Mindful Marathon Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Michelle Quirk sits down with Dr. Tolulope Olabintan, the founder of Livingspring Family Medical Center in Mansfield, Texas. As a wife, mom, and new runner herself, Dr. Tolu knows firsthand the challenges of starting something new. She shares how she overcame her hesitations about running and now uses her personal journey to inspire her patients to embrace movement, find joy in exercise, and build healthy habits that last. Tune in to hear how Dr. Tolu integrates running and wellness into her practice, encouraging others to live long, well, and with purpose.

You can find Dr. O on her website:https://www.livingspringmedicals.com

On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm9LHUGQEBdLV3x_1A_ef7w

On Instagram: http https://www.instagram.com/dr_olabintanmd 

***

To work with Coach Michelle, head to her website and click on Contact Me: https://www.mindful-marathon.com

Learn more about the Mindful Movement Retreat at https://www.mindful-marathon.com/capemayretreat and use discount code PODCAST100 for $100 off

Follow Mindful Marathon on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon https://www.facebook.com/MindfulMarathon​

***

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 heartfelt and inspiring episode, Coach Michelle Quirk sits down with Aly Giampapa, one of the amazing athletes she coaches, who recently did something extraordinary: she donated a piece of her liver to a friend in need. We talk about how she made this life-changing decision, what recovery looked like, and how she navigated her return to running after such a major surgery. Aly shares the physical and emotional journey of healing, how she rediscovered joy in movement, and what it means to approach running (and life) with patience, purpose, and deep gratitude. Whether you're returning to running after a break or simply need a reminder of the strength we all carry within, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

You can connect with Aly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alygiampapa

***

To work with Coach Michelle, head to her website and click on Contact Me: https://www.mindful-marathon.com

Follow Mindful Marathon on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon https://www.facebook.com/MindfulMarathon​

***

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’s the foundation of every good run? Your feet! In this episode, Dr. Michelle Quirk is joined by Dr. Tea Nguyen, a foot and ankle specialist who shares how to keep your feet strong, healthy, and pain-free, whether you're training for a race or just getting started with running.

Dr. Tea takes a preventive, holistic approach to foot care, with a focus on helping people stay active without pain or deformity. She offers insights into spotting potential foot issues before they become major setbacks and discusses how to care for your feet with intention, especially for runners and those managing conditions like diabetes or neuropathy.

You’ll walk away (pun intended!) with practical tips to keep your feet and your training on solid ground.

Learn more about Dr. Tea and her work at https://www.drteapodiatry.com  

And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drteapodiatry

***

To work with Coach Michelle, head to her website and click on Contact Me:  https://www.mindful-marathon.com

Follow Mindful Marathon on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon https://www.facebook.com/MindfulMarathon​

***

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 powerful and heartfelt episode, Dr. Michelle Quirk sits down with licensed professional counselor Hannah de Groot, founder of Stride Counseling, for a candid conversation about eating disorders and OCD in runners. As a lifelong athlete and recovered person herself, Hannah brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to the discussion.

Together, they explore the unique challenges athletes face around food, body image, and identity, and how disordered behaviors can often go unnoticed or even be praised in sport. Hannah shares insight into the recovery process, what compassionate support can look like, and how we can shift the culture of running toward one that truly nourishes the athlete within - body and mind.

Whether you're a runner, coach, or healthcare professional, this episode offers guidance, understanding, and hope for anyone navigating these deeply personal topics.

You can connect with Hannah on her website: https://www.stridecounseling.co/ 

And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stride_counseling/

***

To work with Coach Michelle, head to her website and click on Contact Me:  https://www.mindful-marathon.com

Follow Mindful Marathon on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon https://www.facebook.com/MindfulMarathon​

***

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 is joined by Dr. Ngozi Ude for a practical and empowering conversation on self-care, what it really means, and how to make it a part of everyday life. Dr. Ude shares 5 effective strategies to help you set boundaries, prioritize your well-being, and surround yourself with the right support system.

Dr. Ude is a board-certified Family Medicine physician and the owner of Apple Valley Family Medicine and aesthetic practice in Martinsburg, WV.

You can connect with Dr. Ude on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/applevalley_dr.ude

***

To work with Coach Michelle, head to her website and click on Contact Me:  https://www.mindful-marathon.com

Follow Mindful Marathon on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon https://www.facebook.com/MindfulMarathon​

***

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 inspiring episode, Dr. Michelle Quirk sits down with Dr. Rino Dizon, a seasoned marathoner with 25+ races under his belt, to explore how running can become a sustainable, lifelong habit. Together, they share personal stories and insights on making room for movement through every season of life.

As both physicians and mentors to residents, Dr. Quirk and Dr. Dizon reflect on the unique challenges faced during medical training and offer mindful strategies to support physical and mental wellness, even in the busiest phases of life. Whether you're new to running or looking to rediscover your motivation, this conversation is full of encouragement and practical wisdom to help you stay grounded and keep going.

You can find Dr. Dizon on Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/rdizon1

***

To work with Coach Michelle, head to her website and click on Contact Me:  https://www.mindful-marathon.com

Follow Mindful Marathon on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon https://www.facebook.com/MindfulMarathon​

***

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 is it about running that lifts our mood and clears our minds? In this episode, Dr. Michelle Quirk is joined by sports psychiatrist Dr. Sarah Pospos for an uplifting and insightful conversation on how running and aerobic exercise support our mental well-being.

Together, they explore how running helps build confidence, fosters a sense of mastery, and strengthens social connection. Dr. Pospos also shares expert insights on how movement impacts our brain chemistry, and offers practical strategies for navigating common mental health challenges like injury setbacks, anxiety, and burnout.

Whether you're training for a race or lacing up for the first time in a while, this episode is full of wisdom to help you approach running not just as a physical pursuit, but as a powerful tool for emotional resilience.

Dr. Pospos is a sports psychiatrist, former student-athlete, and mom of two who helps athletes at all levels with performance anxiety, insomnia, depression, overtraining, and more. Her holistic approach integrates movement, sleep, nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle balance, both on and off the track.

You can connect with Dr. Pospos on her website https://www.lifestyletelepsychiatry.com

And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifestyletelepsychiatry

***

To work with Coach Michelle, head to her website and click on Contact Me:  https://www.mindful-marathon.com

Follow Mindful Marathon on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon https://www.facebook.com/MindfulMarathon​

***

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.

***

Planning to run a half or full marathon this fall? Now is the time to start laying the foundation. In this episode, we explore what base training really means, why it matters, and how to approach it mindfully, so you can build endurance, stay injury-free, and train with purpose.

I also share key fall race dates like the Berlin, Chicago, & NYC Marathons, Philly's Half & Full Marathon weekend, and Disney's Wine & Dine Weekend.  Plus, we discuss how to reverse-engineer your training plan from race day.

Whether you’re running your first or aiming for a personal best, this episode will help you begin your journey with clarity and confidence.

***

Grab the free workshop here: https://mailchi.mp/8266a9ac269d/halfmarathon

Book a strategy session with Coach Michelle here:  https://mindful-marathon.com/coachingservices 

Follow Mindful Marathon on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon https://www.facebook.com/MindfulMarathon​

***

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 really mean to “move beyond busy”? And how does that mindset shift impact our running? This week, Dr. Michelle Quirk welcomes Dr. Robyn Alley-Hay, a retired Ob/Gyn, Physician Development Coach, and author of Meditations for Women Physicians (and Others) Who Do Too Much. Together, they explore how to reclaim your time, attention, and energy - on the run and in your daily life.

Dr. Alley-Hay shares tools for managing overwhelm, cultivating clarity, and embracing mindfulness, all of which can support runners in training and racing. Don’t miss her powerful book excerpt and the wisdom she offers for navigating burnout, career transitions, and personal growth with purpose and grace.

You can find Dr. Alley-Hay on her website https://www.dralley-hay.com

And on Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/dralleyhay.coach

***

To work with Coach Michelle, head to her website and click on Contact Me:  https://www.mindful-marathon.com

Follow Mindful Marathon on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon https://www.facebook.com/MindfulMarathon​

***

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.

***

Feeling a little lost in your running off-season? You're not alone! In this episode, I’m sharing 5 ways to keep running fun, intentional, and joyful.

From family fun runs and destination races to creative goal setting and mindful movement, these off-season tips will help you stay connected to your running routine without the pressure of a full training block.

Whether you’re prepping for a fall race or wanting to stay active through the summer, there’s something in here for you. Let’s make this off-season one of growth, reflection, and fun!

***

To work with Coach Michelle, head to her website and click on Contact Me:  https://www.mindful-marathon.com

Follow Mindful Marathon on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon https://www.facebook.com/MindfulMarathon​

***

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.

***