Paint Creek Trail is a soul run for me! I grew up riding my bike on this trail, running sections of it with my high school cross country team and running the whole thing with my Uncle Jim in training for a marathon. Any day outside on the Paint Creek Trail is a good day.
I ran this on a Monday from Lake Orion to Rochester. I was happy to see many smiling Michiganders out on the trail. I also saw quite a bit of wildlife - a squirrel, 2 beaver lodges, tons of turtles sitting on top of one and a big garter snake at mile 2 - this motivated my fast run! I ran with my Hoka Cliftons & running vest, but didn't drink too much water. Donuts & cider at the Paint Creek Cider Mill were a treat post run (a must!!).
Thank you to my cheer squad - my mom and Rocky! I'm dedicating this FKT to my grandpa Leo Petrusha. He passed the day prior and was always a beacon of joy, laughter and good times. I will never forget how excited he was about one of my marathon training runs. He told all his neighbors 'my granddaughter ran 20 miles today!' I love you grandpa. RIP