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K: bayshoremarathon.org

Another Mother Runner: anothermotherrunner.com

Michigan Runner Girl YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTdVGFXBtFr8xo000Zj12uw

Jan 16, 2018

It's a new year (welcome to the first MRG show of 2018!) and you just may have a big goal race on your race calendar this year. Maybe you're going to tackle your first half marathon. Or you've decided to see what you've got in the marathon distance. MRG welcomes three Michigan runners (one of them a longtime coach) to the show to talk about the allure of distance running and racing. Eric Hansen and Candice Hamel both began running within the past four or so years. Their stories are quite different — Eric, who lost 100 pounds through running, has taken on just about every distance plus ventured into triathlon and finished an Ironman, while Candice has found a love for half marathons and acknowledges she's felt reluctant to say the words 'I am a runner' — but they both share how the sport and the friendships they've formed through running have been life-changing. Eric and Candice both are members of the Traverse City Track Club and are serving as mentors in a newer training program — Bayshore and More Training Program — offered through this northern Michigan running and walking club. Lisa Taylor, who has been on the show several times in the past, joins the conversation and offers her racing and training insight as a longtime coach, runner, and executive director of the Traverse City Track Club. 

Heather also shares her own marathon training plans for 2018 — she is about to begin training for her 5th Bayshore Marathon (9th marathon overall) with her daughter Emma, who is taking on her very first marathon this spring. An upcoming episode will highlight their training plans (and new YouTube Channel!)

Listen in to get inspired for running and racing in 2018 — no matter your distance or goal. These runners will definitely leave you feeling motivated to make 2018 your best running year yet.

Traverse City Track Club: tctcrackclub.org

Dec 19, 2017

{Special Episode note from Heather} Nearly two years ago, having watched on TV elite distance runner Desiree Linden place second at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, finishing with a time of 2:28:54, I marveled at her steady-strong pacing and cool-as-a-cucumber demeanor -- especially on what was an especially warm day in Los Angeles. I thought to myself, not for the first time, how I’d love the opportunity to meet her in person, to have her as a guest on my podcast. Not only because of her inspiring performance and numerous accomplishments (I had also excitedly watched from my computer as she crossed the finish line and came in second place at the 2011 Boston Marathon), but because she’s a Michigan Runner Girl, just like us. OK, maybe not exactly like us. She has that super speedy thing going on. But she does live here in the Mitten -- she and husband (and rockstar Ironman athlete) Ryan Linden train in Rochester Hills with fellow Hansons Brooks Original Distance Project athletes -- and in fact has been spending an increasing amount of time in northern Michigan. I just knew we’d have lots of talk about, and I wanted to share that conversation with the MRG community. So I did what any respectable blogger and podcaster would do: I commented on one of her tweets, kept up on her Instagram posts, and eventually sent a direct message to her via Twitter, inquiring about her interest in coming on my show. And, she responded. She had a lot going on, with the Olympic Games in Rio just around the corner (oh, yes, that makes sense, of course...), so she asked if we could talk again later in the year. To which I said “Yes!!” (I hoped she didn't think I was too much of a stalker...)

Fast forward to this past spring, when I ran my 8th marathon and fourth Bayshore in my hometown of Traverse City. While the race didn’t go exactly as I had hoped (an old achilles injury flared just past the halfway mark), a few special things happened that day, including seeing Des on the course holding a sign and cheering on runners AND having the opportunity to talk with her around the 24-mile mark after Emma asked if she’d take a photo with us. Des was so kind and encouraging, just when I needed a boost. 

In recent months, Des and I began emailing each other. She shared that she’d be happy to come on my show, that she’d taken a step back from running this past summer but was getting back into a groove. December, she told me, would be a great time to get together. So we did just that, and the result is this latest episode of the Michigan Runner Girl podcast. Des and Ryan made the trek to Traverse City from their home in Charlevoix, about an hour drive, and not only did she sit with me and my co-host Pam Carrigan for an hour for the podcast, she and Ryan also joined Joe and I for dinner out afterward at one of our favorite spots, The Filling Station in Traverse City.

During this episode, Pam and I talk with Des about her self-imposed break from running following this last spring’s Boston Marathon (where she finished fourth), how she spent this time away from the sport, when and how she re-discovered a hunger for competitive running, the half marathon she recently won, and lots more, including how she got started running (she was a soccer player from the age of 5) and what it was like for her to watch Shalane Flanagan win this fall’s New York City Marathon. We also may have raised a glass of whiskey to her recent race win in San Antonio, Texas. We had so much fun talking with her -- I know you guys are going to love hearing from her as much as we did! (Fun fact: When Des finished second at the 2011 Boston Marathon by just two seconds and set a personal record by four minutes, her time of 2:22:38 was then the fastest time ever run by an American woman in the Boston Marathon. After her success in Boston she was invited to throw the first pitch at a Detroit Tigers game.)

Following our conversation with Des, Pam and I offer a re-cap of the experience talking with a two-time Olympic marathoner -- Des says she’s up for a return visit to the podcast, maybe after her Boston 2018 race! -- and we also share information about the upcoming winter and spring Michigan Runner Girl weekend retreats.

Nov 28, 2017

In the past 2 ½ years, Lowell, Mich. runner Robert Woldhuis has competed in almost 90 running events, including 29 half marathons, three 25Ks, four full marathons, a 50K trail race and, this October, his first 50-miler, which took place in Door County, Wis. Runners throughout the state know Robert, or are at least probably familiar with who he is, given he’s the friendly, outgoing guy wearing a colorful tutu and carrying an American flag during races. “The tutu for me is a reminder to not take life too seriously. It inspires people to smile and laugh,” says Robert, 41, who created a Facebook page titled Adventures of Tutu Man.

 

Finding levity in life and sharing it with others is important to Robert, who spent a good chunk of his life struggling to maintain healthy relationships, remain sober and stay out of trouble with the law. He ultimately served a five-year prison sentence because of drug crimes he committed and scams he orchestrated. It was in prison, on a half-mile dirt track, that Robert discovered running and its transformative power.

Heather and Robert talk about this journey and how running opened up a new world to him as well as triggered a new life’s mission. He’s especially excited about being named to the 2018 Fifth Third Riverbank Run Road Warrior Team of Ambassadors. Whether on the road or trail, or behind a race expo booth table, Robert is passionate about connecting with others.

“My favorite memory of the 50-mile race was the fact that I probably got to share my testimony and listen to other people’s stories probably 10,12, 15 times … A big part of the healing part of the journey that I have been on — you know, I’ve been sober for a little over 7 years now — and a big part of that was just transparency and accountability with some people in my life. The transparency comes in with being more of an open book, instead of being reclusive and shoving issue down and not talking about them. It’s being open to talk about things.”

Find Robert on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/Theadventuresoftutuman/

Nov 20, 2017

Maia Turek, a.k.a. the Michigan state parks guru, is back on the Michigan Runner Girl Show, this time to talk about ways we can enjoy our 103 state parks all winter long. From lantern-lit snowshoe excursions and "owl prowls," to DIY events like make your own snowshoes and special hiking and cross country skiing opportunities at cool spots (even a lighthouse!), there are lots of ways to explore outdoors, embrace the snow and cold, and feel strong and happy throughout the season. Indoor events throughout Michigan also are mentioned. Maia, who is the statewide recreation programmer for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, also shares news of awesome merchandise partnerships the DNR now has with two Michigan-based companies (and what that means for state park visitors like us). Heather and Maia also talk about the #OptOutside movement this coming Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. For a second year, Michigan State Parks are following the lead of outdoor company REI in embracing this hashtag—and they're encouraging us to do the same. This Friday, Nov. 24, choose to #OptOutside with free admission to all Michigan State Parks.  

Here's more about #OptOutside:

Residents and visitors are encouraged to put away leftovers and #OptOutside as part of their day-after-Thanksgiving traditions. To encourage folks to tap into Michigan's great outdoors and gather with friends and family, on Friday, Nov. 24, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will waive the regular Recreation Passport entry fee that enables vehicle access to Michigan state parks, trails and boating access sites.

Exploring some of Michigan's best outdoor destinations is a great way to recover from holiday shopping excursions, burn off some of those Thanksgiving calories and enjoy the many benefits of nature.

"In Michigan, you’re never more than a half-hour away from a state park, recreation area, state forest campground or state trail," said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation Division chief. "#OptOutside is an invitation to residents and those traveling to spend time outside during the holiday weekend and help continue or build new Thanksgiving traditions. The DNR hopes the free entry opportunity will encourage residents and visitors to explore new places and experience the outdoors' many physical, mental and social benefits."

There are plenty of ideas to incorporate into popular day-after-Thanksgiving traditions, including opportunities to:

  • Find a new mile to hike or run on one of more than 12,500 miles of state-designated trails.
  • Cast a line in a state park and put fishing on your Friday festivities menu.
  • Try mountain biking.
  • Jump on the Iron Belle Trail - the longest designated state trail in the nation - and crisscross more than half of Michigan’s counties along both hiking and biking routes.
  • Find a new hunting spot by exploring one of Michigan's vast recreation areas.
  • Enjoy the peace and quiet of camping in the off-season.
  • Download a geocaching app and take part in an outdoor treasure hunting game that utilizes GPS-enabled devices.
  • Seek out historical markers and learn a little bit more about Michigan’s backstory.
  • Make a bird-watching scavenger hunt for kids and start a list of the birds you spot.

"The holidays can get hectic with added obligations, no matter how happy or anticipated they may be," said Olson. "Our #OptOutside promotion is an opportunity for folks to take a deep breath of fresh air, share an experience with your favorite people and make some great holiday memories."

Although the Recreation Passport vehicle entry fee into 103 Michigan state parks, 138 state forest campgrounds and parking for hundreds of miles of trails and fee-based boat launches is waived Nov. 24, camping and other permit and license fees still apply.

Interested in learning more about things to do and places to visit? Visit the DNR website at michigan.gov/dnr to learn more about fishing, hunting, forest land, state parks and much more. To search for a list of Michigan state parks, rustic state forest campgrounds, state-designated trails and associated activities and amenities, visit www.michigan.gov/recsearch. Interested in the Recreation Passport and how it helps Michigan state parks, trails and waterways? Visit www.michigan.gov/RecreationPassport.

The #OptOutside movement was started by outdoor recreation cooperative REI Inc. in 2015 to encourage people to spend time outdoors on Black Friday. For the third year in a row, the Michigan DNR has encouraged people to utilize the outdoors as part of their Thanksgiving weekend celebrations.

Nov 7, 2017

"I feel a little tougher." Can you relate to this feeling, when you've laced up your running shoes and headed out the door for a run in the cold and snow? Finishing a run in the winter, especially when we've pushed ourselves to get outside, indeed can offer a certain kind of sweet satisfaction. This is what Heather and frequent guest Cassy Stone talk about during this episode that focuses on staying motivated once the temperatures dip, the days get shorter, and getting out of a warm bed to exercise can prove especially challenging. Cassy and Heather also share what Michigan Runner Girl readers and listeners think about winter running. (Thanks, everyone, for the great conversation about winter running on the MRG Facebook page last week!) From smart gear to wear—"there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices"—to the importance of having running friends to join you to the power of signing up for winter races, Cassy and Heather cover all aspects of staying inspired to keep moving over the next several months. 

Be sure to check out the MRG Winter Running Guide on MichiganRunnerGirl.com here >>

Oct 30, 2017

It's getting to be about that time...one of Heather's fall race traditions—the Great Beerd Run at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa—is set for Saturday, Nov. 11. Joining Heather on the show to talk about this fun northern Michigan run: Kelly Yauk, a fellow Michigan Runner Girl and race director of this annual race that celebrates all things Michigan beer AND beards. Longtime listeners will be happy to hear from Kelly, who has been on the show in the past (and happens to be quite hilarious). Kelly shares what she's been up to lately (she's known for traveling far and wide for races, and she also talks about a Michigan run she recently enjoyed with her 2-year-old daughter). 

A few things to know about this year's Great Beerd Run:
- There's a race discount code just for Michigan Runner Girl readers and listeners: use MIRUNNERGIRL at checkout to save $5.
- Your registration fee includes race entrance, knitted beard beanie, bottle opener/race medal, 3 beer samples, one glass of beer during the post-race party and entrance into post-race party featuring live music.
- The craft beer is delicious. Thank you, Right Brain Brewery, Beards Brewery and Short's Brewing Company.
- NEW IN 2017: race organizers are offering a $30 registration fee with all of the great race perks, minus the beard beanie.
- The fastest male and female score epic Nordic inspired beard/hat sets.
- Don't care to go fast? You won't be alone. This is a fun, untimed race and plenty of runners enjoy the course, the beer samples, the scenery, the camaraderie. (Check out this blog post from Heather's Beerd Run a couple of years ago, when she came in, yep, dead last.
http://michiganrunnergirl.com/michigan-brew-beards-and-one…/ )

Get more details, including info on special room rates, here:
http://www.thegreatbeerdrun.com

Oct 11, 2017

You couldn't miss Team MRG at this fall's Reebok Ragnar Relay Michigan, a 195.5-mile trek from Muskegon to Traverse City. And it wasn't simply because our team of 12 women wore matching blue Michigan Runner Girl shirts. Fellow Ragnarians grew to learn, over the 2-day race, that Team Michigan Runner Girl traveled in the two purple-and-pink-and-blue Muscle Milk vans—handing out Muscle Milk goodies along the way. 

MRG's partnership with Muscle Milk was new this year, but logging the miles on country roads, through quaint coastal towns, and along the Lake Michigan shoreline was not. Team MRG was back again, after last fall's inaugural Ragnar Relay Michigan event, to tackle the distance (and lack of sleep) together. On this week's show: a rundown of race weekend with Heather Durocher and Ragnar teammates Pam Carrigan, Erin Henshaw and Ann Eshleman. While Pam, Heather and Erin were part of last year's Ragnar team, Ann was a Ragnar newbie and she shares how the experience exceeded her expectations in all of the right ways (she also talks about how she was apprehensive going into the experience and had plenty of questions for Pam in the days leading up to race day). The women break down how Ragnar relays work, how 12-person teams split into two "mini teams" with their own van, the challenges and rewards of running a total of three separate "legs," including through the night, and how each van found ways to fuel (at a few delicious restaurants) and rest (a little!) throughout the race. Heather and Ann were in van 1 while Erin and Pam were in van 2. 

Whether you also participated in this year's Ragnar Michigan, or you're thinking about giving one a try, you're sure to be entertained during this informative and, at times hilarious, episode. (While "what happens at Ragnar stays at Ragnar," this episode definitely sheds some light on the silly and fun things that can happen when a dozen women team up to cover "200-ish miles" together.)

Oct 2, 2017

When Heather began her running journey about 10 years ago, she admittedly knew little about the sport, from what to wear and fuel with during a race, to an understanding of how women had only in recent history made strides in running and been recognized for their achievements. All she knew was that the more she ran, the better she felt about herself. Over time, as she ran with other women, created new friendships within the awesome running community, and ultimately realized logging miles and living healthy had become a lifestyle, she found she couldn’t get enough of learning anything and everything about running—especially distance running. She would eventually discover that 26.2 miles held a special place in her heart. Incredibly challenging and uniquely rewarding, both in training and in finishing, the marathon is a distance she keeps coming back to. For this reason, she devoured the book Marathon Woman by Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially enter and run the Boston Marathon in 1967. This decision infuriated one of the race directors, who tried to physically remove Kathrine from the race because she was a female running in what was then considered an all-male event. The images of her struggle to continue running, helped by male runners, have become iconic in the history of sports and women. First published in 2007, Marathon Woman is Kathrine’s personal story of how she overcame the odds—as well as prejudice and ridicule (not only from the male quarter)—to become one of the leading marathon runners of her time. Inspired by the incident, she went on to run thirty-nine marathons—winning the New York City Marathon in 1974—and helped secure the women’s marathon as an event in the Olympic Games.

Kathrine has gone on to accomplish so much on behalf of our sport and women everywhere. Kathrine joins Heather on this episode of the Michigan Runner Girl show. Heather also has another strong and amazing woman joining the conversation, to share her connection with Kathrine and Kathrine’s new non-profit 261 Fearless. Marathoner and Michigan runner Leah Doriot talks about her upcoming NYC Marathon and why it was important for her to join team 261 Fearless. 

Kathrine is leading a group of 13 dedicated “261 Fearless” runners, including 11 from the USA (seven different States), and one each from Belgium and Switzerland at this fall's NYC Marathon. The women will all be raising $5,261 each to benefit the formation of 261 Fearless running clubs for women all over the world and their participation will be supported by adidas and Bose, global sponsors for 261 Fearless.

Learn more:

www.261fearless.org

www.marathonwoman.com

On April 17, 2017, 50 years after her historic run, Switzer pinned on her original bib number 261, and ran the Boston Marathon again, to pay tribute to the streets of the city where the place of women in the world of sports was redefined forever.

Kathrine Switzer will run the 2017 TCS New York City Marathon on November 5, posting another amazing milestone in her legendary long-distance running career by competing in both the upcoming TCS New York City Marathon and this past April’s 121st running of the Boston Marathon in her fifth decade of competitive running.

261 Fearless, Inc. is a global non-profit organization founded by pioneer runner, Kathrine Switzer. 261 Fearless uses running as a vehicle to empower and unite women globally through the creation of local clubs, education opportunities, communication platform, merchandising and events. Through these networking opportunities, 261 Fearless breaks down the barriers of geography and creates a global community for women runners of all abilities to support and talk to each other, encouraging healthy living and a positive sense of self and fearlessness. 

 

Sep 19, 2017

Rahaf Khatib is a 7-time marathoner, training and living with her husband and three children in Farmington Hills, Mich. She’s also been in the national spotlight in the past couple of years—she was the first Muslim hijabi runner to be featured on the cover of Women’s Running magazine a year ago, and she also was selected as a top 10 finalist for Runner’s World cover running contest in 2015. Rahaf joins Heather on the show to talk about her start in running in 2012—her son’s gym teacher encouraged her to sign up for a 5K (she ended up running the 10K!)—and how she went on to tackle half marathons, sprint triathlons and marathons. Supporting and encouraging fellow Muslim and non-Muslim women is important to Rahaf, who co-organized a 5K for INSA (Islamic Society of North America) for more than 500 runners. “My goal is to represent the under-represented—that is, Hijabis in the fitness world.” She also strives to educate others about her faith and her decision, as part of her Muslim faith, to wear long sleeves, pants and the head scarf called hijab while running. “The question I’m always asked is ‘Aren’t you hot?’” she says. Rahaf, who was born in Damascus, Syria and grew up in Dearborn, Mich., is founder of the popular Instagram account Runlikeahijabi, where she posts running tips and advice for Muslim and non-Muslim women. While training for Boston 2017, she raised $16,000 for refugees in Michigan. Rahaf blogs at Run Like a Hijabi

Sep 5, 2017

Fall race season is upon us, and Heather kicks off autumn (yay for cooler weather!) with a summer re-cap/fall preview show with special guest Emma Durocher, her 17-year-old daughter. Emma, who is in the midst of her final high school cross country season, shares how she got started in the sport, the reasons she gave it up for awhile, and why she later decided to pursue longer distances (she’s completed four half marathons in the past year and a half!) in addition to her year-round cross country training. Heather and Emma have an honest discussion about running as a family (and how, realistically, kids aren’t necessarily going to want to always run with mom and dad). Emma also talks about what running has come to mean to her— “In places in my life where I didn’t have a lot of friends or was sad, I would turn to running ... It’s just something where I just do it and feel so much better after, like something has been lifted off my shoulders. [That feeling] doesn’t always happen during the run … but I guess just using it as a tool to be a better person, that’s always how it’s helped me.” She also shares thoughts on those early miles of a run: “When I am out on a long run, it’s always around this mark, 2.66, when I think that’s enough for me. But once I get past that, for me, I feel super strong and I think, ‘Ok, I can do this.’ I think in every run, there’s a hump to get over.”

Also during this episode, Heather and Emma talk about their family trip to the Porcupine Mountains this summer and their upcoming mom-daughter tradition of attending the American Home Fitness Detroit Women’s Half Marathon, 10K & 5K on Belle Isle in Detroit. This year’s race weekend is Sept. 16-17. Heather and Emma have run the half marathon there together in the past and this year will take on the 10K. Speaking of race weekend, the Expotique is Saturday, Sept. 16 and MRG will again have a booth—stop by to say hello and check out all-new Michigan Runner Girl fall apparel. These items can be found at the online store, too. Shop here.

Aug 21, 2017

From an early age, Hunter Kemper dreamt of one day competing against the very best athletes in the world.

“Ever since I was a little kid—8 years old to be exact—I’ve wanted to be an Olympian. Growing up, I loved watching athletes from the USA compete against the best in the world on the biggest stage in the world. I had a hat that read ‘Goin For Gold’ which I wore everywhere.  The Olympic flame, the American anthem, the Opening Ceremonies, the medals, the pageantry, the country flags, the world records—I loved it all.”

Hunter realized he had a talent for swimming, cycling—he competed in his first triathlon at age 10 and won his age division race—and would go on to run in high school as well as on the collegiate level before eventually going pro as a triathlete. While on the cross country team at Wake Forest University, Hunter took what had been his weakest discipline in triathlon and turned it into his strongest.

“It was my favorite—it still is—of the triathlon,” he says. “I had four years [in college] of great coaching and great workouts and great athletes and teammates who pushed me to be a better runner … I was surrounded by people who were way better runners than me. And I learned from them.”

He also learned the importance of training in what he calls “the black and white zone,” rather than a gray one. This is something he feels every athlete-in-training can and should try to do.

“On your hard days, really take them seriously, and then on your easy days, go really easy. That was one thing I really held onto.”

Hunter, a 4-time Olympian and 7-time U.S. Elite National Champion, is returning to the Boyne City Triathlon, which marks its 5th year this Labor Day weekend. He inspired last year’s participants with a pre-race talk and handed out race medals at the finish. A race discount code for this race is shared during the show. (There's still time to sign on for this Sunday, Sept. 3 race, which includes Olympic and sprint distances as well as relay and duathlon options.)

During this episode, Hunter talks about his Olympic dreams realized (along with the heartaches he has experienced throughout), and what he plans to do as a soon-to-be-retired professional triathlete. He’s not only incredibly talented as an athlete, he’s also kind and hilarious. He really gets Heather laughing during the show, as they talk about Heather's own triathlon experiences and also his impressive journey as an athlete and father of four young children with his wife Val (who also is a talented athlete).

Hunter is the most decorated U.S. triathlete in history. A four-time member of the USA Olympic triathlon team, he is one of only two men in the world to qualify for every Olympic triathlon (2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012).

Links: 

Hunter Kemper: https://www.instagram.com/hunterkemper/ https://www.hunterkemper.com

Boyne City Triathlon: https://tritofinish.com/boyne-city-triathlon 

Aug 14, 2017

When Heather met west Michigan runner Vicki Kavanaugh at this summer's Mercy Health Seaway Run and Lake Michigan Half Marathon—Vicki stopped by the Michigan Runner Girl booth at this Muskegon race's expo and introduced herself—Heather knew she had to have Vicki on the podcast. Vicki is involved with Total Trek Quest, a program that assists third-, fourth- and fifth-grade boys in learning to run a 5K. More than 100 volunteer coaches facilitate 36 practices with these boys to prepare them for the race. But this program is more than simply an after-school get-your-body moving-activity. The program  focuses on goal-setting, physical activity, teamwork and building confidence in saying no to underage use of substances and yes to healthy life choices. Early prevention efforts are critical among this age group, Vicki shares. According to the 2015 Youth Assessment Survey (YAS) of Ottawa County, Michigan 8th, 10th and 12th grade students, a significant number tried smoking, inhalants, and/or alcohol before the age of 14. Among youth who have used alcohol, 25% had their first drink before age 13. 

This fall, Total Trek Quest will be in four counties in the Grand Rapids area—Kent County is the latest addition—and the fall season (there are programs in the fall and in the spring) kicks off Sept. 11. It's now in its 12th season; it began in Ottawa County.

Vicki, whose children are ages 24 and 20, shares her own running journey with Heather as well; she started running with the encouragement of her college roommate. She's a former longtime Gazelle Sports employee who has worked with hundreds of runners in Gazelle's training programs. She now serves as youth development specialist with Pathways in Holland, which is the organization through which Total Trek Quest operates. 

Link: pathwaysmi.org/strengthening-youth/total-trek-quest

Aug 8, 2017
Episode #103: Julie Millen on running for others and logging 100 miles during Detroit Free Press Marathon weekend this October
 
This October, during Detroit Free Press Marathon weekend Oct. 14-15, ultra runner and mom of five Julie Millen will take on her second 100-mile run—the Joules Athletics Warrior 100 Mile Run and Relay—to help raise funds for Brayden Trombley, an 8-year-old Mt. Pleasant, Mich. boy who has leukemia. This is not the first time (and definitely won't be the last) Julie is running for someone else. Spend any amount of time with Julie, a native Michigander now living in Houston, Texas, and you'll quickly realize how kind and giving—and humble—she is, not only as a runner, but as a human being. Her love of helping others is infectious and inspiring. She joins Heather in the studio—she and her family were vacationing in nearby Northport, Mich. this past month—to talk about the upcoming October run, which is totally self-supported and will coincide with the Detroit Free Press Marathon and Half Marathon. This is how it'll work (and anyone interested can join): A "base camp" will be at Brew Detroit, and runners will complete approximately 80 miles by running a 3/4 mile loop. Runners will leave Brew Detroit at 5 a.m. on Oct. 15 to run to the start of the Detroit Free Press Marathon and Half Marathon to complete the rest of the race. All solo runners and one relay runner must register for either the Detroit Free Press full or half marathon to complete the 100 mile run. Julie shares with Heather how she got started running, why Detroit will always be home to her, why going long (really long!) speaks to her heart, why she feels it's important to run for others, the individuals who have impacted her running journey, and so much more. In addition to running and raising a family, Julie also is the founder of a women's athletic clothing company, Joules Athletics. 
 
Link: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Detroit/joulesathleticswarrior100
 
-- 
Heather Johnson Durocher
Writer/Editor/Publisher/Podcast Host
Michigan Runner Girl ~ In a state of motion
 
3270 Autumn Leaf Drive
Traverse City, Michigan 49686
231-218-0842 (office/cell)
 
Twitter: @michrunnergirl
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Jul 25, 2017

Heather catches up with two race directors of September events for this special Michigan fall race preview episode. First up: Kyle Cutler, race director of the 16th annual Lake Michigan Credit Union Bridge Run on Sunday, Sept. 17 in downtown Grand Rapids. This race features a 10 Mile and a 5K run/walk. Kyle is a marathoner and member of Run GR, the local running group that organizes the Bridge Run. Along with talking about why the Bridge Run is known as a "must-do race" in the Mitten State, Kyle shares a race discount code for MRG readers and listeners. In the second half of the show, Heather talks with Mary Culbertson, race director of the American Home Fitness Detroit Women's Half Marathon, 10K & 5K on Sunday, Sept. 17 on Belle Isle in Detroit. This is the fifth anniversary of this all-female race, and organizers are celebrating with a new Expotique location—in the Detroit Boathouse on Belle Isle—and a Saturday evening dinner cruise (which Heather will be a part of as well). Mary also shares details on this year's finisher medals, lodging specials during race weekend and the cool bling runners of both the Gazelle Girl Half Marathon and the Detroit Women's Half Marathon will receive. A race discount code also is mentioned during the show. 

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