Michigan Runner Girl

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

250: Just Keep Moving: Heather shares a new path for Michigan Runner Girl 02/22/2023

249: Sammie Bennett, mental health advocate and SHE RUNS Grand Rapids race ambassador: ‘There’s a place for everybody’ 11/02/2022

249: 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 revisited the sport with a different mentality of, how can I enjoy this and still figure out these other areas of life that feel kind of swirly and messy?” Sammie Bennett, a west Michigan runner and race ambassador, grew up playing soccer and started running in 2012. Her first-ever road race? The 25K River Bank Run — a pretty big distance for a newer runner. Sammie and Heather talk about tackling this race (it was Heather’s first-ever race, too), how Sammie went on to race the RBR five times, SHE RUNS Grand Rapids (formerly Gazelle Girl) three times, and various other local races totaling 80+ races over the years. During their conversation, Sammie also is honest about how her relationship with running has changed over the years, and the personal growth she’s experienced in more recent time. Mental health awareness is incredibly important to Sammie, and her mission is to create an inclusive space for all kinds of runners, so everyone has a safe space to challenge their bodies and minds. As a SHE RUNS Grand Rapids race ambassador, she’s particularly focused on helping create a welcoming, inclusive place for runners of all backgrounds and experience. “Inclusivity is one of my highest values as a runner myself, and also as helping create space for people to have a place in the running community in Grand Rapids because it can be so intimidating and it can also be a little off-putting when you show up in a community and you’re like, I don’t look like anyone else, I don’t act like anyone else, I don’t run like them, but Iwant to be a runner, or I think I am a runner,” she says. “And it’s like, you know, you put shoes on and you go out for a run, you are a runner and you belong and that is really important for me to help empower people to not necessarily feel deterred because they don’t look or feel or do things like anybody else. But if you are curious about running and you want to run, and a barrier for you is accountability or lack of knowledge or you’re just looking for friendship, there’s a place for everybody in the Grand Rapids running community to do that. And I am really big on trying to create that space for everybody if I can. I am trying. I am trying my best.” Sammie and Heather also talk about winter running and how signing up for a spring race helps keep us motivated throughout the coldest months in Michigan. Registration is underway for SHE RUNS Grand Rapids, which takes place April 30, 2023. The all-women’s event includes a half marathon, 10K, and 5K. It starts and finishes in downtown Grand Rapids and features nine neighborhood and business districts on the half course, as well as area highlights including the historical Sixth Street Bridge. The event, now in its 11th year, features a Finish Line Festival, open to participants and the community — this event includes live music, food trucks, and local wines, ciders, and beers. 100% of event proceeds benefit Girls on the Run West Michigan and the YWCA West Central Michigan. Learn more about SHE RUNS Grand Rapids, sign up for a race, and access downloadable training programs at ALSO SHARED: Race discount code for the 30th anniversary Grand Rapids Public Schools Turkey Trot. Use the code 2022MRG5 for $5 off your registration. Register at GRPS.org/Turkey-Trot /episode/index/show/michiganrunnergirl/id/24885654

248: Awesome Ideas for Fall Adventures at Michigan State Parks 09/21/2022

248: Awesome Ideas for Fall Adventures at Michigan State Parks Fall 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 friends while Maia talks about why boating this time of year with her family is so great — they talk about a number of events and activities taking place at state parks through the end of the year. (Heather also shares save-the-date info on the 5th annual Michigan Runner Girl Winter Weekend Getaway in January 2023!) They also share some laughs about leaping salmon and their impressive "hero's journey" come fall. Covered during this episode: - Fall ziplining along Lake Michigan, at Muskegon State Park - Yurt camping at state parks - The DNR's new site and the Things to Do section that is Maia's "go-to" resource. - Renting boat slips through the state parks reservation system — Maia is especially excited about this (and there's discounted rates for this in September!) - It's the 75th year of the state's waterways program and Maia shares more about safe harborage and how that works all around the state's waterways. - The first-ever equestrian shoreline ride is taking place in November at Silver Lake State Park - Fall bird migration news - Michigan Trails Week, which is this week, Sept. 18-24 - MRG Winter Weekend Getaway Jan. 20-22, 2023 - Michigan state parks photo ambassador program - These Goods 4 Good for Michigan - Cambridge Junction State Park in the Irish Hills of Michigan /episode/index/show/michiganrunnergirl/id/24430836

247: Taking Care of Our Hearts: 3 Women Share Their Stories 09/08/2022

247: Taking Care of Our Hearts: 3 Women Share Their Stories “I tried not to dwell on it, I tried to learn from it. And I took care of myself. I looked at it as a new beginning, with new opportunities … and I still do after all these years, try to do something positive with it. I tried to take something that was tragic — I couldn’t have any more children — not only for me, but for my family, and we’ve tried to turn it into something more positive and inspirational and helpful for other people.” — Risa Kirschner, who lives in Farmington Hills and who at age 29 and pregnant with her second child learned she had atrial myxoma, a heart tumor. “I have treasured every single second spent with Alli [her daughter who was 2 years old at the time of her diagnosis], who is a senior at Michigan State University. I don't take a single day or my health for granted and try to live life to the fullest,” Risa says. “I had been given a second chance and wanted to give back to those who made it possible and to help others who might be going through a similar experience.” During this episode, you’ll meet Risa as well as fellow Epic Heart Heroes Amanda Allen and Aimee Bingham. They all share their unique heart story — Amanda of Rochester Hills, learned she had a heart defect at age 12, and Aimee had an aortic aneurysm and had open heart surgery at age 35. They’re all dedicated to helping raise awareness of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. As the women share during this important conversation, a common misconception is that heart disease is a man’s disease, when in fact almost as many women as men experience it themselves. Amanda, Risa, and Aimee serve as spokespeople for the American Heart Association and the Detroit Women’s Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K, and represent the Epic Heart Heroes at the Women Run the D Expotique on race weekend and participate in the races on race day. Race weekend is right around the corner — Sept. 17-18, on Belle Isle in Detroit. Also joining this conversation: Dr. Audrey Wu, a cardiologist at the University of Michigan, an Ann Arbor triathlete/runner and triathlon coach, and mom of 3, as well as race director Eva Solomon, who is behind Epic Races, a race management company in southeast Michigan. The American Home Fitness Women Run the D Half Marathon, 10K & 5K is an Epic Races event. There's still time to sign up for this race! Use the code MIRunnerGirl102022 to save on your race entry to the Women Run the D Half Marathon, 10K & 5K on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2023 on Belle Isle in Detroit, Mich. Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Anywhere/TheAmericanHomeFitnessDetroitWomensHalfMarathonand5K /episode/index/show/michiganrunnergirl/id/24313941

246: Quitting Chronic Dieting + Recentering through Running with Dietician Amelia Sherry 08/24/2022

245: Reading, Traveling + Moving Forward with Emma and Heather 08/14/2022

244: Finding the Pleasure in Eating, Moving, and Living Well 06/23/2022

244: 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 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 a school administrator to helping teenage girls to coaching women. She also talks honestly about her own struggles with food and weight loss. Despite holding degrees from both Stanford and UC Berkeley, Lia says she was unable to crack the code on her struggle with overeating for decades. No matter how many books read, diets tried, or mindful eating methods subscribed to, she could not resolve her struggle with food and weight. After becoming a life coach in 2016 she learned about weight loss coaching and was totally skeptical — after all, if it worked she would have tried it already. She decided to give it a go anyway and was blown away by the results. Not only did she lose weight without using willpower or resistance, but she no longer experienced the over-hunger and cravings that had plagued her since childhood. Weight loss coaching provided the missing link. It not only helped her figure out what to eat, but it addressed her mindset around food and weight. She learned to think differently which led her to eat differently and in a simple, sustainable way. That was 30 pounds ago. Today she is living happily with her family and maintains her naturally weight without counting calories or carbs. She’s on a mission to teach other women how to ditch the diet drama and create the lives they crave, unapologetically. Connect with Lia: https://liapinellicoaching.com/eatingwithoutfear Follow and connect with Heather: @michiganrunnergirl on Instagram @michiganrunnergirl on Instagram Facebook.com/michigan-runner-girl /episode/index/show/michiganrunnergirl/id/23521709

243: The Ripple Effects of Pursuing a Healthier Life with Stephanie Lueras 06/17/2022

243: 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 Personal Trainer, ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist, and international best-selling author and speaker during this latest episode. After coming to a point in life where she was “sick and tired of being sick and tired,” Stephanie needed some changes. Through small actions and goal setting, Stephanie has lost over 200 pounds through balanced nutrition and movement, without the use of restrictive dieting, commercial weight loss plans, or supplements. She has gained a love of endurance sports, running marathons, and is currently training for Ironman-distance races. She uses this same holistic goal-setting model in working with clients in groups and individually to empower people to break down the everyday barriers that exist so they can achieve what they are working towards for their best personal wellness. "I’ve found this love of endurance sports, I’ve completely changed my life. I left a toxic career to step into the health and wellness space in helping other people and walking alongside them — to really engage them in what they want to accomplish.” -- Connect with Stephanie: (This is a direct link to her free consultation, or it can also be found on her website, heartandsolefit.com) Follow and connect with Heather: @michiganrunnergirl on Instagram @michiganrunnergirl on Instagram Facebook.com/michigan-runner-girl /episode/index/show/michiganrunnergirl/id/23459915

242: Updates from Heather + Searching for—and Finding—Ease and Flow in Life with Jem Fuller 06/07/2022

242: 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, , and can be seen delivering his TEDx talk on YouTube. Jem recently found a groove with running, which he acknowledged felt “arduous” initially. “I used to force myself to do it for the exercise. Then, for the 'feel-good' afterwards... and only recently — I'm 50 — with some new high-quality runners, I'm actually starting to enjoy the run itself! I never thought I would say that.” Heather’s conversation with Jem follows a few life updates from her — she shares reflections from this year’s 40th anniversary of the Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K over Memorial Day weekend, thoughts on her IRONMAN 70.3 Michigan in September, a girls trip to Grand Rapids, what she’s reading right now, and more. Heather and Jem talk about searching—and finding—ease and flow in life. It’s been a long and interesting journey for Jem, and he shares honestly and with vulnerability how the path has unfolded for him so far, to include his “midlife awakening.” They talk about: What it means to take a ‘red-hot crack’ at finding your best life (Heather tells Jem she’s going to have to start using this awesome Aussie phrase) Radical self-acceptance of the past and present Abundance as a mindset Connection with and immersion in nature Energy as a life force, cross-cultural connection Quality of relationships: “I believe that relationships are at the core of our quality of life—the quality of your relationships directly correlates to the quality of your life. It doesn’t matter how much money you have, or how big your house is … you know, none of that matters. If your relationships aren’t great, your experiences in life aren’t great.” -Jem — For more (including mentions/links during the episode): Connect with Jem: Follow and connect with Heather: @michiganrunnergirl on Instagram @michiganrunnergirl on Instagram Facebook.com/michigan-runner-girl /episode/index/show/michiganrunnergirl/id/23357342

241: Life Can Keep Getting Better, with author Lynne Bowman 05/25/2022

240: BAYSHORE SPECIAL: Ali Feller on Celebrating Finish Lines, Making Connections + Staying True to Ourselves 05/17/2022

240: BAYSHORE SPECIAL: Ali Feller on Celebrating Finish Lines, Making Connections + Staying True to Ourselves This very special 40th anniversary episode of the MRG Show features a conversation with well-known podcaster and professional race announcer Ali Feller of the . 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 also hosting a live podcast recording featuring the Thursday before race day on May 28. If you’ve been listening to the for awhile now, you know . These Memorial Day weekend races likely are very special to you as well — the half marathon fills quickly each year, as does the 10K. And the marathon is one for the books — incredibly scenic, flat, 26.2 miles of northern Michigan running at its best. These races attract runners from all across the country and even the world. If you’re a newer listener and maybe not quite as familiar with the Bayshore races here in Traverse City, you’re going to love this episode just as much as those who have been along for the ride these past nearly 7 years of the MRG show. This conversation with Ali covers not only her involvement in this year’s Bayshore race weekend, but also so much more—how she became a runner while living in New York City, how she met her husband through this sport, her career transition and growing a successful blog and podcast, the passion she has for supporting the , and in more recent time, the opportunity she’s had to serve as race announcer at both the New York City and Boston marathons. With more than 500 episodes, 13 million downloads, and 2,500+ five-star ratings on iTunes, the is one of the leading running podcasts in the world. Every week, Ali talks with inspiring people who are doing exciting things on the run and beyond, from the fastest runners in the world (Des! Molly! Aisha! Emma!), to everyone’s favorite running couples (Steph and Ben! Sara and Ryan!), to the runners who make up the middle and back of the pack. As she explains it, on her podcast, every runner is seen and celebrated, and we all get to pick up the pace together. /episode/index/show/michiganrunnergirl/id/23140202

239: Getting Clear on Our Core Values with Dai Manuel 05/10/2022

238: Pat Butler reminds us it’s never too late to go after it 04/26/2022

237: Enduring more than we think we can with author Nita Sweeney 04/15/2022

236: Discovering our superpowers while helping our communities 03/22/2022

236: Discovering our superpowers while helping our communities We’ve all heard about, or even taken part in, college classes that immerse us in real-life situations — these classes teach us in an entirely different way compared to sitting in a lecture hall, taking notes, and reading thick, heavy textbooks. But this one, the professional communications class at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, does something especially different for its students — it provides a way for them to bring a running event to life, from start to finish, while also giving back to the community in interesting and truly unique ways. The 7th annual Big Little Hero Race returns Saturday, April 23 to NMC’s main campus with a theme of Mentorship Matters. This race — a perfect primer for the Bayshore races over Memorial Day weekend, by the way, if you happen to be signed up for any of those distances — features a 10K, 5K, one-mile fun run or walk, as well as a virtual option. NMC students Ayden Shore, Cristina Melgoza, and Matthew Bodner join their instructor Kristy McDonald in sharing the story of this spring’s Big Little Hero Race. “I think there are models of experiential learning, but not one that gives back to the community. And that was important to me, that they weren’t just growing as business communicators, but that they were growing as people and they were giving back to the community,” says Kristy. “They’re so engaged, they care so much. They’re just good humans and they’re showing that and that’s awesome. They care — they really, really care.” For Matthew, helping with this race holds special meaning given his connection to Big Brothers Big Sisters. He was involved with the program as a child after his dad passed away. “A program like Big Brothers Big Sisters helped me stay on track. It’s very easy as a young boy to get into the wrong things at the wrong time, so to speak. And Big Brothers Big Sisters just gave me a place to go where I could actually be myself. I could get mad, I could talk to someone who understood. And they didn’t make me feel bad about it. And I think that is so important and underrated. And we have thousands and thousands of kids around here who need that hope of help. So that’s why I think this is one of the best causes you could choose.” Learn more about the Big Little Hero Race at biglittleherorace.com /episode/index/show/michiganrunnergirl/id/22537346

235: How to be self-aware + the positive ways it changes our lives with Megan Eddinger 03/14/2022

235: 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 noticing our "warning signs" -- the perhaps not-so-healthy ways we cope with everyday stress -- and how shifts in our mindset (and prioritizing sleep and making room for the little, meaningful things in life) can help us feel better and improve our overall well-being. Megan Eddinger, who lives in Delaware, is a 35-year-old mom of three who married to her high school sweetheart. She first became a mom just two weeks after her 18th birthday and had her last baby at just 23 years old. She was thrown into motherhood before she really had a chance to figure out who she was. Her life has been everything but traditional and she shares all the ups and downs with raw transparency. Her ultimate goal is to normalize all the parts of motherhood that no one tells you about so that other moms don't feel so alone in their own journeys. You can learn more about Megan by following her . You can also join her free membership for weekly tips and tricks. FInd her podcast The No BS Mama whereever you listen to your podcasts. Also featured in this episode: race discount codes! If you’re starting to fill your calendar with races, be sure to check out the race discount codes we’ve got at Michigan Runner Girl.com We have race savings for events throughout Michigan, including Rivertown Races in Grand Rapids next month, the North Mitten Half Marathon, 10K & 5K here in northern Michigan over Memorial Day weekend, the Goddess Race Series of events from Epic Races — these include the Ann Arbor Goddess 5K next month, Tri Goddess Tri in June, and Women Run the D Half Marathon, 10K and 5K this fall in Detroit — Tulip Time in Holland this spring, Holland Haven Marathon, Half Marathon, and 8K this fall, and others. Head over to Michigan Runner Girl.com and click on Races and Events. /episode/index/show/michiganrunnergirl/id/22444163

234: Made to Move + ‘Filling our Runways’ with Mel Charbonneau 03/07/2022

234: 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 Mel describes as "filling the runway"), and so much more. "The more work I have done personally and professionally to define my values, and to make decisions based on what those values are to live the kind of life that I want to live — when I started doing that, everything changed in work, in my personal life, how I approach fitness and movement but also how I parent my kids.” Mel launched Fellow Flowers in 2012 with a collection of colorful flowers to help women honor the reasons why they run. Since then, she has turned the company into a national movement, 30,000-women strong. Through programs such as the goal-setting Declare It Day, Breakthrough & Begin oceanside retreats and Tell Her cards that encourage women to lift one another up, Mel has created a sisterhood of empowerment and support that proves to every woman that she is a story worth telling. Most recently, Mel launched the Made to Move Women’s Race Series. Made to Move honors not just race day, but each woman’s journey to it, celebrating goals, competitive spirit, community and stories every step of the way. Made to Move actively works to remove barriers that can prevent women from running and to create a welcoming and inclusive experience for all women. Mel lives in McFarland, Wisconsin, with her husband and three daughters. -- /episode/index/show/michiganrunnergirl/id/22361984

233: Why We Love Our Community Races + Tulip Time Run in Holland 02/28/2022

232: New Season + LIVE from Up North: How to Reconnect with Yourself 02/10/2022

232: New Season + LIVE from Up North: How to Reconnect with Yourself If 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 2015, has released episodes by season and following a particular theme. Season One’s theme is Reconnection. Over the course of the next 8-10 weeks, listeners can expect to hear inspiring stories of people and places in Michigan (and beyond) that explore what it means to reconnect — with ourselves, with nature, with friends and family, with our communities. This first episode features Maia Turek, a familiar podcast guest, who is known for her vast knowledge of Michigan state parks (she is an innovations and engagement specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources). This time, though, she gets more personal; she bravely shares a wellness journey she’s been on over the past year with Leah Doriot, a certified health coach who has become a great friend of hers. Leah shares her insight, too, as well as her own journey to follow her passion and make a big (and scary) career change during COVID. Together with Heather, the women talk honestly about the challenges of living in a toxic diet culture, particularly for women, the importance of tapping into our inner strength and recognizing and honoring what we want for ourselves, and ultimately recognizing the power that comes when we change our mindset about what it means to be strong, able, and beautiful-just-as-we-are women. Thanks to the amazing women who joined us for the MRG Winter Weekend Getaway and took part in the LIVE podcast recording — and asked fantastic questions, too! What a weekend it was. (Learn more about this annual event at MichiganRunnerGirl.com. Be sure to sign up for the MRG newsletter to hear about upcoming events, including the 2023 winter weekend.) /episode/index/show/michiganrunnergirl/id/22064960

#231: Navigating life transitions 11/29/2021

#230: A Transformative Trip: Paige Lackey shares her Project Rustic experience 11/03/2021

#229: Running + racing Mackinac Island 10/15/2021

LIVE from Mackinac Island: Reimagining a Healthy Michigan 10/05/2021

LIVE from Mackinac Island: Reimagining a Healthy Michigan As 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 from the recent Mackinac Policy Conference. Now in its 41st year, the event brings together business, government, civic leaders, and members of the media from across the state. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spoke several times, including a keynote address on the event’s final full day. Along with plenty of talking and listening and general conference-going (and walking A TON on this beautiful car-free island in Lake Huron, between Mission Pointe Resort where they stayed and the Grand Hotel, where the conference took place), Heather and Jonny of course had to squeeze in a few runs — around the island and on the island’s interior trails, the latter of which was a first for both. In this episode, recorded from the Grand Hotel, you’ll hear from Gov. Whitmer and learn about recently announced plans to electricity more vehicles, provide charging stations along a designated corridor on the west side of the state, and what the future of mobility for Michiganders will look like (if vehicles can get us to our favorite outdoor places more economically and in more environmentally friendly ways, we’re all for it!). Also, you’ll hear: Heather and Jonny’s conference observations and takeaways; a Detroit man’s passion for the Motor City and how running and staying active shapes his life; and lots more. The overarching conference conversations were focused around three pillars that will be vital in accomplishing the goal of reimagining a healthy Michigan, according to the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce Accelerating the state’s COVID-19 economic recovery and sustainability. Advancing racial justice and equity for all. Investing in the health of Michigan’s people and communities. NEXT UP: An episode focused entirely on running and racing on Mackinac Island. Jonny and Heather share tips and ideas during the episode — recorded on the island — that is dropping next week. /episode/index/show/michiganrunnergirl/id/20683385

#227: A deeper, more personal conversation with Heather and Emma 09/21/2021

#227: A deeper, more personal conversation with Heather and Emma Moving 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 over the years that the episodes that explore these kinds of topics and how others lean into movement to help them navigate life are often the most powerful. Like many businesses and organizations in the past year and half of the pandemic, Michigan Runner Girl was forced to switch gears (no in-person events for awhile meant no race expos or women’s retreats) and reimagine what this community could look like. While we’re all tentatively returning to things we took part in pre-COVID, life of course has forever changed in numerous ways for all of us. What does this mean for MRG? Heather is still thinking this through, though she is excited to keep moving forward and see what unfolds — with the podcast and with the community. What won’t ever change: her hope to keep the conversation going around good health and well-being, staying true to ourselves, running (and all other movement that keeps us looking forward and feeling great), and continually striving to be the best versions of ourselves that we can be. We want to hear from YOU! Let us know what you think of this episode and what you’d like to hear more of on the Michigan Runner Girl Show as we move forward. Email Let’s keep the conversation going. Find Heather at michiganrunnergirl.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/michigan-runner-girl, and on Instagram at michiganrunnergirl and michiganrunnergirlshow *********** Mentioned in this episode: - Tiny Beautiful Things, a book by - Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, a memoir by - , a podcast with Laura McKowen - , with Jamey Heath, Justin Baldoni, and Liz Plank - , founder of , a Michigan-based organization focused on defeating the stigma of mental illness /episode/index/show/michiganrunnergirl/id/20540684

#226: Inside IRONMAN 70.3 Michigan in Frankfort 09/01/2021

#225: 'Nature helps us in every way': Janice Davidson on the return of the Betsie Valley Trail Run 08/16/2021

#225: 'Nature helps us in every way': Janice Davidson on the return of the Betsie Valley Trail Run At the start of 2021, when she quit her longtime position as the director of recreation at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, Mich. to start her own business, . 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, runner, and mom of two school-age kids who lives on the Betsie River in Benzie County. Janice returns to the MRG Show to talk about her latest endeavor: bringing back a popular trail run in her beloved area of northern Michigan. — a half marathon, 10K, 5K and 1-mile fun run — takes place on Sunday, Sept. 19 on the Betsie Valley Trail near Thompsonville. As Heather mentions during the show, she ran the half marathon back in 2010, when it was under different race management. It also happened to be Janice’s very first 13.1, in 2011. Along with sharing all of the details of this fall’s event — the race course is flat and incredibly scenic — Janice talks about life as a business owner, how things have changed for her in the past several months, and an exciting new role she is taking on this winter (she breaks the official news during this conversation!). She also talks about her love of nature and how important spending time outdoors is to her and her family. “I think nature helps us in every way. So getting outdoors, absolutely, and remembering that that’s really part of my focus, to help protect our planet and get out there and enjoy it.” there’s so many opportunities in northern Michigan to explore and to just be.” You’ll also get a special podcast-listener discount code for the Betsie Valley Trail Run. If you’re looking for a fall race, you’re definitely going to want to check out this one. Heather is hoping to be there, too! FIND NORTH MITTEN: Check out the . Learn more about Crystal Mountain and register for the race . FIND MRG and HEATHER: /episode/index/show/michiganrunnergirl/id/20142107

#224: Going green with runner and innovator Kristina Smithe 08/06/2021

#223: Michigan West Coast running + racing 07/22/2021

#222: Become a trail runner this summer 07/13/2021

#221: Run for Cherries: Festival of Races in Traverse City returns! 06/29/2021

#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? , Mich. These Saturday, July 10 races are back in person — and also remain a virtual option. Events include the Priority Health 5K, 10K, McKinley Challenge 15K, and half marathon. Kat Paye, executive director of the , and Alex Zelinski, director of corporate partnerships, join Heather on the show to talk about this year’s races, which has some changes, including an all-new finish line at The Open Space in downtown (previously, the races ended on Front Street). Kat and Alex share what runners and spectators can expect on race day and throughout the weeklong festival. They also talk about a newer virtual running event — the Michigan Harvest Challenge that kicks off in July and runs through October — and how it came about as part of the creative and innovative brainstorming the team did throughout the pandemic to stay connected with festival-goers and runners and walkers. And yep, you’ll get cherries once you complete your Festival of Races run. Learn more and . And learn more about the multi-run — happening now through October — . Kat, Alex, and Heather also chat about favorite places to explore in Michigan (the U.P. tops all three of their lists), Alex's plans to conquer another half marathon this fall, and Kat's sprint workouts (chasing after her toddler) at the Civic Center in Traverse City. — If you enjoy what you’re hearing on the show, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a few moments to write a review on iTunes. This will help more runners and Michigan lovers like yourself find the podcasts. Thank you!! Also, the quickest way to get the podcasts is to subscribe to the show via iTunes or via Stitcher or your favorite podcast app. A special thanks to the talented Jonny Tornga for producing the show. FIND MRG and HEATHER: @michiganrunnergirlshow on Instagram @michiganrunnergirl on Instagram @michigan-runner-girl on Facebook Drop Heather a note at [email protected] /episode/index/show/michiganrunnergirl/id/19642811

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