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
• Bone conducting headphones

Chat with Coach Bridget

Dogs Per Mile Pod On IG

Coach Bridget on IG

Positive Pace Coaching

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

Dogs Per Mile Pod On IG

Coach Bridget on IG

Positive Pace Coaching

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

Dogs Per Mile Pod On IG

Coach Bridget on IG

Positive Pace Coaching