As I expand my running challenges beyond Illinois, my next target is Michigan. Although I would love to attempt a run fueled by Jet’s Pizza, I need something I can order and eat efficiently. I also want to try some regional cuisine, which led me to the discovery of Olga’s Kitchen.
Full disclosure: I knew nothing about Olga’s Kitchen before this. I had never even heard of it before I started searching for ideas. Founded in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the chain has 36 locations and is famous for its signature “Olga Bread.” Since I’m going to need a massive amount of carbohydrates for this run, it seemed like a perfect fit.
The Route: Finding the Trail
When planning these challenges, there’s always a choice: maximize the number of locations or craft a scenic route using trails. I always prefer the latter. While Olga’s locations aren’t perfectly aligned along one path, I managed to map out a 7-stop route that incorporates some of the area’s best trail systems, totaling just under 58 miles.
You might notice the map shows a route numbered 1 through 8 heading south. That was the original plan. However, the 8:00 PM closing times for the Livonia and Canton locations made that impossible. To solve this, I’ve reversed the entire route to run from south to north. This way, I hit the locations with earlier closing times first and turn the challenge into a race against the clock at the very end of the day.
When to Run?
I struggled to find a significant date for Olga’s Kitchen, aside from January 21st, 2019, the day its founder passed away. I prefer not to run on the anniversary of someone’s passing, and I definitely don’t want to run in Michigan in January. This challenge will likely take place in the warmer months.
The Game Plan: 57 Miles, 7 Olga’s
Here is the breakdown for the reversed route, assuming 10-minute stops and a 5.5 MPH (10:55/mile) pace to make the final closing time.
Stop 1: Dearborn Heights
- Location: 26308 Ford Rd, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
- Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- ETA: 10:30 AM
- Depart: 10:40 AM
- Fuel: The Opening Feast: Veggie Olga (Full Size), Three Cheese Balls, and a Gooey Butter Cake.
Rationale: Start the day with a massive calorie and carb load. This is the biggest meal of the day, designed to front-load energy for the many miles ahead.
Stop 2: Canton
- Travel: 8.0 miles (via Ford Rd) ~85 minutes
- Location: 41725 Ford Rd, Canton Township, MI 48187
- Hours: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- ETA: 12:05 PM
- Depart: 12:15 PM
- Fuel: Cinnamon Sugar Snackers.
Rationale: After the big breakfast, food fatigue can be a risk. This is pure, delicious, easy-to-eat energy. The 92g of carbs provide a huge boost without being too filling.
Stop 3: Livonia (Laurel Park Place)
- Travel: 8.9 miles (via I-275 Metro Trail) ~95 minutes
- Location: 37612 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48152
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- ETA: 1:50 PM
- Depart: 2:00 PM
- Fuel: Falafel Olga.
Rationale: Time for a proper lunch. This is a calorie bomb to get through the middle miles. With 940 calories, 97g of carbs, and 22g of protein, this is a powerhouse meal.
Stop 4: Novi
- Travel: 10.7 miles (via I-275 Metro Trail) ~115 minutes
- Location: 47960 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48374
- Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- ETA: 3:55 PM
- Depart: 4:05 PM
- Fuel: Side of Olga’s Seasoned Curly Fries & a Side of Mac & Cheese.
Rationale: We’re past the marathon mark. Cravings for salty, fried carbs are real. This is a calorie-dense (783 cal) and salt-heavy stop, perfect for deep-run fatigue.
Stop 5: West Bloomfield (Old Orchard)
- Travel: 13.4 miles (via Michigan Air Line Trail) ~145 minutes
- Location: 6655 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322
- Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- ETA: 6:30 PM
- Depart: 6:40 PM
- Fuel: Spinach & Cheese Pie.
Rationale: As the sun gets lower, something savory but not too heavy is ideal. A classic vegetarian staple that’s easy to eat, it offers a great mix of carbs and protein to keep energy stores topped off.
Stop 6: Bloomfield
- Travel: 7.5 miles (via Bloomfield Trail) ~80 minutes
- Location: 2075 S Telegraph Rd, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
- Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- ETA: 8:00 PM
- Depart: 8:10 PM
- Fuel: Peasant Soup (Bowl) w/ 5 Snackers.
Rationale: It’s getting dark and cooler. Time for a warm, salty, and hydrating meal. This soup is legendary for a reason, providing a fantastic mix of fluid, sodium, and carbs for the home stretch.
Stop 7: Auburn Hills
- Travel: 8.5 miles (via Perry St. – NO TRAILS) ~90 minutes
- Location: 2580 N Squirrel Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
- Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- ETA: 9:40 PM
- Fuel: Veggie Olga (from the “Classic Values” menu) & a Fresh Squeezed Lemonade.
Rationale: The finish line! A smaller Olga is perfect for celebrating without being overwhelming, and the lemonade provides a quick sugary and refreshing reward. A classic end to a long day.
