E72: Talk about Running Safe and Sound with Dena Lewis from Running Mate

Welcome to the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast with Dr. Kerry Reller! This week, I am joined by Dena Lewis, who shared insights about her innovative app, Running Mate. They discussed the app's purpose of providing verified running partners to ensure safety, inspired by Dena's personal experiences of harassment while running. The conversation covered the app's launch in cities like Austin and its upcoming launch in Tampa, the cost structure, and its safety features including background checks for all users. They also touched on community building, positive user feedback, and future plans for expanding services and partnerships. Dena highlighted the app's goal of fostering a safe, connected, and health-conscious running community.Dena Lewis is the founder and CEO of Running Mate. After experiencing two assaults while running, she embarked on a mission to provide a safer running experience, leading to the creation of Running Mate. This run-share app offers real-time, on-demand, and verified safe running "mates" whenever a runner needs them. Both runners and mates undergo thorough background checks to ensure safety, and mates are compensated for their services.Dena's health tips emphasize the importance of rest days and sleep management. As a long-distance and ultra-marathon runner, she runs six days a week, pushing her body to its limits. To avoid injury, she incorporates rest days, foam-rolling, YouTube yoga classes, and naps when necessary. She highlights that the body recovers during sleep, which is crucial for muscle recuperation and stress reduction. Without adequate sleep and rest, she finds herself lacking the energy to run and feeling stressed.Running Mate can be found online at getrunningmate.com and on social media under @getrunningmate on Facebook and Instagram. Dena can be reached directly at [email protected]. Information Page with direct links to all their social media channels is available as well.0:28 Introduction to Dena Lewis and Running Mate1:04 Background and Inspiration4:47 Why Tampa7:08 Launch and Beta Testing8:54 Cost and Usage10:12 Safety and Features14:27 Community and Feedback19:10 Future Goals21:21 How to Get Involved22:00 Closing RemarksConnect with Dena LewisConnect with Dr. RellerMy linktree: linktr.ee/kerryrellermdPodcast website: https://gethealthytbpodcast.buzzsprout.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClearwaterFamilyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearwaterfamilymedicine/Clearwater Family Medicine and Allergy Website: https://sites.google.com/view/clearwaterallergy/homeSubscribe to the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Amazon music, iheartradio, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Pandora.