Running Dialogue

In this episode, we take a closer look at Crim's Neighborhood Impact Team and their work with Better Block to create healthier, more connected communities. From policy change and environmental design to fostering social health, this conversation dives into the ways these initiatives are reshaping Flint and Genesee County. Whether you attended the Better Block demonstration downtown or are hearing about it for the first time, this episode will leave you thinking about how community design influences behavior and well-being and how you might make a difference where you live and work.

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of the Crim Para-Athlete group, a unique training program for athletes who use prosthetics. Joined by an expert panel of seven guests, including members from the training group, as well as partners from Primary Prevention Physiotherapy and Bremer Prosthetics, this conversation explores the challenges, triumphs, and innovations in adaptive athletic training. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on resilience, teamwork, and the power of movement!

After a long hiatus, the Running Dialogue Podcast is back! Join Brandon Morgan and Crim CEO Lauren Holaly-Zembo as they discuss the exciting relaunch of the podcast, with a fresh focus on community well-being and health initiatives in Flint and Genesee County. Get a sneak peek at the episodes to come and the Crim Fitness Foundation's journey toward its 50th anniversary in 2027.

Welcome back to Running Dialogue! Our first guest this season is Dr. Eoin Everard, PhD in Biomechanics and international runner whose accomplishments include a sub-4-minute mile, 5 National Championships, and is currently the 3k European Indoor Masters Champion. Eoin shares a number of tips & exercises to help you improve your training, lower your race times and prevent the cycle of injury.Check out Eoin on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for more tips. Additional ResourcesKey Preventative ExercisesGet to the Line in the Best Shape Possible BookTo submit a question or suggestion for the show, email jdimambro@crim.org or visit crim.org/running-dialogue.

In this episode, we are joined by brothers and U of M Flint students Landon & Trenton Jackman. They discuss getting into the sport of running for its mental and physical health benefits. This eventually led them to complete "The Bobby" challenge, in person, at last year's HAP Crim Festival of Races. This consists of running all of the Crim races (10 Mile, 5 Mile, 5K, and Michigan Mile)!We also talk about their future running plans including establishing the Holly Run Club (@hollyrunclub on Instagram) for local runners of all skill levels to meet and run together.

In this episode of Running Dialogue, we are joined by engineer and health and fitness fanatic, Chris Natterer. Chris Natterer has taken his engineering degree and put a practical engineering approach on his health and fitness passion. We discuss Chris's work as a product leader for Clockwork Nutrition and what the service is all about. We also talk about how to plan, and prepare for your work. We discuss the processes and consistencies that must go into producing quality work in all aspects of life. Chris's talks about how to be the best version of yourselves no matter what role of life you are in, and how to live your days with purpose and planning, whether you are working towards a health and fitness goal or a project at work. 

On this episode of Running Dialogue, we are joined by Gretchen Sells. Gretchen is a mother of 2 who joined the CrimFit Training Program in 2019 to focus on herself and her fitness goals. She connected with her training group right away and was soon inspired to begin walking marathons. That walking soon turned into running and Gretchen has since completed a number of marathons and is planning on running her first Ultra-Marathon in 2022.To submit a question or suggestion for the show, email jdimambro@crim.org or visit crim.org/running-dialogue.

On this episode, we are joined by Dr. Amber Schlemmer from Primary Prevention Physiotherapy and Dr. Kristi Chipman, a registered dietician. We discuss using food as fuel and finding a healthy balance between eating & exercise. Dr. Schlemmer & Dr. Chipman also answer questions from the listeners!To submit a question or suggestion for the show, email jdimambro@crim.org or visit crim.org/running-dialogue.

In this episode of Running Dialogue, we are joined by Coach Desmond Dunham. Coach Dez is a youth sports expert with over two decades of coaching and teaching experience. We discuss his book Running Against The Odds which details his turbulent upbringing and how those traumas and emotional blockades stand no chance against motivation & willpower. We also talk about the similarities between Dez's hometown of Gary, Indiana and Flint; including the challenges that both communities face. To submit a question or suggestion for the show, email jdimambro@crim.org or visit crim.org/running-dialogue.

As the warm weather comes to a close, we check in to give everyone a quick rundown and update on what to expect from Running Dialogue in the coming months. Stay tuned as we're joined by new and returning guests to discuss the latest topics in running, walking and events in the community.To submit a question or suggestion for the show, email jdimambro@crim.org or visit crim.org/running-dialogue.

We are joined, on this episode, by Bill Thena, Learning & Development Manager at Financial Plus Credit Union. Bill tells us about a unique new program that was started at FPCU called A Race Around Michigan. He shares how this program challenged employees to walk or run the entire distance of the 1100 mile perimeter of the state in teams of 2 or 4. We discuss how virtual races & programs like these help keep people active remotely throughout the year while pushing towards a distant goal.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Amber Schlemmer from Primary Prevention Physical Therapy. We discuss how proper training and exercise can help prevent injury, not only when being active, but also while completing everyday tasks. Dr. Schlemmer also gives tips on how to improve your fitness by making small changes in your daily habits.

In this episode, Crim CEO Lauren Holay-Zembo sits down for a conversation with Trudy Tabor, CrimFit Training Program Group Leader.  Trudy shares her journey to living a healthy and active lifestyle.  After being a smoker for many years, she decided she wanted to run a marathon on her 50th birthday.  Now, after being in the CrimFit Training Program for 10 years and leading a group, she couldn't see herself not running. We're grateful Trudy was able to join us and know you'll enjoy the conversation.

On this episode of Running Dialogue, we are joined by the Mayor of Flint, Sheldon Neeley! Theresa Roach, Program Director for the Crim Fitness Foundation's Active Communities department also joins the show. We discuss the ongoing effort, by the Crim and City of Flint, to improve infrastructure and planning to help facilitate a safer and more active city. 

In this episode of our series with Michigan Race Directors, we are joined by Barbra Bennage, Executive Race Director of the Detroit Free Press Marathon. We discuss the long histories and evolutions of both the Detroit Free Press Marathon and the Crim Festival of Races. Barbra shares her insights on the complexities of planning an international marathon that crosses between the United States & Canada as well as some interesting race day stories.

In this episode, we discuss the exciting partnership between the Crim Fitness Foundation & The Laundry! Located in historic Downtown Fenton, The Laundry offers delicious lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch menus with a casual bistro atmosphere. For the entire month of August, The Laundry will be donating a percentage of food sales to help support Crim Programming in Flint and the surrounding communities.

We are joined by Sandy Sellers, Youth Wellness Manager at the United Dairy Industry of Michigan. We discuss chocolate milk and why it is one of the best recovery drinks for runners and walkers during their training. Sandy also gives some tips on how to eat healthy as a family including helping kids, who can be picky, try more nutritious meals.

In this fourth installment of our Michigan Race Director series, we are joined by Marcy Kinzer who is the Race Director for the Izzo Legacy 5k and Executive Director of the Playmakers Fitness Foundation. Playmakers is a run specialty store operating in the Greater Lansing community since 1981. We discuss how the Playmakers Fitness Foundation gives back to the runners and walkers in the Lansing area by supporting training programs and races in the community.

In this episode, we are joined by Megan Jankowski, Race Director for the Detroit Turkey Trot. Megan shares her unique career path, starting as an auditor for an accounting firm and eventually transitioning to the Race Director for The Parade Company. She explains some of the challenges that go along with planning a large event in Detroit on Thanksgiving Day.

In this episode, we're joined by longtime CrimFit Training Program Group Leader Hattie Christian. Hattie shares her story of how she got into running and walking, and her journey from first time Crim racer to Group Leader, helping people cross the finish line every year.

In the second episode of our series with Michigan Race Directors, we are joined by Lauralee Mathieu. Lauralee is the Race Director of the Amway River Bank Run in Grand Rapids. We discuss the work that goes on behind-the-scenes before the race and how the responsibilities of a Race Director have changed over the past year. We also discuss the unique challenges of putting on a successful USATF sanctioned event.

This episode we are joined by Lisette Oropesa, a world renowned opera singer and avid runner/marathoner. We discuss how Lisette got started in the sport of running as part of her weight loss journey and how she's since completed several marathons. Lisette also talks about how practicing yoga regularly and eating a vegan diet contribute to her healthy lifestyle.Lisette shares her story of getting started in music and singing before eventually making her way to starring roles in operas all over the world. We discuss "Opera 101" and learn how the opera performance industry has been uniquely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and how Lisette has coped with these difficult times.

In this first episode of our series with Michigan Race Directors, we are joined by Michelle O'Kelly. Michelle is the Race Director of the Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City, Capital City River Run in Lansing & A Run for the Trees Virtual 5k. We discuss what goes into putting on a successful race, including the many challenges that the running & walking events industry has faced over the last year.

We are joined by recurring guest Brad Brown from Complete Runner to discuss the latest trends in shoes, socks and other equipment for runners and walkers. We also talk about the changes that both competitive and casual running/walking have seen over the past year including the introduction of more unique virtual events.

On this episode of Running Dialogue, we are joined by Noah Droddy who is a professional runner from Indiana. We discuss Noah's latest marathon time of 2:09 which ranks 9th all time for U.S. born runners. Noah talks about growing up in the midwest and moving to Colorado in order to take the next steps as a runner. We also discuss Noah's experience running in the Crim 10 Mile Race at the 2017 HAP Crim Festival of Races.

Our guest on this episode of Running Dialogue is Greg Meyer, Michigan native, and accomplished distance runner. Greg was a 4 time All-American at the University of Michigan, having set 10 American and 2 World Records. He has won the Crim 10 Mile, Detroit Marathon, Chicago Marathon, and Boston Marathon, among other race victories.We discuss how Greg took to the sport of running and grew to become one of the most decorated American runners of all time. We also discuss the development of running in the early '80s as it grew to become more of a mainstream sport. Hope you enjoy the conversation!

We are joined by Lauren Holaly-Zembo, CEO of the Crim Fitness Foundation, to announce an exciting new program called Crim365! This program is designed for the individual who is looking to expand or continue their path to a healthy lifestyle, all year long. You will receive year round training calendars, access to additional member only events, educational webinars on topics ranging from athletic gear to mindfulness, nutrition and more, exclusive swag, and so much more. To learn more and register, visit www.crim.org/365.

This episode we are joined by Mark Bauman, owner of Bauman's Running & Walking shop. We discuss the running scene in Flint and how the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in more people taking an interest in running and walking.

Renaissance man Riley McLincha Joins us on this episode, and shares just a small sample of his incredible stories and talents that span from mathematics to inventing his own hobbies.

This week we are joined by Tom Hauer, Program Manager for the Crim Mindfulness Department. Tom shares his background with running and how his relationship with the sport has evolved. We also discuss how Tom and the Mindfulness team are bringing mindful practices and habits to the Flint & Genesee County community.

We check in to wish everyone a happy new year and give you a quick update on what to expect from Running Dialogue in 2021. Stay tuned as we're joined by new and returning guests to discuss the latest topics in running, walking and events in the community.

Thank you to all our listeners for a great first year of the Running Dialogue podcast! We wanted to end 2020 by keeping it "in the family". With our first guest Bobby Crim setting us off on this adventure, we are ending our first year with a very special guest, his grandson Zach Crim! This year Zach completed the 100K for Crim, a 62 mile run from Lansing to Flint, and just recently won the Arctic Frog 50 Mile race in Wisconsin! He and Brandon Morgan join us to talk about how they found motivation to get out the door in the year that has been 2020.

On this episode of Running Dialogue we sit down with Theresa Roach and Cade Surface from the Crim Active Communities team. We discuss what goes in to developing infrastructure in Flint where members of the community can safely run, walk and be active.

Guest Marquita Adams talks about her fitness journey and how she uses her story to inspire others to get up and moving.

Kettering University has been educating some the world's best engineering and business professionals for more than 100 years, right in the heart of Flint. In addition to being a great higher education institution, Kettering has committed itself to improving the area around its campus and beyond. The ripples of those efforts are felt throughout the city and are appreciated by their student body and Flint residents alike. They have also been a faithful partner to the Crim for decades.Kettering's Jack Stock and Dr. Mohammed "Mo" Torfeh join Running Dialogue to talk about Kettering's role in the Crim, family running traditions, and working to make the world a better place.

Guest Katie Stanley talks about how social justice, running, music, and mindfulness help her be the best version of herself, and how important it is for our communities that all of us be our best selves.

Dr. Matt Sardelli is no stranger to running and walking injuries. As an orthopedic surgeon certified in sports medicine, he has seen it all. Co-host Andy talks to him about some of those common injuries, and Dr Sardelli gives some great advice on how to avoid injury in the first place with proper training. He also provides some great tips on race preparation and caring for your body during a race.Dr Sardelli is on the staff of McLaren Flint (presenting sponsor of the Crim 10 Mile race) and Ortho Michigan.

Guest Joel Shankster joins us to talk about the Greater Flint running, cycling, and triathlon community, and what it's like to complete a 100 mile race.

Guest Jason Caya joins us to talk about Tenacity Brewing, Vehicle City Tacos, and what life is like as a reluctant runner.