Mindful Marathon Podcast

Michelle Quirk, MD

A podcast helping runners to run their own race. In each episode, you will hear how to get started, fuel better, keep going, recover, or simply enjoy running a little bit more. Hosted by Running Coach Michelle Quirk, MD. Find out more about the program at Mindful-Marathon.com.

  1. vor 23 Std.

    Ep 98: Chasing Big Goals Without Burning Out - How One Mom Trained for a 230-mile Appalachian Trail Record, with Katherine Bright & Dr. Michelle Quirk

    What does it take to pursue an extraordinary goal without letting it consume your life? This week, I'm joined by strength coach, ultrarunner, and fellow Pennsylvanian Katherine Bright, who recently set the supported Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Pennsylvania section of the Appalachian Trail, covering 230 rocky miles in just over 98 hours. This conversation isn't just about ultrarunning. Kat is also a wife, mom of two, business owner, and coach who helps women build strength through every season of life. We talk about balancing ambitious goals with family and work, recognizing the difference between resilience and burnout, and why sustainable training always beats perfection. Whether you're dreaming of your first 5k, training for your next marathon, or simply trying to make running fit into a busy life, this episode is full of practical wisdom and encouragement. In this episode, we discuss: What a Fastest Known Time (FKT) is and why Kat chose the Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail The biggest lessons she learned during nearly 100 hours on the trail How her family became part of the journey toward a 230-mile goal Why time-based training helped her stay consistent and avoid burnout The importance of strength training for endurance athletes, especially women How to recognize the difference between healthy resilience and pushing too far Why scheduling recovery is just as important as scheduling workouts Advice for runners returning after a long break or preparing for their first race A simple mindset shift that can help you tackle any intimidating goal, which is to focus on the next step Connect with Kat by listening to her podcast Miles From Her View https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/milesfromherview/id1750510425 And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katfitstrength and https://www.instagram.com/milesfromherview Keep up with Coach Michelle's adventures over on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon If you have questions about your own training, reach out on Coach Michelle's website, and let's explore working together for personalized support. https://mindful-marathon.com *** The information contained in this podcast is intended to serve as educational information and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should consult your primary care physician before undertaking any fitness regimen or exercise, which can pose serious health risks if undertaken or performed improperly. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in the videos is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/advanced practice provider. ***

  2. 20. Juli

    Ep 97: Should you race a runDisney race? What to Consider before Chasing a Fast Time at Disney, with Dr. Michelle Quirk of Mindful Marathon

    Can you run a personal best at a runDisney race? Is the Walt Disney World Marathon a good choice if you're hoping to qualify for Boston? The answer might surprise you. In this episode, I'm diving into one of the most common questions I receive about runDisney: Should I race a runDisney race, or should I slow down and soak in the magic? We'll explore the unique factors that make runDisney races different from other road races including the flat courses, Florida weather, corral placement, crowd support, character stops, and the incredible energy of the runDisney community. Whether your goal is a fast Disney finish, making lifelong memories with friends and family, or a little bit of both, this episode will help you decide which race strategy is right for you. In this episode, we'll discuss: The advantages (and challenges) of racing on Disney property Why proof of time and corral placement can make a huge difference to a fast finish time Florida weather and how it can impact race day How the incredible atmosphere can either fuel a fast race or encourage you to slow down and enjoy every mile Deciding whether to chase a finish time, stop for character photos, or find a balance between the two Why defining success before race morning leads to a more meaningful experience Mentioned in this episode: Looking for a personalized runDisney training plan? I create custom training plans designed around your race weekend, schedule, experience level, and goals. Whether you're training for your first Disney race, running the challenge weekend, or hoping to race your fastest, we'll build a plan that fits your life.   Learn more here: https://mindful-marathon.com/rundisneytraining In case you missed it, Episode 78 is all about submitting Proof of Time for runDisney races. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd be so grateful if you'd subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who's training for a RunDisney race. Keep up with Coach Michelle's adventures over on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon *** The information contained in this podcast is intended to serve as educational information and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should consult your primary care physician before undertaking any fitness regimen or exercise, which can pose serious health risks if undertaken or performed improperly. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in the videos is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/advanced practice provider. ***

  3. 13. Juli

    Ep 96: Ask a Run Coach - 5 Questions I Get Asked Most Often, with Dr. Michelle Quirk of Mindful Marathon

    In this first installment of a new Ask a Run Coach series, I'm answering five of the questions I hear most often from runners. Whether you're just getting started or thinking about your next big goal, this episode is filled with practical advice to help you train with more confidence and a little less second-guessing. We'll talk about why there isn't one "perfect" running shoe, how slowing down can actually make you a stronger runner, and why recovery and walk breaks deserve a place in every runner's toolbox. In this episode, we discuss: Why the best running shoe is the one that fits your foot How to know if you're ready for a half marathon Why most runners should slow down on easy days The important role of rest and recovery in training Why walk breaks don't make you "less of a runner" Free Resources If today's episode inspired you to take the next step, I've created two free workshops to help you get started: Start Running and Make It Stick  A beginner-friendly workshop designed to help you build a sustainable running habit. Half Marathon Success: Thoughtful Strategies for Every Runner  Practical guidance to help you train for your first (or next) half marathon with confidence. If you have a question you'd like answered in a future Ask a Run Coach episode, send me a message on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon If you have questions about your own training, reach out on Coach Michelle's website, and let's explore working together for personalized support. https://mindful-marathon.com *** The information contained in this podcast is intended to serve as educational information and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should consult your primary care physician before undertaking any fitness regimen or exercise, which can pose serious health risks if undertaken or performed improperly. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in the videos is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/advanced practice provider. ***

  4. 6. Juli

    Ep 95: Running Smart in the Sun - Protecting Your Skin for the Long Run, with Dr. Stephanie Campbell & Dr. Michelle Quirk

    As runners, we spend a lot of time thinking about hydration, fueling, and training plans, but how often do we think about protecting our skin? In this Summer Replay episode of the Mindful Marathon Podcast, I'm joined by board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, and fellow runner, Dr. Stephanie Campbell. Together, we discuss simple, practical strategies to help runners protect their skin while continuing to enjoy the miles they love. Whether you're in summer training or spending long hours outdoors this summer, these tips can help you reduce your risk of sun damage while staying comfortable on the run. In this episode, you'll learn: Why runners are at increased risk for sun damage and skin cancer How to choose a sunscreen that provides the best protection Why broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is recommended The importance of reapplying sunscreen during long runs and easy ways to carry it with you Tips for choosing hats and visors that provide better sun protection As physicians, we're passionate about prevention for our patients. This episode is a reminder that we deserve that same preventive care ourselves. I hope this conversation encourages you to make sun protection part of your running routine so you can continue enjoying healthy miles for years to come. You can connect with Dr. Campbell on her website https://campbellderm.com and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/campbelldermdoc/ Resources Mentioned Episode 90: Heat, Humidity, & Expectations - A Smarter Way to Train. Runner Support Day, Sunday, July 12, at Road Runner Sports, King of Prussia. Sign up here: https://tidycal.com/mindfulmarathon/popup  RestRx Mindful Movement Retreat for Women Physicians Waitlist. Next Retreat will be Spring 2027. Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/9db5f7f1130c/retreat Connect with Coach Michelle Follow Coach Michelle on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon If you have questions about your own training, reach out on Coach Michelle's website, and let's explore working together for personalized support. https://mindful-marathon.com *** The information contained in this podcast is intended to serve as educational information and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should consult your primary care physician before undertaking any fitness regimen or exercise, which can pose serious health risks if undertaken or performed improperly. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in the videos is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/advanced practice provider. ***

  5. 29. Juni

    Ep 94: Stepping off the Treadmill - An Episode in the Mindfulness Moments Series, with Dr. Michelle Quirk of Mindful Marathon

    Have you ever felt like you're living on a treadmill? There's always another race to train for, project to finish, patient to see, and responsibility waiting for your attention. For many high achievers, the finish line keeps moving. In this Mindfulness Moments episode, I invite you to slow down and step off that treadmill, if only for a few minutes. Inspired by my recent conversation with performance coach Michael Allison, this guided reflection explores what we're truly chasing, why rest can feel uncomfortable, and how reconnecting with our past experiences of courage and resilience can help us navigate whatever comes next. Whether you're out for an easy run, taking a walk, or sitting quietly with a cup of coffee, this practice is an invitation to pause, breathe, and remember that your worth isn't determined by how much you accomplish. In This Episode Why high achievers often feel like they're constantly chasing the next finish line The power of intentionally stepping off the "treadmill" of achievement A guided reflection to help you reconnect with your inner resilience Why rest isn't weakness and recovery isn't falling behind Questions to help you carry more presence and self-compassion into your week Reflection Questions What am I chasing right now? What do I believe will happen when I finally get there? What feeling am I hoping that achievement will give me? What challenge have I already overcome that reminds me of my own strength? What would it look like to step off the treadmill, even briefly, this week? If this guided reflection resonated with you, I'd love to hear from you. Send me a message, leave a review, or share this episode with a friend who could use a reminder that it's okay to pause. Resources Mentioned Episode 93: Performing Under Pressure Without Losing Yourself: Running, Resilience, and the Nervous System, with Michael Allison Runner Support Day, Sunday, July 12, at Road Runner Sports, King of Prussia. Sign up here: https://tidycal.com/mindfulmarathon/popup  RestRx Mindful Movement Retreat for Women Physicians Waitlist. Next Retreat will be Spring 2027. Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/9db5f7f1130c/retreat Connect with Coach Michelle Follow Coach Michelle on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon If you have questions about your own training, reach out on Coach Michelle's website, and let's explore working together for personalized support. https://mindful-marathon.com *** The information contained in this podcast is intended to serve as educational information and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should consult your primary care physician before undertaking any fitness regimen or exercise, which can pose serious health risks if undertaken or performed improperly. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in the videos is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/advanced practice provider. ***

  6. 22. Juni

    Ep 93: Performing Under Pressure Without Losing Yourself - Running, Resilience, and the Nervous System, with Michael Allison and Dr. Michelle Quirk

    What if peak performance isn't about pushing harder? In this episode, I sit down with performance coach, educator, and author Michael Allison to explore how our nervous system shapes performance, resilience, recovery, and even our enjoyment of running. Michael is the creator of The Play Zone and has trained hundreds of coaches, therapists, and leaders worldwide in applying Polyvagal Theory to performance, health, leadership, and wellbeing. Together, we discuss what happens when we find ourselves stuck on the treadmill of achievement, why connection matters for performance, and how understanding our nervous system can help us navigate pressure without losing ourselves in the process. We also share personal stories from endurance sports, including Michael's first Boston Marathon and my experience navigating a challenging Half Ironman swim using many of the principles we discuss in this conversation. Whether you're training for a race, navigating a demanding career, or simply trying to move through life with more awareness, this episode offers a different perspective on what it means to perform well under pressure. In This Episode We Discuss: What Polyvagal Theory is and why it matters for runners and high achievers The concept of the Play Zone and how it applies to performance Why pre-race nerves are a normal part of preparation Michael's reflections on running the Boston Marathon before discovering Polyvagal Theory The role of connection, community, and play in endurance sports Lessons from a challenging Half Ironman swim How to recognize when your nervous system is overwhelmed The difference between fighting your experience and working with it Why many high achievers feel stuck on a treadmill that never stops The importance of awareness, acceptance, and intentional recovery How running can become a path to self-discovery and healing Memorable Quotes "Are you running toward something, or running away from something?" "It's not about being happy. It's about being with." "We have to step off the treadmill from time to time." Resources Mentioned The Play Zone https://www.theplayzone.com Polyvagal Institute https://www.polyvagal.org Michael Allison's upcoming book: The Performance Code: The New Science of Achieving Under Pressure https://www.theperformancecode.com/ Follow Michael on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/playzonepro Connect with Coach Michelle Follow Coach Michelle on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon If you have questions about your own training, reach out on Coach Michelle's website, and let's explore working together for personalized support. https://mindful-marathon.com *** The information contained in this podcast is intended to serve as educational information and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should consult your primary care physician before undertaking any fitness regimen or exercise, which can pose serious health risks if undertaken or performed improperly. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in the videos is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/advanced practice provider. ***

  7. 15. Juni

    Ep 92: Who Am I Without the Next Goal? Why You Feel Lost After Marathon Training, with Dr. Michelle Quirk of Mindful Marathon

    Feeling Adrift After Marathon Training? You're Not Alone. Have you ever crossed the finish line of a marathon, half marathon, or other big goal race and then found yourself wondering, Now what? In this episode, Dr. Michelle Quirk explores the surprisingly common feeling of being "adrift" after a training cycle ends. Inspired by a message from one of her athletes after the London Marathon, this conversation dives into why the post-race transition can feel so uncomfortable, especially for high-achieving professionals who are accustomed to having a clear goal on the horizon. You'll learn why this feeling is completely normal, how the structure of training becomes intertwined with our identity, and why the off-season isn't a void to fill but an important season of recovery, reflection, and growth. Whether you've recently completed a race or you're approaching the end of a training cycle, this episode will help you navigate the space between goals with greater intention and self-compassion. In This Episode You'll Learn: Why finishing a training cycle can leave you feeling unexpectedly lost How training plans provide structure, identity, and a sense of progress The "achievement trap" many physicians and high achievers experience Why the off-season is a valuable part of the training process How to shift from following a map to following a compass Reflection questions to help you make the most of your next season Reflection Questions What did this past training cycle give me? What did I learn about myself during this training cycle? What do I need most in this next season? Resources Mentioned Episode 33: Between Races: Making the Most of Your Running Off-Season https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-bz4j8-188b8ec runDisney Customized Training Plans https://mindful-marathon.com/contact Free Summer Running Coaching Consults at Road Runner Sports, King of Prussia https://tidycal.com/mindfulmarathon/popup Connect with Coach Michelle Follow Coach Michelle on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon If you have questions about your own training, reach out on Coach Michelle's website, and let's explore working together for personalized support. https://mindful-marathon.com *** The information contained in this podcast is intended to serve as educational information and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should consult your primary care physician before undertaking any fitness regimen or exercise, which can pose serious health risks if undertaken or performed improperly. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in the videos is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/advanced practice provider. ***

  8. 8. Juni

    Ep 91: GLP-1s and Running - Fueling, Muscle Loss, and the Bigger Picture, with Dietician, Ann Kent & Dr. Michelle Quirk of Mindful Marathon

    GLP-1 medications seem to be everywhere right now. From conversations in the physicians' lounge to social media feeds, these medications have become a major part of the discussion around weight, health, and wellness, but what do runners need to know about training while taking a GLP-1? In this episode, I sit down with registered dietitian Ann Kent to discuss how GLP-1 medications work, who may benefit from them, and the unique challenges they can create for runners and athletes. We explore how these medications affect appetite, fueling, recovery, muscle mass, and performance. We also discuss the importance of strength training, recognizing signs of underfueling, and knowing when it's time to talk with your healthcare team about adjusting your medication. Most importantly, we dive into the bigger conversation around body image, diet culture, and the reminder that pursuing health should never mean ignoring your body's need for nourishment. In This Episode We Discuss: What GLP-1 medications are and how they work Why these medications were originally developed for diabetes management Who may be an appropriate candidate for a GLP-1 Why runners have unique nutritional considerations while taking these medications The connection between GLP-1s, weight loss, and muscle loss Why strength training is so important while on these medications Protein and calorie goals for active individuals Common signs of underfueling and malnutrition Body image, diet culture, and disordered eating concerns Why weight loss alone isn't always a marker of improved health Key Takeaways Hunger is a normal biological signal, not something to eliminate completely. If your appetite is so suppressed that you can go all day without eating, it's worth discussing your medication dose with your healthcare provider. Strength training and adequate protein intake are critical for preserving muscle mass while losing weight. Runners on GLP-1 medications need to be especially intentional about fueling and recovery. Weight loss does not automatically equal health. You deserve nourishment at every body size. You can connect with Ann on her website https://peasandhoppiness.com/ and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/peasandhoppiness/ Check out Ann's fabulous podcast episode on GLP-1s for additional info. https://app.peasandhoppiness.com/post/whats-up-with-glp-1-medications Follow Coach Michelle on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon If you have questions about your own training, reach out on Coach Michelle's website, and let's explore working together for personalized support. https://mindful-marathon.com *** The information contained in this podcast is intended to serve as educational information and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should consult your primary care physician before undertaking any fitness regimen or exercise, which can pose serious health risks if undertaken or performed improperly. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in the videos is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/advanced practice provider. ***

Info

A podcast helping runners to run their own race. In each episode, you will hear how to get started, fuel better, keep going, recover, or simply enjoy running a little bit more. Hosted by Running Coach Michelle Quirk, MD. Find out more about the program at Mindful-Marathon.com.

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