Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michelle Quirk. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Michelle, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
About ten years ago, I was standing in the emergency department talking to a family about the importance of good nutrition, getting exercise, and optimizing sleep, and here I was talking the talk but not walking the walk. Self-care? Back then, I am not sure I could have even answered this question. I was a burned out pediatrician, navigating the recent loss of my dad to cancer. It was in that moment when I decided something needed to change. Next morning, I dug my sneakers out of the closet and jogged around my block for 5 minutes. I was not a runner or an athlete. Five minutes around the block turned into ten, turned into twenty, and eventually, I worked my way up to my first 5k race.
Now, I consider running part of my self-care regimen! It is solo time that helps to quiet my mind and opens up avenues of creativity that I get to explore in my run coaching business.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a pediatrician, run coach, and founder of Mindful Marathon, where I help make running easy and fun for busy professionals! I found running in my early 30s, and I remember what it was like to feel discouraged and stuck when I started out. Fast forward across some amazing finish lines, and now I get to share my love and knowledge of the sport by coaching athletes one on one. I love to develop customized training plans based on the goals and schedules of my athletes. As we start 2024, I’m especially excited about launching my group program for newer runners called Ready, Set, Run! This past year, I co-hosted a sold out Movement & Meditation Retreat in Charlottesville, VA, with my friend – fellow physician and meditation coach, Dr. Rashmi Schramm. It was such a beautiful experience, that we decided to co-host a second retreat this February, which also sold out! We hope to continue these retreats in the future.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three qualities that have been most impactful on the journey:
1. Consistency – in my running and in my business. Sometimes it can be hard to find motivation to do the necessaries on the day to day. A little progress every day has made all the difference. I like to say that business is like running a marathon – take it one mile at a time.
2. Curiosity. My journey in entrepreneurship has been a lot different than my journey to becoming a physician. For many years, I studied hard, took the tests, followed the roadmap that was outlined, and that meant success. There is no roadmap to this entrepreneur thing! Stay curious and open.
3. Optimism. It’s necessary to pivot frequently as an entrepreneur. Keeping an attitude that things will work out has made all the difference, no matter the hurdles that have popped up along the way.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is a busy professional woman with a lot on her plate, who would love to finally run that half-marathon or marathon that has been on her mind for years, but that keeps getting pushed aside due to so many other obligations. Helping an athlete get across that first finish line is an absolute honor and pleasure!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mindful-marathon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindful.marathon
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindfulMarathon
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellequirkmd
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/mindfulmarathon
Image Credits
Personal Photo credit goes to: Margo Reed Headshot credit (blue door in orange tank) goes to: Siobhan Edmonds
