What if your running routine could bring joy instead of just ticking off miles? That's precisely what we explore as we adopt the Dogs Per Mile mindset, moving away from the clutches of traditional stats. Drawing from my personal experience of breaking free from monotonous runs and anxiety, I uncover how subtle changes, like reversing your route, can rekindle the excitement of your runs. Whether you've just laced up your first pair of running shoes or you're a marathon veteran, this episode offers practical insights to transform your running journey into a joyful adventure, keeping things fresh and challenging for your brain.

Prepare to reinvigorate your marathon training and find joy in every stride as we dive into creative strategies for big city races in New York and Chicago. From rating holiday lights to inventing backstories for neighborhood houses, we'll explore a treasure trove of fun ideas to spice up your runs and engage with your surroundings. Plus, discover how to shake up the social dynamics of your run club by switching route leaders and fostering a vibrant community spirit. With these engaging tips, you’ll be inspired to see running as more than just exercise—it's a celebration of each step and the stories along the way.

Takeaways

• Many runners get stuck in routine ruts, limiting their growth.
• Changing the direction of a run can provide a fresh perspective.
• Engaging with seasonal decorations can make runs more enjoyable.
• Running at different times of the day can enhance training.
• Social aspects of running can introduce new routes and experiences.
• Using tools like Garmin can help explore new routes without stress.
• Creating games or challenges can add fun to routine runs.
• Observing changes in the environment can keep runs interesting.
• Incorporating variety can improve mental strength and resilience.
• Runners should embrace the opportunity to explore and discover new paths.

Chat with Coach Bridget

HIGH FIVES, RUNNER! 🙌

Before you hit the showers, let's make sure you're part of our running pack:

📱 FOLLOW ALONG
Track my daily dogs per mile count and running adventures:
Instagram: @DogsPerMilePod
TikTok: @DogsPerMilePod
👉🏻 Sign up for my weekly newsletter

🎉 JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Subscribe to never miss an episode
Share your DPM count using #DogsPerMile
Tag me in your run photos - I love celebrating your victories!

💫 WANT MORE?
Email your running questions: [email protected]

Until our next run together, remember: every step forward is progress, and every dog you see is bonus motivation. Keep running, keep smiling, and keep counting those dogs!

Ever wonder why prioritizing joy over stats could revolutionize your running routine? Join me, Bridget, as I reveal the Dogs Per Mile mindset, a refreshing lens through which to view your running journey. Let's unlock the unwritten rules of safe running that could significantly enhance your safety and enjoyment. I'll share insights from my own experiences, including essential safety tips like wearing brightly lit vests and the importance of running against traffic to stay visible. These stories and tips aim to empower you to take charge of your safety while adding a dash of joy to every mile.

Courtesy and awareness should be at the forefront when hitting the pavement, especially in public spaces. Whether you're running solo or in a group, understanding considerate running etiquette is key to a harmonious community. In this episode, I'll offer practical advice on how to share space with fellow runners, dogs, and strollers—while keeping noise levels in check and ensuring safe interactions. We'll even touch on how to respectfully handle bathroom breaks during your run. It's all about fostering a respectful running environment that enhances the experience for everyone involved.

Show Notes:

🏃‍♀️ Safety First: Being Visible

• The importance of being visible to vehicles
• Recommended gear: NOX Gear Tracer 2 light-up vest
• Tips for running in car-heavy areas
• Why reflective gear is essential

🚗 Rules of the Road

• Why you should run against traffic
• Proper crosswalk etiquette
• Making eye contact with drivers
• Navigating areas without sidewalks

👥 Group Running Etiquette

• How to avoid the "wall of runners"
• Proper passing protocol
• Communication tips when passing others
• Group running formation best practices

🎧 Audio Awareness

• Why speaker phone is a no-go
• One earbud out rule
• Bone conducting headphones as an alternative
• Being aware of your surroundings

🐕 Special Considerations

• Yielding to dogs and strollers
• Handling bathroom breaks
• "Pack it in, pack it out" philosophy
• Being mindful of residential areas

🐾 Weekly Dogs Per Mile Breakdown

• This week's stats: 24 miles, 14 dogs
• Official DPM score: 1.7 dogs per mile
• Bonus points for golden retrievers and mini Aussies

Key Takeaways:

1. Make yourself as visible as possible to vehicles
2. Always run against traffic and use crosswalk signals
3. Be courteous when running in groups
4. Stay aware of your surroundings
5. Share the space with other path users

Resources Mentioned:

• NOX Gear Tracer 2 vest

Chat with Coach Bridget

HIGH FIVES, RUNNER! 🙌

Before you hit the showers, let's make sure you're part of our running pack:

📱 FOLLOW ALONG
Track my daily dogs per mile count and running adventures:
Instagram: @DogsPerMilePod
TikTok: @DogsPerMilePod
👉🏻 Sign up for my weekly newsletter

🎉 JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Subscribe to never miss an episode
Share your DPM count using #DogsPerMile
Tag me in your run photos - I love celebrating your victories!

💫 WANT MORE?
Email your running questions: [email protected]

Until our next run together, remember: every step forward is progress, and every dog you see is bonus motivation. Keep running, keep smiling, and keep counting those dogs!

Running has been my sanctuary during the heaviest of times, but what happens when the weight of the world makes lacing up feel almost impossible? Journey with me on the Dogs Per Mile podcast as I explore how running can be a powerful tool for understanding and processing emotions rather than merely escaping them. This episode reveals my personal struggle with maintaining motivation and purpose amidst societal and political challenges. You'll learn how running can transform into not just a physical activity but a mental balm that helps us become stronger advocates for causes we care about.

Join me as I tackle the complex emotions tied to finding joy in running, like grappling with feelings of guilt when the world feels so demanding. Discover playful approaches to rediscover joy on the trail, such as the "dogs per mile" mindset and the dedication mile practice. These techniques help transform your run into a purposeful journey. I also introduce a balance sheet method to help you align personal benefits with actionable community support. This episode celebrates running as a judgment-free zone and emphasizes inclusivity, featuring community runs with groups like Vine Street Brewing and supporting minority-owned local businesses like City Gym and Ruby Jeans Juicery.

Vine Street Brewery
City Gym
Ruby Jean's Juicery 

Chat with Coach Bridget

HIGH FIVES, RUNNER! 🙌

Before you hit the showers, let's make sure you're part of our running pack:

📱 FOLLOW ALONG
Track my daily dogs per mile count and running adventures:
Instagram: @DogsPerMilePod
TikTok: @DogsPerMilePod
👉🏻 Sign up for my weekly newsletter

🎉 JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Subscribe to never miss an episode
Share your DPM count using #DogsPerMile
Tag me in your run photos - I love celebrating your victories!

💫 WANT MORE?
Email your running questions: [email protected]

Until our next run together, remember: every step forward is progress, and every dog you see is bonus motivation. Keep running, keep smiling, and keep counting those dogs!

In a world where social media feeds are filled with "easy" 15-mile runs and Boston qualifying times, finding joy in running can feel impossible for the average runner. Each week, Bridget, your running buddy and podcast host, brings practical tips, honest stories, and a refreshing perspective on making running fun through creative metrics like her signature "Dogs Per Mile" count. Hear her running origin story from wedding preparation to grief and grad school stress, running started as a solution to life's challenges.

Whether you're struggling with motivation or just need a break from the numbers game, this show reminds you that the best runs aren't always about the fastest splits – sometimes they're about the four-legged friends you meet along the way.

Chat with Coach Bridget

HIGH FIVES, RUNNER! 🙌

Before you hit the showers, let's make sure you're part of our running pack:

📱 FOLLOW ALONG
Track my daily dogs per mile count and running adventures:
Instagram: @DogsPerMilePod
TikTok: @DogsPerMilePod
👉🏻 Sign up for my weekly newsletter

🎉 JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Subscribe to never miss an episode
Share your DPM count using #DogsPerMile
Tag me in your run photos - I love celebrating your victories!

💫 WANT MORE?
Email your running questions: [email protected]

Until our next run together, remember: every step forward is progress, and every dog you see is bonus motivation. Keep running, keep smiling, and keep counting those dogs!