Running

Scarfing down sugary snacks and greasy fast food before you exercise can lead to a sluggish workout. Give these options a try instead.

Running outdoors is more physically demanding than running on a treadmill, so don’t jump back into it without taking some key precautions.

A lot of times, the resistance we face while running is all mental. The next time you’re running, remember these four tips.

All workouts are not created equal, but it can be confusing to know which ones give the best results.

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.

Blisters can make running painful. Here's how you can prevent and treat them.

Planning to run through the winter? Read up on how to dress, fuel and stay safe when temperatures drop and snow flies.

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.

Looking for an exercise that can benefit your mental and physical health? Here are eight steps to kick-start your running journey.

Have you been running more lately? Put your training to the test by participating in a virtual race!

Motivate yourself to take on shorter and more effective workout routines with HIIT—high-intensity interval training.

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.

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.

Enjoy the crisp, cool air with these fall fun runs that will get you in shape and in the harvest spirit.

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

Triathlons can be intimidating. Engaging in the three exercises back-to-back-to-back sounds exhausting on its own.

Lace up your running shoes and check out some of Michigan’s best summer races throughout the state.

Want to know which exercises burn the most calories? Here are six activities with the biggest calorie-burning potential.

Exercising outdoors is healthier and cheaper than being indoors in a gym.

Exercise headaches, similar to everyday migraines, are triggered after strenuous, sustained exercise. Here are the symptoms and how to stop them.

Overlooking this while training for a triathlon can cause damage to your race times, or worse, to your joints.

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.

Train your brain for better race performance.

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.

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.

Using a foam roller and your body weight, you can find muscle tension relief at home.

Last longer in your next workout by improving your endurance. These six changes will get you there.

Training for a longer-distance race? A veteran coach shares his tips to make your weekly long runs count.

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.

Exercising in the cold weather has unique benefits – here’s how to fall in love with it

How to get the most out of your stretching, no matter if you work out or not

All the tools and motivation you need to get off the couch and get started.

Dad, teacher, coach, Ironman racer. Read insights and training details about one of the hardest triathlons out there.

Take advantage of 3,200 miles of Michigan shorelines with a new way to work out.

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.

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.

Now is the perfect time to get out and get active in the sun – just take a few precautions along the way.

One Michigan school's Math Boot Camp helped to foster a long-term appreciation for math, running and camaraderie.

Running a marathon isn’t easy. Here’s how to stay injury-free every time you lace up your tennis shoes.

Spring is here. Get moving with these fun races across Michigan sponsored by Blue Care Network

Running helped Sasha Wolff deal with her depression. She’s started a community called Still I Run to help others do the same.

There are tons of ways to stay healthy every day—here’s how our team does it.

New to running? Instead of picking a race at random, use your personality to find the event you’re most suited for.

Get your friends together and sign up for one of these fun summer 2016 5Ks throughout Michigan for beginners and seasoned runners alike!

One dad’s healthy lifestyle is now a full family affair. They will be at the Riverfront Run, will you? Registration discount code inside.

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.

This 34-year-old preschool teacher hasn’t slowed down since during her seven years of running. Her newest obsession? 100-mile races.

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!)

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.

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!

You can totally spend the holidays working out, eating well, stressing less and having fun with your family–just follow this guide!

You don’t have to cancel your gym membership when you get pregnant, you just have to know what is and isn’t safe.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The benefits of running are clearly reflected in David Hall: he’s more confident, has more energy and feels stronger.

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.

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.

This post describes several free summer events happening on the Detroit riverfront.

The main weekend for the Meijer State Games of Michigan kicks off tonight at Fifth Third Ballpark.

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.

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 losing almost 150 pounds, Grand Rapids resident Ashley Fredricks is ready to take on the Fifth Third Riverbank Run 25K this Saturday.

Warm up those muscles! Race season is right around the corner. Check out these can’t-miss events around Michigan.

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.

This mom took the opportunity to turn running into a bonding experience with her son.

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.

Many people consider a marathon to be the pinnacle of distance running events. While finishing 26.2 miles is certainly a feat of endurance…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Yoga is an excellent tool to utilize in cooling down after a long run.

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’…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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!

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…

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…

Discover why triathlons are a great exercise.

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…

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.

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Even the most devout exercise enthusiast can slip into an inactive rut where working out falls by the wayside. Between demanding jobs…

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…

There’s nothing like lacing up your sneakers, hitting a good stride and then rounding a corner and discovering a hill. It’s enough to make you want to turn…

Does this bitter Michigan cold have you down? The winter months commonly put a wrench in a fitness routine, as well as stifling motivation. This weekend…

The idea behind a ‘runner’s high’ never made much sense to me. Personally, I’m not a runner, and I hate that form of exercise. What I have come to appreciate…

We all aren’t record setting marathoners, who can finish 26.2 at a five-minute-mile pace, but we can still work towards completing a race this year. Whether you’…

As the entire state of Michigan is under a snow pile at the moment, some Michiganders are taking the opportunity to celebrate the snow and embrace winter…

Hard to believe how fast the Fifth Third River Bank Run is approaching us, but the kick off is merely days away. Though the race itself takes place in May…

Instead of welcoming the new year with booze and excess, why not wrap up 2013 on a healthier foot? Join the many Michiganders who are lacing up their sneakers…

“It’s cold,” and “it gets dark so early” are two of the biggest reasons people share for decreasing their exercise this time of year. Although frigid temps and…

Update: 8 things I learned from my holiday run streak If my math is correct, this year there are 35 days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day — a period…

Are you wearing the right shoes while exercising? If you answer honestly, it’s probably no. With major companies investing in the development of innovative…

Injury is a difficult thing to deal with for anyone, especially athletes.

When it’s cold outside, runners will be glad to have winter running gear. Choose effective cold weather running gear with help from Blue Cross Blue Shield.

I’m not the most avid runner, but when I do run I prefer to have music. There’s nothing like hitting stride with one of your favorite songs; it helps keep your…

Yoga isn't just for yogis – try incorporating some of these poses into your training!

Drinking enough water is crucial to your body's overall health. Here are some tips to make sure you're properly hydrated before your next race.

Running is often considered a solo sport but that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Like any workout, having a buddy often leads to better results.

It’s race day. Your body’s ready. Your mind’s ready. Are your ears ready? Here’s a playlist inspired by musicians from Michigan. Who doesn’t love a good themed…

Anytime we even think of starting something new, it can be overwhelming. Whether it’s heading back to school, tasting a new vegetable or trying a new activity…

Cross training is crucial to a successful race. Read on to find the best additional workouts for runners.

I don’t remember the last time I visited Mackinac Island. Images of biking around the Island and watching the fudge shop workers create their sugary sweets for…

By definition a stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone. They’re caused by repetitive force to the bone –so basically, overuse.

It's that time of year again: The summer is slowly winding down and the fall semester of college is beginning to inch closer and closer. Whether this fall will…

Every year, temperatures rise and streets fill up as people venture outside for their workout. I’ve always been jealous of the fit runners effortlessly passing…

Tell me how you move! Yes, I’m always interested in knowing which activities you enjoy in order to stay physically active. I'm not the only one who is…

Whether you are an avid runner, dedicated walker or find yourself standing for consecutive hours, you need the right shoes. Feet that are happy and comfortable…

Evaluating your present health status is key to making healthy goals for yourself.

“Speed kills.” — 1960s slogan Want to shed pounds? Run. Want to run fast and shrink the waistline faster? Run intervals. Any runner who goes for long enough…

As Michiganders, we know that the winter months can bring unpredictable weather. Lately Mother Nature has been gracing us with frigid temperatures, ice and snow.

Most runners I know all say the same thing about fall: This is the best time of year to run. The oppressive summer heat and humidity has given way to crisp air…

The weather is getting colder, but there is still time to enjoy the outdoors with exercise.

With the recent emergence of minimalist running shoes like Vibram Five Fingers and Nike Free, barefoot running has become the source of popularity, fad, debate…

Walking is human nature; we are born with the desire to do it and it takes only a few short months to master. For the majority of the “toddler population…

Five great outdoor workouts that can burn fat and sculpt your body.

Training for a 5k can make or break your race. Use these tips to prepare.

Running is a great aerobic exercise that can help you shed extra weight in no time, no matter what format of run you choose. And the age-old saying, “no pain…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends we get 150 minutes of exercise per week to improve your health both aerobically and anaerobically.

The Warrior Dash, the world’s largest running series, is returning to Michigan for two races this summer. The first is July 28 and July 29 in Mount Morris.

I recently interviewed Staples about myTEAM TRIUMPH to learn more about what they do, why they got started and how you can get involved.

Ultimate Frisbee has gained popularity in recent years and offers a fun way to get outside.

It must be a new craze for 2012 because it seems there are more people than ever who are participating in a half-marathon this year! My son, Devin…

This guest post is from Kevin Sule, a pricing actuary at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Last May, when I and other Blues employees moved to downtown…

I love hearing about new workouts and exercises that people are doing. Variety is the spice of life and your workout routine is no exception.

For most Michiganders, summer is the prime time to get back in shape and be active outdoors in weather that is destined to be cut short by the chill of winter.

Have you ever thought about competing in a triathlon? Triathlons are multi-sport events that include three sequential endurance events: There are many…

Race season is upon us. Whether you prefer running or walking, there are many races throughout Michigan to keep you going. Having finished a half marathon and a…