Running Dialogue

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, an...

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 exp...

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 adapta...

In this episode, we sit down with longtime organizers and coordinators of the Greater Flint Olympian and CANUSA Games to explore the rich legacy of one of North America's most unique international youth sporting traditions. From its grassroots origins in 1957 to its evolution into a powerful symbol of community, international friendship, and youth development, the episode features heartfelt s...

This episode introduces a new mini-series exploring how the Crim Fitness Foundation’s sports programs support youth development, community connection, and long-standing traditions in Flint. Centered around the Greater Flint Olympian and CANUSA Games the conversation highlights how Crim Sports builds pathways from fundamentals to international competition while prioritizing equity, access, and fun....

This episode explores how the Crim Fitness Foundation’s wellness-focused mission intersects with public safety, the justice system, and community healing in Flint and Genesee County. Through engaging conversations with program leaders and community partners, listeners get a closer look at how Crim builds strong, trauma-informed relationships with law enforcement, supports individuals impacted by i...

In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of the HAP CareSource Crim Festival of Races to answer a question we hear all the time: What does it really take to plan a large-scale event? From porta-potties to permits, and shirts to security, our team shares what goes into creating a seamless experience for thousands of participants. You'll hear from the Crim Operations team, as well as some...

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...

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....

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. Ch...

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 Michiga...

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...

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 ru...

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/run...

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&...

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-dialog...

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 li...

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'...

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 &...

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 com...

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 are...