Don't Quote Me
Don't Quote Me S3E6 || Sammie Bennett
What if running wasn't about how fast you are, how far you can go, or where you finish, but about who you meet along the way? In this episode of Don't Quote Me, we sit down with Sammie, founder of Friendship Miles, a Grand Rapids-based running community built around connection, inclusion, and the belief that movement should be accessible to everyone. Sammie shares the story behind Friendship Miles, what inspired her to create a different kind of running community, and why friendship (not competition) is at the heart of the organization. We talk about the intimidation that can surround running and fitness, creating spaces where people of all experience levels can feel welcome, and the ways movement can positively impact mental and emotional well-being. The conversation also explores what it takes to grow a community without losing its sense of connection, the importance of collaboration, and why simply showing up can be one of the most meaningful parts of the experience.
