08: Real Talk About Joy, Goals, & Finding Balance
Listen Now
Hey runners! Every step is progress and every dog you spot is bonus motivation. Here's this week's dose of running reality from the Dogs Per Mile podcast.
Episode Summary
Let's talk about that moment when you create a brand about finding joy in running, but secretly harbor dreams of a sub-2 hour half marathon. This week, I'm getting vulnerable about the internal tug-of-war between being the Dogs Per Mile ambassador and wanting to chase performance goals. Because spoiler alert: you can count puppies AND splits - both parts of your running identity can coexist.
In This Episode
The struggle of balancing joy with performance goals
How a snowy interval workout changed my perspective
The pressure of social media perfection
Finding authenticity in the messy middle
Episode Highlights
2:15 - The pendulum swing between goals and joy
9:45 - The snowy interval workout revelation
15:30 - Social media pressure and authenticity
24:30 - Permission to be both serious and playful
28:45 - Finding your own running balance
Key Takeaways
You can be both a goal-crusher and a puppy-counter
Joy in running comes in many forms
Some runs are for pace, others are for puppies
Being authentic means embracing all parts of your running identity
Featured STory
Picture this: A snowy day, interval workout planned, and instead of giving up when the weather made pace goals impossible, finding joy in being the badass runner conquering the elements. Sometimes running joy isn't about the dogs you count - it's about the strength you find.
Quotable Moments
I just was so frustrated that it seemed that I checked all the boxes, I did all the steps, I did everything and I didn't meet my goal. So I think I swung in the other direction to find more joy because a little bit of my joy was taken away.
Ready to Join the Pack?
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Share Your Thoughts
Are you combining Orange Theory with half marathon training? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below or tag us in your training photos on Instagram @DogsPerMilePod.
