Running
You Can Do It! The Easiest Way to Prepare for a 5K
This 5K training regimen is for beginners, experienced runners and everyone in between. Training starts two months before race day.
What to Taste Before You Train
Scarfing down sugary snacks and greasy fast food before you exercise can lead to a sluggish workout. Give these options a try instead.
How to Transition from the Treadmill to Running Outside
Running outdoors is more physically demanding than running on a treadmill, so don’t jump back into it without taking some key precautions.
Mental Tricks to Make Every Run Feel Easier
A lot of times, the resistance we face while running is all mental. The next time you’re running, remember these four tips.
4 Fitness Myths That Just Won’t Go Away
All workouts are not created equal, but it can be confusing to know which ones give the best results.
Are You Making These Five Post-Run Mistakes?
What you do after a run can be as important for your overall health as the miles you just ran. Here's how to avoid the most common post-workout mistakes.
Don’t Let Blisters Get in the Way of Your Running Plans
Blisters can make running painful. Here's how you can prevent and treat them.
How Cold is Too Cold to Run Outside?
Planning to run through the winter? Read up on how to dress, fuel and stay safe when temperatures drop and snow flies.
Five Steps to Run a 5K
Running a 5K may seem like an unimaginable feat, but every race is completed one step at a time. Here are our five tips to get you to the finish line.
8 Steps to Becoming a Runner
Looking for an exercise that can benefit your mental and physical health? Here are eight steps to kick-start your running journey.
Virtual Races Support Health Goals and Michigan Organizations
Have you been running more lately? Put your training to the test by participating in a virtual race!
See Better Fitness Results with Shorter Workouts
Motivate yourself to take on shorter and more effective workout routines with HIIT—high-intensity interval training.
Should You Work Out When You’re Sick?
As cold and flu season approaches, it’s important to understand when our bodies need to rest and when we can continue with our workout.
Time to Hit the Trails Running
If you want to enjoy the beauty of a Michigan fall while also getting in an enjoyable workout, then read more to learn the basics of trail running.
10 Fall Races and Walks to Sign Up For in Michigan
Enjoy the crisp, cool air with these fall fun runs that will get you in shape and in the harvest spirit.
Do Early Birds Have Healthier Workout Habits?
Most of us don’t enjoy mornings but changing your morning routine to include working out will start your day off right and influence healthier decisions
Taking the First Steps Toward Triathlon Training
Triathlons can be intimidating. Engaging in the three exercises back-to-back-to-back sounds exhausting on its own.
Michigan’s Best Summer Races
Lace up your running shoes and check out some of Michigan’s best summer races throughout the state.
6 Exercises That Burn the Most Calories
Want to know which exercises burn the most calories? Here are six activities with the biggest calorie-burning potential.
No Gym Membership? No Problem! 5 Exercises That Don’t Cost You a Dime
Exercising outdoors is healthier and cheaper than being indoors in a gym.
Why Exercise Headaches Happen and How to Avoid Them
Exercise headaches, similar to everyday migraines, are triggered after strenuous, sustained exercise. Here are the symptoms and how to stop them.
Triathletes: Are You Overlooking Something During Training?
Overlooking this while training for a triathlon can cause damage to your race times, or worse, to your joints.
Training in Michigan Helped Desiree Linden Win Boston
Desiree Linden said training through part of a nasty Michigan winter helped her tackle brutal conditions on race day to win the 2018 Boston Marathon. “This is a great running state. People get running here,” she said.
Plogging: The Scandinavian Workout You Should Try This Earth Day
Want to combine your love for fitness with your love for the planet? Check out plogging, the latest and greatest way to take your next run and simultaneously help the environment.
Prepping for a Race? Why Cross-Training and Form are as Important as Running
If you want to be strong on race day, make sure you’re getting in some cross-training and working on your running form as you log those miles.
Relieve Sore Muscles Through Foam Rolling
Using a foam roller and your body weight, you can find muscle tension relief at home.
Boost Your Exercise Endurance in 6 Simple Steps
Last longer in your next workout by improving your endurance. These six changes will get you there.
5 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Long Runs
Training for a longer-distance race? A veteran coach shares his tips to make your weekly long runs count.
Tips from Playmakers: How to Find the Perfect Workout Shoes
Whether you exercise every day or are getting back on your health journey, this guide will help you choose the best training shoes for your workout needs.
How to Get Excited for Winter Exercise
Exercising in the cold weather has unique benefits – here’s how to fall in love with it
Are You Stretching Enough? Chances Are, You’re Not
How to get the most out of your stretching, no matter if you work out or not
5 Health & Fitness Apps That Could Change Your Life
All the tools and motivation you need to get off the couch and get started.
Tips from an Ironman Racer
Dad, teacher, coach, Ironman racer. Read insights and training details about one of the hardest triathlons out there.
Summer Workouts: Beach Edition
Take advantage of 3,200 miles of Michigan shorelines with a new way to work out.
Register for Free Summer 5K Trail Series
The Summer Trail Series, brought to you by MI Big Green Gym, offers three free 5K run and walks to experience Michigan's state parks.
Detroit RiverFront to Host 7th Annual Give and Get Fit Wellness Event
Looking for a fun way to get active while enjoying the beauty of Detroit? Participate in the 7th annual Give and Get Fit on the Detroit Riverfront July 30.
Don’t Get Sidelined by a Summer Injury
Now is the perfect time to get out and get active in the sun – just take a few precautions along the way.
Not Your Average Boot Camp: Michigan Students Combine Math and Fitness
One Michigan school's Math Boot Camp helped to foster a long-term appreciation for math, running and camaraderie.
The Risks and Rewards of Marathons: Read Before You Start Training
Running a marathon isn’t easy. Here’s how to stay injury-free every time you lace up your tennis shoes.
Spring Training: 5 Races Happening Across Michigan That Will Get You Moving
Spring is here. Get moving with these fun races across Michigan sponsored by Blue Care Network
Still I Run: Fighting Depression and Mental Health Stigma One Step at a Time
Running helped Sasha Wolff deal with her depression. She’s started a community called Still I Run to help others do the same.
Healthy Habits from the Healthier Michigan Crew
There are tons of ways to stay healthy every day—here’s how our team does it.
What’s Your Type? Match Your Personality to the Running Race of Your Dreams
New to running? Instead of picking a race at random, use your personality to find the event you’re most suited for.
10 Weird and Wacky Summer 5Ks Around Michigan
Get your friends together and sign up for one of these fun summer 2016 5Ks throughout Michigan for beginners and seasoned runners alike!
Michigan dad hopes to inspire kids and family to live healthier
One dad’s healthy lifestyle is now a full family affair. They will be at the Riverfront Run, will you? Registration discount code inside.
6 Running Myths Getting in Between You and Your First Race
Races are fun ways to meet other runners and stay active. Check out 6 reasons you may think you can’t run a race, but you actually can.
Run 100 Miles? How One West Michigan Woman Goes the “Ultra” Distance
This 34-year-old preschool teacher hasn’t slowed down since during her seven years of running. Her newest obsession? 100-mile races.
Take Advantage of the Extra Daylight – Become an Evening Exerciser
An evening trip to the gym can be the perfect way to end your day—and here are just a few reasons why (and how to get into the habit!)
Doing the Same Workout All the Time? Why You Should Shake Things Up
Ready to break out of your rut? Here’s how to mix new workouts into your stale regimen and shake up the activities you already do.
Support Michigan Parks by Completing a Virtual 5K
What’s a virtual 5K? All you have to do is register by Jan. 31 and then head to your favorite park or trail to run your own 3.1 miles!
Your All-In-One Healthy Holiday Survival Guide
You can totally spend the holidays working out, eating well, stressing less and having fun with your family–just follow this guide!
The Secrets to Exercising Safely While Pregnant
You don’t have to cancel your gym membership when you get pregnant, you just have to know what is and isn’t safe.
Make Time for Your Health All Winter Long
You might have a jam-packed schedule, but you can still fit in exercise. Here’s how to work out when you have no time.
Ten Songs to Pump Up Your Workout Playlist
Whether you’re lifting at the gym or hitting the trail for a run, music can be an essential part of any workout. Here are 10 songs to get you going.
First Iceman Race? Do’s and Don’ts for a Great Experience
If this is your first time competing in the popular bike race, Event Director Steve Brown gave us his top tips for having the race – and time – of your life.
Fall Couch Potato Health Hacks
Don’t let the cooler weather stop your healthy habits in their tracks. These tips will keep you fit through the end of the year.
Michigan Races Honor Mexican Culture and Lost Loved Ones
Upcoming races in Muskegon, Saginaw, and Detroit pay tribute to the Mexican tradition of el Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead.
Fun Run Supports School Nurses in Holland
The School Nurse 5K Run/Walk will raise money for Holland Hospital’s school nursing program, which serves over 11,000 students in the greater Holland area.
7 Simple Ways to Make Your Next Run More Fun
Heading out for a run might be exercise, but it can also be a lot of fun. Here are seven ways to enjoy jogging even more.
Friendship at the Heart of Lansing Woman’s 5K Journey
Sally Purdy has a new lease on life thanks to a couch-to-5K training program put on by Lansing’s Playmakers. Read her inspiring story.
Rhythm Run Finisher Inspired to Go After Next Race
The Rhythm Run celebrates health and fitness in the Grand Rapids African American community. Find out how one finisher ran the 5K distance this year.
Saginaw YMCA Member Runs for His Community
The benefits of running are clearly reflected in David Hall: he’s more confident, has more energy and feels stronger.
#MIKidsCan Play like a Lion Challenge Week 2!
Make the #MIKidsCan Play like a Lion pledge for a chance to join Detroit Lions for an exclusive pre-game workout and VIP autograph session at Ford Field.
Traverse City Kids’ Run to Benefit Carter Oosterhouse’s Playground-Building Organization
The fourth annual Carter’s Kids Fun Run takes place tomorrow. Find out why race namesake Carter Oosterhouse wants more kids to have safe places to play.
Free Detroit Riverfront Summer Events Roundup
This post describes several free summer events happening on the Detroit riverfront.
Meijer State Games of Michigan Celebrate Opening Ceremonies Tonight
The main weekend for the Meijer State Games of Michigan kicks off tonight at Fifth Third Ballpark.
Inspiring Captain and His “Angels” to Complete Midwest 5 Marathon Challenge
Running partners and friends Terence Reuben and Matt Smith, both from the Grand Rapids area, are taking on five marathons this year. Read their inspiring story.
Detroit Teacher, Elementary Students Ready For Race Day
A smile crept across 10-year-old Emanuel’s face Monday afternoon as he sprinted past the oak tree and finished his longest run to date— 2.5 miles. This
After Weight Loss, Riverbank Run is Next Challenge to Conquer
After losing almost 150 pounds, Grand Rapids resident Ashley Fredricks is ready to take on the Fifth Third Riverbank Run 25K this Saturday.
Kick Off Race Season With These Fun Events Around Michigan
Warm up those muscles! Race season is right around the corner. Check out these can’t-miss events around Michigan.
Dog Sled Racing: The Thrilling Event Taking Over the U.P. This Weekend
A trio of dog sled races are set to take place this weekend in the Upper Peninsula. We talk to a musher about what it’s like to lead a team of dogs.
How This Mom Turned Running Into More Than Just Exercise
This mom took the opportunity to turn running into a bonding experience with her son.
Tips and Motivation to Help You Rock a 5K in 2015
Worried about tackling your first race? Here’s what you need to know to cross the finish line with a smile on your face and a pep in your step.
Calling All Michigan Ultra Runners for the Rail Run 100 (Formerly Top of Michigan 100k)
Many people consider a marathon to be the pinnacle of distance running events. While finishing 26.2 miles is certainly a feat of endurance…
#HealthyMe: Running a Tough Mudder (With Video)
My friend and colleague Kyle Hall and I tackled one of the trendiest fitness challenges this past weekend – the obstacle-filled dirt run! We ran the Tough…
Smart (and Tasty!) Snacks for Distance Runners
Most athletes know how tough it can be to find the perfect pre- or mid-run snack. Your body requires enough fuel to stay strong mile after mile, but not so much…
Ready to Be a Runner? Here’s How to Get There!
Walking is a great form of exercise with loads of health benefits like weight loss, less stress and a reduced risk of heart disease, breast cancer…
Running tattoo is permanent reminder to pursue health for one Michigan man
The tattoo on Wyoming resident Tom Popma’s left calf is officially the Fifth Third Riverbank Run logo. For Popma, it’s much more than that. It’s become an…
Five yoga poses perfect for cooling down after a run
Yoga is an excellent tool to utilize in cooling down after a long run.
Are you a runner? Watch out for this injury!
While the most well-known running injuries are shin splints and pulled hamstrings, there’s another one that anyone who likes to run needs to know about. Runner’…
Find out why Michigan was made for trail running
Sick of pounding the pavement? Take your next run to a nearby trail instead! Hoofing it over hills and through trees is a great way to perk up a boring routine…
Going from the couch, to completing my first 5k
Sitting. That would accurately describe the extent of my physical activity prior to a few years ago. As many of you know, last year I began my own “Pursuit of…
Benefits of a foam roller: Why runners should use it
If you haven’t tried foam rolling yet, what are you waiting for? Just like ironing wrinkles out of your rumpled shirt, the cylinder-shaped exercise equipment…
#HealthyMe: My first 5K
I ran my first 5K last weekend: the BCBSM RifverFront Run/Walk. All in all, I think it was a success. When the prospect of the 5K came up, I jumped at the…
Missed the #HealthyMe Twitter chat on running a 5k? Read the Storify here!
HealthyMe helps you take the first step to being a healthier you and reaching your health goals. And since launching in April, we've seen many members aspiring…
Anyone can run a 5k, even you!
Do you ever think that you don't have what it takes to participate in a 5k? Think again. You don’t have to be an Olympic runner, someone who runs in marathons…
Your ultimate running buddy
Chances are, your dog already plays so many roles in your life: best friend, protector, therapist. Well here’s one more to add: running partner!
The best way to recover after running a half marathon
You just ran 13.1 miles – Congratulations! So, what do you do next? While you've probably been super focused on the weeks leading up to the event…
Support a good cause and get fit in the process
With up to 60,000 new cases of Parkinson’s disease diagnosed every year, The Michigan Parkinson Foundation, or MPF as it is sometimes known, is as valuable a…
How to stay safe when running in the dark
The days are getting longer (finally!), but that doesn’t mean your schedule is getting any less hectic. Often work and family obligations monopolize the…
Training for a race? You still need to watch what you eat
It's easy to convince yourself that eating a lot of junk food is okay because you workout, but that's not always the case.
Three races across Michigan you won’t want to miss
Warm weather is finally here, which means the start of race season is upon us! While there are many races across the state worth participating in…
A tried-and-true workout plan to help you run faster
Running season is among us, which means many people are thinking about setting new goals for themselves. One fun goal is to try to beat your PR (personal…
Have an exercise injury? Here’s how to get healthy faster
It’s never fun to sit on the sidelines, but almost everyone who exercises or plays sports will have to deal with an injury at some point. And when that happens…
Don’t be guilty of these rookie running mistakes
Whether you have your very first 5k in your sights or just want to give jogging a shot, there is a lot to consider when starting out with running (and it’s not…
Running shoes guide: Spring 2014
Every year, there seems to be an overarching theme in the sneaker market. And if 2013 was all about cushioning, 2014 will be dubbed the year of versatility…
Fallen off the fitness wagon? Four tips to get back on track
Even the most devout exercise enthusiast can slip into an inactive rut where working out falls by the wayside. Between demanding jobs…
Local Grand Rapids photographer catches running bug and becomes a Warrior
The Fifth Third River Bank Run, America’s largest 25K road race, takes place in downtown Grand Rapids this May 10, 2014. The race incorporates the West Michigan…