Memorial weekend ultramarathon: Belanger plans to run the length of M-22 on May 22
From staff reports
How will you begin your Memorial Day weekend?
On Friday afternoon and into Saturday, triathlete and Cedar resident Andy Belanger plans to run the entire length of M-22 (nearly 120 miles)—from Arcadia in Manistee County, north through Benzie and Leelanau counties, and south along West Grand Traverse Bay and into Traverse City. Belanger is raising money to support the Leelanau Conservancy. His 17-year-old son Josiah, the oldest of three children, will join him to run two different 10-mile sections of the route. Josiah, a senior at Traverse City West, plans to run at Ferris State next fall.
We caught up with Belanger to ask what in the world compelled him to do this, how he’s preparing for the run, his wicked handlebar mustache, and what he plans to do after he finishes running on Saturday afternoon.
Glen Arbor Sun: What in the world inspired this idea to run the entire length of M-22?
Andy Belanger: Last year I was riding my bike on M-22, and I just thought this would be fun to do. I decided I’m going to run this. It quickly became an idea I discussed with my wife Belinda, and the next thing I knew … I’m going to run it tomorrow, straight through, no sleeping.
Glen Arbor Sun: Why the decision to support the Leelanau Conservancy?
Andy Belanger: My wife had a hand in that. I wasn’t going to do a fundraiser. She thought it would be a good idea. I went with it. I believe in the Conservancy. What they do is awesome. Preserving land out here is important. I want my kids to realize the paradise we live in. They have a 2-1 anonymous matching donation. I’ve raised just over $2,700 so far.
Glen Arbor Sun: What’s your “day job” when you’re not competing in triathlons?
Andy Belanger: I work for H Cox & Son, a local Budweiser distributor. I’m a sales distributor.
Glen Arbor Sun: What are you eating and drinking to prepare for this nearly 120-mile run? What will you consume while running?
Andy Belanger: Nothing abnormal. Lots of water. Nothing spicy. Not adding anything new to my diet. Nothing really planned. Pastas. I eat a lot of carbs anyway. I’ll drink some beer. That’s normal in my meals.
Glen Arbor Sun: Do you have any favorite parts/sections of M-22, in general?
Andy Belanger: I really enjoy the section north of Leland before Northport. The beauty there is more open. You get to run past Lake Leelanau. It’s beautiful up there. But there’s not a single spot on M-22 that’s not beautiful.
Glen Arbor Sun: What sections are you most excited about for the run? Which will be the most challenging?
Andy Belanger: The last mile is the most exciting, knowing I’ll be done! But the first 30 have the four biggest climbs. I will probably end up walking most of those. The hill coming out of Arcadia is really tough! We drove it a few weeks ago, and I was shocked. Eye opening. But the actual reason to start in the south and end in Traverse City is that my bed is 4 miles away from the finish line!
Glen Arbor Sun: How long have you been working on the handlebar mustache? Is that aerodynamic or might it slow you down?
Andy Belanger: I hope it gives me wings! I’ve grown it for 6-7 months. My facial hair changes frequently. It has stuck with me through training period. I’ve been training for this 6 months. High endurance training.
Glen Arbor Sun: What’s the first thing you’ll do when you finish the run?
Andy Belanger: I’ll make it to my car, and crawl in there. Or I’ll hug my wife, go home and take a shower. Then a couple beers. Then hit my bed!
