Ep 100: The August Running Reset - Recover, Reconnect, and Get Ready for What’s Next, with Dr. Michelle Quirk of Mindful Marathon

What if August didn’t have to be the month when you suddenly “get serious” about your fall running?

Instead, what if you used this in-between season to recover, reconnect with running, and get clear on what you actually want from your next training cycle?

In this episode of the Mindful Marathon Podcast, I’m bringing an older episode back from the archives because the message feels especially relevant right now.

After a big race or training cycle, it’s completely normal to feel a little lost when the goal is behind you. You may feel unmotivated, directionless, or even tempted to immediately sign up for another race just to have something on the calendar. I experienced this myself after my first marathon, but the space between training cycles can be incredibly valuable.

In this episode, I share five ways to make the most of your running off-season, plus two bonus ideas to help you use this time for reflection, exploration, and reconnecting with the joy of running.

In this episode, we talk about:

Why you might feel a little lost after completing a big race

How to embrace joyful, low-pressure running during your off-season

Using a local 5k as a fun, family-friendly running experience

When a shorter race can be a useful fitness check-in before a fall training cycle

How to incorporate a destination race into your summer travel plans

Why the off-season is the perfect time to focus on strength, mobility, flexibility, and sleep