In this episode, we sit down with four of the top finishers from the 48th HAP CareSource Crim Festival of Races to hear their stories from the return of the elite field. Anne-Marie Blaney, Nathan Martin, Andrew Bowman, and Drew Kolodge share their paths into professional running, what it felt like to compete in Flint’s challenging 10-mile course, and how they balance racing with work, coaching, and family. From training philosophies and mileage strategies to post-race reflections and even favorite guilty-pleasure foods, the athletes give an inside look at what it takes to perform at an elite level in one of Michigan’s most celebrated races.

In this episode, we sit down with Stefanie Heyser, a physical therapist, certified running and ultramarathon coach, and performance expert at Henry Ford Health, to explore what it really takes to train smarter and stay healthy as a runner. From injury prevention and recovery tips to strength training, gait analysis, and mental focus, Stefanie shares both her professional expertise and personal experiences as an athlete. We also dive into how runners can balance busy lives with their training, the importance of fueling and sleep, and what to expect when making the leap from a 10-mile race to a marathon or ultra. Whether you’re a new runner, seasoned racer, or somewhere in between, this episode offers practical strategies to keep you moving for the long run.

In this bonus episode, we welcome Flint native and Greater Flint Sports Hall of Famer Jashell Mitchell-Cross to share how the Greater Flint Olympian and CANUSA Games shaped her athletic journey and professional path. From competing on the court as a teenager to traveling across the border for international friendship and competition, Jashell reflects on how those early experiences instilled adaptability, teamwork, and resilience that carried her into a career in Division I athletics and operations roles with the NFL. Today, she channels that same passion into building opportunities for Flint youth through her nonprofit, Invisible Giants Legacy and Leadership Foundation. Whether you’re a former participant, a young athlete looking ahead, or someone who believes in the power of community sports, this episode highlights how traditions like the Olympian and CANUSA Games continue to inspire leaders and strengthen Flint’s legacy.