​Chad Handrich recently moved to Norton Shores in 2021, a transplant from Covid-lockdown era Metro Detroit.  He’s worked nomadically across southern Michigan as a software developer for various companies for 25 years, on applications ranging from welding to insurance to other types of insurance.

He’s been an avid video-gamer since the Atari 2600, which was his childhood inspiration to learn computer programming to make his own games.  He also enjoys music/concerts, stand-up comedy, poker, traveling, internet rabbit-holes, and any reason to be outdoors.
  
1. How long have you been running?  I’ve had a few false-starts trying to get into running in the past.  They’ve always fizzled out due to various things like injuries, burnout, or just living in parts of the city that lack good running routes.  Once I started attending “Run Muskegon” in 2021, it started to become more of a habit.
 
2. Do you race? If so, what is your most memorable race experience?  I’m not particularly competitive, but lately I’ve been signing up for 5K’s and sometimes longer distances I’m not technically ready for.  My most memorable race experience was the 2024 Ragnar relay race, from Traverse City to Muskegon.  Piling a bunch of sweaty teammates into a van as we drive from town to town is the closest I’ll get to being in a rock and roll band.
 
3. Ever run in a costume? If so, what?  I’m always wearing my Chad costume.
 
4. Only running shoes for me are…  Whatever Runner’s World tells me is hot this season.
 
5. What is your worst running-related injury?  When you run a half-marathon before you’re ready, it can deeply strain certain muscles.  Muscles I dare not speak of here.
 
6. Hot or cold weather runner?  “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”
- United States Postal Service Creed
 
7. What is your motivation for running?  It’s the most enjoyable and meditative way to stay fit. Just zone out and keep going, like a long-haul trucker.
 
8. If I didn't run I....  Would jog, walk, or crawl.
 
9. I can't run without…  Often, it’s headphones.  But I like to occasionally run without anything: you must detach from all things to meditate.
 
10. What's the farthest you have run at one time?  A half-marathon that I probably wasn’t ready for.  (But I sense a rematch coming…)
 
11. What brought you to Run Muskegon and why have you stayed?  After moving to Norton Shores, I found Run Muskegon a good place to meet new people in a new town. And adopt healthier habits. 
 

​Sara Trigg lives in Norton Shores with her husband and two adult children. She has worked at an area Juvenile Detention Center for the last 25 years. She's even had the opportunity to use her love of running as a way to mentor a few of the residents. She loves the beach but admittedly doesn't get there nearly enough. Sara makes it a point to do some sort of movement daily for both her physical and mental health.


 
1. How long have you been running? 
I have basically been running since high school with some years being a little less committed than others. Running has always been my go-to for exercise since you don't need much more than a pair of shoes and it can be done pretty much anywhere.
 
2. Do you race? If so, what is your most memorable race experience?
I do race, both running races and triathlons. My sister and close friend of mine have been on a number of “Runcations” over the years which are always memorable. Running is a great way to experience a new city or state. And, of course, every Ragnar experience is full of memories that may or may not be allowed to be shared with anyone outside of the van.
 
3. Ever run in a costume? If so, what? 
I have run in a Halloween costume, but it was a homemade Dora the Explorer costume and included actual running shorts, so I'm not sure that counts.
 
4. Only running shoes for me are… 
I've run in a lot of different brands and types of shoes throughout the years. Lately, I've been more concerned with whatever shoe doesn't aggravate my back. Right now, Brooks Hyperion 2 have been my go-to for road and Hokas for trail.
 
5. What is your worst running-related injury? 
I herniated a disk in 2024 which wasn't technically a running injury, but it did keep me from running for a while after surgery. I am also still dealing with some pretty extensive nerve damage from it which can make running long distance tougher. Outside of that, I've had IT band issues and am currently dealing with the many different aches and pains of getting older.
 
6. Hot or cold weather runner? 
Cold runner, for sure! I can layer up in the winter and I do most of my runs early in the morning when I don't have enough time to talk myself out of it.
 
7. What is your motivation for running? 
Running has always been a large part of my physical and mental health.
 
8. If I didn't run I.... 
If I didn't run, I would have a much more difficult time dealing with the stress of my job and just life in general. I bike and swim, but it's never the same as running.
 
9. I can't run without… 
I used to say music or an audiobook but triathlons have trained me to not need those. My watch is pretty much a necessity even if I don't look at it much while running.
 
10. What's the farthest you have run at one time? 
I ran the North Country Trail Marathon but continued after the finish to officially reach 26.2. If you've run NC before, you know what I'm talking about.
 
11. What brought you to Run Muskegon and why have you stayed? 
​I was drawn to Run Muskegon because of the positive atmosphere and focus on movement. I've met some great friends through Run Muskegon which has led to many memorable experiences.