Have you ever crossed the finish line of a marathon, half marathon, or other big goal race and then found yourself wondering, Now what?

In this episode, Dr. Michelle Quirk explores the surprisingly common feeling of being "adrift" after a training cycle ends. Inspired by a message from one of her athletes after the London Marathon, this conversation dives into why the post-race transition can feel so uncomfortable, especially for high-achieving professionals who are accustomed to having a clear goal on the horizon.

You'll learn why this feeling is completely normal, how the structure of training becomes intertwined with our identity, and why the off-season isn't a void to fill but an important season of recovery, reflection, and growth.

Whether you've recently completed a race or you're approaching the end of a training cycle, this episode will help you navigate the space between goals with greater intention and self-compassion.

• Why finishing a training cycle can leave you feeling unexpectedly lost
• How training plans provide structure, identity, and a sense of progress
• The "achievement trap" many physicians and high achievers experience
• Why the off-season is a valuable part of the training process
• How to shift from following a map to following a compass
• Reflection questions to help you make the most of your next season

• What did this past training cycle give me?
• What did I learn about myself during this training cycle?
• What do I need most in this next season?

• Episode 33: Between Races: Making the Most of Your Running Off-Season https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-bz4j8-188b8ec
• runDisney Customized Training Plans https://mindful-marathon.com/contact
• Free Summer Running Coaching Consults at Road Runner Sports, King of Prussia https://tidycal.com/mindfulmarathon/popup

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. ***

GLP-1 medications seem to be everywhere right now. From conversations in the physicians' lounge to social media feeds, these medications have become a major part of the discussion around weight, health, and wellness, but what do runners need to know about training while taking a GLP-1?

In this episode, I sit down with registered dietitian Ann Kent to discuss how GLP-1 medications work, who may benefit from them, and the unique challenges they can create for runners and athletes.

We explore how these medications affect appetite, fueling, recovery, muscle mass, and performance. We also discuss the importance of strength training, recognizing signs of underfueling, and knowing when it's time to talk with your healthcare team about adjusting your medication.

Most importantly, we dive into the bigger conversation around body image, diet culture, and the reminder that pursuing health should never mean ignoring your body's need for nourishment.

• What GLP-1 medications are and how they work
• Why these medications were originally developed for diabetes management
• Who may be an appropriate candidate for a GLP-1
• Why runners have unique nutritional considerations while taking these medications
• The connection between GLP-1s, weight loss, and muscle loss
• Why strength training is so important while on these medications
• Protein and calorie goals for active individuals
• Common signs of underfueling and malnutrition
• Body image, diet culture, and disordered eating concerns
• Why weight loss alone isn't always a marker of improved health

Hunger is a normal biological signal, not something to eliminate completely.

If your appetite is so suppressed that you can go all day without eating, it's worth discussing your medication dose with your healthcare provider.

Strength training and adequate protein intake are critical for preserving muscle mass while losing weight.

Runners on GLP-1 medications need to be especially intentional about fueling and recovery.

Weight loss does not automatically equal health.

You deserve nourishment at every body size.

You can connect with Ann on her website https://peasandhoppiness.com/ and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/peasandhoppiness/

Check out Ann's fabulous podcast episode on GLP-1s for additional info. https://app.peasandhoppiness.com/post/whats-up-with-glp-1-medications

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. ***

Summer running can challenge your body and your mind. For many runners, especially high-achieving athletes and women physicians, summer running can bring frustration when paces slow or workouts feel harder than expected.

In this replay episode, I’m revisiting one of the most practical and important conversations from the Mindful Marathon archives about how to train safely, confidently, and compassionately in the heat and humidity. This episode is your reminder that adapting to conditions is part of training wisely.

Whether you’re preparing for a fall race, rebuilding consistency, or simply trying to make summer running feel more manageable, this episode will help you adjust your training with intention instead of judgment.

Inside this episode, we discuss:

• Why running in the heat feels harder and what your body is doing to keep you cool
• How heat and humidity impact pace, heart rate, and perceived effort
• Why slowing down in the summer is not a sign of weakness, but smart training
• Tips for hydration, electrolytes, and estimating your sweat rate
• What to wear and when to run to stay safer and more comfortable
• The warning signs of heat-related illness and when it’s time to stop
• How heat acclimatization can actually improve your fitness for fall racing
• Why training by effort and not pace is important for safety and consistency

Every summer mile builds resilience both physically and mentally. What’s one adjustment you’re making to your summer running routine? DM me or email your questions about training in the heat. I’d love to hear from you and feature your question in a future episode.

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. ***