Miles & Schmears
- LeMar Johnson
- Mar 12
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 13

Let’s be honest for a second. Tampa is gorgeous, but by 8:00 AM, the humidity is already trying to settle a land dispute in your lungs. Running here isn't just a hobby; it’s a daily negotiation with the sun. So, if you’re going to lace up and sweat through your favorite shirt, there better be a damn good reason at the finish line.
Enter: Miles & Schmears.
We’re officially launching the LOVE JOY RUN club right here in Downtown Tampa, and we’re doing it with a very specific "carrot" at the end of the stick. We’re talking about The Bagel Nook. If you haven't been there yet, imagine a place where the bagels are as creative as a Creative Director on a caffeine bender. We’re talking Oreo bagels, French Toast bagels, and schmears that actually make life worth living.
But this isn’t just about the carbs (though, let’s be real, it’s like 60% about the carbs). It’s about building something that Tampa is craving: a community that values movement as a life philosophy, not just a way to burn off Friday night’s mistakes.
Why Tampa? Why Now?
Tampa is changing. It’s vibrant, it’s active, and it’s full of people who actually give a rip about their health and their style. But let’s look at the "run club" landscape for a minute. You usually have two options:
The "Elite" groups where everyone looks like they’re preparing for an Olympic trial and will judge you if your split is five seconds off.
The "Beer Runs" where the running is mostly a formality to get to the pub.
We’re carving out a third path. LOVE JOY RUN is for the purpose-driven crowd. You’re likely between 30 and 55. You’ve got a career, maybe a family, and definitely a busy schedule. You don't need another chore. You need a longevity running routine that actually fits your life and keeps you moving until you’re 90.
You want to move with love, run with joy, and, most importantly, live with purpose.

The Philosophy: It’s Not About the Pace
If you come to a LOVE JOY RUN meetup expecting a drill sergeant with a stopwatch, you’re going to be disappointed. We’re not here to break records; we’re here to break bread (specifically, bagels).
Our approach to running is built on community strength. We believe that when you run with people who share your values, the miles go by faster, and the motivation sticks longer. It’s easy to hit snooze when it’s just you and your alarm clock. It’s a lot harder when you know there’s a group of high-energy, witty humans waiting for you at The Bagel Nook.
We focus on the "Joy" part of the name. Running shouldn't feel like a punishment for what you ate yesterday. It should feel like a celebration of what your body can do today. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or someone who currently considers a brisk walk to the mailbox "cardio," there is a place for you here.
The Route: Downtown Vibes
We start and end at The Bagel Nook in Downtown Tampa. Why? Because the Riverwalk is right there, and frankly, there isn’t a better view in the city. We’ll loop through the urban landscape, catch the breeze off the water, and remind ourselves why we choose to live in this tropical paradise.
The goal is simple:
Show up.
Move your body.
Connect with someone new.
Eat a bagel that looks like a work of art.
It’s a destination run. It’s an experience. It’s a way to reclaim your Saturday morning from the clutches of the "to-do" list.
Longevity is the Name of the Game
As we get older (and hopefully wiser), our goals change. We’re no longer just trying to look good in a swimsuit, though, hey, that’s a nice perk. We’re looking for longevity. We want to be the people who are still hiking, traveling, and running decades from now.
That’s why our club focuses on a longevity running routine. We talk about recovery, we talk about form, and we talk about the mental game. We want you to finish a run feeling energized, not destroyed. If you’re looking for more tips on how we approach movement, check out our blog where we dive deeper into the lifestyle side of fitness.

Look Good, Feel Better
Lemar always says that style is a reflection of discipline. If you’re going to be part of the most stylish run club in Tampa, you might as well look the part. We’re not saying you have to wear a tuxedo to the Riverwalk, but a little intentionality goes a long way.
For those humid Tampa mornings, we recommend something breathable. Our unisex-garment-dyed-tank-top is a fan favorite for a reason: it stays cool while you’re heating up. Or, if you’re the type who likes to hide from the sun, the dad hat is pretty much a mandatory piece of equipment in Florida.
You can browse our full collection of gear at our shop. We believe that putting on high-quality gear is a signal to your brain that it’s time to perform. It’s part of the ritual.
More Than a Run Club: Community Strength
What happens after the bagel is gone? That’s where the real magic of LOVE JOY RUN happens. We’re building a network. When you join us, you’re connecting with other purpose-driven individuals in the Tampa area. Need a recommendation for a physical therapist? Want to know the best place for a post-run smoothie? Looking for a business connection?
That’s community strength.
We aren't just a group of people who happen to be moving in the same direction. We’re a community that supports each other’s growth, both on and off the pavement. We take the "Joy" in our name seriously: we celebrate wins, we support through setbacks, and we always, always have room for one more at the table.

How to Join the Movement
Ready to trade your solo treadmill sessions for "Miles & Schmears"? We’d love to have you.
Pull up this Saturday at 7:00 AM for the Downtown Tampa run—we start at The Bagel Nook. Set the alarm. Bring a friend. Bring your “I almost didn’t come” energy. We’ll handle the rest.
Want the official details and updates? Visit www.lovejoyrun.com and check our event list.
Here is the lowdown on how to get started:
Check the Schedule: Head over to our event list to see when our next Tampa meetup is happening.
Follow the Vibe: Follow us on socials to get a feel for the community and see the routes we’re planning.
Show Up: No RSVP required (usually), just bring your shoes and an appetite for connection.
The Start Line: Meet us at The Bagel Nook in Downtown Tampa on Saturday at 7:00 AM. We usually gather 10-15 minutes before the start time to stretch and catch up.

Scan this QR code to sign up for the Tampa Run Club!
If you have questions about the club or our coaching philosophy, don’t hesitate to contact us. We love hearing from people who are ready to change their relationship with movement.
A Final Thought
Running doesn't have to be a grind. It doesn't have to be lonely. And it certainly doesn't have to be boring. By combining a solid longevity running routine with the community strength of like-minded Tampa locals, we’re creating something special.
We’re building a culture of movement that is sustainable, joyful, and: thanks to The Bagel Nook: downright delicious.
So, Tampa, are you ready for some Miles & Schmears? We’ll see you at the start line. Don't worry about your pace; just worry about which cream cheese flavor you're going to pick at the end. (Pro tip: the Birthday Cake schmear is a life-changing experience).
Move with love. Run with joy. Live with purpose.
We’ll see you out there.

Want to learn more about our brand philosophy? Visit our homepage to see how we’re redefining fitness and wellness coaching for the modern world.
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