Mindful Marathon Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Michelle Quirk sits down with Dr. Alex Fiks — pediatrician, researcher, and endurance athlete — to talk about his evolving fitness journey. Alex shares how an avid cyclist found his way into running, what he learned from completing a Half Ironman relay, and why he’s now training for the Philadelphia Half Marathon with a mission that goes beyond the miles.
Together, they discuss balancing fitness with a demanding medical career, the joy of participating in races with family, and the inspiration behind Alex’s decision to raise money for the Students Run Philly Style — an incredible organization that mentors youth through running.
Whether you’re a busy professional looking to fit fitness into your life or someone seeking purpose in your miles, this conversation will leave you feeling encouraged to run — or walk — toward what matters most.
You can donate to Alex's fundraising goal for the half marathon here: https://runsignup.com/docrunningforkids
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. ***
 

Join Dr. Michelle Quirk and Dr. Laurel Kilpatrick for a heartfelt conversation about letting go of mom guilt and learning to rest. They share personal stories about burnout, solo travel, and the power of giving yourself permission to recharge.
Dr. Kilpatrick opens up about her own journey through burnout, her leave of absence, and how coaching helped her rebuild a sustainable, fulfilling life in medicine. Together, they explore how retreats, destination races, and mindful rest can help women physicians reconnect with themselves, not as doctors or mothers, but as whole people.
If you’ve ever struggled with guilt for taking time away or felt torn between caring for others and caring for yourself, this conversation is for you.
You can find Dr. Kilpatrick on her website: https://positivespindr.com/  And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/positivespindr
Want to join Coach Michelle at a future retreat? Get on her email list for early access and updates: https://mailchi.mp/9db5f7f1130c/retreat
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 podcast, I’m sharing reflections from my recent Mindful Movement Retreat, where a small group of incredible women physicians stepped away from their busy lives to exhale, rest, and reconnect with themselves.
We jogged and walked by the beach, practiced yoga, experienced a sound bowl session and yoga nidra, and most importantly, gave ourselves permission to pause.
So often we’re told to push harder, do more, and stay on the treadmill (literally and figuratively). But sustainable health and joy come from balancing movement with intentional rest. In this episode, we’ll explore:
Why rest is just as vital as movement for performance, health, and self-care
How to notice when you need to slow down, and how to actually do it
Simple reflection prompts you can use to design your own “movement + rest” prescription
If you’ve ever struggled to find that balance, this episode will give you a gentler, more mindful way forward.
Want to join me at a future retreat? Get on my email list for early access and updates --> https://mailchi.mp/9db5f7f1130c/retreat
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. ***

Fueling well is one of the biggest challenges for runners and one of the most important pieces of training. This week, I’m joined by Rebecca Jaspan MPH, RD, CEDS, CDCES, registered dietitian, eating disorder specialist, and founder of Rebecca Jaspan Nutrition. Rebecca is also a runner herself, so she knows firsthand the obstacles athletes face when it comes to eating enough, finding the right balance, and navigating race-day fueling.
In this conversation, we cover everything from everyday nutrition habits to long-run fueling strategies, carb loading myths, recovery snacks, and how to spot signs of underfueling. Rebecca also shares practical tips for busy runners, advice for those struggling with GI issues, and how to rebuild a positive relationship with food.
Whether you’re training for your first marathon or chasing a personal best, this episode is packed with tools to help you fuel smarter, run stronger, and feel better on and off the roads.
You can connect with Rebecca on her website, and be sure to check out her awesome Marathon Nutrition Club  --> https://rebeccajaspan.com/ 
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, I sit down with Dr. Marion McCrary, a primary care physician, national board-certified health and wellness coach, and fellow runner who didn’t lace up until her 30s. At age 42, she crossed the finish line of her very first half marathon.
Dr. McCrary shares the ups and downs of her running journey, from training for three half marathons in 18 months, to taking breaks, and always finding her way back. Her story is a reminder that running doesn’t have to be perfect or all-or-nothing.
For women physicians moving through burnout, her words offer encouragement: it’s never too late to begin, return, or discover yourself again through running.
You can follow Dr. McCrary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marionmccrarywellness
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. ***

The 10k is often overlooked, but it might be the most underrated race distance of all.
In this episode of the Mindful Marathon Podcast, Coach Michelle unpacks why the 10k is such a powerful distance:
Why it’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned runners.
How it helps build confidence and bridges the gap between the 5k and half marathon.
The science: how 10k training builds aerobic efficiency and improves running economy for every distance.
Simple, sustainable training strategies to prepare for your next 10k without burning yourself out.
Whether you’re eyeing your very first race or your next big goal, this episode will help you see the 10k in a whole new light.
Ready to train for your own 10k this fall? Check out Coach Michelle's 10k Your Way Program, with beginner and experienced plans designed to meet you exactly where you are. We start training 9/22/25. https://mindful-marathon.com/10kyourway
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. ***

We did it! 52 episodes, one full year of the Mindful Marathon Podcast! In this special anniversary episode, I’m reflecting on the journey so far and sharing some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way.
You’ll hear:Why solo episodes stretched me outside my comfort zone and how that’s a lot like trying something new in runningThe power of consistency and how scheduling podcast time became just like scheduling workoutsA listener review that made my day (and how you can leave one too!)Our most-listened-to episode of the year
Most of all, I want to say thank you for tuning in, for sharing your feedback, and for being part of this mindful running community. Here’s to another year of mindful miles together.
Special Invitation: On Tuesday, September 9th, I’m hosting my live workshop, The Confident Runner Formula - 5 Secrets to Training for Your Next Race. If you’re catching this in time, I’d love to see you there live! And if you’re listening later, you can still sign up and watch the replay anytime by signing up here -->  https://mailchi.mp/4e4be7813bb9/confidentrunnerformula  
My 10k Your Way group training program is officially open for enrollment! Sign up here --> https://mindful-marathon.com/10kyourway
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, I sit down with Dr. Amelia Bueche - osteopathic physician, lifelong athlete, coach, and founder of This Osteopathic Life. We explore how the lessons of running and triathlon translate into everyday life: adapting to new paces, finding complementary movement, and recognizing when it’s time to shift gears. Amelia shares her own journey with athletics, mindset, and burnout, including why she chose not to run competitively in college despite opportunities to do so.
Together, we discuss how movement, medicine, and mindfulness intersect, and how creating space for alignment can help us show up fully, on the course and beyond.
You can connect with Dr. Bueche on her website thisosteopathiclife.com
And on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/live_inconceivable 
 
Resources & Links:
Sign up for my free workshop: The Confident Runner Formula – 5 Secrets to Training for Your Next Race → https://mailchi.mp/4e4be7813bb9/confidentrunnerformula  
Join the waitlist for 10K Your Way → https://mailchi.mp/154503d55d6e/10kyourway  
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. ***

Building a strong running base is one of the most important steps you can take as a runner, whether you’re just starting out, coming back from an injury, or resetting after a big training cycle.
In this episode, I break down what base training is, why easy miles matter, and how long you should spend in this phase. You’ll learn the key goals of base building, how it sets you up for future success, and simple ways to approach your easy runs with confidence and avoid boredom!
If you’ve ever wondered why coaches talk so much about “easy miles,” or how slowing down now can lead to faster times later, this episode is for you.
Resources & Links:
Sign up for my free workshop: The Confident Runner Formula – 5 Secrets to Training for Your Next Race → https://mailchi.mp/4e4be7813bb9/confidentrunnerformula 
Join the waitlist for 10K Your Way → https://mailchi.mp/154503d55d6e/10kyourway
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 
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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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Do you ever feel like you’re not a “real runner”? Maybe you think you’re too slow, need to run a certain distance, or have to look a certain way to belong on the pavement. I’ve been there too, and I’ve learned that these are just stories we tell ourselves that hold us back.
In this episode, I’m sharing the 5 most common running myths that stop beginners from starting or enjoying running, and the truth behind them. From pacing and speed, to walk breaks, distance, and body image, we’re busting these lies and giving you permission to take your first steps with confidence.
You’ll learn:
Why you don’t need natural talent to start running
How “fast” is relative and why speed isn’t the goal
Why walking can be a smart part of training
That you don’t need a race or to run a certain distance to be a runner
How to embrace your body and mindset for consistent, joyful running
Listen now and leave these running myths behind!
Resources & Links:
Sign up for my free workshop: The Confident Runner Formula – 5 Secrets to Training for Your Next Race → https://mailchi.mp/4e4be7813bb9/confidentrunnerformula 
Join the waitlist for 10K Your Way → https://mailchi.mp/154503d55d6e/10kyourway
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.
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