Happy Summer!

Photo credit: Brian Wolski

Today is the Summer Solstice - the first day of Summer.  The weather has been all over the place here in Michigan the past couple of weeks.  We've had mild days, 90 degree days, stormy days, and downright chilly days.  On average, however, it was a pretty nice spring and after the frigid winter we had, you won't hear me complaining! Whatever summer might bring, I'll take it!

I'm looking forward to more hours of daylight for running and more time to rest and recover from running.  This school year was the worst I've had yet so it will be a well-deserved break for me.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

Friday the 13th AWESOMe Feet Project

Happy Friday the 13th!  Last week after the regular group run at RUNdetroit, I had the unique opportunity to participate in the latest project from AWESOMe Feet.  This was the first group movement project - the others have been solo projects.  (If you haven't seen Flippers or Happy Holidays, be sure to check them out!)

We met with Marty (aka AWESOMe FEET) before the shoot to discuss his vision for the video.  In a nutshell, he wanted one runner to wear a flannel shirt and Jason mask and wield a chainsaw.  The rest of the group needed to run screaming from Jason.  The role of Jason would be the most challenging because of the heavy chainsaw and flannel shirt (it was a hot morning).  We were all grateful when Justin, store owner of RUNdetroit, agreed to play the part.  Unlike his previous projects, Marty wouldn't be in this video. Instead he would be running back and forth between us, filming and cueing as we ran.  It was a single-take with a GoPro (handheld) that he later edited.  We ran about 1.5 miles.

The run started near the corner of Cass and Canfield.  We ran about 2 blocks before hanging a left and running past Great Lakes Coffee.  I can only imagine what people were thinking as they sat on the patio enjoying their coffee and saw our group ran past!   Then we ran down Woodward.  Yes, down Woodward on a sunny Saturday morning.  Past lots of people and traffic.  At one point we were stopped for a light and Justin/Jason was chasing us around in circles while we waited.  Oh I wish I could have seen the looks on people's faces!

Then we ran on toward Comerica Park.  We passed over I-75 where Marty asked us each to give him one final "terror face".  The video ends in front of the Fox Theater.  There was an employee outside and he didn't even comment.  Maybe he this wasn't the weirdest thing he's seen in front of his work?  Anyway, I had so much fun being a part of this video and I hope you enjoy it!  Please watch it, "like" it, and share it with your friends!  And let me know what you think!





Check out the AWESOMe FEET website or on Facebook to learn more.