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.