Mindful Marathon Podcast

This week, we’re taking a heartfelt look back at 2025 and celebrating the incredible runners who made this year so meaningful. From first races to PRs, from brave comebacks to bucket-list finish lines, our Mindful Marathon athletes showed us how it's done.
In this episode, I’m sharing some of the standout moments from the year across a variety of race distances, a half Ironman, a world-major marathon, and joyful community runs, and reflecting on what these experiences reminded me about running, growth, and what’s truly possible when you show up for yourself.
This isn’t just a recap of results. It’s a celebration of life, strength, and community. Whether you ran with Mindful Marathon this year, cheered from the sidelines, or are dreaming about your next running goal, I hope this episode reminds you of the power of movement and the joy of being part of something bigger.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
• Highlights from an incredible year of racing and growth in our athletes• Firsts, PRs, comebacks, world-major milestones, and meaningful moments• Reflections on confidence, courage, and showing up even when life is full• Why community matters so much in running• A look ahead to what we’re dreaming about for 2026
If You’re Feeling Inspired… Let’s Work Together in 2026!
If you’re thinking, “Maybe this is my year,” I’d love to support you. In 2026, you can work with me through:• Premium 1:1 Coaching• Custom Training Plans• Strategy Sessions
Not sure what's best? Contact Coach Michelle here: https://mindful-marathon.com/contact 
You can get free running tips, motivation, and mindset support by signing up for Coach Michelle's weekly Friday newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/6061ab0452d7/newsletter
*** 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. ***

In this short holiday episode of the Mindful Marathon Podcast, Coach Michelle shares 12 gentle reminders for runners as we close out the year. Designed to be calming, encouraging, and easy to listen to during a busy holiday week, this episode is a permission slip to let go of pressure and reflect on what truly matters.
In this episode:
12 mindful reminders for runners during the holidays
Why consistency matters more than any single week
Permission to rest, reset, and reflect
Coach Michelle also reflects on the most-listened-to episode of the year which was Episode 41 with Mindful Marathon athlete Aly Giampapa, who shared her amazing story of donating part of her liver to a friend with cancer. This was a powerful conversation about resilience, compassion, and showing up for others. Have a listen here if you missed it: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-v4is8-18e3655
To work with Coach Michelle, head to her website and click on Contact Me: https://www.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. ***

Most people wait until January 1st to think about fresh starts, but as runners, physicians, and busy professionals, we know that change doesn’t follow a calendar.
In this episode of the Mindful Marathon Podcast, I’m inviting you to rethink December as a powerful time for reflection, reset, and intentional goal setting. Inspired by the energy of the season (and fresh off an incredible year-end goal setting workshop), this episode is a mini goal-setting episode to help you close out 2025 feeling grounded and step into 2026 with clarity.
In this episode, we cover:
Why traditional New Year’s resolutions don’t work, especially for runners with very full lives
The data behind why resolutions fail (and what actually works instead)
A guided reflection to identify 3 running or fitness wins from 2025
Understanding why those wins happened so you can repeat what works
Examining what didn’t work this year without judgment
Two forward-focused prompts to help you decide what you want more of and less of in 2026
The power of choosing a single word for the year as an anchor for your running, training, and life
How my word for 2025 - REACH - created ripple effects across sport, medicine, and my run coaching business
This episode is a shortened version of the type of goal-setting work we did in my recent Running Resolutions workshop. If this reflection feels good and you’re craving a deeper, more strategic way to set your 2026 running goals, I’m making the workshop replay available for a limited time.
If you want to work through the full exercises in the companion workbook and head into 2026 with clarity and a plan, you can get access to it by registering here: https://mindful-marathon.com/workshop
And, I’d love to hear from you:What’s your word for 2026? Share it with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon
To work with Coach Michelle, head to her website and click on Contact Me: https://www.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. ***

Winter running is tough. We have darker mornings, colder temperatures, holiday stress, and unpredictable schedules which make it feel harder than ever to stay motivated. If your running has felt off lately, you’re not alone.
In this episode, Coach Michelle shares a supportive guide to boost your motivation during the winter months. You’ll learn how to reconnect with your purpose, set yourself up for success, and create small, achievable steps that help you keep moving through the season. 
 
We explore 7 tips to get your running spark back including:
How reconnecting with your “why” helps to bring clarity and purposeWhy accountability partners make winter running easierHow to dress for success so cold weather doesn’t derail youWhy having a running plan (or a coach!) boosts consistencyHow signing up for a local race can reignite your sparkWhat to focus on during “foundation season”How visual reminders and mantras can gently pull you forward
 
Sign up for Coach Michelle's upcoming workshop, Running Resolutions: Turning Dreams into Distance.
On December 11th, Coach Michelle will be leading a live, guided workshop, where we’ll create meaningful, realistic running goals for the new year. Perfect if you’re craving a reset, structure, or a fresh start. Register here: https://mindful-marathon.com/workshop
To work with Coach Michelle, head to her website and click on Contact Me: https://www.mindful-marathon.com
Stay up to date with Coach Michelle's adventures by following Mindful Marathon 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. ***
 

December can feel like one of the hardest months to stay consistent with your running. Between colder temperatures, darker mornings, holiday stress, and disrupted routines, so many runners feel like they’re “falling behind.”
In this episode, Coach Michelle shares three things she wants you to stop doing this month - habits and mindsets that make winter running harder than it needs to be. And, she'll give you the tools to reframe your mindset and what to start doing instead.
You’ll walk away feeling grounded, encouraged, and reminded that you are not behind. You’re simply in a different season, and you can be flexible with yourself in this season. You are allowed to slow down, shift goals, and honor your energy. You’re not losing fitness. You’re adapting to the season.
 
Sign up for Coach Michelle's upcoming workshop, Running Resolutions: Turning Dreams into Distance.
On December 11th, Coach Michelle will be leading a live, guided workshop, where we’ll create meaningful, realistic running goals for the new year. Perfect if you’re craving a reset, structure, or a fresh start. Register here: https://mindful-marathon.com/workshop
To work with Coach Michelle, head to her website and click on Contact Me: https://www.mindful-marathon.com
Stay up to date with Coach Michelle's adventures by following Mindful Marathon 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. ***

In this Thanksgiving week episode, Coach Michelle shares why the Turkey Trot has become one of her favorite holiday running traditions! 
For many women physicians, Thanksgiving can feel like another marathon: cooking, hosting, managing schedules, keeping the family afloat, all while trying to slow down long enough to enjoy the day. The Turkey Trot offers something rare: a moment that belongs entirely to you.
In this episode, we explore:
Why the 5K distance is so approachable 
How Turkey Trots bring fun, community, and family into movement, and where to find a race near you
Why starting your day with intentional movement can shift the tone of the holiday
How running can be self-care rather than another task on the to-do list
What mindset to embrace if you don’t feel ready for a run (gentle alternatives included)
Whether you line up at a starting line, walk your neighborhood with a cup of coffee, or simply take 10 minutes of quiet before the day unfolds, this conversation is a reminder that you don’t need to earn your holiday meal, and that you deserve peace, joy, and presence — just as you are.
 
Sign up for Coach Michelle's upcoming workshop! 
On December 11th, at 7pm ET, join Coach Michelle for a 75-minute live, guided workshop: Running Resolutions - Turning Dreams into Distance. Register here and grab the Black Friday discount! https://mindful-marathon.com/workshop
To work with Coach Michelle, head to her website and click on Contact Me: https://www.mindful-marathon.com
Stay up to date with Coach Michelle's adventures by following Mindful Marathon 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. ***
 

Ever wish you could leave work on time and still have the energy to run, rest, or enjoy your evening? This week on the Mindful Marathon Podcast, Dr. Michelle Quirk sits down with Dr. Mary Leung, physician and certified life coach who helps doctors reclaim their time, energy, and joy.
After years of long hours and late-night charting, Dr. Mary discovered a new way forward that was grounded in mindset, gratitude, and intentional habits. Today, she helps physicians streamline their workday so they can focus on what matters most.
Together, we talk about:
How to set your mindset before the workday begins
Practical tips for efficient charting and time management
Creating space for running and movement in a busy schedule
Why mindfulness and gratitude fuel both productivity and joy
Whether you’re training for a race or simply trying to run your day with more intention, this episode will help you find your stride at work, at home, and on the run.
You can connect with Dr. Leung on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmaryleung
Save the Date: Coach Michelle will be hosting an upcoming live workshop Running Resolutions - Turning Dreams into Distance on December 11th, 2025 at 7pm eastern. Registration opens soon.
To work with Coach Michelle, head to her website and click on Contact Me: https://www.mindful-marathon.com
Stay up to date with Coach Michelle's adventures by following Mindful Marathon 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. ***
 

Cold weather doesn’t mean you have to hang up your running sneakers. In this episode, Dr. Michelle Quirk — physician, run coach, and founder of Mindful Marathon — shares practical and mindful ways to keep running through the winter. Whether you’re training for a race or simply want to maintain your routine, this episode will help you layer up, stay motivated, and find joy in your cold-weather miles.
You’ll Learn:
The mindset shift that makes winter running more enjoyable
A simple layering guide so you can dress for comfort and safety
How to apply the “10-degree rule” to your cold-weather runs
Safety and mindfulness tips for icy roads, darker days, and chilly starts
How to stay consistent and find meaning in your running through the winter season
Save the Date: Coach Michelle will be hosting an upcoming live workshop Running Resolutions - Turning Dreams into Distance on December 11th, 2025. Registration opens soon.
Resources Mentioned: Michelle’s blog post - Winter Running Guide
To work with Coach Michelle, head to her website and click on Contact Me: https://www.mindful-marathon.com
Stay up to date with Coach Michelle's adventures by following Mindful Marathon 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. ***

In this episode of the Mindful Marathon Podcast, Coach Michelle welcomes Sarah Skobeloff, a registered dietitian specializing in sports performance and ADHD, for a conversation that every runner needs to hear. Together, they unpack what it truly means to fuel for performance, and how common diet culture messages can hold us back from running and feeling our best.
They dive into the science and mindfulness behind proper nutrition for endurance training, and how intentional meal planning can make the difference between burnout and balance. You’ll also hear how under-fueling (often unintentionally) can contribute to fatigue, poor recovery, and increased risk of injury.
Michelle and Sarah tackle a number of hot topics including:
Why carbs are essential for women runners (and why “cutting carbs” often leads to fatigue and injury)
The downside of fasted cardio and “training for fat burn”
How focusing only on protein can leave you under-fueled
The problem with trying to train for a race while losing weight
How to approach nutrition without guilt or rigidity
They also explore the unique challenges women physicians face,  from unpredictable schedules to perfectionism, and how a mindful, flexible approach to fueling can help you feel more energized, resilient, and at peace with your body.
Whether you’re training for your next race or simply trying to find balance amid a busy call schedule, this conversation will remind you that fueling your body well is not indulgent. It’s essential self-care.
You can connect with Sarah here: https://www.mariaterrynutrition.com/rd/work-with-sarah
And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simmerwithsarah
To work with Coach Michelle, head to her website and click on Contact Me: https://www.mindful-marathon.com
Stay up to date with Coach Michelle's adventures by following Mindful Marathon 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. ***

In this week’s episode of The Mindful Marathon Podcast, Dr. Michelle Quirk is joined by Dr. Siri Chand for a thoughtful conversation on recovery, resilience, and redefining health in the wake of long COVID.
Dr. Chand shares her personal experience navigating dysautonomia and long COVID, and how she’s learned to adapt her approach to movement, rest, and healing. Together, they discuss the importance of stress reduction, the role of mindfulness, and the reality that health isn’t found in a pill. It’s created through your daily choices, self-care, and lifestyle.
This episode is a gentle reminder that healing is not linear, and that tuning into your body with compassion and curiosity can guide you toward greater well-being.
Dr. Siri Chand Khalsa has had a life-long interest in mindful living as the foundation for long-term vitality of mind, body, and spirit. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at the Mayo Clinic in 2005 and is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, and Hospice/Palliative Medicine.
You can connect with Dr. Chand on her website: https://drsirichand.com/ 
And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DoctorSiriChand
To work with Coach Michelle, head to her website and click on Contact Me: https://www.mindful-marathon.com
Stay up to date with Coach Michelle's adventures by following Mindful Marathon 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. ***