Sammie
Meet Sammie
Sammie Bennett is a Grand Rapids, Michigan, running community leader and certified running coach with a passion for giving back. Through her passion, Sammie is on a mission to create a more inclusive and welcoming community for all runners. Sammie represents women and LGBTQ+ individuals and started her mission supporting them and recognized the need for representation for all. In this, she has founded Friendship Miles - a place where runners of all kinds can show up as leaders and connect with others through conversational movement.
Sammie's mission was born out of her journey in which she found the courage to share her mental health journey, which included a poor relationship with food and running, coming out as queer, and navigating the confusing amounts of information on how to be a “good” runner. What started as a simple hobby to get in shape has propelled Sammie to find more alignment in her life and help others do the same.
"I did a lot of things wrong for a long time trying to fit the mold of an "athlete," and now I am learning ways to work with my body, not against it. I want to help others find authentic connection through movement as I did and find greater purpose for running to avoid making the same mistakes I did."
As an experienced athlete who has conquered 80+ races, including two ultra-marathons and three Kilimanjaro summits, Sammie offers a unique perspective and an abundance of passion. Though she has accomplished several incredible feats, the simple joys of routine and community support her greater goals.
"Life is all about creating balance and knowing when to push, but also when to slow down. Friendship with ourselves and others first."
As a certified running coach specializing in women's health, LGBTQ+, and female activism, Sammie aims to help others slow down and approach the less is more mentality with confidence.
Additionally, she is a community leader acting as co-captain of Lyon Street Run Club and founder of Trail Sisters Grand Rapids. Sammie is a friend of Gazelle Sports, a HOKA flyer, and Fitness & Endurance Coach for Mountains and Marathons, a Global Leadership program.
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