Episode #22: Shoe Year's Day Virtual 5K + Exploring Michigan State Parks Get ready to start planning your 2016 outdoor adventures -- you'll definitely be inspired after listening to this show highlighting a new year's virtual run organized by Ann Arbor-Based Epic Races and benefitting the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Heather's guest -- Maia Turek, statewide recreation programmer for the state's DNR -- shares details about the Shoe Year's Day Virtual 5K that kicks off January 1 (register by 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31) and also gives the inside scoop on all things relating to Michigan state parks and the countless ways to get outside and enjoy our state's beautiful landscapes -- what Maia refers to as "MI Big Green Gym." Maia knows our state parks like the back of her hand and isn't shy about sharing great ideas for fun adventures. She talks about which ones are her favorite parks as well as offers up lesser-known and hidden areas we all should check out. Reservation tips also are shared (have you ever camped in a yurt? You'll want to give it a try after hearing from Maia). Michigan has 102 state parks, with more than 2,000 events taking place in these spots each year. The partnership between Epic Races and the state Department of Natural Resources also includes the Heart MI Run Series. Join Heather and Maia in signing up for the Shoe Year's Day Virtual 5K! Links: Shoe Year's Day Virtual 5K: http://epicraces.com/event/shoe-years-day-virtual-5k/ Heart MI Run series organized by Epic Races and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources: http://epicraces.com/event/heartmirun/ Michigan Recreation Passport: www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport
