Saturday Morning Eastern Market Fun

For those out there that think there is nothing good in Detroit, well you're full of crap quite plainly. I agree, Detroit and Michigan have fallen on some hard times. There are a LOT of problems we face, most notably in the economic and educational areas. But I think Michigan has some great offerings, if people would just take a closer look. One of the gems of Detroit, yes, Detroit, not one of the 'burbs, is the Eastern Market. 

The Eastern Market is truly a Detroit institution. A Farmer's Market which has been operating since 1891, it is a six block bazaar of over 250 merchants. The market always has an amazing selection of produce, jams, honey, baked goods, meat, nuts, flowers, plants, and food vendors. If you're interested, just hop on 75 and take the Mack exit to Russel. I recommend getting there early if you're coming from outside the city limits, as when I was leaving the market at around 9:30 am, cars were already stacked up a half mile back waiting to get off at Mack. You can get more info at the Detroit Eastern Market website.

My herbs from Easter Market are already 8 inches high!

 I had a great time this morning, even though its plant month. Plant month is May, and it means most of the vendors are selling flowers and plants, and most of the patrons are dragging around wagons which you have to watch out for. I still found plenty of produce and whatnot to buy.

 The first purchase I made was a pretzel roll from Zingerman's, but I ate that, so you don't get a picture. I also bought some herbs, which were a pretty good deal at $1 a plant. Much better than the $1 mini pots and seed kits I bought in the Target clearance section. My poor oregano looks anemic, and my tomatoes and strawberry seeds never grew. I bought two basil plants, a peppermint plant, and an Italian parsley plant. Then, very conveniently, on the way back to my car I bought a nice $5 pot from the Potter Man to put them in.

Bitty Baby Oregano from Target

 As you can see, I bought a few other things as well...

 Whole wheat bread, rhubarb, strawberries, and honey!

 That bread is cool, because the proceeds go to Gleaner's food bank. On average, each loaf generates enough profits to make 6 meals for needy people. At $5 for a whole wheat loaf (they had others fancy flavors too like tomato basil and cranberry walnut) I thought a loaf of bread that also benefited a good cause was a great deal.

 Super ripe and beautiful rhubarb and strawberries. I have plans for you....

And then of course I got honey, which was primarily the reason I went. I got this raw unfiltered Michigan clover honey from my Honey Man, who I met and bought some jars of honey from last fall when I first went to Eastern Market. Thank goodness he was there again! His name is Pat Brady, and he is always set up on a little table in the shed near the welcome center, on an end near the Market Restaurant I believe. I just wander around until I find him. He always lets you taste the different honeys, and he usually has a few different varieties. Today he had some clover, some buckwheat, I think some honeysuckle and some Orange Blossom honey, which was really really good, but not from Michigan. He takes his bees down to Florida for the winter as he informed me. I went all the way to Eastern Market for honey, because since I bought his honey last fall, my allergies haven't been as bad. Now, who knows, it may be coincidence, but he even said that people take the unfiltered honey for allergies, and I've heard that from other people too. That its like a natural allergy shot. So I got some, and its delicious, and I am soooo happy.

I recommend that everyone who lives in Michigan, or visits Michigan, make a stop at the Eastern Market. Its an experience you don't want to miss!

25K! I did it!

If you haven't done the Fifth Third River Bank Run in Grand Rapids, you need to do it. Sing up now so you are sure you have it planned! I did it last weekend and it's amazing!!!!!!!! And if I'm saying that, its a big deal. Three years ago, running a lap around a soccer field was a loooooong run. I was terrible. I held like 12 minute miles for a flat two mile run. And then I needed a couple days to recover before I was up to it again. So, for me to run 15.5 miles, and LOVE it, is a big deal.

What's so great about the River Run you ask? Well, let me just tell you.

First of all, its in Western Michigan, which I'm always excited about. Western Michigan is gorgeous, it's where my parents live, and its where I went to college. So I'm always looking for an excuse to do events out there. Also, its usually cool the first week in May ie it was about 40 degrees and overcast, with a few misting showers Saturday morning, which to me is perfect running weather (race announcer man said they have had problems with heat though too - welcome to Michigan weather!). 

Second, its been run for like 3 decades, and its the USA Track 25K championships, so you are guaranteed that they run a quality event. There were aid stations every 1.5 miles with water, gatorade, ice, porta potties and first aid. After mile 8 there were also orange slices at the aid stations. And there was my favorite energy gel, Gu at miles 6 and 12. There were also some lovely course entertainment - high school cheer squads to cheer you on, DJs to pump you up, and some great spectator cheering sections.

Third, the course. is. perfect. Its flat and downhill most of the way. There were a few little baby roller hills between miles 9-13, but if there were any uphills anywhere else, I didn't notice them, and I would, cause I'm not a climber. Its also a beautiful course. You start right downtown in front of DeVos place, and then run out of town along the river. The start in the city is fun, and then you run out through a little bit of industrial area, and then its smooth sailing along a smoothly paved road, through woods and along the river. Then you cross the river, and run back through some wetland nature park type area along the river, through some neighborhoods, and back through downtown to the finish. 

Fourth, the finish. Its so fun to finish downtown in a big circus of crazy runner enthusiasts. There are some great post-race refreshments - I had water and two cinnamon raisin bagel nuggets courtesy of Panera, but I skipped the bananas, granola bars, and yogurt. I also skipped the Michelob Ultra and Buffalo Wild Wings post race tent with free beer for participants :-) But I did hit up the gorgeous Grand Rapids YMCA which provided free hot, individual showers (and towels!!) to race participants. I can't tell you how good that shower felt. To me, that's the biggest downside of most Tris I do. You're hot, sweaty, dirty and smelly, and you gotta get back in your car and drive, when all you want is a shower and to go out to eat!

So, all in all, I LOVED this race. I had such a great time, and was clear under my goal time. I look forward to doing it again next year, and hope you'll join me! But sign up early, because even though 20,000+ people take part in the event, registration sells out before race day, so sign up early!

Ta da! I did it! :-D

Tangent #1: I have discovered an amazing thing. Amazing. Can't believe I suffered so long, it is so simple, cheap and has been in my house all along. BAKING SODA PEOPLE!! 2 Tablespoons in the wash

 Tangent #2: We all know that exercise is important for good health, but just how important is it? Well, I could go on and on and on and on about the benefits of physical activity for health (read PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, not dieting - you gotta get movin!). But for a Clif's notes version that should get you motivated to move, check this out.