New Years Eve Family Fun Run 2019 Photos 30 Mile Drive For the past three years running at the Belle Isle New Year’s Family Fun Run has always been really cold and icy no matter what the days leading up to it are like. The 2019 event was no different. Even though winter has been mild in Southeastern Michigan so far, New Year’s Eve on the island surrounded by two countries was freezing.  The start and finish areas were extremely icy for about 500 feet.  I saw runners lose their footing and thought it was amazing that so many were able to run at full speed.  I had to hop-run around black ice patches.  I love winter running, but I still play it safe every time even if it means running slower.   I love the Belle Isle New Year’s Family Fun Run for so many reasons.  It goes unmatched being the longest race in the state of Michigan.  A few other runs come close, but it holds the title. I was sad when the race director announced her departure as race director.  She is handing over her race

   Pinch the Grinch 2019 Photo 24 Mile Drive The 2019 Pinch the Grinch in White Lake was short and sweet with a very scenic drive. The drive had a lot of round-abouts in the Commerce Township area.  My Waze GPS Cookie Monster was nonstop with his round-about spiel.  It was hilarious and annoying..."Round about in 1...2...3....me like cookie!"  I met the pinching Grinch during and after the race.  I only got one shot at pinching him. He was in the first half mile of the race.  When I turned a corner I saw him surrounded but it didn’t look like he was being chased.  It looked like he was passing out tickets to five runners.  When I got up to him he ran down a hill, did a spread eagle slide, but recovered.  I could not run on the slope and had to give up.  It was a hilarious scene I wish I could have gotten on tape.  When I saw him again he was in that same spot sitting in the grass pointing to the finish.  I yelled out, “Are you still pinchable?” and he replied that he was out

   Ugly Sweater Run 2019 Photos 144 Mile Drive The 2019 Allegan Ugly Sweater Run was super ugly!  The ugly sweater turnout was incredible.  About 75% of participants wore an ugly sweater.  I made my ugly sweater from scratch using my go-to medium….hot glue!  I used one of Jason’s sweaters that had a mis-manufacturing in the armpits that he disliked.  I had a little bit of Winterfest inspiration left in me which I added to the back of the sweater.  I made the front of the sweater a tribute to Buddy the Elf.  The Ugly Sweater 5K had one of the best starting areas and race shirts of all time.  The shirt color was amazing, a beautiful dark maroon with their gorgeous race logo. The starting area was downtown Allegan near the Kalamazoo River zip line and shops.  We were surrounded by water and festive holiday décor.  They had a huge rock gas fire pit!!  I stood by it a lot after arriving very early.  I got looks from a lot of people as I took tons of pictures.  At times I accidentally found

   Jingle Bell Run 2019 Photos 115 Mile Drive The 2019 Ionia Jingle Bell Run was very well organized and so much fun!  I love costume runs.  I will be honest, since I have always said I don’t use my costumes twice.  I used the Bee Thankful Bee again, however, I made changes to it. I made a new sign that said, “Bee Merry.” I added twinkling Christmas lights on top the leaf base with a 12 inch tall snowman that I decorated.  I put garland around the neck of the bee and a puffy Santa hat with the antennae poking through. It looked very festive when it was done.  I spent a little bit more at Hobby Lobby to accomplish the look.  I also put in another two hours of costume production time.  The change made me less upset about using it again.  The truth is, I put so much time into the bee that I probably shouldn’t feel as though I have to keep it to one run.  That’s just a personal thing of mine when it comes to The Detroit Turkey Trot. When the race director sent out his pre-run information e