Ep 98: Chasing Big Goals Without Burning Out - How One Mom Trained for a 230-mile Appalachian Trail Record, with Kathrine Bright & Dr. Michelle Quirk

What does it take to pursue an extraordinary goal without letting it consume your life? This week, I'm joined by strength coach, ultrarunner, and fellow Pennsylvanian Kathrine Bright, who recently set the supported Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Pennsylvania section of the Appalachian Trail, covering 230 rocky miles in just over 98 hours. This conversation isn't just about ultrarunning. Kat is also a wife, mom of two, business owner, and coach who helps women build strength through every season of life. We talk about balancing ambitious goals with family and work, recognizing the difference between resilience and burnout, and why sustainable training always beats perfection. Whether you're dreaming of your first 5k, training for your next marathon, or simply trying to make running fit into a busy life, this episode is full of practical wisdom and encouragement. In this episode, we discuss: What a Fastest Known Time (FKT) is and why Kat chose the Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail The biggest lessons she learned during nearly 100 hours on the trail How her family became part of the journey toward a 230-mile goal Why time-based training helped her stay consistent and avoid burnout The importance of strength training for endurance athletes, especially women How to recognize the difference between healthy resilience and pushing too far Why scheduling recovery is just as important as scheduling workouts Advice for runners returning after a long break or preparing for their first race A simple mindset shift that can help you tackle any intimidating goal, which is to focus on the next step Connect with Kat by listening to her podcast Miles From Her View https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/milesfromherview/id1750510425 And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katfitstrength and https://www.instagram.com/milesfromherview Keep up with Coach Michelle's adventures over 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. ***