Running, Resilience, and Reinvention with Dena Lewis (Episode 233)

Jul 2, 2025

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Like many women, Dena Lewis planned on “fighting through” menopause. She thought she could outrun, out-nutrition, and out-supplement menopause. Menopause–which came swiftly through surgery–had other ideas. Through mood swings, soaking night sweats, hair loss, and a relentless barrage of symptoms, Dena did keep running–10+ miles a day–but she also sought hormone therapy that made the rest better. A lifelong runner and breast cancer survivor, Dena shares how she’s navigated her health and menopause journey. She also speaks candidly about surviving two assaults while running, and how those experiences led her to create Running Mate, a safety-focused app that pairs verified runners with compatible partners based on pace, distance, and time of day.

Dena Lewis is the passionate force behind Running Mate, an innovative app revolutionizing runner safety. After enduring two assaults while running, she embarked on a mission to create a safer environment for all runners. Through Running Mate, Dena offers a reliable platform where runners and mates undergo thorough background checks, ensuring peace of mind for all involved. Think of Running Mate as the Uber for runners, providing a groundbreaking solution to enjoy runs without fear. Before founding Running Mate, Dena forged a successful career in Medical Device Sales and Management, holding various leadership roles over 15 years. You can learn more about her and her work at www.getrunningmate.com

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