#743 - Claire Bartholic: How a Goal Oriented Athlete Can Put Running in the "Friend Zone"

#743 - Claire Bartholic: How a Goal Oriented Athlete Can Put Running in the "Friend Zone"

June 20, 2026 · 40 min · Season 7

About this episode

Claire Bartholic discusses her journey in redefining her relationship with running and finding joy beyond peak performance.

In this episode, Claire Bartholic shares her inspiring journey from running a sub-3:00 marathon despite starting her running journey later in life to redefining her relationship with running, emphasizing the importance of joy, adaptability, and perspective as athletes age. We explore how athletes can find fulfillment beyond peak performance and embrace new goals at any stage of life. Main topics covered: Claire's transition from competitive running to a more relaxed, enjoyable approach The significance of redefining success and setting micro-goals in later years The mental and emotional aspects of aging as an athlete How to maintain motivation when peak performance is no longer the focus The role of physical activity as a vehicle for overall health and happiness Comparing athletic identity and dealing with the loss of former self Strategies for staying in love with running and avoiding pressure and burnout The value of trying new sports and activities for variety and fun The concept of running as a lifelong, adaptable journey, not just a race to the finish Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its…

People in this episode

Host: Matt Chittim

Guest: Claire Bartholic

Topics covered

Keywords

Sponsors

Mount to Coast, CurraNZ

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