Mindful Marathon Podcast

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.

Mindful Marathon Podcast is a sports podcast hosted by Michelle Quirk, MD, with 100 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Michelle Quirk, MD hosts Mindful Marathon Podcast, a sports show with 100 episodes published.

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  Episode #101

  Ep 101: Sleep is Part of Your Training, Why Runners Need More Recovery, with Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown & Dr. Michelle Quirk

  Aug 17, 202625 min

  What if the most important thing you can do for your running today is sleep? As runners, we spend a lot of time thinking about training: how many miles we're running, what pace we're targeting, whether we need more strength training, and how we're going to fit it all into our already-busy lives. There's another piece of the training equation that is easy to push aside which is sleep. In this episode of the Mindful Marathon Podcast, I'm joined by my friend and fellow physician, Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown, a triple board-certified sleep physician and founder of Restful Sleep MD, for a conversation about sleep, recovery, and running. We talk about why sleep is such an active process and why it's foundational to everything from muscle recovery and immune function to mood, cognition, and performance. We also get into some of the questions I hear from runners all the time: How does inadequate sleep affect running performance and recovery? Do runners actually need more sleep when they're training hard? Is it okay to take a nap after a long run? When does a nap become too long or too late in the day? If you've had a terrible night's sleep, should you still get up for your morning run? When should you choose sleep over your workout? What can you do if you're having trouble falling asleep? Do supplements like melatonin or magnesium actually help? What can runners do to create a better bedtime routine? One of my favorite takeaways from our conversation is Dr. Funke's reminder that sleep is foundational. If you're constantly trying to train while running on an empty tank, eventually your body is going to let you know. We also talk about moving away from the all-or-nothing mentality that can make runners feel like they have to follow their training plan perfectly, even when life, stress, or poor sleep are telling them they need something different. If you've ever wondered whether you should get up and run or sleep for another hour, this episode is for you. Your training plan is a guide. Your body gets a vote, too. Connect with Dr. Funke on her website: https://www.restfulsleepmd.com/ And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restfulsleepmd/ 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. ***

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  Episode #100

  Ep 100: The August Running Reset - Recover, Reconnect, and Get Ready for What’s Next, with Dr. Michelle Quirk of Mindful Marathon

  Aug 10, 202615 min

  What if August didn’t have to be the month when you suddenly “get serious” about your fall running? Instead, what if you used this in-between season to recover, reconnect with running, and get clear on what you actually want from your next training cycle? In this episode of the Mindful Marathon Podcast, I’m bringing an older episode back from the archives because the message feels especially relevant right now. After a big race or training cycle, it’s completely normal to feel a little lost when the goal is behind you. You may feel unmotivated, directionless, or even tempted to immediately sign up for another race just to have something on the calendar. I experienced this myself after my first marathon, but the space between training cycles can be incredibly valuable. In this episode, I share five ways to make the most of your running off-season, plus two bonus ideas to help you use this time for reflection, exploration, and reconnecting with the joy of running. In this episode, we talk about: Why you might feel a little lost after completing a big race How to embrace joyful, low-pressure running during your off-season Using a local 5k as a fun, family-friendly running experience When a shorter race can be a useful fitness check-in before a fall training cycle How to incorporate a destination race into your summer travel plans Why the off-season is the perfect time to focus on strength, mobility, flexibility, and sleep What it means to practice “mindful maintenance mode” with your running Running by feel and using a level-of-effort scale instead of relying entirely on your watch Exploring new routes and reconnecting with why you started running Creative running goals to keep things interesting Three questions to help you reflect on your last training cycle and think about what you want to experience next Your August Running Reset If you’re in an in-between season right now, take a little time to ask yourself: What went well in my last training cycle? What did I learn? What do I want to experience next? You may not have an answer to that last question yet. That’s okay. You don’t have to immediately replace one goal with another. Give yourself some space and see what emerges. And if you’re a woman physician trying to balance running with a demanding career, family, and everything else on your plate, remember that you don’t have to make every season of running about doing more. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do for your running is to recover, slow down, and reconnect with what you actually want. Ready for your next training cycle? If you’re thinking about a fall race and want support building a training plan that works with your life and not against it, I’d love to help. I offer personalized run coaching for women physicians who want to train thoughtfully, sustainably, and with a little more intention. Learn more about coaching at https://www.mindful-marathon.com 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. ***

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  Episode #99

  Ep 99: The Treadmill Isn't the Problem. Perfectionism Is. Why Waiting for Perfect Running Conditions Is Holding You Back, with Dr. Michelle Quirk of Mindful Marathon

  Aug 3, 202618 min

  Have you ever finished a treadmill run feeling like it somehow didn't "count"? Maybe you've told yourself you should have gone outside. Maybe you've wondered if choosing the treadmill was taking the easy way out. In this episode of the Mindful Marathon Podcast, I'm challenging that belief. After hearing several athletes apologize for running on the treadmill, I realized we weren't really talking about treadmills at all. We were talking about perfectionism, all-or-none thinking, and the stories we tell ourselves when life doesn't go according to plan. If you're a busy professional trying to balance work, family, and training, this episode is a reminder that consistency is what gets you to the starting line. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why so many runners feel guilty choosing the treadmill The hidden perfectionism behind "I should have run outside" Why your body adapts to effort How the treadmill can be one of the smartest tools in your training toolbox Why consistency matters far more than perfect conditions The cost of waiting for the "right" time to train How flexible training helps busy runners continue making progress, even when life gets messy Key Takeaway The treadmill isn't second best. It's simply another tool that allows you to honor your commitment to yourself when weather, work, family, or life make outdoor running difficult. Your body isn't keeping score of where you ran. What matters is that you kept showing up. Ready to Stop Waiting? If you've been putting off your first or your next race because life never seems to settle down, you don't have to figure it out alone. I help women physicians and busy professionals build flexible training plans that fit real life, not an ideal schedule. Together, we'll adapt your training around work, travel, family, weather, and everything else life throws your way, so you can confidently reach the starting line. Learn more about coaching at https://www.mindful-marathon.com 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. ***

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  Episode #98

  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

  Jul 27, 202631 min

  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. ***

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  Episode #97

  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

  Jul 20, 202621 min

  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. ***

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