Ep 104: How to Make Running Stick When Life Gets in the Way, with Dr. Michelle Quirk of Mindful Marathon

Have you ever decided you're finally going to start running, made a plan, bought the sneakers, and then life happened? A sick kid. A late night. A long day at work. A weekend that somehow disappeared. Then suddenly you're thinking, "I guess I'm just not consistent enough." What if the problem isn't your motivation? In this episode, I'm talking to newer runners, people who haven't run in a while, and anyone who is feeling a little "run curious." I'll share five things that can help you make running actually stick, especially when you have a busy, unpredictable schedule. We'll talk about: Why starting smaller than you think you need to can actually help you build the habit How to create a running routine around your real life instead of your fantasy life Why consistency doesn't mean perfection and why having a Plan B can be a game changer How to become a student of your own body instead of becoming obsessed with what your watch says Why having a meaningful goal, like a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, can give your running some structure When I first started running in 2012, I began with just five minutes, three times a week. It didn't feel like I was doing very much, but that small beginning helped me approach running differently and eventually, it stuck. If you've been thinking about starting or restarting running, I hope this episode reminds you that you don't have to do it perfectly. You just need a place to begin. Want some help getting started? Join me for Start Running & Make It Stick, my free live workshop for newer and aspiring runners. We'll talk about how to build a running routine that works for your life, how to approach run/walk intervals, how hard you should actually be running, and the mindset traps that can make running harder than it needs to be. Thursday, September 17 at 7:00 PM Eastern , live on Zoom You can find the details and register through this link: https://mailchi.mp/mindful-marathon/startrunning Keep up with Coach Michelle's adventures over 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. ***