Ep 92: Who Am I Without the Next Goal? Why You Feel Lost After Marathon Training, with Dr. Michelle Quirk of Mindful Marathon

Feeling Adrift After Marathon Training? You're Not Alone. 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. In This Episode You'll Learn: 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 Reflection Questions 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? Resources Mentioned 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 Connect with Coach Michelle 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. ***