Runner / Coach / Race Event Organizer
Coach Collins, a passionate distance runner for over a quarter-century, has zealously participated in various running events, including 18 full marathons and an impressive 45-plus half marathons. Her feet have left tracks in states ranging from Arizona and Arkansas, through Louisiana and Maryland, to Washington and her home state of Texas, in addition to countries like the Bahamas and Canada. Coach Collins takes the greatest pride in the races she has run alongside Ainsley's Angels, an organization dedicated to fostering participation and active lifestyles among children with disabilities. Her devotion towards supporting this cause is evident in her fundraising contributions and her assistance in pushing a stroller with a disabled youngster during the races. Equally dear to her heart have been her half-marathon enterprises in Memphis, Tennessee, where she has bolstered St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through her dedicated fundraising and running efforts.
Through her vivid literary contributions and systematic health-regimes, she has earned a reputation for furnishing her clientele with innovative strategies towards cultivating healthier lifestyle practices. Her moving advocacies on the paradigm of the "Five Cs" (choice, commitment, change, courage, and control) for bountiful living have assisted numerous individuals across the U.S. in gaining momentum in the prevention and managing of diseases.
It would be an oversight on Bridgette's part if she failed to mention, 
Ken Johnson, whom she attributes as her motivation to embrace running back in the mid-90s.
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Bridgette the "Runner"
Bridgette continues to relish her journey as a runner. However, it would be an oversight not to acknowledge the origins of her passion for running. The birth of her enthusiasm for this sport can be traced back to the individual who first introduced her to running in the mid-1990s, her recruitment supervisor, Ken Johnson. Once the idea of running had firmly implanted itself in her mind, she committed to it and affiliated herself with Bally’s Total Fitness. Here, she initiated her running journey, kick-starting on the treadmill. Diligently, she progressed to running laps around a small track in Huntsville, TX, where she was employed at the time. Her running journey truly blossomed when she relocated to Dallas, Texas, where she began running daily in a local park. She then advanced to running in Bachman Lake Park, eventually transitioning to White Rock Lake Park, which became her designated running route for her marathon training programs while living in the DFW area.
When she relocated from the Houston vicinity to Dallas, TX, her fervor for health and fitness intensified, leading her to frequently increase her running distances on the bustling streets of Dallas, TX. She also became a certified personal trainer (accreditation achieved through Baylor Sports Medicine Institute and the respected Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) during the late 1990s and early 2000s. After a few years of part-time employment as a personal trainer at Bally’s Total Fitness, she conceived her walk/run initiative, dubbed MAC Fitness.
Bridgette consistently motivates everyone encountered on her journey to "Discover tranquility, intent, and a fervor for existence by challenging themselves to strive for superior objectives where their involvement truly counts."
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Bridgette the "Coach"
In the dawn of the 21st century, Bridgette established an enterprise named MAC Fitness (Making-A-Commitment to Fitness), whose primary aim was motivating and enabling individuals via a well-structured walk/run program. This initiative intended to seamlessly integrate walking or running into their daily routines, thereby fostering healthier lifestyle modifications. Little did she anticipate that her innovative program would pique the interest of another community-based running initiative seeking to amplify their representation of minority runners. In 2003, a productive collaboration ensued between Bridgette, Luke’s Locker (located in Dallas), and USA Fit. The joint effort aimed at enticing more members of the minority groups to embrace running as a viable healthier lifestyle alternative.
She has acted as a coach for both walking and running for the esteemed Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America’s noteworthy Team Challenge initiative. Then in 2010, when the renowned Walton A. Taylor, MD, FACS was looking to incorporate a physical wellness module into his celebrated “All About Life Breast Health Center” initiative in Dallas, TX, she was honored to be chosen to curate a dedicated program that would center its participants' focus on balanced nutrition and consistent physical activity. Currently, Coach Collins has acquired a prestigious certification as a running coach through the credible Road Runners Club of America.
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Bridgette the "Race Event Organizer"
Bridgette embarked on another remarkable journey as the race director and orchestrator of the distinguished KwanzaaFest Beat Obesity Walk/Run events celebrated annually in Dallas, TX. Initiated in 2006, the revered KwanzaaFest Beat Obesity 5K Walk/Run event publicizes the value of regular physical exercises in combating and diminishing obesity rates.
Several months preceding the yearly occasion, you would spot Coach Collins diligently preparing in the background, orchestrating, and arranging various activities. These tasks encompass designing promotional content, contracting a race management firm, transmitting regular emails, identifying potential guest speakers, and detailing agenda for the day of the event, among other things. This hardworking coach can be found collaborating closely with the volunteers on the day of the event.
Thanks to the generous support of numerous sponsors over the years, the event was accessible to all participants absolutely FREE of charge. A staggering 10,000 individuals, ranging from novices to seasoned walkers/runners, took part in the KwanzaaFest walk/run event between 2006 and 2019.
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Bridgette the "2015 National Black Distance Running Hall of Fame" inductee
Should you have the occasion to encounter Bridgette personally and exchange thoughts concerning any prospective plans, you will rapidly perceive her palpable enthusiasm about employing her extensive knowledge, competencies, and abilities to assist and uplift others. Bridgette commands considerable admiration and respect across the swathes of Dallas/Ft. Worth communities owing to her unwavering dedication, visionary perspective, embodiment of servant leadership, and fervor for advancing healthier lifestyle practices amongst others. Bridgette was rightfully acknowledged and conferred with induction into the prestigious 2015 National Black Distance Running Hall of Fame in recognition of her exemplary community service within the Dallas/Ft. Worth vicinity.
Bridgette has not only been the key orchestrator behind the KwanzaaFest Walk/Run community gatherings, but she also holds similar roles in various other community initiatives across the Dallas/Ft. Worth region. In 2010, when Walton A. Taylor, MD, FACS, was exploring to integrate a physical fitness element into his renowned “All About Life Breast Health Center” initiative in Dallas, TX, it was Coach Collins's expertise he sought. She meticulously created a program for Dr. Taylor that drew the attention of participants to the importance of a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
When the Dallas/Ft. Worth chapter of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America began seeking out proficient running coaches for their Team Challenge initiative, Coach Collins' name was proposed strongly. With an impressive knack for devising half marathon training plans, she significantly catered for program subscribers of varying proficiencies, ensuring their active participation and sustained enthusiasm. Additionally, Coach Collins left her mark by masterfully guiding participants to finish the San Antonio (2008) and Las Vegas (2009) half marathons.
Within her MAC Fitness program, as a guiding mentor for USA Fit, along with devoting her time to charities such as The Black Vegetarian Society of Texas, Bridgette is unequivocally committed. She frequently interacts with diverse groups, arming them with essential tactics for instituting and sustaining prosperous healthy behaviors. Her profound dedication extends to authoring health and fitness content for numerous faith-oriented entities. Indubitably, Bridgette's fervor and commitment towards empowering others to embrace a healthier lifestyle is palpable.