Michigan Runner Girl
173 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 33 ratingsThe 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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Episodes
Ep200: 'Chase the things that give you hope' + other 200th Episode(!) thoughts
October 06, 2020 23:00 - 23 minutes - 18.6 MBFive years. Hundreds of inspiring conversations. Countless words of wisdom (thank you, amazing guests!). Three super talented producers (and musicians!). Multiple return guests and co-hosts. Several live audience recordings. Kind and generous celebrity runners and athletes. So many incredible stories of everyday individuals finding their way through this messy, beautiful life -- with help from friends and families and a solid, sweaty workout (or three). Welcome to the 200th episode of the ...
Ep199: Get moving + exploring with the Michigan Trails Week Challenge
September 21, 2020 01:17 - 42 minutes - 34 MBWhen it comes to trails, there's no place like Michigan. We are home to more than 13,000 miles of state-managed trails, plus thousands of miles of local, county, and federally managed trails and pathways. We all love exploring these trails, and over the next 8 days, a new event that's part of this year's Michigan Trails Week gives us more reasons to get outside and hit the trails. Michigan Trails Week kicks off today, Sept. 20, and runs through Sept 27. New to trails week this year: the 2...
Ep198: Turning to Travel: How our Pure Michigan adventures can change and connect us right now
September 13, 2020 21:12 - 1 hour - 50.9 MBGetting outside, enjoying nature, breathing in the fresh air and exploring both familiar and new-to-us places in Michigan -- we’ve all realized just how important these activities are for our mental and physical well-being over the past several months. We see more people out and about walking, hiking, running, and biking in our neighborhoods and in our communities, and we’ve also seen lots of this as we’ve taken trips throughout the state with our family and friends, particular, you may have...
Ep197: West Michigan’s Total Trek Quest is keeping school-age boys running and feeling connected
September 02, 2020 00:57 - 1 hour - 52.1 MB“I’ve been running every morning at 6 a.m. and then walking every afternoon or night with my daughter. I’ve run more since we shut down on March 16 than any other time in my life, I think -- like 500+ miles. So you can tell how I’m coping.” West Michigan runner Vicki Cavanaugh joins Heather to talk about life during these interesting times. Vicki, who is involved with Total Trek Quest (TTQ), a program that assists third-, fourth- and fifth-grade boys in learning to run a 5K in the 5-count...
Ep196: A summer of choice + other (running, reading, Rob Lowe) musings
August 16, 2020 02:40 - 16 minutes - 13 MBI haven’t done one of these episodes in awhile and I figured it was long overdue! Summer is winding down and life keeps marching on -- kids are heading back to school, beach days are numbered (nooo!), and our upcoming fall race schedules are, well, they’re like nothing we’ve experienced before. Life is strange -- continues to be strange -- but we’re all hanging in there, right? We ARE making the best of things and doing what we can to keep moving forward. In this episode, I share 4 things ...
Ep195: Lisa Taylor on the ways the pandemic is shaping our active lifestyles + reinforcing our love of the sport
August 07, 2020 18:50 - 57 minutes - 46.4 MB“It’s been tough. And I think we’re right smack dab in the middle of it and we don’t really know what to expect. And you know, what is the phrase we heard early on? We don’t know what we don’t know.” Lisa Taylor, lifelong runner and longtime running coach, talks about the pandemic and how it’s impacted daily life and the running community. As executive director of the Traverse City Track Club, which is behind the widely popular Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K, Lisa and her team l...
Ep194: Joel Gaff, triathlete + race organizer + proud dad of daughters
July 29, 2020 18:20 - 46 minutes - 37.3 MBJoel Gaff and his family -- wife Laura and their two little girls -- have spent the past several months in Portland, Ore., adjusting to quarantine life while juggling parenting with jobs in healthcare (Laura) and in the running and endurance sports industry (Joel). (Listen all the way through to hear an adorable interaction with Joe's daughter's Hazel, age 2 1/2, and Penelope, age 1 1/2). As the co-founder and owner of Endurance Evolution, a race management and timing company, Joel and his...
Ep193: Holland Haven’s plans for a safe, in-person race this September
July 21, 2020 19:37 - 41 minutes - 33.2 MBEddie Kline and his team are working hard to make this fall’s Holland Haven Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K an in-person event. Now in its 7th year, these west Michigan races are set for Sunday, Sept. 13. “As race day approaches, we are putting together our plan to keep runners safe,” Eddie says, adding that efforts are evolving as government recommendations and regulations continue to change. As of late July, the race is on -- with some changes to ensure participants stay safe during the...
Ep192: Virtual runs + the future of racing with Eva Solomon
July 11, 2020 17:17 - 1 hour - 49.6 MBTriathlete and race director Eva Solomon, co-founder of Epic Races in southeast Michigan, returns to the show to talk about the future of racing. Having cancelled and reimagined the races her company organizes -- Epic Races is behind numerous running, cycling, and swimming events held all year round in Michigan -- Eva and her team had to think fast and get creative these past few months. As she explains, it happened quickly for Epic Races, which had three events in March that were affected b...
Ep191: Live from the new Lululemon in Traverse City: Summer Running and Gear Talk with Jonny
July 01, 2020 22:37 - 43 minutes - 35.1 MBIt's always a special treat to have Jonny Tornga -- ultrarunner, MRG podcast producer, talented musician and all-around great guy -- get behind the mic and join Heather on the show. And even better yet: Jonny and Heather catch up on location at the new Traverse City Lululemon "pop-up shop," which just opened on Front Street downtown. Jonny, who previously worked for the popular athletic and yoga wear retailer while living in New York City a little over a year ago, is serving as assistant m...
Ep190: Cherries, Apples, Hops + Grapes: Inside the Michigan Harvest Challenge Run Series
June 25, 2020 14:36 - 33 minutes - 26.9 MBWe’re all missing our summer races -- races that may have become annual traditions for us, with our family and friends. Thankfully, a few of these events have gone virtual, allowing us to still support our favorite races (and receive race bling!) by running the distance on our own. And in some cases, all-new virtual races are popping up, providing even more opportunities to keep running and racing all summer long. The Michigan Harvest Challenge, a virtual run series celebrating the harvest s...
Ep189: Quarantine Catch-up with Kelly Yauk + The Great Beerd Run
June 15, 2020 20:08 - 58 minutes - 46.7 MBTwo work-from-home parents, two sweet young daughters, one treadmill (often used late at night), several family hikes, and one visiting chicken—yes, a real one. This is a snapshot of Kelly Yauk’s pandemic quarantine life these past few months. You’ll remember Kelly as the hilarious guest who has talked on the show in the past about her passion for themed runs and destination racing adventures. Kelly also has been a Team MRG Ragnar Relay member and during last fall’s road edition formed a t...
Ep188: Your Top Food Questions Answered + Finding Inspiration by Helping Other Runners
June 04, 2020 21:37 - 1 hour - 56.1 MBIn case you missed it, we recently announced on the Michigan Runner Girl Facebook page a new MRG series, “Ask Healthy Chef Ali,” which features northern Michigan chef and MRG contributor Ali Lopez answering our top food questions. During today’s show, she answers a few of them that have come in so far – ideas for healthy and tasty post-run fuel, mid-run treats, and more – and she’ll continue sharing her culinary wisdom on future episodes. Heather also checks in with Ali to see how life has...
Ep187: Bayshore Race Reminiscing, Ramping up Running + Rethinking Race Plans
May 27, 2020 19:41 - 1 hour - 53.6 MBAndrew Buikema, a runner and race director in Rockford, Mich., was continuing his years-long quest to qualify for the Boston Marathon -- and completely crushing his training runs -- when COVID-19 changed everything. But the pandemic only fueled his already-high motivation, even after his goal race was postponed -- twice. “I’ve been putting in way more mileage than I ever have in my entire life,” says Andrew, who has two daughters and teaches fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students. “I wan...
Ep186: Restarting + Reinventing: Finding hope and purpose (and movement) right now
May 19, 2020 22:26 - 1 hour - 57.9 MBEarlier this year, just before the pandemic hit and altered life as we knew it, Cassy Stone was crushing her workouts. “When this all started, I was in the gym twice a week,” said Cassy, a northern Michigan runner, cyclist and mom of three. “I was also cycling three times a week and I was in the pool trying to learn how to swim to prepare for IRONMAN Traverse City 70.3.” But then life changed in what felt like an instant, unfolding in so many new, strange and challenging ways as COVID-19...
Ep185: Mindfulness and How it Can Change Us
March 06, 2020 01:55 - 46 minutes - 37.4 MBTara Rybicki, a northern Michigan registered dietitian nutritionist, is dedicated to helping women embrace the idea of “un-dieting” and nourishing our bodies for optimal physical and mental well-being. “It’s something I am very personally passionate about,” she says. Tara, who came up with the name Love Body for the method of teaching self-love as a practice, recently connected with Erin Goldman, a yoga/meditation teacher, to launch Love Body in northern Michigan. Together, they are suppo...
Ep184: Tanner Bell, Ragnar Relay Co-Founder
February 24, 2020 03:04 - 46 minutes - 37.1 MBThe year was 2004, and an overnight running relay race with less than 300 participants was getting underway in Utah. That race, the brainchild of two college students, led to something much, much bigger: Ragnar Relay, an endurance event and running experience that all these years later attracts thousands of runners each year to participate in more than 40 road and trail relay races in the United States. This race experience also is taking place all across the world. Tanner Bell, co-founder...
Ep183: Awesome year-round adventure ideas at Michigan state parks
February 09, 2020 17:18 - 54 minutes - 43.4 MBA peaceful paddle down a Michigan river during the winter, chasing waterfalls in the lower peninsula (have you been to Ocqueoc Falls near Rogers City yet?), a lantern-lit snowshoe along a quiet, snow-covered path in the U.P.—these are just a few of the adventures mentioned during Heather’s regular check-in with Maia Turek of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Maia, as listeners know, knows just about everything there is to know about Michigan’s beautiful state parks and the many...
Ep182: Holly Visser on benchmark races, running as therapy + this year's Gazelle Girl races in Grand Rapids
January 31, 2020 13:02 - 41 minutes - 33.2 MB“If there ever was a time or an opportunity where I get to speak to the truth of what Gazelle Girl is, or who it is for, and how we’ve really chosen to set this one up as a way of a life, not just necessarily as a one-and-done race … in the perils of life and the celebrations of life, I can say as the race director that I have done that.” Holly Visser, a Grand Rapids, Mich. marathoner, yogi, mom, and race co-director of the Gazelle Girl Half Marathon, 10K & 5K, shares an honest account of ...
Ep181: Just Keep Moving, Into a New Decade
December 13, 2019 17:13 - 7 minutes - 6.36 MBIn this final episode of 2019, Heather shares a few quick MRG updates, gives thanks for the 4+ years of the Michigan Runner Girl podcast and incredible people she's been able to have on the show, and offers a peek into what's to come in 2020.
Ep180: What it takes to shift our mindset and experience wellness breakthroughs
December 06, 2019 15:01 - 1 hour - 48.9 MB“This year has been a huge year of mental transformation.” Heather Quinlan, who penned Happy Pace Diaries for the MRG blog a few years back, shares the significant mindset change she’s experienced in recent time—and how this has affected her running and overall wellness. Heather, who is from Sterling Heights, has always been open and honest about her health journey—she once wrote about her weight “fluctuating anywhere between 360-390 lbs.” in 2010, the year she felt something stir within...
Ep179: Winter Running: Tips for Head-to-Toe Warmth + Safety (and Fun!)
November 26, 2019 19:18 - 1 hour - 58.3 MBYou can run outdoors all winter long -- and even come to love it! (OK, at the very least, embrace it.) Heather stops by downtown Traverse City's Running Fit for this week's show to talk winter running and outdoor exploring with Marc McCombs, store manager, and Alison Goss, assistant manager. Both are lifelong runners and Running Fit team members who share their tips and tricks for staying warm and safe in Michigan's cold, snowy and icy conditions. Starting with socks ("Cotton is rotten"...
Ep178: Registration Open for 3rd Annual MRG Winter Weekend Getaway!
November 03, 2019 23:51 - 47 minutes - 37.7 MBLantern-lit snowshoeing, morning running, cross country skiing and hiking through the woods, yoga, delicious food and drink...all in a gorgeous Up North setting of rustic-chic lodging on the shores of Higgins Lake near Roscommon, Michigan. This is what you can expect (plus lots more) at the third annual Michigan Runner Girl Winter Getaway Feb. 14-16, 2020. This Valentine's Day weekend, join Heather and the MRG team for a relaxing and rejuvenating all-inclusive two-night stay at the Ralph A...
Ep177: Why Run So Far? These Ultra Runners Share All
October 24, 2019 12:30 - 1 hour - 48.7 MBThe idea of running further than 26.2 miles is a daunting thought for many of us. It also may intrigue you, given that ultra running is less about speed and more about endurance and pushing your body and mind in an entirely different way. Getting out on the trails, immersing yourself in nature, also are big draws for ultra runners and ultra runners wannabes. Three ultra runners and one soon-to-be ultra runner join Heather on the show to talk about the allure of going long--really long. The...
Ep176: Ragnar Michigan Recap + Great Beerd Run with Kelly Yauk
October 13, 2019 16:00 - 58 minutes - 47.1 MBPouring rain, a lightning delay, lots of cowbell, little sleep, scenic views, snacks and stinky eggs, re-connection, and a (speedy) finish...all the makings of a super-fun and successful Ragnar Road Michigan for Kelly Yauk and her teammates at this year's Muskegon-to-Traverse City relay event. Kelly returns to the show to talk with Heather about this year's epic Ragnar Road Michigan, which took place a couple of weeks ago, and also to catch us up on this year's The Great Beerd Run 5K, a ...
Ep175: Personal trainer Amy Puckett is all about celebrating our big (and little) wellness milestones
October 02, 2019 13:05 - 1 hour - 55.4 MBWe take a deep breath and sign up for that race. We register for that fitness class, or go outside our comfort zone and try a different form of exercise altogether. We take steps to change what we eat, we vow to drink more water, to get more sleep. We decide to take better care of ourselves—both mentally and physically—and slowly and surely we reach out goals, whatever our individual fitness and wellness efforts may be and wherever our journey takes us. But do we celebrate these milestones...
Ep174: Heather’s (super-tough, amazing, life-changing) IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City
September 18, 2019 12:47 - 1 hour - 77.4 MBThe long-awaited IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City race recap is here! After months of hard training and a summer filled with lots o’ life events -- first-ever MRG trail race! 19-year-old daughter heading off to college! First Olympic distance triathlon! -- Heather toed the start line of this summer’s inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 in her hometown of Traverse City, Mich. This event, which brought more than 2,400 athletes and their families and friends to the Cherry Capital of the world, took place on Au...
Ep173: Getting Real about IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City + Reflecting on an Amazing Summer
August 24, 2019 04:19 - 1 hour - 60.8 MBJust two more sleeps until IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City! After months of training and preparing (and juggling lots of life stuff), Heather will join more than 2,000 other athletes from all across Michigan, the U.S. and beyond who are participating in this weekend's inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City swim-bike-run event. Heather shares how she's feeling going into race weekend with her close friend and fellow runner and cyclist Cassy Stone. "I do think I have done a pretty good job and I h...
Ep172: Traverse City-bound: Eva and Ed Solomon are tackling IRONMAN 70.3 together (and in different ways)
August 21, 2019 16:27 - 54 minutes - 43.8 MBEva and Ed Solomon are headed north from their home in the Ann Arbor area this weekend—joining more than 2,000 other triathletes and their families—for the inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City. Eva and Ed, married for 29 years (they’re celebrating their anniversary this weekend, in fact), signed up for this race together. While Eva is a longtime triathlete, Ed is a newer one, having completed his first one earlier this summer. Eva and Ed talk about what led them to take on this race, what...
Ep171: These Must-Run Michigan Trail Races are Beyond Scenic
August 14, 2019 16:00 - 1 hour - 52.4 MBIf you haven't yet run a Great Lakes Endurance trail race -- these events take place in the Upper Peninsula and lower northern Michigan -- you're going to want to sign up for one after listening to this inspiring conversation with Jeff Crumbaugh. We've talked about these marathons, half marathons, and other trail distances (including ultra) on the podcast in the past. The very first episode of the MRG podcast, in fact, featured a recap of the Grand Island Half Marathon, one of Heather's ab...
Ep170: Everything is coming together for Jen Casey: “It’s a good journey”
August 07, 2019 16:00 - 1 hour - 48.1 MBJen Casey, a northern Michigan runner, triathlete and mom of two young children, discovered a love of road biking and running in New York City. She was there on 9/11, a profound experience that years later would lead her to become a race director of a local charity race honoring first responders. “I needed to find a way to heal from that. And I think a lot of other people did, too,” Jen says of the 9/11 Honor Run 5K that is in its third year and will take place on Saturday, Sept. 7 in Traver...
Ep169: One Month Out - Latest IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City Details from Joel Gaff
July 24, 2019 14:26 - 46 minutes - 37.4 MBThe countdown is on … IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City is just one month away. Heather talks about how her training is going and catches up with Joel Gaff, an endurance athlete and longtime northern Michigan race organizer who is serving as race director of IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City. Some 2,500 athetes are signed on for the Aug. 25 event. “It’s really been a totally different game, in a good way and in a lot of ways,” Joel says of taking on this new position. “There’s a large support team wit...
Ep169: Trails, Friends + Wine: the MRG Trail 10K & 5K on Aug. 4 in Lake Leelanau
July 16, 2019 16:00 - 35 minutes - 28.5 MBIn a little over two weeks(!), women from all across Michigan and beyond will take part in the first-ever Michigan Runner Girl Trail 10K & 5K. This Aug. 4 event, held at 45 North Winery & Vineyard in Lake Leelanau, features a loop 5K course – the 10K runners will do it twice – on the winery’s beautiful on-property recreational trail. And after crossing the finish line? Each runner and walker will receive a finisher’s medal and commemorative wine glass (for tasting some of 45 North’s deliciou...
Ep168: Your Next Epic Race? Eva Solomon Shares Summer + Fall Ideas
July 10, 2019 00:44 - 41 minutes - 33.1 MBEpic Races knows a thing or two (or a thousand) about putting on races and events. This Ann Arbor-based race management company, co-founded by endurance athlete Eva Solomon, is behind a slew of road running and cycling races and triathlons held throughout southeast Michigan each year. These range from the flagship event Tri Goddess Tri each June to the popular Battle of Waterloo, Swim to the Moon, Ugly Dog Triathlon, Hot Cocoa Classic, and many more, including virtual runs and races. Eva,...
Ep167: Campfire Storytelling + Outdoor Exploring to Celebrate Our State Parks Centennial
July 02, 2019 12:27 - 46 minutes - 37.6 MBIt's summertime in Michigan, so you know what that means: time to catch up with our state parks guru and all-around fun guest Maia Turek. And she's got loads of extra-great information to share, with our state parks celebrating its 100th anniversary. Heather and Maia kick off the show with talk about a super cool activity and podcast project MRG is involved with -- the Centennial Campfire Storytelling Project, which combines state park stories with the engaging art form of storytelling. As...
Ep166: Sugar Sand Beaches, Lighthouses, Starry Nights at Ragnar Road Michigan
June 17, 2019 21:21 - 50 minutes - 40.8 MBUnforgettable scenery meets ultimate running challenge. Sounds intriguing (and fun and definitely worth doing), right? The 4th annual Ragnar Road Michigan is set for September 27-28. Have you signed up yet? We've got lots of great reasons for getting a group of friends together for this Michigan relay race. Troy Wheeler, race director of this fall event, shares all the details -- including the awesome bling that runners of both this race and the inaugural Ragnar Trail Michigan, which took...
Ep165: IRONMAN 70.3 Training Update + the Best Color Run for the Whole Family
June 10, 2019 20:46 - 34 minutes - 27.4 MBJune is well underway (note to Mother Nature: could you please warm it up a little more, and keep it that way?), and summer training and racing are full speed ahead for many of us. Heather is back in the studio after a short break -- anyone else find the month of May incredibly busy?! -- and is excited to welcome Kelly Yauk back as a guest on the show. Kelly, whom guests will remember is a hilarious northern Michigan runner, mother of two girls, and former badass collegiate rower for MSU, is...
Ep164: First-ever MRG Trail 10K & 5K Aug. 4 in northern Michigan
May 13, 2019 16:30 - 20 minutes - 16.2 MBYou'll want to tune in to the latest Michigan Runner Girl podcast episode to hear some big announcements as well as learn about ways to save on your summer and fall races. This week's short-and-sweet show highlights race discount codes, Bayshore expo news, AND .... (drum roll, please....) details on this summer's First Annual Michigan Runner Girl Trail 10K & 5K on Aug. 4 at 45 North Vineyard & Winery. Imagine a day filled with running, with encouragement and cheering from fellow women who...
Ep163: S’mores, Live Music, Food Trucks (and Running!) at Ragnar Trail Michigan
May 05, 2019 21:34 - 39 minutes - 31.7 MBIn just over a month, trail runners from all across Michigan, the Midwest and beyond will meet up at Hanson Hills Recreation Area in Grayling, Mich. for the inaugural Ragnar Michigan Trail. Organizers of this event expect more than 130 teams to participate in what’s being described as a two-day, one-night exploration of three smooth, single-track trails perfect for any runner experience level. The scenery is going to be amazing: lush forested pine and maple paths, rolling hills, scenic bluff...
Ep162: Bayshore 2019 Features Kids Marathon + New Race Expo
April 30, 2019 19:44 - 49 minutes - 39.4 MBThe popularity of the Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K in Traverse City is undeniable. The event attracts thousands of runners, along with their families and friends, from all across the state and the U.S. to northern Michigan each Memorial Day weekend. And the race distances sell out -- the half marathon in particular is a sought-after race, filling up not long after race registration opens Dec. 1. This year, the annual kick-off-to-summer race tradition features an all-new event: t...
Ep161: ‘A Run with a View’: Andrew Buikema on this Summer’s Seaway Run in Muskegon + Going After a Big Goal
April 22, 2019 16:47 - 48 minutes - 39 MBFor breathtaking Lake Michigan views, lots of spectator support, race distances for everyone, and an energetic finish line vibe in the heart of downtown Muskegon, the Mercy Health Seaway Run is the early-summer event to check out. Taking place on the 4th Saturday in June each year, the Mercy Health Seaway Run has been a tradition along the Lakeshore for more than three decades. For the past couple of years, Heather has taken part in the event, as a runner in the half marathon and 10K, and ...
Ep160: Eddie Kline on Growing a Race, the Marathon Mind-set, and Eyeing an Ultra
April 16, 2019 12:55 - 55 minutes - 44.2 MBThe Holland Haven Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K keeps on growing—last year the September races in west Michigan saw a 60% increase in registrations, with nearly 900 runners participating and 2,000 people taking part in the after-party. Eddie Kline, race founder and director, returns to the podcast to talk about this year’s event, now in its sixth year and set for Sunday, Sept. 8 in Holland, Mich. “The half marathon almost sold out last year, and it will for sure this year,” he says. Eddie...
EP159: Trevor Tkach is Tackling His First Half Marathon (You Can, Too!)
April 08, 2019 22:45 - 56 minutes - 45.2 MBHe’s run 5Ks with his family, and remembers taking on the Bayshore 10K back in the day when he was young, but Trevor Tkach still doesn't exactly call himself a runner (Heather tells him otherwise). And yet, the 42-year-old father of three decided this winter to step it up and take on his longest distance to date: 13.1 miles. Trevor acknowledges he’s going outside his comfort zone by training for his first half marathon – the Bayshore Half Marathon that takes place over Memorial Day weekend i...
EP158: From NYC to Michigan + A Must-Run Scenic Summer Trail Race
March 25, 2019 22:45 - 45 minutes - 36 MBLooking for a great, beginner-friendly trail run this summer? The 13th annual Brainy Day Trail Run 10K & 5K on August 17 in Nunica, Michigan has all the makings of the perfect off-road race: a 5K that's scenic and comfortable for those of us just getting into trail running, and a 10K that provides plenty of challenging fun (yep, there are hills!). The race, which has grown considerably in the past couple of years and benefits the Brainy Day Fund, also boasts an incredible after-party—homemad...
Ep157: Captain Marvel or The Flash? Inside next month's BIG Little Hero Race in Traverse City
March 18, 2019 17:15 - 36 minutes - 29.5 MBIt’s a milestone year for the Northwestern Michigan College business students who are behind the BIG Little Hero Race, a family-friendly 10K & 5K & kids fun run held on the Traverse City campus each April. This superhero-themed race, which raises funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan, is celebrating its fifth year. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 13. NMC students Nick Mulvaine, Katy Rogers and Liz Manor share the details of this year's race. Also joining ...
Ep156: Medals4Mettle: Giving New Life + Meaning to Our Race Bling
March 12, 2019 00:49 - 32 minutes - 26.2 MBWho doesn't love a shiny, new race medal draped around their neck after crossing the finish line of a race? Yep, we runners and triathletes dig the bling that comes with pushing through the miles and into the finish chute, whether the race is a hard-won accomplishment after months of training or a super fun run with family or friends. But what do you do with all of those medals? Hang them in your home? Stash them in a box in your closet? West Michigan runners Heather Dunbar and Eddie Klin...
Ep155: Ann Arbor Marathon + Team Red, White & Blue Athletes
March 04, 2019 19:25 - 48 minutes - 38.9 MBComing off three big endurance sport conferences, including the 2019 Running USA Industry Conference held Feb. 10-12 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Eva Solomon catches up with Heather and brings listeners up to speed on some of the latest happenings in the world of running and triathlon. Eva, who is co-founder and owner of Epic Races, a race management company in southeast Michigan, also talks about the upcoming Ann Arbor Marathon, Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K. And, all new this year...
Ep154: The Journey of Becoming a Runner + Gazelle Girl News
February 25, 2019 20:12 - 49 minutes - 39.7 MBWhen exactly did you take that first step that led you toward becoming a runner? Maybe a friend or family member inspired you to give it a try. Maybe it was a life experience of some kind that triggered self-reflection and ultimately the decision to do things differently, to try something you’d never tried before because you knew it could be good for you. Each of us has our own reason for starting to run and move more—and going down the path that can lead to seriously amazing changes for o...
Ep153: LIVE! from the 2019 MRG Winter Weekend Getaway: Physical Therapist Mike Swinger, author of the Runner’s Fix
February 18, 2019 14:52 - 51 minutes - 41.6 MBWhat happens when you get more than 35 fabulous, outdoor-loving, active women together for a winter weekend away in the woods? One memorable, epic adventure. On this latest episode, you’ll hear all about the awesome activities that are part of the annual MRG Winter Weekend Getaway in Roscommon, Michigan, which this year took place Feb. 8-10. You’ll also hear from the women themselves, who participated in the event’s LIVE podcast recording that featured special guest Mike Swinger, a norther...
Ep152: ‘I Want to be Badass’: From Runner to Triathlete
February 11, 2019 22:37 - 1 hour - 56.9 MB“If you had told me four years ago I was going to be a triathlete, I would have laughed. It was nothing I had an inspiration to do, and quite frankly, it was something that seemed intimidating to me to do.” This is how northern Michigan runner Deb Kimball described her thoughts about triathlon prior to deciding to go for it and give swimming-biking-running a try in the past couple of years. Being part of a team of new and experienced triathletes—Tri Again Fitness—has made all the differenc...