"Endurance sports embody the notion that true growth happens outside
of our comfort zones. It is in the moments of discomfort and fatigue
that we find the opportunity to rise above, redefine our limits,
and become the best versions of ourselves."
The Heat is On!
Ed Kornoelje DO
Sports Medicine|University of Michigan Health-West

It is expected to be very warm this weekend. In order to stay safe, keep the
following in mind:

1. Stay hydrated. Keep water nearby and drink it! Make sure you are hydrated
all week—start now!

2. Seek shade — easier as the sun goes down! Getting out of direct sunlight can
help cool you down.

3. Wear light clothing — color and weight. Wicking fabrics work great—no
cotton during the race!

4. Slow down and take breaks. If you feel yourself overheating stop what you
are doing and rest.

5. Get ice or a cold towel and put it on your head and neck. Look for our misting
tent. Dump water on your head at each aid station.

6. Did I say hydrate? I did—saying it again!

NSAID’s such as Motrin, Aleve and ibuprofen are run through the kidneys—avoid
these types of meds during the heat—dehydration can make this worse.

If you slow down, stay cool, and listen to your body you can exercise safely this
weekend. Ice, water, and medical coverage will be available, but only you know how
you are feeling—be safe!
Eric Abbott Race Recap
Eric Abbott is a recovering triathlete who has a newfound love of gravel racing. He shares his experience from this year's tenth annual Tour of Hermann Gravel Challenge is a gravel ride where participants can tackle as many as five challenging scenic loops on the roads surrounding picturesque Hermann, Mo. This event is for any experience level, including beginners. Riders can take on as little as one loop or as many as all five. It is completely up to you! Day One features three different loops with a total of 102.36 miles in distance and 6883 feet of climbing. Day Two features two different loops with a total of 99.14 miles in distance and 4902 feet of climbing.
Check it out!
We are super excited to announce a special summer collaboration with our friends at City Built Brewing. Stellafly Gold Medal Beer comes in at 5.7% and is still light and easy drinking.This Czech Pilsner comes from Pilsen Malt. The Bohemian Pilsener has a slightly sweet with a toasted, biscuit-like, bready malt character. Hop bitterness is perceived as medium with a low to medium-low level of noble-type hop aroma and flavor. This style originated in 1842, with “pilsener” originally indicating an appellation in the Czech Republic.

Interested in grabbing a case? Email Edwin at edwin@citybuiltbrewing.com by Monday, June 5th to get in on the preorder action!
Special pre-order cost: $60 a case.
ONE IN FIVE SERIES - TEAM MARATHON AND 5K
FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2023
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

$15 off - code: stellafly
BRIAN DIEMER FAMILY OF RACES
JUNE 10, 2023
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

The Brian Diemer Family of Races are known for their great donuts at the finish. Come run with three time Olympian Brian Diemer on the new, flat and fast 5k course. The event features six live bands, kids' runs, hand-cycle division, My Team Triumph, and prize money. AND if you beat Brian, you win a donut! This year organizers are celebrating the 33rd Anniversary of the Brian Diemer Family of Races, which is now a 501c3 non-profit.

GRAND RAPIDS TRIATHLON
JUNE 10 & 11, 2023
ADA, MICHIGAN
NEW HOLLAND LIGHTPOINT 5K
JUNE 17, 2023
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
We are excited be invited back to photograph the 2023 Lightpoint 5K in downtown Grand Rapids. Celebrating their 4th year in a row, this year the race will take place on Saturday, June 17th at 9am. The race capacity has increased to 500 for 2023 and they are stoked!

The Lightpoint 5K is a celebration centered around one of New Holland Brewing's beers: Lightpoint. Lightpoint is a Functional White Ale that offers a low-calorie option without compromising full craft flavor. Brewed with Coconut Water, Raw Honey, and Orange Peel, this refreshing brew is best enjoyed with friends after a day of hard work and exercise. Participants of this race are for those 21 and older. 
 
We can't wait to see you at the starting line on June 17, 2023!
Code: Stellafly_2023 for $15 off!! 
For more information or to sign up: https://runsignup.com/Lightpoint5K
Participants of this race must be 21 and older. 
GRAND RAPIDS FONDO
JUNE 24, 2023
TRINITY SEAWAY RUN 2023
JUNE 24, 2023
MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN

2023 Trinity Seaway Run is a partnership between the Muskegon YMCA and Muskegon Rotary Club’s Healthy Muskegon County initiative; proceeds from the event help support these groups in their efforts to make Muskegon County a healthy place to live, learn, work and play.

GRAND HAVEN TRIATHLON
JULY 9, 2023
GRAND HAVEN, MICHIGAN

Grand Haven Triathlon is definitely one of the most scenic events that you'll ever do. Coming at you in its 19th year, we promise that this one won't disappoint. Swim along the shoreline of the Grand Haven State Park beach in the big pond (aka Lake Michigan.) Bike a scenic and gorgeous course. Then enjoy an out and back run on the boardwalk along the riverfront. After your epic finish, take part in a post race picnic with Subway sandwiches and "Dutch" chocolate milk provided by Country Dairy and check out the custom awards presentation. Make a day of it. Race and then hit up the beaches at this great getaway West Michigan local triathlon.

Price jump happens on June 16th so get your best deal by signing up with a 15% discount until June 10: BLTRI2023GHTRI
TRI DEL SOL
SUNDAY, JULY 16, 2023
MIDDLEVILLE, MICHIGAN

In 2018 and 2019, TridelSol was voted as BEST TRIATHLON in West Michigan! Event organizers strive to keep this a boutique triathlon event offering an inclusive VIP experience for every athlete by capping its entries at 400. Every ability is represented; from elites and amateurs, to those that require assistance in racing. Every year we look forward to this one and hope to see you toe the line on Sunday, July 16th!

10% off USE CODE: 2023TDSAMBASSADOR10
For Volunteer Opportunities: kym.fusefitness@gmail.com
UGLY DOG TRIATHLON
JULY 22, 2023
GRASS LAKE, MICHIGAN

Ugly Dog is based out of Waterloo Recreation Area, in Grass Lake, Michigan, 15 miles south of Jackson. The race begins with a swim in Big Portage Lake followed by a bike ride on the gravel roads, challenge yourself with a run through the Waterloo Recreation Area.

This event has both Sprint and Olympic distances along with Duathlon, Aquabike, and Relay options.

In the spirit of bike racing, drafting rules will not be enforced in the Ugly Dog events.  
USA Triathlon Membership/One-Day Pass.

You will be asked to enter your current USAT Membership number during checkout. USAT Membership or One Day Pass is required to participate in this USAT Sanctioned event. One Day Pass fee is $15.

The venue for this event requires either a Michigan Recreation passport on your vehicle or a $10 one day parking pass to purchase onsite. 

BRIDGE BLAST 2023 is celebrating their 6th Anniversary with a beer & music festival on Sixth Street Bridge! Just like last year, the bridge will be shut down for live music, beer & food.

FREE Live Music with 5 bands!
Beer festival hosting 13 Michigan breweries!
Food trucks, Food trucks, Food trucks!
This celebration will again benefit The Grand Rapids Public School Foundation.

140 VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!
Sign Up Here: https://citybuiltbrewingVOLUNTEER
Official Photography 2023 Race Calendar
As you already know, we're entering into the thick of the race season. From triathlon, running races and other events, this month we are thrilled to partner with the West Michigan Sports Commission to bring you a bit of LPGA coverage.

The Hard Sell: Photography at an event is so much more than just taking pictures; it's about telling a story. We understand that every athlete has their own unique journey, and we use photography to capture and share those moments.

We are lucky to partner with great Michigan races, race directors and event coordinators this year. In fact, there are so many events to cover, you'll start to see a handful of fresh faces. We are excited to bring on Katy Batdorff, Gary Syrba, Chris Robothom, Ryan Velting, Dave Johnson, Jason Hite and Jamie McNinch to these summer races. These pro photographers, along with yours truly, will be out there capturing West Michigan athletes crushing big goals. It takes a village and we are grateful to have them onboard! Thanks for believing in us!

See you at the races! 🫶 Laura Caprara, aka Stellafly
ARMED SERVICES MARATHON/HALF MARATHON/5K
SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2023
GRAND HAVEN, MICHIGAN

BEAR LAKE TRIATHLON & DUATHLON
SUNDAY, MAY 28, 2023
NORTH MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN

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