Training over the winter for a spring marathon when living in Michigan can be a frustrating, and even dangerous, undertaking. With gigantic temperature swings, sometimes in one hour, icy roads and sidewalks, and trails with ankle-deep snow (or deeper), just getting an easy five miler in is difficult.

Once I came to grips with my lack of speed, running as fast as I could for short distances was fun and empowering.

Luckily for those who love independent bookstores, some indies have survived the decades-long assault from big booksellers and the internet, while others have recently opened up shop. Whether they opened in the last few years or more than a few decades ago, good independent bookstores realize that they are much more than stores that sell books.

Superior's cinematography (courtesy of director of photography Alex Bell) captures the beauty of Lake Superior and the U.P. A scene of Charlie and Derek skipping rocks over the lake's crystal-clear waters will feel familiar to anyone who has stood on a Lake Superior beach and marveled at the vast expanse of water.

Exported From Michigan is a documentary about the people and businesses in Michigan who are making strides to bring the state's economy back. Michigan native Jon Vander Pol directed the film and agreed to discuss his documentary with me.