Shows
Like Mother Like MurderPaula Durocher and Jack Sagin - An Unsolved Case and Three Decades of IncarcerationWant to see more CrimeCon shenanigans, donate to the mom's CrimeCon 2025 fund.paypal.me/lmlmpodPaula Durocher was murdered in 1985. Following this horrible crime came an investigation with little to no physical evidence or even suspects, two jailhouse informants, and ultimately a man's arrest… but did they get the right guy?Join our Supporters Club!LISTEN TO A THROWBACK EPISODE: All about that DeoxyriboNucleic Acid (DNA)Heather mispronounces her way through a quick DNA tutorial before going over 4 times where DNA could either make or break the case. The cases wi...
2024-08-271h 04
School of Midlife65. Stop Going It Alone: Why Midlife Women Need Community | Heather Johnson Durocher (Part 2)In today's episode, Heather Johnson Durocher and I continue our deep-dive into the world of midlife transitions with a special focus on identity, career changes, and maintaining friendships during this transformative period.Our conversation kicked off with a reflection on how midlife is a time for re-evaluation and asking ourselves critical questions about what we truly want out of life. We discussed the importance of staying true to oneself and the challenges and opportunities that come with changing careers in midlife.A significant part of our discussion was dedicated to the complexities of midlife friendships...
2024-05-2850 minSchool of Midlife64. Feel Like Every Part of Your Life Is in Transition? You're Not Alone | Heather Johnson Durocher (Part 1)In today's episode, we had a deeply enriching conversation with Heather Johnson Durocher, journalist and founder of the Michigan Runner Girl Lifestyle brand. We explored the multifaceted experiences of midlife transitions, touching on topics from career changes and evolving identities as our children grow, to the complexities of midlife friendships and maintaining our sense of self.Heather and I shared our personal journeys, discussing how we've navigated significant career shifts in our midlife. We delved into the emotional and practical aspects of these transitions, highlighting the importance of understanding what we truly want from life as we...
2024-05-2149 min
Michigan Runner Girl250: Just Keep Moving: Heather shares a new path for Michigan Runner GirlHow exactly do you stop doing something you’ve committed so much time, mental energy, and heart to, for so many years? Do you shut it down completely? Can some parts of it remain while others are shelved indefinitely, maybe forever? Is it possible this beloved endeavor can be re-worked, re-born into something similar yet different and new … and hopefully altogether better? Or are fresh slates and starts the better answer? These are the questions Heather Durocher, founder of Michigan Runner Girl, has been grappling with in recent time. She has some answers and shares from...
2023-02-2226 minMichigan Runner Girl249: Sammie Bennett, mental health advocate and SHE RUNS Grand Rapids race ambassador: ‘There’s a place for everybody’“I kind of just hit this point where I was like, I am not living authentically. What do I even like? I sort of had a relationship with myself but not really. Also, I was kind of battling my own sexuality at the time as well, too. And I just hit this moment where I was like, I can’t do it any more — I can’t live the way that I am living, I am not living for myself, and I don’t feel authentic. And so, I ended up quitting running for a short little bit and then revis...
2022-11-0255 minMichigan Runner Girl248: Awesome Ideas for Fall Adventures at Michigan State ParksFall ziplining along Lake Michigan. Yurt camping. September boating. Equestrian shoreline riding. These are just a few of the autumn and early-winter activities shared by Maia Turek, who returns to the show to talk all things state parks and the many ways we can explore the Great Lakes State over the next several months. Maia, who works for the parks and recreation division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, has lots of updates for us. After gushing over the gorgeous September weather we've been experiencing — Heather shares a stand-up paddling adventure she recently had with two fr...
2022-09-211h 13Michigan Runner Girl246: Quitting Chronic Dieting + Recentering through Running with Dietician Amelia Sherry “When my relationship with food improved and I started to heal I didn’t let go of the running. I noticed that it was crucial to me feeling more relaxed, centered, more in touch with how I actually felt inside my body. I used intuitive eating as part of my recovery from chronic dieting, which is all about listening and honoring and respecting the senses that you get from your body and I was able to use running as a way … it really calmed me, reassured me.” Amelia Sherry, dietitian, mother, runner, recovered chronic dieter. Like so many wom...
2022-08-2441 minMichigan Runner Girl245: Reading, Traveling + Moving Forward with Emma and HeatherThe Michigan Runner Girl show returns from its mid-summer break with Heather and her 22-year-old daughter Emma at Emma's new apartment in Grand Rapids, Mich. talking about all things books (they share their top reads this summer), traveling (a visit to Nantucket in July!), and how they're both feeling heading into fall. They record their conversation the evening before Emma starts her first day of medical school orientation and on her first official weekend in her new place. Also part of their discussion: - Their shared (newer) love of small dogs. (Heather reveals big...
2022-08-141h 09Michigan Runner Girl244: Finding the Pleasure in Eating, Moving, and Living Well“My work, my passion is helping women lose unwanted weight, but from the inside out — by changing their eating behaviors from a place of deep satisfaction and pleasure, instead of focusing on diets, or counting calories, or carbs or anything like that.” Life coach Lia Pinelli joins Heather on the MRG Show to talk about a lot of things — our relationship with food, how we can shift our mindset about our eating behaviors, finding the form of exercise and movement that speaks to us, and so much more. Lia’s journey includes going from teaching Spanish and serving as...
2022-06-2358 minMichigan Runner Girl243: The Ripple Effects of Pursuing a Healthier Life with Stephanie Lueras“When we’re improving ourselves in one area, the rest of us comes along for the ride, as a whole person — physically, emotionally, spiritually … There is a ripple effect. When we start to change habits in one area — I started with a cup of water — and as we continue to build those habits, that ripple effect into every area of life is so significant and we discount the small things that we do every day that truly can be life changing.” Heathe talks with Stephanie Lueras, owner of Heart and Sole Fitness & Wellness, a Body Positive ACE Certified Perso...
2022-06-1743 minMichigan Runner Girl242: Updates from Heather + Searching for—and Finding—Ease and Flow in Life with Jem Fuller“I practice gratitude every single day. I am super grateful for my life. But 10 years ago, I was in a world of pain.” Jem Fuller has lived a colorful, global life—from barefoot backpacker to corporate leader, fire-dancer and traditional tattooist, kindergarten teacher to motorcycle courier, masseuse and reflexology to labourer and travel consultant. Now his time is as partner and father, coach, facilitator and retreat leader. Jem, who lives on a sheep farm in Australia with his partner Talia, is the author of the recently published book, The Art of Conscious Communication for Thoughtful Men, and can be...
2022-06-071h 15Michigan Runner Girl241: Life Can Keep Getting Better, with author Lynne BowmanAuthor and health advocate Lynne Bowman, a 76-year-old mom of three and grandmother of two — joins Heather for a conversation about the things we do today — our sleep, eating, and movement — and how they impact our future selves. Lynne reminds us that life doesn’t end at 60 or 70, as she says, but the quality of our last 25 or 30 years can be all over the place, depending on decisions we make now. Lynne is a self-described “snarky grandma” who fully acknowledges she doles out cooking tips and health advice despite not owning a restaurant, not being a reality TV...
2022-05-2556 minMichigan Runner Girl240: BAYSHORE SPECIAL: Ali Feller on Celebrating Finish Lines, Making Connections + Staying True to OurselvesThis very special Bayshore 40th anniversary episode of the MRG Show features a conversation with well-known podcaster and professional race announcer Ali Feller of the Ali on the Run Show. Ali and her family, who live in New Hampshire, are making their very first visit to Michigan later this month for the Bayshore races, which are celebrating 40 years in a big way: the marathon, half marathon, 10K, and kids fun run all return in person after a two-year break because of the pandemic, and Ali is not only serving as the finish line race announcer, she’s al...
2022-05-171h 20Michigan Runner Girl239: Getting Clear on Our Core Values with Dai Manuel"When we don’t live in alignment with our core values, that’s when we open up these little cracks for disappointment, for sadness, and—I’ll go so far as to say—for depression and for anxiety. A lot of these negative things do creep into our lives when we’ve lost the focus on all the positives.” Dai Manuel, an award-winning digital thought leader and author, joins Heather to talk about his journey of finding out who he really is at his core, identifying the life he wanted to live—for himself and for his family—and what i...
2022-05-1044 minMichigan Runner Girl237: Enduring more than we think we can with author Nita Sweeney"I realized I thought I was writing a book about a middle-aged woman who ran a marathon, and what I was actually writing about was a woman trying to save her life." Nita Sweeney, the award-winning wellness author of the running and mental health memoir, Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running with My Dog Brought Me Back from the Brink, joins Heather to talk about her journey of becoming a runner — and her journey of finding herself. Before she discovered running, Nita was a 49-year-old chronically depressed, occasionally manic, and unable to run for more than 60 sec...
2022-04-151h 12Michigan Runner Girl235: How to be self-aware + the positive ways it changes our lives with Megan Eddinger"A big part of managing my mental health — beyond therapy and meds — is moving my body and spending time outside. I feel my best when on our family camping trips. While some might see these trips as a lot of work, which they are, I find them to be everything I need: connection, fresh air, no Wi-Fi…" Megan Eddinger is a runner and founder and host of the podcast The No BS Mama. She joins Heather to talk about her mental health journey and the ways being self-aware changes us and our relationships for the better. They talk about notici...
2022-03-1455 minMichigan Runner Girl234: Made to Move + ‘Filling our Runways’ with Mel Charbonneau"There's a difference between being depleted and empty, and being depleted and full. I am depleted and full all the time. I cannot squeeze anything else out of my day. But when my head hits the pillow, I think 'God, that was amazing.'" Mel Charbonneau — entrepreneur, writer, runner, mother and inspiration powerhouse who creates spaces for women to own their stories — sits down with Heather to talk about discovering what fills us up, becoming aware of our values and living a life in alignment with them, surrounding ourselves with supportive people who help hold us accountable (what...
2022-03-071h 42Michigan Runner Girl233: Why We Love Our Community Races + Tulip Time Run in HollandThis episode will get you thinking about reconnecting with your community, your tribe, your people — however you define community. Heather talks with Eddie Kline, a west Michigan runner, cyclist, husband, and race director, who is overseeing one of his own community’s well-known and popular races: the Tulip Time Run, a 10K, 5K, and kids fun run on Saturday, May 7 — the first day of the weeklong Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan. Eddie shares race details — the event is in-person this year after being entirely virtual last year — and he and Heather also talk about why community races and events lik...
2022-02-2849 min
Michigan Runner Girl232: New Season + LIVE from Up North: How to Reconnect with YourselfIf there ever was an episode that packs in just about everything the MRG podcast is all about — especially now — this one would be it. The Michigan Runner Girl Show returns after a short break in a big way with this episode featuring a LIVE recording from the 4th annual Michigan Runner Girl Winter Weekend Getaway, a retreat held a couple of weeks ago in northern Michigan on the shores of North Higgins Lake that included 40+ women. This episode marks a milestone for the show, too: this is Season One of 2022 — the first time the MRG podcast, since its start in...
2022-02-101h 26Michigan Runner Girl#231: Navigating life transitionsIn this latest episode featuring Heather and her 21-year-old daughter, Emma, life transitions — facing them, going through them, learning from them — is the focus. And if there’s ever been a time when life changes take center stage, it’s these past couple of years as we’ve all endured so much, personally and professionally, as a result of the pandemic. Emma shares big news at the start of this episode, and how where she’s at now and what’s ahead is the culmination of a lot of hard work, dedication … and, yes, stress and self-reflection. She shares how she...
2021-11-2952 minMichigan Runner Girl#230: A Transformative Trip: Paige Lackey shares her Project Rustic experience“At first it was hard because I felt like I was in this snowglobe that had been shaken up. And all of a sudden I had space, and then all the snowflakes were falling around me, and I was like, there’s that thing I ignored for six months, and there’s that thing I don’t want to think about because it stresses me out. But the more I was out there, the more the snowflakes, the glitter, settled and the better I felt. And that, I think, is just a testament to how important it is to make spa...
2021-11-031h 16Michigan Runner Girl#229: Running + racing Mackinac IslandHeather and Jonny share the Mackinac Island running paths they explored — the 8-mile paved path around the island and the winding trails weaving through its interior — during this special bonus episode. They also talk about the island’s annual races, including one coming up later this month. On the island for the annual Mackinac Island Policy Conference (see the last episode for all the details of this event, now in its 41st year), Heather and Jonny made sure to break up their conference-going with a couple of runs. Their scenic morning run included a gorgeous sunrise — and lots of w...
2021-10-1525 minMichigan Runner GirlLIVE from Mackinac Island: Reimagining a Healthy MichiganAs we all keep moving forward during the pandemic, charting a path to recover, heal, and thrive as a state is critical, say organizers of the 2021 Mackinac Policy Conference, which served as a platform to hear from national thought-leaders on the significant issues that Michigan and the nation is facing at this critical time in history. This year’s conference theme — “Reimagining a Healthy Michigan” — highlighted what should be a top priority for the state in 2022, according to conference host Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce. Heather and Jonny got behind the mics while on Mackinac Island, sharing stories fr...
2021-10-061h 09Michigan Runner Girl#227: A deeper, more personal conversation with Heather and EmmaMoving our bodies. Dealing with anxiety. Finding what inspires us. Cultivating and maintaining family relationships. Tending to our mental health. These are among the topics Heather and her 21-year-old daughter Emma touch on during this decidedly more personal episode. While Heather has had a wide range of discussions with guests over the past 6 years, many of which took us into the minds and hearts of athletes, race directors, and healthy lifestyle experts, Heather and Emma share personal stories and dive deeper into areas of particular interest to them — and to longtime listeners who have shared with Heather ov...
2021-09-2153 minMichigan Runner Girl#226: Inside IRONMAN 70.3 Michigan in FrankfortIn just under two weeks, a few thousand athletes and their family and friends will travel to the quaint and beautiful Lake Michigan coastal town of Frankfort to take part in IRONMAN 70.3 Michigan — an event that’s had its share of twists and turns over the past year and a half during the pandemic. You can’t exactly call this 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run on Sunday, Sept. 12 a new event in northern Michigan — the first IRONMAN 70.3 in northern Michigan took place in late August 2019, in Traverse City — though it is inaugural in that it moved f...
2021-09-0157 minMichigan Runner Girl#225: 'Nature helps us in every way': Janice Davidson on the return of the Betsie Valley Trail RunAt the start of 2021, Janice Davidson took a big leap of faith when she quit her longtime position as the director of recreation at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, Mich. to start her own business, North Mitten Events. Eight months later, Janice describes life as full and busy — and better than ever. “It can be scary for sure, but it feels great. I’m doing what I believe in — things that I feel that are great for our community, both our planet and our people, and I’m really excited to be here,” says Janice, a race director, ru...
2021-08-1627 minMichigan Runner Girl#224: Going green with runner and innovator Kristina Smithe"The idea came to me after running a marathon—the California International Marathon—in December of 2019. I ran the marathon and the next day had a five-hour flight back home. Back home, while drinking coffee, I realized I had used six plastic cups for both coffee and water on the plane the day before. Then I thought about my marathon and how many cups I used during those 26.2 miles." -Kristina Smithe, founder of Hiccup It was in doing a little quick math—the marathon and plane ride cups multiplied by the runners and airline passengers—that Kristina Smithe r...
2021-08-0643 minMichigan Runner Girl#223: Michigan West Coast running + racingAn epic mountain backpacking trip with fellow veterans, getting back to racing in person (and snagging a podium finish), race planning during a pandemic — these are some of things west Michigan runner Eddie Kline has been up to so far this summer. Oh, and there's that new podcast he also just launched: Run MI West Coast, a show for runners interested in the Holland Haven Marathon, Half Marathon & 8K, held each September, races around west Michigan, and running in general. If you're signed up for this year's Holland Haven races on Sept. 12, or you've been thinking about get...
2021-07-2240 minMichigan Runner Girl#222: Become a trail runner this summerFollowing her recent trail race — her first in-person trail race in over a year and a half, Ragnar Trail Michigan, at the end of June — Heather shares the joy (and, OK, occasional pain) of going off road and into the woods for a run (maybe even in the middle of the night, as was the case at Ragnar). Knowing that trail running can feel intimidating to those of us who haven’t done much, if any, of it, Heather shares what has helped her come to absolutely love running on dirt paths, switchbacks, single tracks, even root-covered routes deep in the...
2021-07-1317 minMichigan Runner Girl#221: Run for Cherries: Festival of Races in Traverse City returns!It’s safe to say that the Michigan race scene is really getting back on its feet, now that pandemic restrictions have been lifted. And for those of us who have greatly missed toeing start lines, cheering one another on through the miles, and triumphantly crossing finish lines, it’s exciting to be adding summer and fall race events to our calendars. A July must-run racing event in northern Michigan? The Meijer Festival of Races that is part of the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, Mich. These Saturday, July 10 races are back in person — and also remain...
2021-06-2935 minMichigan Runner Girl#220: Maria Yeager on going your own way, starting new chapters + persevering"You're not meant to be a runner." "You don't have to run to lose weight." "You should find something else to enjoy." These are the statements that ran through Maria Yeager's mind — actual comments made to her in the past — earlier this year when, after crushing the miles on her treadmill and pushing herself hard during high intensity interval training with a friend, she got injured. It was a stubborn injury, in fact, and refused to heal even after Maria, a Petoskey, Mich. physical therapist assistant, did all the right things to make it b...
2021-06-221h 05Michigan Runner Girl#219: A triathlon for all of us: inside this month's Tri Goddess TriFive years ago this month—June 2016—Heather did something she'd never done before: she completed a triathlon. After a decade of running and adding distance to her races, up to the marathon distance, she'd decided it was time to try something new, to shake things up a bit. "I wanted to stretch myself, go outside my comfort zone … and also, honestly, give my body something of a break from strictly running road and trail races." She'd gotten into road biking and was really beginning to enjoy it, "mostly because I felt more confident about my riding skills and kn...
2021-06-1258 minMichigan Runner Girl#218: Listening to your body, making new friends + traveling for Ragnars with Emily WhiteRunner, mom, fan of craft beer, wine, and traveling — this is how blogger Emily White describes herself on her Instagram account, where she shares her love of movement, racing (23 Ragnar Relays and counting!), and staying connected with the many friends she’s made throughout her running journey. Emily, who grew up in Flint, Mich., has a deep love of northern Michigan, and now lives with her husband and their teenage son in Arizona, joins Heather on the podcast to talk about her evolving relationship with running, dealing with injuries and getting older, her passion for all things Ragna...
2021-06-0446 minMichigan Runner Girl#217: Setting big race goals — to help others“It was absolutely the best day.” This is how Tony Anderson, who began a journey of completing a marathon in all 50 states to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan, an organization near and dear to his heart, describes his final 26.2 mile race. It was the culmination of 17 years of running marathons -- he ultimately ran a total of 51, including Washington, D.C. -- to support Big Brothers Big Sisters and those final miles proved incredibly meaningful. “Marathon #1 was in Traverse City in 2003, and so for the last one to be in Travers...
2021-05-2143 minMichigan Runner Girl#216: Listener Journeys: ‘My first half for the second time’“I’ve been making healthier choices for me and feeling better about myself ... I feel like I have a lot more mental strength now than what I had in my 20s.” Petoskey, Mich. runner Spencer Tulk reflects on the past few years of her journey as a runner in this special listener running journey episode. Spencer, 31, is among the MRG podcast listeners and MRG blog readers who sent in stories of where they’re at with their running right now. Heather had put a call out for stories during the episode in which she shared her own ev...
2021-04-3012 minMichigan Runner Girl#215: Three race directors get honest about pandemic racing + what’s to come“We just want to put on a safe event and get back to racing.” ~Andrew Buikema, west Michigan race director, marathoner, recent BQ-qualifer(!). Andrew shares this sentiment — and many other heartfelt thoughts — during a candid conversation with two other experienced Michigan race directors, that touches on so much: the current state of racing, the ups and downs of planning events during the pandemic, how we’re coping and staying active during these challenging times, silver linings we’re experiencing, and what we all can expect with racing event in the months to come. Eva Solomon, co-founder and owner of Epi...
2021-04-221h 01Michigan Runner Girl#214: When your running goes down a different path"But I think there’s something else at play. I feel my running evolving. I’m not exactly sure what this means, what it’ll look like. Some days I feel sure my speedier and marathon days are behind me. Other days I think, 'What makes me think I don’t have more in me and will be conquering some amazing things yet?'" Heather gets honest about her running journey these days and shares stories from members of the MRG community in this updates episode. Getting older, living through a pandemic, experiencing injuries and health issues — these are...
2021-04-1320 minMichigan Runner Girl#213: Project Rustic - 77 state forest campgrounds, 1 RV, 1 epic summerIf you could spend your summer exploring rustic state forest campgrounds all across Michigan — traveling to these scenic spots in both the lower and upper peninsulas by RV, your best four-legged companion joining to keep you company — would you jump at the opportunity? Would you maybe even propose such a trip to your boss? Paige Lackey, a Huron Pines AmeriCorps service member serving with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, did just that — she came up with this travel idea and proposed it to her team at the DNR. Why? Paige is an outdoor lover and absolutely passion...
2021-03-2448 minMichigan Runner Girl#212: Jonny and Heather get real — and go long — while answering your questionsWhen we put the call out for questions — the burning questions, running and otherwise — that you wanted to ask Heather and Jonny, who knew you’d ask so many? And that Heather and Jonny’s conversation would go on for as long as it did?! Well, we kind of had a feeling there would be a bunch of questions (the MRG community is awesome like that) and as for Heather and Jonny talking for 2+ hours (yep, true story), that’s basically a given when you get two passionate runners together and time to talk about their favorite sport and all the wa...
2021-03-152h 04Michigan Runner Girl#211: Joel Gaff launches Traverse City Run Co.“I always like to think that when you have all the freedom in the world, creativity maybe doesn’t come so easily. But when you have constraints placed upon you, that’s when you have to get creative. And that’s what I think happened to the world, to much of the world, in 2020.” ~Joel Gaff, Jr., dad of two, triathlete, and race director, small business owner Like everybody else this past year, Joel Gaff and his team at race management and timing services company Endurance Evolution were faced with tough decisions about keeping the business going strong. “W...
2021-03-0253 minMichigan Runner Girl#210: Updates from Heather + sweet February dealsUpcoming virtual races and challenges, in-person events planned for this summer and fall, and special savings -- this short and sweet episode packs a punch! Tune in to hear updates from Heather, including what you can expect on upcoming episodes of the podcast (all the details for this summer and fall Ragnar Michigan relays coming soon!). Also shared on this episode: show topics you may have missed, and discount codes — for both races and also a piece of clothing Heather is absolutely loving right now (hint: it's keeping her warm during these FRIGID February days). And, there's so...
2021-02-0914 minMichigan Runner Girl#209: Maia Turek on upgrading, reframing + road biking around Michigan lakesMaia Turek considers herself a positive person (those who know her undoubtedly would agree), but she recently realized something else about herself, thanks to working closely with a health coach: she has had a habit of talking negatively -- in a self-deprecating way -- to herself and to others, when it comes to how she views her relationship with food. It was an eye-opening discovery, she says, and one that has led to a complete mind shift for the 42-year-old runner, cyclist, and mom of one. “Do you know how much mental energy we put into focusing on b...
2021-01-3150 minMichigan Runner Girl#208: Fresh starts with Janice Davidson of the North MittenLife during a pandemic can lead us down paths we may not have gone down otherwise — some not so good, of course, but also some that ultimately change our lives in positive ways. For Janice Davidson, these past several months have been a time of big life changes, one of which was leaving her job at a northern Michigan ski resort after 20 years. Janice, who oversaw recreation programming at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, Mich. and helped start its North Mitten Half Marathon, 10K & 5K, determined the time was right to start a new chapter of her lif...
2021-01-1934 minMichigan Runner Girl#207: How to be strong mentally + goodbye 2020!“My mind was just not in it for some reason, and I go through that a lot — my brain just doesn’t want to do it, even though my legs, and physically, I feel completely fine. Sometimes in your head, you don’t want to get out there for some reason. But I love what Des Linden always says. She says, keep showing up. And you know she’s also said before, the hardest part of a run is putting on your shoes and getting out the door. So I think about that a lot of times. I just force myse...
2020-12-3145 minMichigan Runner Girl#206: Holiday Special: Supporting our local athletic stores + winter gear tipsAs local businesses in Michigan and across the U.S. continue to adjust and adapt to pandemic-related closures and pauses, and resulting in-store capacity restrictions, the holiday season marches on. Things just look decidedly different this year, to say the least, for shop owners and their customers. The great news: stores are getting very creative in how they’re connecting with their customers, and we shoppers are thankful for these efforts. (Still need a few gifts for the runners and active lifestyle friends and family in your life? We’ve got you covered with this episode.) This spec...
2020-12-161h 10Michigan Runner Girl#204: Janelle Haselhuhn: ‘This can be a good time of our lives’Early on in the COVID-19 pandemic, when face coverings became scarce, Janelle Haselhuhn decided to put her impressive sewing skills to work. The southwest Michigan mom of two young kids, ages 5 and 3, made some 700 masks in just a few short weeks with the help of a small group of volunteers. Janelle, who shares her sewing creations — including memory quilts and t-shirt blankets, some of which feature race t-shirts, and — on her Facebook business page MI Sew Haven, joins Heather on the podcast to talk about life as a long-time athlete, runner, seamstress (she makes her own running attir...
2020-12-011h 16Michigan Runner Girl#203: Moving Through It: Running, cooking, reading (and Abby Wambach) for the winLife just keeps getting more and more interesting, doesn’t it? Between the surge in COVID cases, ongoing uncertainty with how things will unfold, a turbulent and divisive political climate, and our efforts to just keep moving forward with our lives, life can feel quite overwhelming. Oh, and the holidays — a very different holiday season — is nearly upon us. How are you feeling — really feeling — these days? In this latest episode of the MRG Podcast, Heather shares some honest thoughts on how things are going for her. Most importantly, she talks about the things that are helping her get th...
2020-11-1918 minMichigan Runner Girl#202: Sasha Wolff of Still I Run on defeating the mental health stigma“Giving myself grace throughout 2020 has helped me exponentially.” The lovely and inspiring Sasha Wolff, founder of Michigan-based Still I Run, returns to the MRG Show — she last joined Heather for an honest conversation about mental health and wellness just after starting her non-profit in late 2016 — to share how Still I Run has grown. This “community of warriors promoting the benefits of running for mental health” now has 8,000 members. These are runners not only in Michigan but aross the country. Still I Run includes a charity running team, a “Run, Write, Fight” letter initiative, scholarship program, ambassador opportu...
2020-11-0349 minMichigan Runner Girl#201: 'Soul-centered weight loss' with Tara and Erin of Love Body Erin Goldman, a yoga/ meditation teacher, and Tara Rybicki, a registered dietician nutritionist, return to talk about taking care of our heart, our mind, and our body. Erin and Tara are behind northern Michigan-based Love Body, a program that focuses on the practice of self-love. We all know the importance of treating ourselves well, but in reality, in our everyday lives -- especially now, 8+ months into a global pandemic -- what does self-love actually mean and look like? Love Body Wisdom Love Body works because we focus on...
2020-10-2147 minMichigan Runner GirlEp200: 'Chase the things that give you hope' + other 200th Episode(!) thoughtsFive 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 Michigan Runner Girl Podcast, a show that began five years ago by Heather Durocher, mother, runner, lover of all things Michigan and movement, and founder...
2020-10-0723 minMichigan Runner GirlEp199: Get moving + exploring with the Michigan Trails Week ChallengeWhen 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 2020 Michigan Trails Challenge, which invites trail veterans and newcomers alike to join the...
2020-09-2142 minMichigan Runner GirlEp198: Turning to Travel: How our Pure Michigan adventures can change and connect us right nowGetting 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 found, during trips to northern Michigan and in the upper peninsula. The U.P. has indeed...
2020-09-131h 03Michigan Runner GirlEp197: West Michigan’s Total Trek Quest is keeping school-age boys running and feeling connected“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-county area in and around Grand Rapids, Mich., las...
2020-09-021h 05Michigan Runner GirlEp196: A summer of choice + other (running, reading, Rob Lowe) musingsI 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 that are keeping me smiling...
2020-08-1616 minMichigan Runner GirlEp195: Lisa Taylor on the ways the pandemic is shaping our active lifestyles + reinforcing our love of the sport“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 like so many race organizers h...
2020-08-0757 minMichigan Runner GirlEp194: Joel Gaff, triathlete + race organizer + proud dad of daughtersJoel 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 team, like so many others, got creative with their race events, like the Traverse City Trail Running Festival...
2020-07-2946 minMichigan Runner GirlEp193: Holland Haven’s plans for a safe, in-person race this SeptemberEddie 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 pandemic. “We cannot eliminate all the risk -- this is a public...
2020-07-2141 minMichigan Runner GirlEp192: Virtual runs + the future of racing with Eva SolomonTriathlete 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 by the pandemic and subsequent quarantine. Eva also is heavily involved in running a...
2020-07-111h 01Michigan Runner GirlEp191: Live from the new Lululemon in Traverse City: Summer Running and Gear Talk with JonnyIt'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 manager of Lululemon's first northern Michigan store. The company plans to run...
2020-07-0243 minMichigan Runner GirlEp190: Cherries, Apples, Hops + Grapes: Inside the Michigan Harvest Challenge Run SeriesWe’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 seasons of famous local crops, is one of these -- and even carries on into the fa...
2020-06-2533 minMichigan Runner GirlEp189: Quarantine Catch-up with Kelly Yauk + The Great Beerd RunTwo 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 team made up of her former Michigan State University rowing teammates. Ke...
2020-06-1558 minMichigan Runner GirlEp188: Your Top Food Questions Answered + Finding Inspiration by Helping Other RunnersIn 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 changed for her during the pandemic, both with her work as a persona...
2020-06-041h 10Michigan Runner GirlEp187: Bayshore Race Reminiscing, Ramping up Running + Rethinking Race PlansAndrew 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 want to keep up my fitness, I want to keep up with my ultimate goal of qualifying for Bost...
2020-05-271h 06Michigan Runner GirlEp186: Restarting + Reinventing: Finding hope and purpose (and movement) right nowEarlier 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 took hold in the U.S. In...
2020-05-201h 12Michigan Runner GirlEp185: Mindfulness and How it Can Change UsTara 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 supporting women on their journeys through their website and blog, and such activities as yoga followed by "Conversations with Women." Their practice is...
2020-03-0646 minMichigan Runner GirlEp184: Tanner Bell, Ragnar Relay Co-FounderThe 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 of Ragnar Relay, talks with Heather about his humble college-student beginnings as a race organizer (and non-runner, at...
2020-02-2446 minMichigan Runner GirlEp183: Awesome year-round adventure ideas at Michigan state parksA 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 activities taking place year-round. Plus, she’s a whole lot of fun and makes everyone...
2020-02-0954 minMichigan Runner GirlEp182: Holly Visser on benchmark races, running as therapy + this year's Gazelle Girl races in Grand Rapids“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 how h...
2020-01-3141 minMichigan Runner GirlEp181: Just Keep Moving, Into a New DecadeIn 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.
2019-12-1307 minMichigan Runner GirlEp180: What it takes to shift our mindset and experience wellness breakthroughs“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 her as she watched her sister-in-law run her first half marathon—and this conversation is no different.
2019-12-061h 01Michigan Runner GirlEp179: Winter Running: Tips for Head-to-Toe Warmth + Safety (and Fun!)You 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"), shoes (hear why trail shoes can be a great option in certain w...
2019-11-261h 12Michigan Runner GirlEp178: Registration Open for 3rd Annual MRG Winter Weekend Getaway!Lantern-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. MacMullan Conference Center, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources property. Taking care of ourselves, both in body and mind...
2019-11-0447 minMichigan Runner GirlEp177: Why Run So Far? These Ultra Runners Share AllThe 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. These four runners have gotten to know one another even better through t...
2019-10-241h 00Michigan Runner GirlEp176: Ragnar Michigan Recap + Great Beerd Run with Kelly Yauk Pouring 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 run that celebrates all things Michigan craft beer and beards each November. Kelly...
2019-10-1358 minMichigan Runner GirlEp175: Personal trainer Amy Puckett is all about celebrating our big (and little) wellness milestonesWe 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 along the way? Perhaps. But longtime personal trai...
2019-10-021h 09Michigan Runner GirlEp174: Heather’s (super-tough, amazing, life-changing) IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse CityThe 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 Aug. 25. For many athletes, Heather included, this endurance event was the first time they’d tackled the 1.2-mile swim, 5...
2019-09-181h 36Michigan Runner GirlEp173: Getting Real about IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City + Reflecting on an Amazing SummerJust 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 have done the best I can with training...The mental part at this point is really important. I...
2019-08-241h 15Michigan Runner GirlEp172: Traverse City-bound: Eva and Ed Solomon are tackling IRONMAN 70.3 together (and in different ways)Eva 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 the training has been like, and how Eva has watched her husband become...
2019-08-2154 minMichigan Runner GirlEp171: These Must-Run Michigan Trail Races are Beyond ScenicIf 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 absolute favorite trail races -- maybe her most favorite. Jeff comes on the...
2019-08-141h 05Michigan Runner GirlEp170: Everything is coming together for Jen Casey: “It’s a good journey”Jen 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 Traverse City. “My heart just goes out to the...
2019-08-071h 00Michigan Runner GirlEp169: One Month Out - Latest IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City Details from Joel GaffThe 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 with me … It’s an exciting and challenging new opportunity. It’...
2019-07-2446 minMichigan Runner GirlEp169: Trails, Friends + Wine: the MRG Trail 10K & 5K on Aug. 4 in Lake LeelanauIn 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 delicious vintages!). On this latest episode, Heather sits down with two special guests to talk about this...
2019-07-1635 minMichigan Runner GirlEp168: Your Next Epic Race? Eva Solomon Shares Summer + Fall IdeasEpic 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, who has been on the show several times, returns with Pat Ball, Epic Races' community o...
2019-07-1041 minMichigan Runner GirlEp167: Campfire Storytelling + Outdoor Exploring to Celebrate Our State Parks CentennialIt'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 part of the Michigan state parks centennial, the DNR is hosting storytelling events where you'll hea...
2019-07-0246 minMichigan Runner GirlEp166: Sugar Sand Beaches, Lighthouses, Starry Nights at Ragnar Road MichiganUnforgettable 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 place earlier this month, will receive once they cross the finish line. This road relay starts in Mu...
2019-06-1750 minMichigan Runner GirlEp165: IRONMAN 70.3 Training Update + the Best Color Run for the Whole FamilyJune 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 the race director of Stars, Stripes...
2019-06-1034 minMichigan Runner GirlEp164: First-ever MRG Trail 10K & 5K Aug. 4 in northern MichiganYou'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 embrace movement, friendships and going after big (and small) goals – and who love Michigan’s scenic landscape just as m...
2019-05-1320 minMichigan Runner GirlEp163: S’mores, Live Music, Food Trucks (and Running!) at Ragnar Trail MichiganIn 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 vistas. Ceara “CC” Pelletier, race director, joins Heather to talk all about this summer’s first-ever Ragnar Michigan...
2019-05-0539 minMichigan Runner GirlEp162: Bayshore 2019 Features Kids Marathon + New Race ExpoThe 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: the Munson Healthcare Kids Marathon, a fun run that gets kids moving not only on race day (they run 1.2 m...
2019-04-3049 minMichigan Runner GirlEp161: ‘A Run with a View’: Andrew Buikema on this Summer’s Seaway Run in Muskegon + Going After a Big GoalFor 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 as a participant in the race expo that is held t...
2019-04-2248 minMichigan Runner GirlEp160: Eddie Kline on Growing a Race, the Marathon Mind-set, and Eyeing an UltraThe 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 and Heather also talk about his “tale of two halves and a failed BQ” at last fall...
2019-04-1655 minMichigan Runner GirlEP159: Trevor Tkach is Tackling His First Half Marathon (You Can, Too!)He’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 in his hometown – and so far, the training he’s experience has exceeded his expect...
2019-04-0956 minMichigan Runner GirlEP158: From NYC to Michigan + A Must-Run Scenic Summer Trail RaceLooking 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—homemade banana bread, anyone? In addition, Michigan craft brewer Oddside Ales provides cold ones and there's loc...
2019-03-2545 minMichigan Runner GirlEp157: Captain Marvel or The Flash? Inside next month's BIG Little Hero Race in Traverse CityIt’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 the conversation: Race Director Kyle Brownley and Ty Schmidt, this year's Local Hero and co-founder of Norte, a Traverse City-based organization dedicated to buil...
2019-03-1836 minMichigan Runner GirlEp156: Medals4Mettle: Giving New Life + Meaning to Our Race BlingWho 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 Kline share their involvement with Medals4Mettle, a...
2019-03-1232 minMichigan Runner GirlEp155: Ann Arbor Marathon + Team Red, White & Blue AthletesComing 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, a 19-mile training run (a perfect long run for those in the final weeks of training...
2019-03-0448 minMichigan Runner GirlEp154: The Journey of Becoming a Runner + Gazelle Girl NewsWhen 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 our health and well-being. And befo...
2019-02-2549 minMichigan Runner GirlEp153: LIVE! from the 2019 MRG Winter Weekend Getaway: Physical Therapist Mike Swinger, author of the Runner’s FixWhat 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 northern Michigan physical therapist who stopped by to share his expertise and answer all of our running injury...
2019-02-1851 min