Mindful Marathon Podcast

Join Coach Michelle Quirk and certified personal trainer Kayla Heimerman for a practical and encouraging conversation about why strength training is essential for runners. Kayla, also a group fitness instructor and avid runner, shares her favorite tips to help you get started and stick with a strength routine. Whether you're training for your first 5K or your next marathon, this episode will give...

In this episode, Dr. Michelle Quirk sits down with Dr. Phil Pierorazio, Professor of Urology and host of the Operate with Zen podcast, for a powerful and honest conversation about physician wellness. They explore how physical activity and mindfulness can be transformative tools in preventing burnout, especially in high-stress careers like medicine. Dr. Pierorazio shares candid reflections from his...

Running in the heat doesn’t have to feel miserable or dangerous. In this episode, I’m sharing my top tips for staying safe, strong, and mindful while training through the summer heat and humidity. Whether you’re preparing for a fall race or just trying to keep your routine going, these strategies will help you feel more confident (and a lot more comfortable) out there. You’ll learn: Why running in...

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 i...

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 ph...

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 o...

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 ath...

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 own...

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 chall...

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 al...

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 weeken...

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. Alle...

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 rac...

Can you really fuel your running with plants alone? And what’s the deal with protein and carbs when you’re logging miles? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Kavita Patel, an Internal Medicine physician with a certification in culinary medicine, and founder of CulVita Consulting. Dr. Patel specializes in helping people prevent and manage diet-related diseases through a "food as medicine" approach —...

In this special solo episode, I’m sharing a recap of my RunDisney Springtime Surprise race weekend, and it’s more than just a play-by-play! I’m reflecting on three things that went really well, lessons I’m taking with me into future races, and a few of the magical moments that reminded me why I love this sport and coaching so very much. Whether you’re thinking about a Disney race or just want some...

Join Coach Michelle Quirk as she sits down with her dear friend and fellow pediatrician, Dr. Rose Marie Thomas, for an inspiring conversation about bringing joy to family fitness. Originally recorded in 2021, this episode is filled with simple, practical tips to help families incorporate more movement into their daily lives. Dr. Rose Marie, the original founder and CEO of Frontier Kids Care in Tri...

With warmer weather here, let’s talk about keeping our skin healthy on the run! In this episode, Dr. Michelle Quirk chats with Dr. Stephanie Campbell, a board-certified dermatologist and fellow runner, about the most common skin concerns in runners and how to protect yourself year-round. You'll learn: ✅ The best sunscreen ingredients & SPF level for runners ✅ How to reapply sunscreen on the...

Dr. Michelle Quirk sits down with Dr. Karen Kaufman, a double board-certified expert in Allergy Immunology and Internal Medicine. Dr. Kaufman shares invaluable insights for runners who struggle with allergies, including practical tips to minimize pollen exposure, so you can keep running outdoors, even during peak allergy season. She is the founder and owner of Kaufman Allergy Asthma and Immunology...

Join Dr. Michelle Quirk and her guests this week from the Students Run Philly Style, for an episode that will inspire you to lace up your sneakers! Joining Coach Michelle for this conversation include student runners Justin and Qwazir, as well Associate Director of Youth Initiatives, Madison Helmick. The Students Run Philly Style transforms students’ lives through running and mentorship, pairing v...

Run coach Dr. Michelle Quirk sits down with ultra marathoner and physical therapist Matt Leocha to uncover the wisdom gained from running 100-mile races. As Matt puts it, “I picked a hundred miles because it was a nice round number.” But there’s nothing ordinary about the insights he shares - from the importance of listening to your body to embracing the journey, not just the finish line. This epi...

Running and the fertility journey may seem like two different paths, but both require resilience, patience, and a strong mindset. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Erica Bove, a double board-certified OB-GYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist, as well as the founder of Love and Science: Thriving Through Infertility. Together, we explore the parallels between endurance running and navigating ferti...

Your feet and ankles are the foundation of your running, so how can you keep them strong, mobile, and injury-free? In this episode, Dr. Michelle Quirk sits down with Dr. Brianne Showman, a physical therapist, running coach, and barefoot training specialist, to dive deep into injury prevention strategies for runners. Brianne shares expert insights on common foot and ankle issues, how to improve mov...

Join Coach Michelle Quirk and special guest, Dr. Dolapo Babalola, as they speak about the common hurdles to exercising, and the small, easy steps we can take to overcome them. Dr. Babs is the Founder of her Holistic Wellness Company, Living At Your Finest. Her mission is to provide an evidence-based and holistic approach to achieving optimal health and wellness through an accessible, affordable, a...

Join Dr. Michelle Quirk and her guest, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell, aka “The Intimacy Doctor,” for a conversation about running and marriage - balancing training, relationships, and intimacy. In this episode, we discuss: How to start running when your spouse isn’t a runner Breaking the news: “I signed up for another marathon!” and navigating long-run weekends Moving beyond logistics and shifting the c...

Join Coach Michelle Quirk as she chats with Dr. Karen Pinsky, a dedicated athlete who recently completed her very first marathon! In this inspiring conversation, Karen shares: Her marathon training journey. The importance of understanding the intent behind each run. How she stayed motivated and committed. Encouragement for new marathoners to trust the process and believe in themselves! Whether you...