About this episode

This episode explores how understanding our nervous system can enhance performance and resilience in running and life.

What if peak performance isn't about pushing harder? In this episode, I sit down with performance coach, educator, and author Michael Allison to explore how our nervous system shapes performance, resilience, recovery, and even our enjoyment of running. Michael is the creator of The Play Zone and has trained hundreds of coaches, therapists, and leaders worldwide in applying Polyvagal Theory to performance, health, leadership, and wellbeing. Together, we discuss what happens when we find ourselves stuck on the treadmill of achievement, why connection matters for performance, and how understanding our nervous system can help us navigate pressure without losing ourselves in the process. We also share personal stories from endurance sports, including Michael's first Boston Marathon and my experience navigating a challenging Half Ironman swim using many of the principles we discuss in this conversation. Whether you're training for a race, navigating a demanding career, or simply trying to move through life with more awareness, this episode offers a different perspective on what it means to perform well under pressure. In This Episode We Discuss: What Polyvagal Theory is and why it…

People in this episode

Host: Michelle Quirk

Guest: Michael Allison

Topics covered

• performance
• nervous system
• resilience
• running
• Polyvagal Theory
• endurance sports
• pressure management

Keywords

• performance coach
• nervous system
• resilience
• running
• Polyvagal Theory
• endurance sports
• pre-race nerves
• community
• play
• achievement

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Play Zone

Books & works: Polyvagal Theory

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
• Ep 96: Ask a Run Coach - 5 Questions I Get Asked Most Often, with Dr. Michelle Quirk of Mindful Marathon · July 13, 2026 · 21 min
• 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 92: Who Am I Without the Next Goal? Why You Feel Lost After Marathon Training, with Dr. Michelle Quirk of Mindful Marathon · June 15, 2026 · 14 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Mindful Marathon Podcast podcast page.