November 12, 2024 • 24 mins
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
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Bridget (00:08):
Hey runners, welcome to the Dogs Per Mile podcast, your
weekly dose of running reality.
Here we count dogs instead ofminutes and turn running stats
upside down.
I'm Bridget, your host,certified running coach and
creator of the Dogs per milemindset.
Here's the thing 13 years ago,I started my running journey,
like many of you, watching thestats on my garment and getting
(00:30):
discouraged when they didn'tmatch what they should be saying
.
That's when I discovered themagic of counting dogs in my run
, because sometimes the bestrunning stat isn't your pace or
distance.
Now, with over 50 halfmarathons, two marathons and
countless training runs under mybelt, I'm here to share a
different approach to running,one that breaks down mental
barriers, eases those pre-runanxieties and yes, includes a
(00:53):
weekly update of my personaldogs per mile count.
Whether you're lacing up forthe first time, getting back
into running after a break,struggling your training with
group fitness classes or chasingyour next PR, you've found your
people.
This is where we take thepressure off and put the joy
back in running, because everyrunner has a place here and
(01:16):
every dog site is worthcelebrating.
Hey all, welcome back to theDogs Per Mile podcast.
I'm your host, bridget, andtoday we're going to talk about
something a little bit different, but I definitely think that is
very important and also justvery applicable to running
(01:36):
journeys in general.
So I want to kind of talk abouthow to find your motivation or
how to run during really heavyand tough times, so kind of
finding your running purpose.
When just everything in theworld feels off and this has
been spurred from the mostrecent election Just a lot of
(01:58):
heavy feelings have beenweighing in me and people I care
about and people I love, and Ireally have struggled finding
the purpose and the point ofrunning when this happens,
because this happened last in2016, and I had the same
feelings of running is pointless, running is useless, it's
(02:21):
frivolous, it's silly to talkabout it, post about it, because
there's so much other importantshit going on than my little,
my little run.
Um.
So running has always been aplace of like sanctuary for me,
but it's also really a strugglewhen it doesn't feel that it's
that important or it's no longera need in the world and kind of
(02:44):
.
Before we dive in, I definitelywant to make sure y'all are
clear about things that I standfor Pro-LGBTQ, pro-women,
pro-unions.
I am very much in that realm,so that's just where I come from
, things I believe in, thingsthat weigh on my heart and
people I care about, and I dowant to also acknowledge that
(03:07):
I'm super privileged to be ableto process these feelings
through running that I am bothphysically able to mentally able
to.
I have the time, I have thespace, I have the support.
Not everyone has that and thisepisode may have some heavy or
tough topics to hear or thinkabout.
(03:28):
But I'm hoping that I canbalance the heavy, upsetting,
scary nature of some things witha little bit of sense of hope
or at least some actual thingsthat you can take away from this
.
And I really want to make surethat we're framing running
throughout this as a way toprocess emotions and not escape
(03:50):
from them.
We want to make sure we're kindof trying to phase away from
feeling guilty about doingthings that we enjoy and kind of
make them into more purposeful,more productive movements and
then also just how physicalactivity can help your mental
processing, your mental beingand everything go from there.
(04:13):
So first let's get started.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
Just finished my run.
Started it stressed and whatwas stressing me didn't
disappear because I crossed thestarting line and made it to a
finish line.
It's still there, but I'mbetter because of the run, which
means I can take on what'sstressing me better.
(04:38):
We don't run to make the stressdisappear.
We make the run to make thestress disappear.
We make the run happen.
So when we come back from it weare better able to deal with
that stress.
So recommendation go for a runtomorrow.
Bridget (04:56):
I kind of want to first start based on the clip I just
shared with you, which was CoachBennett, who's a Nike coach
clip I just shared with you,which was Coach Bennett, who's a
Nike coach, and it was thewords that kind of stuck with me
on why this is so challengingfor my brain to express this,
which is starting a run,finishing a run is not going to
(05:17):
make everything disappear, butwhat it does mean is you will be
stronger because of it.
So kind of exploring why evenrunning right now.
I know, the day after I lookedat my running shoes and could
not have thought of something Iwanted to do less.
It just seemed.
Why would I take my run with myhappy little poppy music and be
(05:40):
all excited and then post mypicture of me either smiling or
my shoes or anything like that?
And yeah, you don't have topost it, but it's kind of what I
enjoy doing, it's what makes mehappy with running and it just
really was hard, because I'mjust looking at all the things
that are super important in theworld right now and it feels
selfish and silly to listen toanother and it feels selfish and
(06:02):
silly to listen to anotherwhite girl talk about running
and this, that and the otherthing.
So really I got in my own head.
I kept thinking that nobody'sgoing to want to hear about it.
And then I just saw a couple ofrunners still doing the thing
that they love and not lettingsomething take away something
(06:26):
that they love to do, whilestill acknowledging that there
are things going on, and thatmade me realize that there's a
space between the two.
I can still enjoy running, Ican still like everything about
it, but it doesn't have to feelas big and insensitive as I
(06:47):
thought it would be.
So I just decided I would justfind a way to keep running so
that way I would have theability to handle the stresses
better.
So if I can make myself abetter person or a stronger
person through the running thatbrings me that, then I'm able to
advocate or help the peoplethat really, really need this.
(07:12):
So another feeling that may comeup during these times is
feeling that finding joy inanything is insensitive to
others, and it's this mindsetthat I know I'm also guilty of.
Is, if people are upset orpeople are sad, then it's
insensitive to find any sort ofjoy, because by doing so you're
(07:32):
invalidating their story, theirstruggle, their challenges, and
I want to remind you that that'snot true.
You're not invalidating theirfeelings, you're not hurting
other people.
I really would just if so, if Iwas to give you guidance on if
you're struggling.
Is I'm feeling insensitive bytaking this time out of my day
to go for this run, do thisexercise class, take this walk,
(07:57):
when I could be doing so muchmore?
Just want you to think thatwill you be in your best state
of mind, your best ability, yourbest power to do that?
So definitely, you can alsojust do things in a vacuum
because they're for you, postingI did this many miles and this,
(08:22):
that and everything, versusgoing into that toxic positivity
which is just everything iswonderful, it'll get through
this, it'll be okay,everything's fine.
Just constantly kind of sayingthat sort of stuff.
So that would be like sayingjust get out for the run, it'll
make you feel better, Everythingwill feel clearer after that.
(08:43):
And no, you may go for the run,get out the door, do your whole
distance, come back and stillfeel like shit, and that's okay.
You don't have to expect therun to actually fix anything.
So don't feel that you have tofeel good after the run.
Don't put that much pressure onthe run that it's going to make
you feel better, becauserunning is just a tool.
(09:03):
It's a way to process.
It could be grounding and itmay just be a way to burn off
the energy and burn off theanger.
So some reasons why running as atool is really helpful is it
gives you a sense of routine andpractice.
So when your body is shaken toits core and nothing seems right
(09:27):
, creating a sense of routinereally helps our brains feel a
sense of calm.
It's exactly why, if you have anighttime routine and you start
doing the same things at nightat a certain time, one after
another, eventually, after a fewdays or weeks, once you start
doing step three, you're goingto start to feel tired because
(09:49):
your body is going to feel calmand comfortable.
So if running has always beenpart of your routine, taking it
out is just going to make youfeel more unsettled, um and so
really trying not to disruptyour routine, uh, is a really
big tip to try to keep youfeeling grounded on this earth
(10:10):
and in yourself, and alsostaying grounded during your
runs is really, really important.
So some of the things that I dois I'll start counting my
breaths during a mile or um.
I will kind of look atdifferent trees and say, okay,
I'm going to get to that tree.
And one of the easy thing youcould do is the run type called
(10:32):
a fartlek run.
It's very funny, very silly,but it's basically just speed
play.
So you could say I'm going torun till I see that to that
mailbox and then I'll walk andI'll run to this.
So it feels random and youreally just want to try to feel
in your body during the runs,versus so much so in your head.
So it's really making sure thatyou're not too much just out of
(10:54):
your body, because that'll helpyou feel a sense of calm.
And then you want to make sureyou may need to.
If you're in a training plan,you may have to structure your
runs to be slower, more relaxed,more easy pace.
Maybe change the route versushaving them being super
structured, because my Garminwill tell me okay.
Today it said run one hour andkeep your heart rate in this low
(11:18):
zone.
My heart rate hasn't been ableto stay in the low zone.
It's chilling in the 150sbecause it's angry.
And that's just what I was ableto do and I just have to be
okay with that and let my runsgo that way.
So you want to make sure you'refeeling the sense of breathing.
If you're running outside,taking the note of the breeze,
(11:39):
the wind, the sun can reallyjust help you feel like you're
on the earth.
Because I know for me, I getthis feeling of this doesn't
feel real, I feel like I'm in amovie and I feel like I'm not
connected to anything, and so bygoing for a run, I can feel
like I am actually a human againand that makes a big, big deal
(11:59):
to me.
And then running can also be asense of community.
You can connect with others Ifyou are part of a run club, if
you've been thinking aboutjoining a run club, this might
be a really good time.
So that way you have people tobounce off of, just chat and
feel a sense of accomplishmenttogether and a sense of
supporting others with a commongoal of finishing something hard
(12:22):
or something challenging orsomething easy even and there's
definitely a difference betweenusing running to process things
healthy, and then there's also away that you could be running
that is avoiding things, and soreally, if you start to see that
(12:42):
you're, it's almost the same asovertraining for a race, but
when you're only going for runsor you're not, you are
absolutely cranky without it.
You really want to make surethat you're still talking about
your feelings.
You're not just only doing thatas your sense of therapy,
because exercise will neverreplace true therapy.
(13:06):
It is a great addition, but ifyou're not able to actually
speak about your feelings toothers, then you're not helping
yourself.
And all of these are things thatI have gone through, things
that have happened to me,running through different tough
times.
And that's what I also want tomention is this doesn't have to
(13:28):
be necessarily related to anelection or anything like that.
It can just be related to toughshit that happens in your life
and shakes everything about whoyou are and what you do.
I know over the last few yearsI've had several traumatic
layoffs and losing a sense ofself, losing a sense of security
(13:54):
with income and feelingworthless and feeling powerless
and feeling rejection.
So those are a lot of reallyhard things to grapple with at
the same time, even if you knowin your brain that you're not
stupid, you're not dumb.
But that happened to you andrunning in those times created a
(14:16):
sense of routine for me and forthose times I was struggling
because before I'd have to getup at a certain time so I could
start work at a certain time,and when you are only applying
and interviewing, you can runwhenever and then you end up not
doing anything at all.
So it created a sense of, ok, Ineed to do this run or I need
(14:37):
to go to this group fitnessclass where I'll see these
people and having that sense ofconnection and accountability,
and so when times are tough, agroup that is expecting or
depending on you to show up canreally help to create it into a
more consistent routine andreally just those are the things
(15:00):
that will get you through thosetough times a lot easier is
having that sense of support andthat sense of connection.
Another, another feeling thatdefinitely creeps up when it
comes to trying to run, when theworld seems like it's pointless
and it's silly and is guilt anduh, I know it's something I I
(15:26):
struggle with a lot is feelingguilty, and this can happen even
from the simplest things therecan be nothing serious going on
and feeling guilty for takingtime when you could be with your
kids or your spouse or doingwork or this, that and the other
thing.
So really it's okay, especiallyin times like this, to find
(15:46):
small amounts of joy when it'shard.
So this goes back to everyone'sfavorite mostly my favorite the
dogs per mile mindset, whichagain is just counting how many
dogs on your runs and figuringout how many dogs you saw per
mile, and it is just a sillytool that I've created that
(16:07):
makes a run fun even if theworld is bad or the run isn't
good, and it really allows me tobring smile even as I'm holding
space in myself for just reallycomplex emotions.
So there's some other ways thatyou can bring mindfulness on
your run.
I have two examples.
(16:28):
So one thing you can do is youcan call it a dedication mile or
a dedication run.
You can think about one personor one cause that you're really
passionate about, something thatis either upsetting or that you
want to make a change in.
Think of during that run.
(16:50):
Think about different peoplefrom that community in your life
.
Think about them as people,what you'd want to do to help or
support, and then, once you'vefinished your run, think of one
small action that you can take.
So it could be just sendingthat person a supportive message
.
It could be making a donation,it could be volunteering.
So that way, in a way, you'returning your quote, unquote,
(17:11):
selfish run into an act that issupportive and is involved
planning.
So then you feel like it's alittle productive and it's less
just about me.
So I spent it helping somebodyelse.
Another one if you're reallytrying to get over the guilt
about taking the time for therun, really kind of think of a
balance sheet.
(17:31):
So think of a piece of paper,put it in two columns.
In the first column you'regoing to write down what you'll
gain from this run.
So during this run I'm going toget a little bit stronger, I'm
going to be able to processthese feelings, I'm going to get
some mental clarity.
And then the second column it'sgoing to be what actions are
you going to take after that runto support others?
What actions are you going totake after that run to support
(17:54):
others?
So maybe it's now that I havegotten this run out, now I have
the energy to attend a pro'stest or I am able to call my
local representatives or justbetter abilities to support a
friend who is really having achallenging time.
So this allows you to take careof yourself but also shows that
you're able to show up betterfor others by helping.
(18:17):
And obviously running is a safespace for yourself to be angry,
to be sad, to be hopeful,without anyone judging you.
So I definitely I've cried onruns before.
I've been angry, I've been sad.
It really just is a way that noone's going to judge you for
having feelings during a run ortrying to process them.
(18:39):
Really just a great way to justrelease your emotions.
Either your intervals are angryor you're going for a group run
.
That's just the ability to betogether and really creating
that space for running.
That's when I started to moveinto wanting to turn my running
(19:00):
into action and I am now runningwith rage and wanting to make
change.
So there's a lot of differentways you can run with a purpose.
There's fundraisers.
You can do awareness campaigns.
Look for running groups.
So I know in Kansas City wehave a Black-owned brewery that
(19:22):
does a lot of run nights withtheir brewery, and the brewery
in Kansas City that does the rungroups if you're looking for
another business support is VineStreet Brewing, over in the
Jazz District in Kansas City, soyou would run around the city
and then you come back and havea beer.
So those are really great waysto be connected to the community
(19:43):
, supporting your area but alsostill meeting other people.
And you can use your platform,if you have a large one, to talk
about change and then kind ofshare your stories and just
really be an open book.
And then there's also thingsthat seem like they're super
small and they're really nothing, but they're actually making a
(20:05):
really big difference is, youknow, creating inclusive running
groups, for example.
So in my running group that Ihave in KC, I definitely make it
an important factor to say ifpeople need to walk, and I will
(20:25):
absolutely do what I can to beaware of people's breathing, to
be aware of the body language,because I want people to feel
like they're able to run thereand that they're safe and
they're welcome and they'recared about, and so kind of
figuring out what people want toget from that.
Make sure that when you are in arunning group you're talking to
people and you're welcomingthem regardless, and then making
(20:46):
sure, if you can, money talks.
That's the big thing that I'mtrying to remind myself is using
my money the way that I can tosupport any minority-owned
businesses, whether or notthey're fitness-related or not.
Some examples that I have is mygym in Kansas City City Gym is
(21:07):
a really great example.
It's very LGBTQ supportive andit's just a really great example
of a good community that'sbuilt around care.
And there's some brands.
There's PopFlex Active, whichis owned by Cassie Ho, who's a
daughter of Vietnameseimmigrants.
(21:27):
So putting money into that sortof things, or coffee shops that
are small, or coffee shops thatare small, and another
fantastic business in the KansasCity area if you're looking to
support is Ruby Jeans Juicery,where they have a bunch of
locations I'm a big fan of theone over on Troost and it's just
another way to give back to thecommunities that give so much
(21:53):
and just really putting yourmoney back into the community
and also using your social mediato the best of your ability.
If you want to talk aboutsomething that's important, then
talk about it.
If you want to post your runs,post your runs.
Just provide resources sopeople can get involved.
I always welcome that Runningcan be a bit of an escape, but
(22:13):
it shouldn't be escaping yourentire world.
So running doesn't have to belike you're running away from
your problems, running away fromeverything that's challenging.
It can be a way to be present,be mindful and practice
self-care to yourself andpractice self-care to yourself.
I want you to know that anyfeelings you're feeling are
(22:36):
valid happy, sad, angry, mad,confused and this can be a
really safe way just to kind ofgo through them and really feel
them in a place that you're notin danger.
You can feel a sense ofaccomplishment.
So I really want you to thinkabout how you can share your own
(22:56):
stories as either a motivation,as a way to support, or just
tell me about why you are ableto keep going and what your
story is.
I really want to thank you forlistening to this, processing
all of this with me.
(23:17):
I really hope that you takeaway just some tips on how to be
more mindful, feel less guiltyand know that you're allowed to
find joy even when the world ischallenging.
Thank you again and I willcheck you all in the next one.
Thanks for sharing another milewith me today.
(23:44):
Before you cool down, here arethree quick ways to stay
connected with our runningcommunity.
First, hit subscribe whereveryou're listening to this right
now.
It's the best way to make sureyou never miss an episode.
Second, if today's show helpedyou or inspired you, please
leave a review.
Your words help other runnersfind their way to our community.
Lastly, want more runningadventures?
Follow at Dogs Per Mile Pod onInstagram, where I share daily
(24:07):
motivation, behind the scenesmoments and plenty of pictures
of my two running coaches, yogiand Maple.
Behind the scene moments andplenty of pictures of my two
running coaches, yogi and maple.
Be sure to tag me in your runphotos and use hashtag dogs per
mile to share your own dogspotting stats.
I love celebrating yourvictories, big and small, and
thank you for being a part ofthis journey.
Until our next run together,remember, every step forward is
progress and every dog you seeis bonus motivation.
(24:30):
Keep running, smiling and keepcounting those dogs.
Hey runners, welcome to the Dogs Per Mile podcast, your
weekly dose of running reality.
Here we count dogs instead ofminutes and turn running stats
upside down.
I'm Bridget, your host,certified running coach and
creator of the Dogs per milemindset.
Here's the thing 13 years ago,I started my running journey,
like many of you, watching thestats on my garment and getting
(00:30):
discouraged when they didn'tmatch what they should be saying
.
That's when I discovered themagic of counting dogs in my run
, because sometimes the bestrunning stat isn't your pace or
distance.
Now, with over 50 halfmarathons, two marathons and
countless training runs under mybelt, I'm here to share a
different approach to running,one that breaks down mental
barriers, eases those pre-runanxieties and yes, includes a
(00:53):
weekly update of my personaldogs per mile count.
Whether you're lacing up forthe first time, getting back
into running after a break,struggling your training with
group fitness classes or chasingyour next PR, you've found your
people.
This is where we take thepressure off and put the joy
back in running, because everyrunner has a place here and
(01:16):
every dog site is worthcelebrating.
Hey all, welcome back to theDogs Per Mile podcast.
I'm your host, bridget, andtoday we're going to talk about
something a little bit different, but I definitely think that is
very important and also justvery applicable to running
(01:36):
journeys in general.
So I want to kind of talk abouthow to find your motivation or
how to run during really heavyand tough times, so kind of
finding your running purpose.
When just everything in theworld feels off and this has
been spurred from the mostrecent election Just a lot of
(01:58):
heavy feelings have beenweighing in me and people I care
about and people I love, and Ireally have struggled finding
the purpose and the point ofrunning when this happens,
because this happened last in2016, and I had the same
feelings of running is pointless, running is useless, it's
(02:21):
frivolous, it's silly to talkabout it, post about it, because
there's so much other importantshit going on than my little,
my little run.
Um.
So running has always been aplace of like sanctuary for me,
but it's also really a strugglewhen it doesn't feel that it's
that important or it's no longera need in the world and kind of
(02:44):
.
Before we dive in, I definitelywant to make sure y'all are
clear about things that I standfor Pro-LGBTQ, pro-women,
pro-unions.
I am very much in that realm,so that's just where I come from
, things I believe in, thingsthat weigh on my heart and
people I care about, and I dowant to also acknowledge that
(03:07):
I'm super privileged to be ableto process these feelings
through running that I am bothphysically able to mentally able
to.
I have the time, I have thespace, I have the support.
Not everyone has that and thisepisode may have some heavy or
tough topics to hear or thinkabout.
(03:28):
But I'm hoping that I canbalance the heavy, upsetting,
scary nature of some things witha little bit of sense of hope
or at least some actual thingsthat you can take away from this
.
And I really want to make surethat we're framing running
throughout this as a way toprocess emotions and not escape
(03:50):
from them.
We want to make sure we're kindof trying to phase away from
feeling guilty about doingthings that we enjoy and kind of
make them into more purposeful,more productive movements and
then also just how physicalactivity can help your mental
processing, your mental beingand everything go from there.
(04:13):
So first let's get started.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
Just finished my run.
Started it stressed and whatwas stressing me didn't
disappear because I crossed thestarting line and made it to a
finish line.
It's still there, but I'mbetter because of the run, which
means I can take on what'sstressing me better.
(04:38):
We don't run to make the stressdisappear.
We make the run to make thestress disappear.
We make the run happen.
So when we come back from it weare better able to deal with
that stress.
So recommendation go for a runtomorrow.
Bridget (04:56):
I kind of want to first start based on the clip I just
shared with you, which was CoachBennett, who's a Nike coach
clip I just shared with you,which was Coach Bennett, who's a
Nike coach, and it was thewords that kind of stuck with me
on why this is so challengingfor my brain to express this,
which is starting a run,finishing a run is not going to
(05:17):
make everything disappear, butwhat it does mean is you will be
stronger because of it.
So kind of exploring why evenrunning right now.
I know, the day after I lookedat my running shoes and could
not have thought of something Iwanted to do less.
It just seemed.
Why would I take my run with myhappy little poppy music and be
(05:40):
all excited and then post mypicture of me either smiling or
my shoes or anything like that?
And yeah, you don't have topost it, but it's kind of what I
enjoy doing, it's what makes mehappy with running and it just
really was hard, because I'mjust looking at all the things
that are super important in theworld right now and it feels
selfish and silly to listen toanother and it feels selfish and
(06:02):
silly to listen to anotherwhite girl talk about running
and this, that and the otherthing.
So really I got in my own head.
I kept thinking that nobody'sgoing to want to hear about it.
And then I just saw a couple ofrunners still doing the thing
that they love and not lettingsomething take away something
(06:26):
that they love to do, whilestill acknowledging that there
are things going on, and thatmade me realize that there's a
space between the two.
I can still enjoy running, Ican still like everything about
it, but it doesn't have to feelas big and insensitive as I
(06:47):
thought it would be.
So I just decided I would justfind a way to keep running so
that way I would have theability to handle the stresses
better.
So if I can make myself abetter person or a stronger
person through the running thatbrings me that, then I'm able to
advocate or help the peoplethat really, really need this.
(07:12):
So another feeling that may comeup during these times is
feeling that finding joy inanything is insensitive to
others, and it's this mindsetthat I know I'm also guilty of.
Is, if people are upset orpeople are sad, then it's
insensitive to find any sort ofjoy, because by doing so you're
(07:32):
invalidating their story, theirstruggle, their challenges, and
I want to remind you that that'snot true.
You're not invalidating theirfeelings, you're not hurting
other people.
I really would just if so, if Iwas to give you guidance on if
you're struggling.
Is I'm feeling insensitive bytaking this time out of my day
to go for this run, do thisexercise class, take this walk,
(07:57):
when I could be doing so muchmore?
Just want you to think thatwill you be in your best state
of mind, your best ability, yourbest power to do that?
So definitely, you can alsojust do things in a vacuum
because they're for you, postingI did this many miles and this,
(08:22):
that and everything, versusgoing into that toxic positivity
which is just everything iswonderful, it'll get through
this, it'll be okay,everything's fine.
Just constantly kind of sayingthat sort of stuff.
So that would be like sayingjust get out for the run, it'll
make you feel better, Everythingwill feel clearer after that.
(08:43):
And no, you may go for the run,get out the door, do your whole
distance, come back and stillfeel like shit, and that's okay.
You don't have to expect therun to actually fix anything.
So don't feel that you have tofeel good after the run.
Don't put that much pressure onthe run that it's going to make
you feel better, becauserunning is just a tool.
(09:03):
It's a way to process.
It could be grounding and itmay just be a way to burn off
the energy and burn off theanger.
So some reasons why running as atool is really helpful is it
gives you a sense of routine andpractice.
So when your body is shaken toits core and nothing seems right
(09:27):
, creating a sense of routinereally helps our brains feel a
sense of calm.
It's exactly why, if you have anighttime routine and you start
doing the same things at nightat a certain time, one after
another, eventually, after a fewdays or weeks, once you start
doing step three, you're goingto start to feel tired because
(09:49):
your body is going to feel calmand comfortable.
So if running has always beenpart of your routine, taking it
out is just going to make youfeel more unsettled, um and so
really trying not to disruptyour routine, uh, is a really
big tip to try to keep youfeeling grounded on this earth
(10:10):
and in yourself, and alsostaying grounded during your
runs is really, really important.
So some of the things that I dois I'll start counting my
breaths during a mile or um.
I will kind of look atdifferent trees and say, okay,
I'm going to get to that tree.
And one of the easy thing youcould do is the run type called
(10:32):
a fartlek run.
It's very funny, very silly,but it's basically just speed
play.
So you could say I'm going torun till I see that to that
mailbox and then I'll walk andI'll run to this.
So it feels random and youreally just want to try to feel
in your body during the runs,versus so much so in your head.
So it's really making sure thatyou're not too much just out of
(10:54):
your body, because that'll helpyou feel a sense of calm.
And then you want to make sureyou may need to.
If you're in a training plan,you may have to structure your
runs to be slower, more relaxed,more easy pace.
Maybe change the route versushaving them being super
structured, because my Garminwill tell me okay.
Today it said run one hour andkeep your heart rate in this low
(11:18):
zone.
My heart rate hasn't been ableto stay in the low zone.
It's chilling in the 150sbecause it's angry.
And that's just what I was ableto do and I just have to be
okay with that and let my runsgo that way.
So you want to make sure you'refeeling the sense of breathing.
If you're running outside,taking the note of the breeze,
(11:39):
the wind, the sun can reallyjust help you feel like you're
on the earth.
Because I know for me, I getthis feeling of this doesn't
feel real, I feel like I'm in amovie and I feel like I'm not
connected to anything, and so bygoing for a run, I can feel
like I am actually a human againand that makes a big, big deal
(11:59):
to me.
And then running can also be asense of community.
You can connect with others Ifyou are part of a run club, if
you've been thinking aboutjoining a run club, this might
be a really good time.
So that way you have people tobounce off of, just chat and
feel a sense of accomplishmenttogether and a sense of
supporting others with a commongoal of finishing something hard
(12:22):
or something challenging orsomething easy even and there's
definitely a difference betweenusing running to process things
healthy, and then there's also away that you could be running
that is avoiding things, and soreally, if you start to see that
(12:42):
you're, it's almost the same asovertraining for a race, but
when you're only going for runsor you're not, you are
absolutely cranky without it.
You really want to make surethat you're still talking about
your feelings.
You're not just only doing thatas your sense of therapy,
because exercise will neverreplace true therapy.
(13:06):
It is a great addition, but ifyou're not able to actually
speak about your feelings toothers, then you're not helping
yourself.
And all of these are things thatI have gone through, things
that have happened to me,running through different tough
times.
And that's what I also want tomention is this doesn't have to
(13:28):
be necessarily related to anelection or anything like that.
It can just be related to toughshit that happens in your life
and shakes everything about whoyou are and what you do.
I know over the last few yearsI've had several traumatic
layoffs and losing a sense ofself, losing a sense of security
(13:54):
with income and feelingworthless and feeling powerless
and feeling rejection.
So those are a lot of reallyhard things to grapple with at
the same time, even if you knowin your brain that you're not
stupid, you're not dumb.
But that happened to you andrunning in those times created a
(14:16):
sense of routine for me and forthose times I was struggling
because before I'd have to getup at a certain time so I could
start work at a certain time,and when you are only applying
and interviewing, you can runwhenever and then you end up not
doing anything at all.
So it created a sense of, ok, Ineed to do this run or I need
(14:37):
to go to this group fitnessclass where I'll see these
people and having that sense ofconnection and accountability,
and so when times are tough, agroup that is expecting or
depending on you to show up canreally help to create it into a
more consistent routine andreally just those are the things
(15:00):
that will get you through thosetough times a lot easier is
having that sense of support andthat sense of connection.
Another, another feeling thatdefinitely creeps up when it
comes to trying to run, when theworld seems like it's pointless
and it's silly and is guilt anduh, I know it's something I I
(15:26):
struggle with a lot is feelingguilty, and this can happen even
from the simplest things therecan be nothing serious going on
and feeling guilty for takingtime when you could be with your
kids or your spouse or doingwork or this, that and the other
thing.
So really it's okay, especiallyin times like this, to find
(15:46):
small amounts of joy when it'shard.
So this goes back to everyone'sfavorite mostly my favorite the
dogs per mile mindset, whichagain is just counting how many
dogs on your runs and figuringout how many dogs you saw per
mile, and it is just a sillytool that I've created that
(16:07):
makes a run fun even if theworld is bad or the run isn't
good, and it really allows me tobring smile even as I'm holding
space in myself for just reallycomplex emotions.
So there's some other ways thatyou can bring mindfulness on
your run.
I have two examples.
(16:28):
So one thing you can do is youcan call it a dedication mile or
a dedication run.
You can think about one personor one cause that you're really
passionate about, something thatis either upsetting or that you
want to make a change in.
Think of during that run.
(16:50):
Think about different peoplefrom that community in your life
.
Think about them as people,what you'd want to do to help or
support, and then, once you'vefinished your run, think of one
small action that you can take.
So it could be just sendingthat person a supportive message
.
It could be making a donation,it could be volunteering.
So that way, in a way, you'returning your quote, unquote,
(17:11):
selfish run into an act that issupportive and is involved
planning.
So then you feel like it's alittle productive and it's less
just about me.
So I spent it helping somebodyelse.
Another one if you're reallytrying to get over the guilt
about taking the time for therun, really kind of think of a
balance sheet.
(17:31):
So think of a piece of paper,put it in two columns.
In the first column you'regoing to write down what you'll
gain from this run.
So during this run I'm going toget a little bit stronger, I'm
going to be able to processthese feelings, I'm going to get
some mental clarity.
And then the second column it'sgoing to be what actions are
you going to take after that runto support others?
What actions are you going totake after that run to support
(17:54):
others?
So maybe it's now that I havegotten this run out, now I have
the energy to attend a pro'stest or I am able to call my
local representatives or justbetter abilities to support a
friend who is really having achallenging time.
So this allows you to take careof yourself but also shows that
you're able to show up betterfor others by helping.
(18:17):
And obviously running is a safespace for yourself to be angry,
to be sad, to be hopeful,without anyone judging you.
So I definitely I've cried onruns before.
I've been angry, I've been sad.
It really just is a way that noone's going to judge you for
having feelings during a run ortrying to process them.
(18:39):
Really just a great way to justrelease your emotions.
Either your intervals are angryor you're going for a group run
.
That's just the ability to betogether and really creating
that space for running.
That's when I started to moveinto wanting to turn my running
(19:00):
into action and I am now runningwith rage and wanting to make
change.
So there's a lot of differentways you can run with a purpose.
There's fundraisers.
You can do awareness campaigns.
Look for running groups.
So I know in Kansas City wehave a Black-owned brewery that
(19:22):
does a lot of run nights withtheir brewery, and the brewery
in Kansas City that does the rungroups if you're looking for
another business support is VineStreet Brewing, over in the
Jazz District in Kansas City, soyou would run around the city
and then you come back and havea beer.
So those are really great waysto be connected to the community
(19:43):
, supporting your area but alsostill meeting other people.
And you can use your platform,if you have a large one, to talk
about change and then kind ofshare your stories and just
really be an open book.
And then there's also thingsthat seem like they're super
small and they're really nothing, but they're actually making a
(20:05):
really big difference is, youknow, creating inclusive running
groups, for example.
So in my running group that Ihave in KC, I definitely make it
an important factor to say ifpeople need to walk, and I will
(20:25):
absolutely do what I can to beaware of people's breathing, to
be aware of the body language,because I want people to feel
like they're able to run thereand that they're safe and
they're welcome and they'recared about, and so kind of
figuring out what people want toget from that.
Make sure that when you are in arunning group you're talking to
people and you're welcomingthem regardless, and then making
(20:46):
sure, if you can, money talks.
That's the big thing that I'mtrying to remind myself is using
my money the way that I can tosupport any minority-owned
businesses, whether or notthey're fitness-related or not.
Some examples that I have is mygym in Kansas City City Gym is
(21:07):
a really great example.
It's very LGBTQ supportive andit's just a really great example
of a good community that'sbuilt around care.
And there's some brands.
There's PopFlex Active, whichis owned by Cassie Ho, who's a
daughter of Vietnameseimmigrants.
(21:27):
So putting money into that sortof things, or coffee shops that
are small, or coffee shops thatare small, and another
fantastic business in the KansasCity area if you're looking to
support is Ruby Jeans Juicery,where they have a bunch of
locations I'm a big fan of theone over on Troost and it's just
another way to give back to thecommunities that give so much
(21:53):
and just really putting yourmoney back into the community
and also using your social mediato the best of your ability.
If you want to talk aboutsomething that's important, then
talk about it.
If you want to post your runs,post your runs.
Just provide resources sopeople can get involved.
I always welcome that Runningcan be a bit of an escape, but
(22:13):
it shouldn't be escaping yourentire world.
So running doesn't have to belike you're running away from
your problems, running away fromeverything that's challenging.
It can be a way to be present,be mindful and practice
self-care to yourself andpractice self-care to yourself.
I want you to know that anyfeelings you're feeling are
(22:36):
valid happy, sad, angry, mad,confused and this can be a
really safe way just to kind ofgo through them and really feel
them in a place that you're notin danger.
You can feel a sense ofaccomplishment.
So I really want you to thinkabout how you can share your own
(22:56):
stories as either a motivation,as a way to support, or just
tell me about why you are ableto keep going and what your
story is.
I really want to thank you forlistening to this, processing
all of this with me.
(23:17):
I really hope that you takeaway just some tips on how to be
more mindful, feel less guiltyand know that you're allowed to
find joy even when the world ischallenging.
Thank you again and I willcheck you all in the next one.
Thanks for sharing another milewith me today.
(23:44):
Before you cool down, here arethree quick ways to stay
connected with our runningcommunity.
First, hit subscribe whereveryou're listening to this right
now.
It's the best way to make sureyou never miss an episode.
Second, if today's show helpedyou or inspired you, please
leave a review.
Your words help other runnersfind their way to our community.
Lastly, want more runningadventures?
Follow at Dogs Per Mile Pod onInstagram, where I share daily
(24:07):
motivation, behind the scenesmoments and plenty of pictures
of my two running coaches, yogiand Maple.
Behind the scene moments andplenty of pictures of my two
running coaches, yogi and maple.
Be sure to tag me in your runphotos and use hashtag dogs per
mile to share your own dogspotting stats.
I love celebrating yourvictories, big and small, and
thank you for being a part ofthis journey.
Until our next run together,remember, every step forward is
progress and every dog you seeis bonus motivation.
(24:30):
Keep running, smiling and keepcounting those dogs.
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