Ep 81: Running Between Clinic, Call, and Family - Run Training for Doctors who Have No Time, with Dr. Michelle Quirk of Mindful Marathon

Can busy physicians really train for a race?

Between long clinic days, night shifts, weekends on call, and family responsibilities, many women physicians feel like running, or any consistent exercise, is nearly impossible to maintain.

In this episode, I share my personal story of physician burnout and how running became a powerful tool for restoring balance, resilience, and space outside of medicine. I also discuss practical strategies I use with my physician athletes to help them train for races while navigating demanding and unpredictable schedules.

If you’ve ever wondered whether race training is possible alongside a busy medical career, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we talk about:

• My experience with physician burnout and how running helped me reconnect with myself outside of medicine
• Why traditional training plans often don’t work for physicians
• How time-efficient training can still build endurance and fitness
• The importance of flexible training plans when schedules change week to week
• Letting go of perfectionism and embracing a more mindful approach to running
• Real-life examples of how busy physicians successfully train for races

Running doesn’t have to compete with your career, your family, or your well-being. With the right approach, it can become a powerful way to support all three.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a colleague or fellow physician who might benefit from a more flexible approach to run training.

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. ***