Hive & Seek

Not me, but I watched people run a 5k, so I’m practically a runner myself

Ten years ago, on Memorial Day, my family started a tradition of running in the Rotary Stride for S.T.R.I.V.E. (Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education) 5K.

The proceeds from this 5K race are used to support a high school student mentorship program as well as a scholarship program. My kids’ love for this race began when they were in elementary school. During the long winter months here in Northern Michigan, it gave them something to prepare/train for while spending time with friends after school.

My kids run this race with my mom and stepdad every year. Well, maybe not WITH them; my family is pretty competitive, so it’s every runner for themselves. It’s always fun to see who will meet, or exceed, their time goal, win medals, and who will earn bragging rights for the year.

My parents have become 5K aficionados, running in several a year, and even earning medals in their age categories. If asked, my mom would say that her favorite 5K to run is in Shepard, MI. All runners receive a pancake breakfast at the end of the race, and all medalists receive a bottle of maple syrup. Apparently, maple syrup is her love language.

Runners in the Cadillac Rotary’s Stride for S.T.R.I.V.E. are given a T-shirt, a banana, a bottle of water, and a medal if they come in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place. While they are not treated to a pancake breakfast, runners are treated to an outstanding view of Lake Cadillac while they run.

Our family celebrates the race not with a pancake breakfast, but with a Bob Evans breakfast. The breakfast has become Reagan’s race highlight.

Over the years, our family’s runner numbers have shifted with aunts, uncles, and friends joining in the fun. This year, we were blessed to meet Devin and Molly’s friends, Kate and Riley, who drove from the U.P. to join us. Kate saved Molly by taking on the responsibility of coaxing Birkenstock through the race.

Are you a runner? What are your favorite 5K races? What gear do you feel is essential to have? And….finally, will we see you at next year’s Cadillac Rotary Stride for S.T.R.I.V.E. 5K Memorial Day race?

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What you need for a 5K run/walk:

A good pair of shoes – My family is split on this one. Chuck, Reagan & I prefer Brooks while Molly and Macey prefer Hokas:

• Brooks Ghost 18 – https://amzn.to/4dIgOaV

• Hoka Clifton 10 – https://amzn.to/3PPldzO

Earbuds – Listening to music is essential during a 5K:

• Airpods – https://amzn.to/43IffUs

• Beats – https://amzn.to/4o0RyQJ

• Powerbeats – https://amzn.to/434aN2e

Running Belt – https://amzn.to/4egqrh9

Running Shorts:

• Women – https://amzn.to/4e052HW

• Men – https://amzn.to/4nZcJTn

Flashy Shirt – So that your fans can see you coming down the home stretch

• Women – https://amzn.to/4fk96oC

• Men – https://amzn.to/4o0dPhF

Running Socks – https://amzn.to/4dEbhCg

Electrolyte drink mix – https://amzn.to/4dJldul

Leg Compression Sleeve (footless) – https://amzn.to/3PXOx73

Running Armband – https://amzn.to/4nWAgUI

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