Mindful Marathon Podcast

What happens when a career you once loved starts to feel like something you need to escape from?

In this episode, I'm joined by my colleague in medicine, Dr. Susan Daniels, a pediatrician in Bozeman, Montana, and founding president of the Montana Mindfulness Project. Dr. Daniels and I originally connected around the topic of movement as a pathway through burnout, and our conversation took us from her identity as an “awkward runner” to a much deeper discussion about burnout, joy, mindfulness, and what it means to make space for yourself again.

Dr. Daniels shares her journey of experiencing burnout during the pandemic, despite having built a medical practice she genuinely loved. She talks honestly about reaching a point where she felt she had given too much of her time and energy to work and couldn't imagine another way forward.

We talk about what changed when she began to recognize burnout for what it was, and how she started intentionally crafting a life that made room for things that brought her joy and nourishment. For Dr. Daniels, that meant getting back into the water, spending time outside, and learning that movement doesn't have to be intense or structured to be meaningful.

If you've ever felt like your career, your responsibilities, or a demanding season of life has slowly pushed everything else to the margins, this conversation is a reminder that making room for movement, fun, connection, and the things that make you feel like yourself isn't selfish, but may actually be essential.

You can connect with Dr. Daniels on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SueDanielsMD

And listen to her new podcast, Still Practicing, where she talks with clinicians about burnout, career crafting, joy, nourishment, and what helps sustain us in medicine. https://www.stillpracticingpod.com/ 

Keep up with Coach Michelle's adventures over on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon

If you'd like help with your 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. ***

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:

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. ***

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.

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.

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. ***

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.

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.

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. ***

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 Kathrine 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.

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. ***

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.

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:

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. ***

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.

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. ***

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:

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/

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. ***

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.

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.

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. ***

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.

"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."

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. ***