Mindful Marathon Podcast

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:

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

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, 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. ***