Eaton

Eaton County Run

Decided to run a few counties this weekend: Eaton, Jackson and Livingston.

At about 4pm the northbound traffic out of GR was backed up for MILEs.

Grand Ledge downtown!

Stopped in to Dominos for some chicken an then went to Grand Ledge to see what it was all about as far as climbing went. I’ve heard of this place back when Courtney was climbing but had never made my way over here.

I could tell that I was on top of the ledge but didn’t know if you could walk down to the bottom until I caught a guy reading and asked him how to get down to see it. He was nice enough to explain where I could find steps.

From the top I could tell it was looking like an awesome climbing area!

On a great river!

Finally found the stairs to get down to the lower level.

This place is unreal! I so wanted a chalk bag at this point and my climbing shoes!

Is this really Michigan!!! I would have to go Red River Gorge, KT to see this type of rock before.

Just look at that line. I so want to start climbing again!

So nice to see rock walls with chalk on them!

Another totally doable line!

It’s not that high, but enough to get a pump going!

Such a great day!

Spoke with these two. Courtney, DeAnn and the dog – Gentle Jack. Very friendly people and very helpful. I pet Jack and spoke to them about how I miss my Jasmin SO much. Jack would open his mouth and get ahold of my arm but would never clamp down – Gentleman! I explained to them that my Daughter who’s name is also “Courtney” was a climber. Courtney, explained that she too climbed, and may have said she runs too (don’t remember for sure) but think she did. I told them about my goal and this site and DeAnn got the site on her phone from that location – impressive. Very cool. I hope you two see this and if you do, drop me a note. Thanks again for the conversation and letting me pet Jack.

I just couldn’t believe how many possibilities are here. At this point I started bouldering!

I will be back, I loved this place. Time to start my run.

Headed west towards town.

Base of the water tower.

Crossed a Main street and am looking back west.

Small Sidewalks but nice to have to keep me off the roads.

First glimpse of the Graveyard on the Far west side of my planned run.

When I had planned the run I didn’t realize this was a cemetery, but should have know. It was very large and LOTS of big beautiful stones.

Back heading east.

Thought of Ivy at this point. She loves her grandpa Mike G. who is a fireman and EMT.

This place had a grain elevator like Coleman.

What a cool picture!

Also cool, the railroad tracks!

Back heading towards the climbing area.

First 5k of the weekend almost complete! As soon as I’m done with this run I will head to Jackson county to complete that run. Then the next morning I will do Livingston county then return to the North.

I’m planning this for late Friday night. Although I’m a climber and very familiar with this place, I’ve never actually been there. Should be fun to see what all the hype is about.

Eaton County

Bellevue
Benton
Brookfield
Carmel
Charlotte
Chester
Delta
Dimondale
Eaton
Eaton Rapids
Grand Ledge
Hamlin
Kalamo
Lansing State capital
Mulliken
Olivet
Oneida
Potterville
Roxand
Sunfield
Vermontville
Walton
Windsor

Any place in Bold and Red are townships / towns / cities I’ve run a 5k for the county run (or the closest city to my county run) Any place in Bold and Blue are townships / towns / cities I’ve run anytime in the past. Any place in Bold and Green are townships / towns / cities I’ve done website / hosting / design work – best website builder for small business – WordPress design hosting and search engine optimization. I’m a small business website builder – contact me to get a website that works! If no Green color is on this page, please talk with me (Click Here). I’ll be encouraged to change one to Green!

May 9, 2024May 16, 2024

Ottawa

I’m heading downstate to Grand Haven, MI to complete my run in Ottawa County.

What caught my eye was this coal tower. There’s also one in Clare County, where I’ve run before. I’m told there are only six of these in the state. It’s very cool to see, as I’ve probably run past the Clare County one 30-50 times. I frequent that loop often since it’s close to my rental.

At the start of my run, I headed up to the other side of the train tracks, towards the Grand River, which flows into Lake Michigan.

Running southwest along the path, I saw a lot of boats on the river.

Was pretty wide at this point.

Here’s an entertainment area with steps for people to sit and enjoy the show.

Very wide part of the river. I think lake Michigan is close.

I loved seeing the flowering tree. Around this time last year, I was running in Monroe County.

I was able to get onto the sidewalks heading east.

The growth on the tree was remarkable. It looked like the tree was being strangled.

The residence behind the steps looked like a lovely place.

I loved all the colored leaves and flowers.

The rock wall with the garden was impressive as well.

Police car looked cool and close. I think i was heading North at this point.

I passed a runner on the sidewalk, but didn’t see many other people, just a few cars driving by.

Was so cool seeing the other side of the coal tower.

And the caboose!

I had dinner with Matt Kenny, a salesperson I used to work with at my previous job. I’ve always admired his talent and have immense respect for his abilities. Since I’ll likely be venturing into sales for myself soon, I wanted to glean insights from him. We discussed marketing strategies, cold emailing techniques, campaign tactics, video distribution, and various sales topics. I feel incredibly fortunate to have him as a friend.

On May 9th, my agenda is set to rendezvous with Matt K., a former colleague and friend who currently works as a salesperson for my previous company. Anticipation brims within me as I eagerly look forward to our reunion, eager to catch up on his endeavors and share my own accomplishments. I’m particularly keen on tapping into his expertise in sales, an area where I admit I could use some guidance. While my strengths lie in design, website development, and marketing, sales is a realm I’m eager to delve deeper into. After a delightful dinner catching up with Matt, my journey will commence towards running a 5k set amidst the scenic beauty of Ottawa County.

Ottawa County

Holland
Allendale
Blendon
Chester
Coopersville
Crockery
Ferrysburg
Georgetown
Grand Haven
Holland
Hudsonville
Jamestown
Olive
Park
Polkton
Port Sheldon
Robinson
Spring Lake
Tallmadge
Wright
Zeeland

Any place in Bold and Red are townships / towns / cities I’ve run a 5k for the county run (or the closest city to my county run)

Any place in Bold and Blue are townships / towns / cities I’ve run anytime in the past.

Any place in Bold and Green are townships / towns / cities I’ve done website / hosting / design work – best website builder for small business – WordPress design hosting and search engine optimization. I’m a small business website builder – contact me to get a website that works! If no Green color is on this page, please talk with me (Click Here). I’ll be encouraged to change one to Green!

November 23, 2023February 15, 2025

Ingham County

Ingham County Run

On Thanksgiving Day 2023, I joined my nephew, Cody, for the Turkey Trot in Lansing, Michigan. Our parents were on their way to Tennessee for Thanksgiving celebrations with another branch of our family, but due to prior commitments and work, we couldn’t join them. Nevertheless, we took a break to participate in this run early in the morning.

Preparing for the race kickoff, I noticed my bib number was in the four thousands, suggesting a large turnout – probably thousands of participants! This picture doesn’t capture the crowd as it was taken a bit early in the event.

Cody and I ran side by side along the entire stretch of this street.

We caught a glimpse of the Capitol building at the end of one street!

A little farther into the run.

Turned the corner and ran in the opposite direction closer to the capitol buillding.

Take a look at all these small businesses lining the right side of the street! Surely, someone here could benefit from a website update, SEO, or graphic design services. This town is bustling with opportunities!

Michigan State Capitol Building! WOW!

Above, gazing further down the street, this was perhaps the halfway point. Below, take one last glance at the Capitol.

We ran down and then made a turn to go up between those two streets.

I believe this photo was taken around the 2.5-mile mark of the run. At this point, I was pushing myself harder, sprinting at full speed down the entire last straightaway. Below is, I think, the final turn leading into the straightaway, though I might be mistaken.

Here’s a final glimpse of the Capitol! There’s a business here that could benefit from graphic design.

I finished then Cody finished shortly after me.

While Cody and I were participating in a turkey trot in Lansing, my daughter was simultaneously running a Turkey Trot 5k in Torrance, California. She resides in LA with her family, and I couldn’t be prouder of her! It was a unique experience to have the three of us engaged in the same activity while being separated by thousands of miles. I’m extending the same offer below to the first small business from Torrance, Englewood, Los Angeles, or the surrounding areas that contacts me. In the past, I’ve collaborated with a few businesses in California (aviation, metalwork, or pet related) for online advertising and print advertisements, though I don’t recall the specific counties.

I have previously ran in this county, with my children and father. Creig, who once worked for the DNR in Lansing, led us to participate in a turkey trot run, I think. Over the years, my family and I actively engaged in numerous 5k runs, with the Rat Race in Mt. Pleasant being a recurring event that held special significance for us.

Upon embarking on my current challenge, I had anticipated revisiting the Turkey Trot, and it wasn’t until Cody suggested joining me in early November that I solidified my decision. I am genuinely grateful for his encouragement. So this run was my completion of Inham County in the town of Lansing.

Ingham County

Alaiedon
Aurelius
Bunker Hill
Dansville
Delhi
East Lansing
Ingham
Lansing
Lansing State capital
Leroy
Leslie
Locke
Mason
Meridian
Onondaga
Stockbridge
Vevay
Webberville
Wheatfield
White Oak
Williamston
Williamstown

Any place in Bold and Red are townships / towns / cities I’ve run a 5k for the county run (or the closest city to my county run)

Any place in Bold and Blue are townships / towns / cities I’ve run anytime in the past.

August 3, 2023June 21, 2024

SVG Images for websites – MI run counties

How many Counties have you run in Michigan?

SVG Images for Websites: Unveiling the Power of SVG and JavaScript”

This page serves as a concise yet comprehensive showcase of my endeavors in mastering SVG file image creation. Here, I demonstrate the creative potential of SVG files and the magic of JavaScript (JS) through four captivating examples:

“Dynamic Image Selection”: Experience the versatility of SVG as I transform an image based on your selection from a dynamic Michigan Map. Imagine this capability extended to any state or concept you envision.
“SVG Social Media Icons”: Discover a collection of SVG social media icons, available for free download or sharing. These icons seamlessly integrate into your website, adding a touch of visual appeal and interactivity.
“SVG Animation: Crafting Stunning Visuals”: Witness the art of animating SVG images as I guide you through the process of outlining and coloring SVG elements for your website. Elevate your web design game with eye-catching animations.
“Interactive Michigan Map: County Insights”: Delve into the realm of interactivity as we animate and recolor an SVG image of Michigan’s map. With JavaScript, you’ll not only see captivating animations but also learn which county you’ve clicked on, opening doors to interactive map experiences.

Join me on this journey of exploring SVG images and JavaScript’s potential for enhancing website aesthetics and functionality. Unleash the creativity within and elevate your web design with SVG and JS.

SVG Images for websites – MI run county map – below are other examples of how SVGs are used on websites.

SVGs, or Scalable Vector Graphics, are invaluable resources for website construction and lead generation. These versatile files can serve various purposes, from counting the number of counties you’ve explored to displaying the geographical location of a specific county. But why are SVGs such valuable tools, and how can they enhance your online presence?

User Interaction: One significant advantage of SVGs is their ability to engage users. Pages that offer interactive elements tend to keep visitors engaged for longer periods. This, in turn, is appreciated by search engines like Google, which reward such pages with higher rankings. Ultimately, this can lead to increased traffic to your website.

Counting Counties: Imagine having a dynamic tool that allows you to track the number of counties you’ve visited. This is not only fun but also informative. Whether you’re a traveler, a geography enthusiast, or simply curious, SVGs can provide a visually appealing and interactive way to showcase your county-counting achievements.

Geographical Insights: SVGs can do more than just count counties. They can also display specific information about each county. This can be a valuable asset for educators, researchers, or anyone interested in sharing geographical knowledge. Users can easily explore the location, boundaries, or unique features of individual counties through interactive SVGs.

SVGs are a powerful asset for web development and content creation. They not only make your website more engaging but also enhance the user experience. By incorporating interactive elements like SVGs, you can encourage visitors to stay longer on your page, which can boost your website’s ranking on search engines like Google. Whether you’re counting counties or providing educational insights, SVGs offer a dynamic and visually appealing way to connect with your audience.

Free Social Media SVG file Logos to download

The images above are social link-sharing buttons, all crafted as SVG images / SVG files. If you’d like to obtain a copy of these images: Facebook SVG, Reddit SVG, Twitter SVG, “X” SVG, Pinterest SVG, and LinkedIn SVG simply click the green button below. Tik Tok SVG, and Instagram SVG files are not shown in the display above, as these two networks do not support page sharing, however both are included in this zip file bellow. All of these files are conveniently packaged within a compressed zip file, totaling a mere 25kb in size, making it exceptionally compact and easy to download. SVGs are so much smaller than JPGs, PNGs, and other image formats. You can share this page with one of the above buttons if you find in valuable, thank you.

Unlocking the Potential of SVG Images: Harnessing the Power of Scalable Vector Graphics

In the vast landscape of web design and digital content creation, choosing the right image format can significantly impact the user experience and overall performance of a website. One format that has gained remarkable attention and popularity is SVG, short for Scalable Vector Graphics. In this article, we’ll explore the advantages and benefits of using SVG images and how they can revolutionize the way we design and present content on the web.

Understanding SVG Images

SVG images are unlike your typical image files. They are not composed of pixels, like JPEGs or PNGs. Instead, they are built using mathematical equations that describe the shapes and curves of the image. This unique approach allows SVGs to be infinitely scalable without losing image quality. No matter the screen size or resolution, SVG images will maintain their crispness and clarity.

Animation SVG using a checkbox that draws and colors itself

Advantages of Using SVG Images

Resolution Independence: One of the most remarkable advantages of SVG images is their resolution independence. Whether displayed on a small smartphone screen or a large desktop monitor, SVGs retain their sharpness and quality. This feature is particularly valuable in the era of responsive web design, where websites need to adapt seamlessly to various devices and screen sizes.
Smaller File Sizes: SVG files are generally smaller compared to raster image formats like JPEG or PNG. This is due to their mathematical nature that relies on equations rather than storing individual pixel information. Smaller file sizes lead to faster loading times, which is crucial for optimizing website performance.
Scalability: As the name suggests, Scalable Vector Graphics are designed to be scaled without losing quality. This is a game-changer for web designers who no longer need to create multiple versions of an image for different screen sizes. SVGs ensure consistent and sharp visuals across all devices.
SEO Friendly: SVG images are defined in XML text files, which makes them easily readable by search engines. This allows search engines to better understand and index the content of the images, potentially improving your website’s search engine rankings.
Animation Possibilities: SVG images can also be animated using CSS and JavaScript. This opens up a whole new realm of interactive and engaging design possibilities. From subtle hover effects to complex animations, SVGs empower designers to create dynamic user experiences.
Accessibility: SVG images are accessible by nature. They can be resized without losing quality, making it easier for users with visual impairments to zoom in and interact with the content. Additionally, SVGs can be customized with alternative text (alt text), enhancing the accessibility of your website.

This is just an example of what’s possible with SVGs.

Animation example using Michigan county names and coloring each county on hover:

countyname

Click on any county.

Utilizing SVG Images in Web Design

SVG images find their place in various aspects of web design and development:

Icons and Logos: SVGs are ideal for creating icons and logos that need to be consistently sharp and recognizable across different devices.
Infographics and Data Visualizations: The scalability of SVGs makes them perfect for creating interactive and data-rich visuals that can be explored at different zoom levels.
Animations: SVG animations can be used to guide users’ attention, add interactivity to user interfaces, or enhance storytelling on a website.
Responsive Web Design: SVG images seamlessly adapt to different screen sizes and resolutions, making them an excellent choice for responsive web design.

In conclusion, the benefits of using SVG images in web design are clear. Their resolution independence, smaller file sizes, and scalability make them a powerful tool for creating visually stunning and user-friendly websites. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, SVGs provide designers and developers with the flexibility they need to deliver exceptional online experiences. By embracing SVG images, we can elevate web design to new heights and provide users with captivating and responsive content.

Michigan SVG Map or Business Logo made into an SVG

Need a Michigan SVG? Need a Michigan SVG customized? Need your Business Logo or map made into an SGV?

Frequenly Asked Questions

Are SVG images good for websites? SVG images are ideal for websites due to their scalability, small file size, high quality, and ability to be animated and edited, making them perfect for logos, icons, and interactive graphics. However, they may be less suitable for highly complex images.

Where to get SVG images for website? You can get SVG images for websites from resources like free vector image sites (e.g., Unsplash, Pixabay, and Freepik), design marketplaces (e.g., Shutterstock, Adobe Stock), and specialized SVG repositories. Or you can simply tell me what you need and I can help you quickly.

Can SVG be used on website? Yes, SVG can be used on websites as it offers scalability, small file sizes, high quality, and support for animations and interactivity, making it ideal for graphics like logos, icons, and illustrations. The maps on all my pages are SVG files.

How do I create an SVG image for my website You can create an SVG image for your website using graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, or online tools like Vectr or SVG-edit, then export or save your design as an SVG file. Or you can click on the link above and allow me to help you with your images. I’m fast!

Can an SVG be used on a WordPress Wix or Squarespace website? YES.
WordPress Use a plugin like “Safe SVG” to enable SVG uploads. Paste SVG code directly into the HTML block.
Wix Upload SVG via “Add” > “Image” > “My Image Uploads”. Drag and drop the SVG onto the page.
Squarespace Upload SVG in the “Custom CSS” section. Paste SVG code into the Custom CSS editor or use “Manage Custom Files” to upload.

What are the benefits of using SVG over other image formats? SVG images are scalable without loss of quality, have smaller file sizes for simpler graphics, and support interactivity and animation, making them ideal for responsive and dynamic web design.

Are SVG files SEO-friendly? Yes, SVG files are SEO-friendly because they are text-based and can be indexed by search engines. This allows search engines to read and rank the content within the SVG, improving website SEO.

How can I optimize SVG files for better performance? To optimize SVG files, minimize the file size by removing unnecessary metadata and comments, simplify paths, use tools like SVGO to compress the SVG, and ensure the code is clean and efficient.

June 28, 2023June 28, 2023

June 28th run

Tonight was my first “regular” noncounty run after Wayne County. I’ve been upset with myself because although I have frequently been running, I hadn’t done a county run in the Spring. I’d been through April, May, and most of June and had yet to complete a single county.

I’ve been figuring out how to change this for the rest of the year—thinking about heading up to the UP for a few more very soon. I need to contact Matt to get the Ottawa County run done. Also, I’d like to accomplish three counties around Ingham County in a couple of days, maybe next week.

In thinking about all that and listening to a book, “the lean startup,” I was running when a deer crossed my path.

I’m encouraged by getting the first county done this summer. I plan to continue with this goal at full speed. I’ve also been considering expanding my reach with websites, social media advertising, content creation, SEO, and other design services through advertising and doing some SEO on this site in particular and recording my progress.

Hoping to move forward quickly – both with running and with content creation.

Author: Michael

Eaton

Eaton County

Ottawa

Ottawa County

Ingham County

Ingham County

SVG Images for websites – MI run counties

SVG Images for Websites: Unveiling the Power of SVG and JavaScript”

SVG Images for websites – MI run county map – below are other examples of how SVGs are used on websites.

Free Social Media SVG file Logos to download

Unlocking the Potential of SVG Images: Harnessing the Power of Scalable Vector Graphics

Understanding SVG Images

Animation SVG using a checkbox that draws and colors itself

Advantages of Using SVG Images

Animation example using Michigan county names and coloring each county on hover:

Michigan SVG Map or Business Logo made into an SVG

Frequenly Asked Questions

June 28th run

I'd like to hear from you!

McCatty websites

Contact