About this episode

Dr. Michelle Quirk discusses the feelings of being adrift after completing marathon training and how to navigate the transition between goals.

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"…

People in this episode

Host: Michelle Quirk

Guest: Dr. Michelle Quirk

Topics covered

• post-marathon transition
• identity and goals
• off-season recovery
• self-compassion
• high achievers

Keywords

• marathon training
• post-race feelings
• achievement trap
• training cycles
• self-reflection

More episodes of Mindful Marathon Podcast

• Ep 97: Should you race a runDisney race? What to Consider before Chasing a Fast Time at Disney, with Dr. Michelle Quirk of Mindful Marathon · July 20, 2026 · 21 min
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• Ep 95: Running Smart in the Sun - Protecting Your Skin for the Long Run, with Dr. Stephanie Campbell & Dr. Michelle Quirk · July 6, 2026 · 18 min
• Ep 94: Stepping off the Treadmill - An Episode in the Mindfulness Moments Series, with Dr. Michelle Quirk of Mindful Marathon · June 29, 2026 · 18 min
• Ep 93: Performing Under Pressure Without Losing Yourself - Running, Resilience, and the Nervous System, with Michael Allison and Dr. Michelle Quirk · June 22, 2026 · 48 min

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