May 9, 2025 • 24 mins
Ever wondered what the Met Gala would look like if it were designed for runners instead of celebrities? Picture the World Marathon Majors as fashion houses, each with their signature aesthetic—Boston's traditional navy and gold, New York's urban grit, London's royal elegance. This playful reimagining opens the door to something deeper: how what we wear impacts how we run and feel.
Welcome to the world of "dopamine dressing," where bright colors, bold patterns, and joy-sparking outfits can genuinely transform your running experience. This isn't just fashion advice—it's grounded in the psychology of how visual cues affect our brain chemistry and mood. Those neon shorts aren't just making a statement; they're potentially pulling you out of a training slump by triggering positive emotional responses. Whether you're adding a pop of color to your usual black ensemble, sporting a mantra tee, or embracing full "sparkle therapy" with sequined accessories, these choices can disrupt monotonous routines and multiply joy during your miles.
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to explore these connections between appearance, performance, and wellbeing. For mother runners navigating what Coach Christine calls "Maycember"—that overwhelming season of recitals, graduations, and end-of-year chaos—finding ways to maintain running routines requires particular creativity and self-compassion. The practical strategies shared here (shortening runs without eliminating them, stacking exercise with existing commitments, focusing on mental benefits over performance) offer permission to embrace imperfection while still honoring your needs. Remember that showing up for yourself, however that looks today, sets a powerful example of self-care and sustains your wellbeing during high-stress periods.
Ready to add more sparkle to your running life? Join the Stride Collective Facebook group for themed virtual run weekends inspired by the Run Disney Summer Series. Because ultimately, running isn't about going the furthest or fastest—it's about celebrating how far you've come, one joy-filled stride at a time.
Have questions or want to chat? Send me a text!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Hello friends, welcome back to Extraordinary
Strides, where we celebrateeveryday runners taking big,
bold, audacious and oftenbedazzled steps towards
something extraordinary.
I'm Coach Christine.
I'm a Level 2 RRCA CertifiedRun Coach and an ACE Health
Coach, and I specialize incoaching women, specifically
women runners in all phases oflife.
(00:22):
So, whether you're chasing anew PR, you're pushing a
stroller, you're jugging workcalls, or maybe you're
approaching that season in lifewhen there's the big change,
well, friend, I'm here tosupport you every single step of
the way.
You are in the right place.
But this week's episode, it's alove letter to movement, joy
and mental wellness.
(00:43):
It's also a nod to what I callsparkle therapy.
We're talking about what if theMet Gala was made for runners,
how dopamine dressing can getyou out of a running funk and
how we can support motherrunners through the chaos that
is Maycember with grace andrealistic tools and tips.
We're going to laugh, we'regoing to learn and we're going
(01:03):
to leave with full permission towear glitter and compression
socks in the same outfit.
So let's get laced up and let'sget ready to rock this.
We missed an episode last weekbecause I was fully in the feels
of just taking in anotherbirthday year and celebrating
(01:25):
with loved ones, and also I wasgetting really ready for the Met
Gala.
I am a huge fan.
Every year it rolls around andfashion lovers everywhere,
myself included, drop everythingto devour the couture,
creativity and the occasionalconfusion that descends on the
steps of the Metropolitan Museumof Art.
Creativity and the occasionalconfusion that descends on the
(01:46):
steps of the Metropolitan Museumof Art.
And it got me thinking, as arun coach.
Would what if the Met Galawasn't for celebrities and
designers, but it was insteadfor us runners?
Enter strides and maybe not sostilettos, because we got to
save our feet for that run.
The Met Gala for the runningcommunity.
So bear with me here.
I think it's equal parts highperformance and high fashion,
(02:07):
and on this imaginary red carpetit would be a celebration of
pace and passion and a perfectlytimed port-o-potty stuffs.
Of course, this event wouldbegin promptly at 5 pm and it
would end at 7 pm sharp, becauseI was in bed already when that
red carpet was going on.
Let's be honest, anything laterthan 7 pm sharp because I was
in bed already when that redcarpet was going on let's be
honest, anything later than 7 pmis going to interfere with our
(02:29):
bedtime routine, and we all knowwhat happens when runners don't
get their sleep.
Yeah, that's right, nothinggood.
Now the theme, if I was AnnaWintour, would be couture and
motion, because nothing saysfabulous like a flash of
rhinestones on compression socksor sweeping cape billowing
behind someone mid stride.
(02:49):
This night wouldn't just beabout what you wear.
It would be about how you wearit and how you wear it when you
move.
Think.
Function meets fantasy, tempomeets tool.
It's the ultimate mashup ofhydration and haute couture.
Now the fashion houses.
Instead of seeing Chanel andPrada and Tom Ford, well, I
think what we would be seeing isthe World Marathon majors
(03:11):
taking over.
Bear with me here, I've gotsome.
I mean, I'm going to tie ittogether.
I know you may be thinking whatin the world is she talking
about?
Did she lose her ever-lovingmind?
I promise I think this wouldwork.
So for this event, the now sevenworld marathon majors would
serve as the official fashionhouses, each bringing their own
signature style to the evening.
(03:32):
We would, of course, kick itoff with Boston by the house of
tradition.
It would be structuredheritage-rich, classic lines,
navy, maybe a pop of goldelegance.
Navy, maybe a pop of goldelegance, with, of course, sleek
, vintage race bib accents,think preppy performance wear,
(03:53):
polished to perfection.
Attendees might show up in athrowback Boston Athletic
Association gear styled into asleek formal track suit, with
hand-beaded unicorns of course.
And then we would take it toNew York City by the House of
Grit.
It would be a chaotic, gloriousclash of cultures and boroughs
edgy, experimental, a little bitof street fashion,
unapologetically bold.
(04:14):
Imagine a gown made entirely ofrecycled race signs, from
Brooklyn to the Bronx with awindbreaker style train and a
little bit of.
You got this printed inmetallic down the back.
Come on, you can see it right,I know I can.
Of course, we would take alittle hop across the pond over
to London by the House of RoyalEndurance.
(04:35):
Think rain resistant silk.
Is that possible?
Well, it is in my world.
Regal headbands, trenches ascapes, pearls with pacing
bracelets.
There'd be nods to the Queenand Big Ben, and well, a little
bit of maybe some soggy raceconditions, but all tastefully
dripping in elegance, perhapseven a Royal Guard style pacing
(04:59):
squad.
Okay, then, while we're alreadyover the pond, we dip on down
to Berlin by House of Precision.
Think streamlined andaerodynamic, futuristic
silhouettes built for speed,garments inspired by Kipchoge's
201 world record.
Carbon fiber embellishments,watches set to 437 pace I don't
(05:24):
think I could even hold that fortwo seconds.
Sleek shoes that glow under LEDlighting and no frills, just
pure, fast and furious vibes.
Of course, we couldn't havethis house of fashion without
bringing it back to theheartland in Chicago, with a
little bit of that house ofheartland, swagger, midwest nice
(05:47):
, with a side of performanceedge.
Think bold reds, skylineinspired patterns and garments
to pay homage to deep dish pizzaand negative splits which, by
the way, means that it has to becomfy for that deep dish pizza
A utility vest bedazzled withfuel gels and obviously, bonus
points if we can hold a slice ofLou Maladnati's.
(06:08):
I'm telling you, my friends,this is the Met Gala that I
really want to see.
Now we'd be roping it up withour two newest additions to the
World Marathon majors in thosehouse of houses.
Right here We'd have Tokyo byHouse of Zen Speed.
It would be minimalistperfection with thoughtful
detailing, origami style,layering, fast meets fashion
forward with kimono inspiredrace kits and Shibuyu street
(06:32):
style sneakers.
And let's be real, someone'sdefinitely going to show up
dressed up as a robot or havinga little bit of super kawaii
type vibes, and I'm here for it.
And then, last but certainlynot least, is Sydney, by House
of Rise and Shine, a little bohochic, if you will.
The newest addition to themajors would shine with sunrise
(06:52):
hues, ocean inspired textures,trail to tux transformations.
I wish you guys could see me.
I'm literally speaking with myhands.
I'm so excited about thisimaginary met gala.
Think surf meets start line andgolden, rod and blue, with
accents that nod to kangaroos,koalas and carb loading.
Of course, I'm curious what youthink of these fashion houses
(07:16):
so far.
Do you agree, disagree?
Do you think that we shouldhave a whole other theme?
If you were the anointor of thisspecific Met Gala for runners,
well, I can tell you that Iwould continue with the
must-have accessories for thered carpet, because we don't
need clutches, we don't needdiamonds, even though we don't
mind some sparkle.
Here's what the fashion boardrunner would bring to the Matt
(07:37):
Gala carpet a GPS watch coutureedition, so maybe a customized
Coros or Garmin with some newmetallic chrome finishes
programmed to beep every mile onthe red carpet.
Bonus, if your VO2 max flashesonto your wrist, of course, we'd
have designer fuel belts,crystal encrusted hydration
(07:57):
packs and handheld bottlesmonogrammed by, who knows, maybe
Louis Vuitton Run Club.
I feel like there's somebodyout there who speaks French,
who's like that's not how yousay that.
Okay, we'd also have in thisone.
Come on, this one really is likefunction meets high performance
Foam roller clutches.
(08:17):
You know you always have alittle ache or pain here.
So this sleek fashion meetsfunction rollers.
You can just tuck it under yourarm like a little baguette
purse and then the dual purposeis you can break it out anytime
you need a little massage and alittle extra style and panache.
Of course, I would beg thecoordinators to add a Shoofy
spotlight platform built-inlighting on your racing shoes
(08:40):
for the perfect post-red carpetShoofy.
We also would have a little bitof chafing chic body glide
disguised as lipstick, gold bondpowder puffs passed around in
compacts, glamorous andprotective, let's not forget.
We'd have a little bit ofcompression glam and maybe some
bedazzled calf sleeves and ombrerecovery socks.
(09:03):
And of course, it's going to bea who's who of who's hosting
this fashion house.
We're going to need hosts thattruly get the sport.
So maybe Shalane would come out.
Des Meb they're all deliveringtheir red carpet commentary.
I think you know we'd have Mebtelling us to just smile, and
then maybe Kara Goucher wouldhave a little bit of her
(09:23):
podcasting, playing live in thebackground while runners vogue
with foam rollers.
Again, I think you may havethought that I lost my mind, but
I'm with this.
And then, for the vibe, think alittle run Disney meets New
York Fashion Week.
There's a costume contest,there's maybe a little bit of a
dance-off.
Someone's running mile repeatsin a tulle gown Actually, I do
(09:44):
think that happens.
Big shout out to the Run Disneycrew who does actually run in
some of those fabulous gowns.
The DJ starts the evening with alittle Run the World, of course
Beyonce and ends at 69 Sharp.
So we could all get home andtucked in with a little bit of
Eye of the Tiger, though theafter party.
For those that are living onthe wild side, they may have a
(10:06):
little post-event shakeout.
Run to your hotel or maybe justto bed, because the real finish
line for us runners it's alwaysgoing to be our beautiful comfy
pillow.
And trust us, no matter howcouture the evening, runners
know that sleep is the true,real luxury.
So here's to strides and maybenot so stilettos, where the red
carpet's actually a start line,the cameras flash in cadence and
(10:30):
every runner's a star of theirown PR story.
I'd love to know again likewhich major marathon house would
fit more of your style andwould you make your race day fit
a little bit more aerodynamic?
Or do you think you'll add in atouch of avant-garde?
Because while we're takinginspiration from this magically
made up event in my head, we'regoing to go from performance
(10:52):
couture into our next segue ofperformance psychology, because
we're going to talk aboutbecause, again, this is a
natural progression that mayhave all sounded kind of silly,
but it's rooted in some reallygood information of dopamine
dressing and it's why your neonshorts might be more powerful
than you think.
Taking that inspiration andbeing very honest, that even the
(11:15):
most dedicated runner hits aslump now and then maybe the
motivation to lace up is lagging.
I'm actually experiencing alittle bit of a training slump
myself right now, so this isabsolutely something that I need
to hear as well, and I amutilizing this, all of these
tips, to help me kind of get alittle bit of that extra boost.
(11:35):
Of course, we do know thatsometimes you aren't as excited
for your weekend long runs, oryou've stood in front of your
closet getting ready to getlaced up and you just kind of oh
, you just have that sigh whereyou're like I don't want to lace
up again, I don't want to getdressed for this run, I don't
want to get out the door on thetreadmill.
So, since May is Mental HealthAware awareness month, we're
(11:56):
going to talk about this onesurprisingly fun and
science-backed strategy that'sgoing to help give you the nudge
that you need.
And again, it is dopaminedressing.
And for anybody who's doubtingthis, I did this literally last
year to kick off my Marine Corps50K training.
I went on that ride or dieskirt find mission and it so
much helped me get out the doorand have so much more fun.
(12:16):
So let's talk a little bit moreabout it.
What is dopamine dressing?
Dopamine dressing is notsomething you put on your salad.
It's all about wearing clothesthat make you feel good.
Make you feel energized, happy,empowered and a little fabulous
.
It's based on the idea thatbright colors, bold prints and
clothes that spark joy canstimulate dopamine, that
(12:38):
feel-good neurotransmitter inyour brain.
So think of it as wearing yourwhy?
Why do we get laced up?
Why do we love running?
Why do we keep moving forwardtowards these finish lines or
start lines?
Or why we want to be thehealthiest version of ourselves.
Well, this is what dopaminedressing can kind of help really
actually be a physicalmanifestation.
(12:59):
So if you've noticed that youfeel a little stronger when
you're wearing your favoritebold color or maybe a really fun
hat, or maybe even a shirt fromone of your favorite races,
that is dopamine dressing inaction.
Now I do want to be clear beforewe move forward in this
conversation that no outfit, nomatter how cute, can solve deep
(13:19):
burnout or mental healthstruggles on its own.
But if you're just in a smallfunk or you're stuck in that
mid-training cycle, blase aburst of color or again that
playful pattern can be asurprisingly effective mood
boost.
So here's how we're going to doit Visual motivation.
The bold colors are energizing.
When you catch a glimpse ofyourself in hot pink tights or
(13:40):
that ridiculous pineapple printcingulate, it can make your run
feel a little lighter, even ifyour legs don't 100% agree.
There's also the fact that itworks with being a routine
disruptor.
So if you're feeling stuck,everything feels like it's the
same pattern, it's the sameroutine over and over again.
Switching up your look cantrick your brain into seeing
your run as something new, freshand maybe even exciting, also
(14:02):
really important gonna give thedisclaimer if you're bored of
your entire training, you mightneed a new route to go hit up.
So check in with your runbuddies, go out there and get
some new new trails underneathyour feet.
It's also a confidence boost.
Feeling good in what you wearcan help you feel good in your
run, even if you're taking lotsand lots of walk breaks.
Maybe you're even going througha little bit of a struggle bus.
(14:24):
That's a okay, because feelinggood from that confidence boost
is going to help you keeppushing through.
And then it's also a joymultiplier.
Your joy is contagious, sowearing something joyful might
spark a smile from anotherrunner or a pedestrian or maybe
somebody who's running down thestreet or driving down the
(14:44):
street, and that smile is goingto bounce right back on you.
I feel like a little bit of I'mrubber, you're glue.
Whatever you smile at mebounces off of me and sticks to
you.
I don't know.
Whatever the case may be, I'mtelling you we do know there is
science of a genuine smile, agenuine laughter, being
contagious, and that outfit thatgives you a little boost, makes
(15:06):
you smile a little bit more, issurely going to be something
that acts as a ripple throughoutthe waves of your neighborhood
or your running community.
So tips for you to add a littledopamine to your wardrobe Color
pop.
Start small, if you tend to goin all black, little ninja style
and that makes you feel good,bold and audaciously badass.
(15:27):
I'm not here to change that,but maybe add in a little pop of
color here to change that.
But maybe add in a little popof color.
Add a brightly colored headband, neon socks, a bold pair of
shoes.
Maybe you may want to like havea swipe of neon lipstick.
I know that sometimes I do thatand it definitely gives me a
little extra oomph.
Or the next thing you could addis a little print party Looking
for fun patterns that make yousmile.
(15:48):
So maybe it's animal prints orlightning bolts, or donuts, or
flying pigs or dinosaurs orwhatever it is.
It kind of just makes yougiggle a little bit.
Now, another one that'sfantastic is message tease.
You know like where you wearyour mantra, or it really has a
saying that makes you kind ofgiggle as well.
(16:09):
Like mantra being like strongAF, or maybe something that says
powered by pizza.
Whatever makes you smile is areally great way of adding into
your dopamine dressing routine Alittle matchy-matchy magic.
Now again, wear this out alittle bit.
Just, you know sometimes thatwhen you have, like you feel,
polished and presented andpulled together, even if
(16:31):
everything's mayhem, when youhave a bit of that matching vibe
, that's where matching setscome into play.
There are so many incredibleathletic performance vendors
that do that, be it FlockSportswear or Crown Athletics.
If you haven't checked outthese companies, definitely
wonderful for that matchy matchymagic, bonus points if even
(16:52):
your sports bra and your sockscoordinate.
And then, last but certainlynot least, and definitely one of
my favorites is to sparkleresponsibly, because sequins
aren't just for the Met Gala.
A little sparkle on your visor,skirt, a shoelace charm, can
light up the day, your, yourworld and your mood.
(17:14):
And while we're talking aboutmental health and mental health
awareness month in the month ofMay, on the serious side, if
you've been in a longer termfunk or you're feeling
persistently low, struggling tofind joy in things that used to
really light you up, likerunning, you're not alone and
there's no shame in gettingsupport.
So please, I'm going to ask youhere don't just rely on the
(17:36):
sparkle visor, please talk tosomeone you can trust.
Reach out to a mental healthprofessional.
You're not broken.
You are human, you're doingyour best and you deserve to
feel better.
So, while dopamine dressing isa joyful accessory to your
self-care plan, it's not thewhole shebang, my friend.
Now, with that said, I thinkit's appropriate that we also
(18:00):
talk about the very importantaspect that, while we wanted to
strut down that metaphorical redcarpet, we've boosted our mood
with bright gear with dopaminedressing.
In this month of May,specifically this weekend, we
have to talk about the real MVPs, for this month.
It's the mother runners who areholding it all down during what
(18:22):
can only be described asMay-cember.
Now, truly, may has been provento be the busiest month of the
year, even more so than December, with all the different
functions and events going on.
Why we would choose to putMother's Day on that busy, busy
month that's already in play isbeyond me, but clearly I was not
(18:44):
a woman who planned for that.
I will say, though, what I wantto do now is a love letter to
the mother runners that areholding it down, because you
women are incredible, the oneswho wake up early to get in a
run before the chaos begins.
Want to do now is a love letterto the mother runners that are
holding it down, because youwomen are incredible, the ones
who wake up early to get in arun before the chaos begins, the
one who log miles betweendrop-offs and deadlines, you
mother runners who are pushingstrollers, chasing toddlers,
juggling calendars and stillfind time to lace up and move
(19:07):
their bodies, even if it's justfor a mental reset.
So, as we head into Mother's Dayand continue to recognize
Mental Health Awareness Month,it's a beautiful moment to pause
and celebrate the powerful,resilient women, biological moms
, chosen moms, fur baby moms,community moms and all the
nurturers who keep showing up.
(19:28):
But let's also acknowledgesomething else, because it is
May-cember and you know what Imean the unofficial season that
may feel like a surpriseDecember.
There's overflowing thoserecitals, field days,
graduations, banquets, end ofyear chaos and an inbox that
looks like it's constantly onfire.
Even just thinking about all ofthat gives me a little bit of
(19:51):
chest tightening.
So let's talk about grace,because this month might not be
the time for a new PR.
It may not even be the time fora consistent routine.
It can be a time forintentional grace building,
letting go of perfection,choosing self-kindness, finding
small ways to nourish yourmental health through movement.
(20:12):
Running doesn't have to be epicto be effective, it just needs
to be so these are tips that I'mgoing to impart to you,
incredible women, to help you tokeep running through May-Sember
without losing your ever-lovingmind.
So one shorten the window, notthe win.
You can't squeeze in 45 minutes, go for 15.
A quick loop around the blockor a few laps at the park still
(20:33):
counts.
Call it a movement snack.
You know we're all about thatlittle exercise confetti around
here.
It's just a little lightlyseasoned with endorphins.
Then stack with purpose.
Pair your run with somethingyou're already doing.
So drop off the kids.
Run near the school soccerpractice.
Maybe you do a jog during theirwarmups waiting for a meeting.
Sneak in a walking call.
(20:59):
I have been known to do that aswell.
Pop in my AirPods and take someof my meetings and calls on a
walk.
Of course, I'm going to ask youto get the crew involved.
Invite your kids on a bike runadventure or a stroller jog.
Not only does it modelself-care, but it helps keep
everyone active and entertained,at least until the snacks run
out.
Of course, though, make itabout the mind more so than the
(21:20):
performance, more so than thepace more so than distance,
instead of running, for the waythat it just clears your head.
It's a little bit of you time.
It loosens the shoulders.
Give you five minutes to saythis is my time and nobody is
actually saying mom, because youknow that you probably hear
(21:40):
that 5,232 times, but yeah, thatprobably before 9am, so it's
your time to just be you.
Of course, when I talked aboutdopamine dressing and the Met
Gala of what sparks joy, this isalso a wonderful time to not
worry too much about all ofthose different aspects.
If it creates joy for you,great.
(22:00):
If joy for you is wearing thesame running outfit four days in
a row so that you don't have todo extra laundry.
I'm not here to judge my friend.
You do what creates the mostjoy for you.
And then, of course, let restbe sacred.
Rest is part of training.
Full stop Period.
If you're choosing a nap, along bath, maybe even sleeping
(22:20):
in or a quiet time over a run,that is still caring for your
whole self.
So leave the guilt behind.
And to the moms and everyone whoshows up like one, I want you
to know that we see you, wecelebrate you.
We know that this season canfeel like a sprint, a juggling
act and a beautiful mess all atonce, but you're doing it.
(22:40):
You're showing up for othersand for yourself, even when it's
not perfect.
And I am so inspired by you.
So here's your officialpermission slip to give yourself
some grace this May run, whenyou can rest when you need and
celebrate the tiny wins.
You don't need to do it all,you just need to remember that
you matter too.
(23:01):
So, my friends, I want to sayhappy Mother's Day to every
powerful, caring, extraordinarywoman who makes this world
better one step at a time.
And then, before I officiallylet you go from this episode, my
friends, I just want to leavewith this you don't have to run
the furthest, you don't have torun the fastest, you just have
(23:22):
to show up for yourself inwhatever way feels good for you
right now.
And if you're looking for moresparkle and support this summer,
hop on over to the StrideCollective Facebook group, where
the podcast listeners reside.
I've dropped in three themedvirtual run weekends that are
going to be co-hosted with theMod Squad Thanks, lynn.
Inspired by the Run DisneySummer Series.
(23:45):
You don't have to be a RunDisney fan to join the fun.
You don't even have to have thevirtual medals, we've got the
themed games, we've got somedress-up prompts, even in-person
meetups for those of you localto Disney World here in Central
Florida.
So think of it from thisperspective.
It's just going to be joy andmotion, no matter where you are,
definitely no matter what paceyou tackle it at.
(24:07):
With that said, until next time, keep moving forward.
Dress like joy is the ultimatefinish line, and remember that
every stride you take is acelebration of how far you have
come.
This is Coach Christine, andyou've been listening to
Extraordinary Strides.
Hello friends, welcome back to Extraordinary
Strides, where we celebrateeveryday runners taking big,
bold, audacious and oftenbedazzled steps towards
something extraordinary.
I'm Coach Christine.
I'm a Level 2 RRCA CertifiedRun Coach and an ACE Health
Coach, and I specialize incoaching women, specifically
women runners in all phases oflife.
(00:22):
So, whether you're chasing anew PR, you're pushing a
stroller, you're jugging workcalls, or maybe you're
approaching that season in lifewhen there's the big change,
well, friend, I'm here tosupport you every single step of
the way.
You are in the right place.
But this week's episode, it's alove letter to movement, joy
and mental wellness.
(00:43):
It's also a nod to what I callsparkle therapy.
We're talking about what if theMet Gala was made for runners,
how dopamine dressing can getyou out of a running funk and
how we can support motherrunners through the chaos that
is Maycember with grace andrealistic tools and tips.
We're going to laugh, we'regoing to learn and we're going
(01:03):
to leave with full permission towear glitter and compression
socks in the same outfit.
So let's get laced up and let'sget ready to rock this.
We missed an episode last weekbecause I was fully in the feels
of just taking in anotherbirthday year and celebrating
(01:25):
with loved ones, and also I wasgetting really ready for the Met
Gala.
I am a huge fan.
Every year it rolls around andfashion lovers everywhere,
myself included, drop everythingto devour the couture,
creativity and the occasionalconfusion that descends on the
steps of the Metropolitan Museumof Art.
Creativity and the occasionalconfusion that descends on the
(01:46):
steps of the Metropolitan Museumof Art.
And it got me thinking, as arun coach.
Would what if the Met Galawasn't for celebrities and
designers, but it was insteadfor us runners?
Enter strides and maybe not sostilettos, because we got to
save our feet for that run.
The Met Gala for the runningcommunity.
So bear with me here.
I think it's equal parts highperformance and high fashion,
(02:07):
and on this imaginary red carpetit would be a celebration of
pace and passion and a perfectlytimed port-o-potty stuffs.
Of course, this event wouldbegin promptly at 5 pm and it
would end at 7 pm sharp, becauseI was in bed already when that
red carpet was going on.
Let's be honest, anything laterthan 7 pm sharp because I was
in bed already when that redcarpet was going on let's be
honest, anything later than 7 pmis going to interfere with our
(02:29):
bedtime routine, and we all knowwhat happens when runners don't
get their sleep.
Yeah, that's right, nothinggood.
Now the theme, if I was AnnaWintour, would be couture and
motion, because nothing saysfabulous like a flash of
rhinestones on compression socksor sweeping cape billowing
behind someone mid stride.
(02:49):
This night wouldn't just beabout what you wear.
It would be about how you wearit and how you wear it when you
move.
Think.
Function meets fantasy, tempomeets tool.
It's the ultimate mashup ofhydration and haute couture.
Now the fashion houses.
Instead of seeing Chanel andPrada and Tom Ford, well, I
think what we would be seeing isthe World Marathon majors
(03:11):
taking over.
Bear with me here, I've gotsome.
I mean, I'm going to tie ittogether.
I know you may be thinking whatin the world is she talking
about?
Did she lose her ever-lovingmind?
I promise I think this wouldwork.
So for this event, the now sevenworld marathon majors would
serve as the official fashionhouses, each bringing their own
signature style to the evening.
(03:32):
We would, of course, kick itoff with Boston by the house of
tradition.
It would be structuredheritage-rich, classic lines,
navy, maybe a pop of goldelegance.
Navy, maybe a pop of goldelegance, with, of course, sleek
, vintage race bib accents,think preppy performance wear,
(03:53):
polished to perfection.
Attendees might show up in athrowback Boston Athletic
Association gear styled into asleek formal track suit, with
hand-beaded unicorns of course.
And then we would take it toNew York City by the House of
Grit.
It would be a chaotic, gloriousclash of cultures and boroughs
edgy, experimental, a little bitof street fashion,
unapologetically bold.
(04:14):
Imagine a gown made entirely ofrecycled race signs, from
Brooklyn to the Bronx with awindbreaker style train and a
little bit of.
You got this printed inmetallic down the back.
Come on, you can see it right,I know I can.
Of course, we would take alittle hop across the pond over
to London by the House of RoyalEndurance.
(04:35):
Think rain resistant silk.
Is that possible?
Well, it is in my world.
Regal headbands, trenches ascapes, pearls with pacing
bracelets.
There'd be nods to the Queenand Big Ben, and well, a little
bit of maybe some soggy raceconditions, but all tastefully
dripping in elegance, perhapseven a Royal Guard style pacing
(04:59):
squad.
Okay, then, while we're alreadyover the pond, we dip on down
to Berlin by House of Precision.
Think streamlined andaerodynamic, futuristic
silhouettes built for speed,garments inspired by Kipchoge's
201 world record.
Carbon fiber embellishments,watches set to 437 pace I don't
(05:24):
think I could even hold that fortwo seconds.
Sleek shoes that glow under LEDlighting and no frills, just
pure, fast and furious vibes.
Of course, we couldn't havethis house of fashion without
bringing it back to theheartland in Chicago, with a
little bit of that house ofheartland, swagger, midwest nice
(05:47):
, with a side of performanceedge.
Think bold reds, skylineinspired patterns and garments
to pay homage to deep dish pizzaand negative splits which, by
the way, means that it has to becomfy for that deep dish pizza
A utility vest bedazzled withfuel gels and obviously, bonus
points if we can hold a slice ofLou Maladnati's.
(06:08):
I'm telling you, my friends,this is the Met Gala that I
really want to see.
Now we'd be roping it up withour two newest additions to the
World Marathon majors in thosehouse of houses.
Right here We'd have Tokyo byHouse of Zen Speed.
It would be minimalistperfection with thoughtful
detailing, origami style,layering, fast meets fashion
forward with kimono inspiredrace kits and Shibuyu street
(06:32):
style sneakers.
And let's be real, someone'sdefinitely going to show up
dressed up as a robot or havinga little bit of super kawaii
type vibes, and I'm here for it.
And then, last but certainlynot least, is Sydney, by House
of Rise and Shine, a little bohochic, if you will.
The newest addition to themajors would shine with sunrise
(06:52):
hues, ocean inspired textures,trail to tux transformations.
I wish you guys could see me.
I'm literally speaking with myhands.
I'm so excited about thisimaginary met gala.
Think surf meets start line andgolden, rod and blue, with
accents that nod to kangaroos,koalas and carb loading.
Of course, I'm curious what youthink of these fashion houses
(07:16):
so far.
Do you agree, disagree?
Do you think that we shouldhave a whole other theme?
If you were the anointor of thisspecific Met Gala for runners,
well, I can tell you that Iwould continue with the
must-have accessories for thered carpet, because we don't
need clutches, we don't needdiamonds, even though we don't
mind some sparkle.
Here's what the fashion boardrunner would bring to the Matt
(07:37):
Gala carpet a GPS watch coutureedition, so maybe a customized
Coros or Garmin with some newmetallic chrome finishes
programmed to beep every mile onthe red carpet.
Bonus, if your VO2 max flashesonto your wrist, of course, we'd
have designer fuel belts,crystal encrusted hydration
(07:57):
packs and handheld bottlesmonogrammed by, who knows, maybe
Louis Vuitton Run Club.
I feel like there's somebodyout there who speaks French,
who's like that's not how yousay that.
Okay, we'd also have in thisone.
Come on, this one really is likefunction meets high performance
Foam roller clutches.
(08:17):
You know you always have alittle ache or pain here.
So this sleek fashion meetsfunction rollers.
You can just tuck it under yourarm like a little baguette
purse and then the dual purposeis you can break it out anytime
you need a little massage and alittle extra style and panache.
Of course, I would beg thecoordinators to add a Shoofy
spotlight platform built-inlighting on your racing shoes
(08:40):
for the perfect post-red carpetShoofy.
We also would have a little bitof chafing chic body glide
disguised as lipstick, gold bondpowder puffs passed around in
compacts, glamorous andprotective, let's not forget.
We'd have a little bit ofcompression glam and maybe some
bedazzled calf sleeves and ombrerecovery socks.
(09:03):
And of course, it's going to bea who's who of who's hosting
this fashion house.
We're going to need hosts thattruly get the sport.
So maybe Shalane would come out.
Des Meb they're all deliveringtheir red carpet commentary.
I think you know we'd have Mebtelling us to just smile, and
then maybe Kara Goucher wouldhave a little bit of her
(09:23):
podcasting, playing live in thebackground while runners vogue
with foam rollers.
Again, I think you may havethought that I lost my mind, but
I'm with this.
And then, for the vibe, think alittle run Disney meets New
York Fashion Week.
There's a costume contest,there's maybe a little bit of a
dance-off.
Someone's running mile repeatsin a tulle gown Actually, I do
(09:44):
think that happens.
Big shout out to the Run Disneycrew who does actually run in
some of those fabulous gowns.
The DJ starts the evening with alittle Run the World, of course
Beyonce and ends at 69 Sharp.
So we could all get home andtucked in with a little bit of
Eye of the Tiger, though theafter party.
For those that are living onthe wild side, they may have a
(10:06):
little post-event shakeout.
Run to your hotel or maybe justto bed, because the real finish
line for us runners it's alwaysgoing to be our beautiful comfy
pillow.
And trust us, no matter howcouture the evening, runners
know that sleep is the true,real luxury.
So here's to strides and maybenot so stilettos, where the red
carpet's actually a start line,the cameras flash in cadence and
(10:30):
every runner's a star of theirown PR story.
I'd love to know again likewhich major marathon house would
fit more of your style andwould you make your race day fit
a little bit more aerodynamic?
Or do you think you'll add in atouch of avant-garde?
Because while we're takinginspiration from this magically
made up event in my head, we'regoing to go from performance
(10:52):
couture into our next segue ofperformance psychology, because
we're going to talk aboutbecause, again, this is a
natural progression that mayhave all sounded kind of silly,
but it's rooted in some reallygood information of dopamine
dressing and it's why your neonshorts might be more powerful
than you think.
Taking that inspiration andbeing very honest, that even the
(11:15):
most dedicated runner hits aslump now and then maybe the
motivation to lace up is lagging.
I'm actually experiencing alittle bit of a training slump
myself right now, so this isabsolutely something that I need
to hear as well, and I amutilizing this, all of these
tips, to help me kind of get alittle bit of that extra boost.
(11:35):
Of course, we do know thatsometimes you aren't as excited
for your weekend long runs, oryou've stood in front of your
closet getting ready to getlaced up and you just kind of oh
, you just have that sigh whereyou're like I don't want to lace
up again, I don't want to getdressed for this run, I don't
want to get out the door on thetreadmill.
So, since May is Mental HealthAware awareness month, we're
(11:56):
going to talk about this onesurprisingly fun and
science-backed strategy that'sgoing to help give you the nudge
that you need.
And again, it is dopaminedressing.
And for anybody who's doubtingthis, I did this literally last
year to kick off my Marine Corps50K training.
I went on that ride or dieskirt find mission and it so
much helped me get out the doorand have so much more fun.
(12:16):
So let's talk a little bit moreabout it.
What is dopamine dressing?
Dopamine dressing is notsomething you put on your salad.
It's all about wearing clothesthat make you feel good.
Make you feel energized, happy,empowered and a little fabulous
.
It's based on the idea thatbright colors, bold prints and
clothes that spark joy canstimulate dopamine, that
(12:38):
feel-good neurotransmitter inyour brain.
So think of it as wearing yourwhy?
Why do we get laced up?
Why do we love running?
Why do we keep moving forwardtowards these finish lines or
start lines?
Or why we want to be thehealthiest version of ourselves.
Well, this is what dopaminedressing can kind of help really
actually be a physicalmanifestation.
(12:59):
So if you've noticed that youfeel a little stronger when
you're wearing your favoritebold color or maybe a really fun
hat, or maybe even a shirt fromone of your favorite races,
that is dopamine dressing inaction.
Now I do want to be clear beforewe move forward in this
conversation that no outfit, nomatter how cute, can solve deep
(13:19):
burnout or mental healthstruggles on its own.
But if you're just in a smallfunk or you're stuck in that
mid-training cycle, blase aburst of color or again that
playful pattern can be asurprisingly effective mood
boost.
So here's how we're going to doit Visual motivation.
The bold colors are energizing.
When you catch a glimpse ofyourself in hot pink tights or
(13:40):
that ridiculous pineapple printcingulate, it can make your run
feel a little lighter, even ifyour legs don't 100% agree.
There's also the fact that itworks with being a routine
disruptor.
So if you're feeling stuck,everything feels like it's the
same pattern, it's the sameroutine over and over again.
Switching up your look cantrick your brain into seeing
your run as something new, freshand maybe even exciting, also
(14:02):
really important gonna give thedisclaimer if you're bored of
your entire training, you mightneed a new route to go hit up.
So check in with your runbuddies, go out there and get
some new new trails underneathyour feet.
It's also a confidence boost.
Feeling good in what you wearcan help you feel good in your
run, even if you're taking lotsand lots of walk breaks.
Maybe you're even going througha little bit of a struggle bus.
(14:24):
That's a okay, because feelinggood from that confidence boost
is going to help you keeppushing through.
And then it's also a joymultiplier.
Your joy is contagious, sowearing something joyful might
spark a smile from anotherrunner or a pedestrian or maybe
somebody who's running down thestreet or driving down the
(14:44):
street, and that smile is goingto bounce right back on you.
I feel like a little bit of I'mrubber, you're glue.
Whatever you smile at mebounces off of me and sticks to
you.
I don't know.
Whatever the case may be, I'mtelling you we do know there is
science of a genuine smile, agenuine laughter, being
contagious, and that outfit thatgives you a little boost, makes
(15:06):
you smile a little bit more, issurely going to be something
that acts as a ripple throughoutthe waves of your neighborhood
or your running community.
So tips for you to add a littledopamine to your wardrobe Color
pop.
Start small, if you tend to goin all black, little ninja style
and that makes you feel good,bold and audaciously badass.
(15:27):
I'm not here to change that,but maybe add in a little pop of
color here to change that.
But maybe add in a little popof color.
Add a brightly colored headband, neon socks, a bold pair of
shoes.
Maybe you may want to like havea swipe of neon lipstick.
I know that sometimes I do thatand it definitely gives me a
little extra oomph.
Or the next thing you could addis a little print party Looking
for fun patterns that make yousmile.
(15:48):
So maybe it's animal prints orlightning bolts, or donuts, or
flying pigs or dinosaurs orwhatever it is.
It kind of just makes yougiggle a little bit.
Now, another one that'sfantastic is message tease.
You know like where you wearyour mantra, or it really has a
saying that makes you kind ofgiggle as well.
(16:09):
Like mantra being like strongAF, or maybe something that says
powered by pizza.
Whatever makes you smile is areally great way of adding into
your dopamine dressing routine Alittle matchy-matchy magic.
Now again, wear this out alittle bit.
Just, you know sometimes thatwhen you have, like you feel,
polished and presented andpulled together, even if
(16:31):
everything's mayhem, when youhave a bit of that matching vibe
, that's where matching setscome into play.
There are so many incredibleathletic performance vendors
that do that, be it FlockSportswear or Crown Athletics.
If you haven't checked outthese companies, definitely
wonderful for that matchy matchymagic, bonus points if even
(16:52):
your sports bra and your sockscoordinate.
And then, last but certainlynot least, and definitely one of
my favorites is to sparkleresponsibly, because sequins
aren't just for the Met Gala.
A little sparkle on your visor,skirt, a shoelace charm, can
light up the day, your, yourworld and your mood.
(17:14):
And while we're talking aboutmental health and mental health
awareness month in the month ofMay, on the serious side, if
you've been in a longer termfunk or you're feeling
persistently low, struggling tofind joy in things that used to
really light you up, likerunning, you're not alone and
there's no shame in gettingsupport.
So please, I'm going to ask youhere don't just rely on the
(17:36):
sparkle visor, please talk tosomeone you can trust.
Reach out to a mental healthprofessional.
You're not broken.
You are human, you're doingyour best and you deserve to
feel better.
So, while dopamine dressing isa joyful accessory to your
self-care plan, it's not thewhole shebang, my friend.
Now, with that said, I thinkit's appropriate that we also
(18:00):
talk about the very importantaspect that, while we wanted to
strut down that metaphorical redcarpet, we've boosted our mood
with bright gear with dopaminedressing.
In this month of May,specifically this weekend, we
have to talk about the real MVPs, for this month.
It's the mother runners who areholding it all down during what
(18:22):
can only be described asMay-cember.
Now, truly, may has been provento be the busiest month of the
year, even more so than December, with all the different
functions and events going on.
Why we would choose to putMother's Day on that busy, busy
month that's already in play isbeyond me, but clearly I was not
(18:44):
a woman who planned for that.
I will say, though, what I wantto do now is a love letter to
the mother runners that areholding it down, because you
women are incredible, the oneswho wake up early to get in a
run before the chaos begins.
Want to do now is a love letterto the mother runners that are
holding it down, because youwomen are incredible, the ones
who wake up early to get in arun before the chaos begins, the
one who log miles betweendrop-offs and deadlines, you
mother runners who are pushingstrollers, chasing toddlers,
juggling calendars and stillfind time to lace up and move
(19:07):
their bodies, even if it's justfor a mental reset.
So, as we head into Mother's Dayand continue to recognize
Mental Health Awareness Month,it's a beautiful moment to pause
and celebrate the powerful,resilient women, biological moms
, chosen moms, fur baby moms,community moms and all the
nurturers who keep showing up.
(19:28):
But let's also acknowledgesomething else, because it is
May-cember and you know what Imean the unofficial season that
may feel like a surpriseDecember.
There's overflowing thoserecitals, field days,
graduations, banquets, end ofyear chaos and an inbox that
looks like it's constantly onfire.
Even just thinking about all ofthat gives me a little bit of
(19:51):
chest tightening.
So let's talk about grace,because this month might not be
the time for a new PR.
It may not even be the time fora consistent routine.
It can be a time forintentional grace building,
letting go of perfection,choosing self-kindness, finding
small ways to nourish yourmental health through movement.
(20:12):
Running doesn't have to be epicto be effective, it just needs
to be so these are tips that I'mgoing to impart to you,
incredible women, to help you tokeep running through May-Sember
without losing your ever-lovingmind.
So one shorten the window, notthe win.
You can't squeeze in 45 minutes, go for 15.
A quick loop around the blockor a few laps at the park still
(20:33):
counts.
Call it a movement snack.
You know we're all about thatlittle exercise confetti around
here.
It's just a little lightlyseasoned with endorphins.
Then stack with purpose.
Pair your run with somethingyou're already doing.
So drop off the kids.
Run near the school soccerpractice.
Maybe you do a jog during theirwarmups waiting for a meeting.
Sneak in a walking call.
(20:59):
I have been known to do that aswell.
Pop in my AirPods and take someof my meetings and calls on a
walk.
Of course, I'm going to ask youto get the crew involved.
Invite your kids on a bike runadventure or a stroller jog.
Not only does it modelself-care, but it helps keep
everyone active and entertained,at least until the snacks run
out.
Of course, though, make itabout the mind more so than the
(21:20):
performance, more so than thepace more so than distance,
instead of running, for the waythat it just clears your head.
It's a little bit of you time.
It loosens the shoulders.
Give you five minutes to saythis is my time and nobody is
actually saying mom, because youknow that you probably hear
(21:40):
that 5,232 times, but yeah, thatprobably before 9am, so it's
your time to just be you.
Of course, when I talked aboutdopamine dressing and the Met
Gala of what sparks joy, this isalso a wonderful time to not
worry too much about all ofthose different aspects.
If it creates joy for you,great.
(22:00):
If joy for you is wearing thesame running outfit four days in
a row so that you don't have todo extra laundry.
I'm not here to judge my friend.
You do what creates the mostjoy for you.
And then, of course, let restbe sacred.
Rest is part of training.
Full stop Period.
If you're choosing a nap, along bath, maybe even sleeping
(22:20):
in or a quiet time over a run,that is still caring for your
whole self.
So leave the guilt behind.
And to the moms and everyone whoshows up like one, I want you
to know that we see you, wecelebrate you.
We know that this season canfeel like a sprint, a juggling
act and a beautiful mess all atonce, but you're doing it.
(22:40):
You're showing up for othersand for yourself, even when it's
not perfect.
And I am so inspired by you.
So here's your officialpermission slip to give yourself
some grace this May run, whenyou can rest when you need and
celebrate the tiny wins.
You don't need to do it all,you just need to remember that
you matter too.
(23:01):
So, my friends, I want to sayhappy Mother's Day to every
powerful, caring, extraordinarywoman who makes this world
better one step at a time.
And then, before I officiallylet you go from this episode, my
friends, I just want to leavewith this you don't have to run
the furthest, you don't have torun the fastest, you just have
(23:22):
to show up for yourself inwhatever way feels good for you
right now.
And if you're looking for moresparkle and support this summer,
hop on over to the StrideCollective Facebook group, where
the podcast listeners reside.
I've dropped in three themedvirtual run weekends that are
going to be co-hosted with theMod Squad Thanks, lynn.
Inspired by the Run DisneySummer Series.
(23:45):
You don't have to be a RunDisney fan to join the fun.
You don't even have to have thevirtual medals, we've got the
themed games, we've got somedress-up prompts, even in-person
meetups for those of you localto Disney World here in Central
Florida.
So think of it from thisperspective.
It's just going to be joy andmotion, no matter where you are,
definitely no matter what paceyou tackle it at.
(24:07):
With that said, until next time, keep moving forward.
Dress like joy is the ultimatefinish line, and remember that
every stride you take is acelebration of how far you have
come.
This is Coach Christine, andyou've been listening to
Extraordinary Strides.
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