Many physicians bring the same traits that help them succeed in medicine into their running: discipline, commitment, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Give a physician runner a training plan, and they will often follow it almost perfectly. But sometimes those strengths can become a trap.

In this episode, I explore the physician perfectionism trap in running and how the drive for consistency and high performance can sometimes lead runners to ignore signs of fatigue, feel discouraged after missing a workout, or hold themselves to unrealistic expectations.

Running, like medicine, requires commitment. But unlike medicine, endurance training also requires flexibility, recovery, and the ability to adapt when life inevitably gets in the way.

In this episode, we talk about how to recognize perfectionist tendencies in training and how to build a more sustainable, flexible approach to running.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why physicians and high-achieving professionals often bring perfectionist tendencies into running
• Why missing a run doesn’t derail your training
• The importance of paying attention to signals your body may need rest or recovery
• How unrealistic expectations can create unnecessary stress around training
• Why your training plan should adapt to your schedule and not the other way around
• Common reminders I give my athletes about consistency, recovery, and flexibility in training

Running doesn’t require perfect training weeks to make meaningful progress. Often, the strongest runners are the ones who learn to adjust their training with curiosity, flexibility, and compassion for themselves.

If you are a woman physician and are interested in attending Coach Michelle's RestRx Retreat in Cape May, NJ this September, message her on Instagram or send her an email. There is only 1 ensuite room remaining at the time of this recording!

If you can't make the September retreat, but want to get in on future retreats, sign up for the VIP waitlist here: https://mailchi.mp/9db5f7f1130c/retreat

Follow Coach Michelle on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon

If you have questions about your own training, reach out on Coach Michelle's website, and let's explore working together for personalized support. https://mindful-marathon.com

*** The information contained in this podcast is intended to serve as educational information and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should consult your primary care physician before undertaking any fitness regimen or exercise, which can pose serious health risks if undertaken or performed improperly. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in the videos is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/advanced practice provider. ***

Can busy physicians really train for a race?

Between long clinic days, night shifts, weekends on call, and family responsibilities, many women physicians feel like running, or any consistent exercise, is nearly impossible to maintain.

In this episode, I share my personal story of physician burnout and how running became a powerful tool for restoring balance, resilience, and space outside of medicine. I also discuss practical strategies I use with my physician athletes to help them train for races while navigating demanding and unpredictable schedules.

If you’ve ever wondered whether race training is possible alongside a busy medical career, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we talk about:

• My experience with physician burnout and how running helped me reconnect with myself outside of medicine
• Why traditional training plans often don’t work for physicians
• How time-efficient training can still build endurance and fitness
• The importance of flexible training plans when schedules change week to week
• Letting go of perfectionism and embracing a more mindful approach to running
• Real-life examples of how busy physicians successfully train for races

Running doesn’t have to compete with your career, your family, or your well-being. With the right approach, it can become a powerful way to support all three.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a colleague or fellow physician who might benefit from a more flexible approach to run training.

Follow Coach Michelle on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon

If you have questions about your own training, reach out on Coach Michelle's website, and let's explore working together for personalized support. https://mindful-marathon.com

*** The information contained in this podcast is intended to serve as educational information and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should consult your primary care physician before undertaking any fitness regimen or exercise, which can pose serious health risks if undertaken or performed improperly. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in the videos is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/advanced practice provider. ***

Welcome to another Mindfulness Moment. These episodes feature a short practice you can return to whenever you want to feel more steady, prepared, and connected.

In this episode, we’re focusing on race day visualization, a powerful tool to help you mentally and emotionally prepare for your next race.

Race day often brings a mix of excitement, anticipation, and nerves. Visualization allows you to walk through the experience ahead of time, so when the moment arrives, it feels more familiar and grounded.

This is not about imagining a “perfect” race. It’s about preparing your mind to respond with steadiness, confidence, and care, even when challenges arise.

In this episode, you’ll be guided through:

• A pre-visualization writing exercise to help you imagine your race day in detail

• A guided visualization walking you from race morning to the finish line

• Sensory awareness prompts to anchor you in the moment (sights, sounds, physical sensations)

• Gentle strategies for navigating common race-day challenges with intention

You can use this practice in the days leading up to your race, the night before, or even the morning of, as a way to center yourself.

My hope is that this episode helps you feel a little more calm, a little more prepared, and a little more trusting of the work you’ve already done.

If you missed the first episode featuring Mindfulness Moments, head back to episode 72 linked here: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-rkb53-1a2ada7

Follow Coach Michelle on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon

If you have questions about your own training, reach out on Coach Michelle's website, and let's explore working together for personalized support. https://mindful-marathon.com

*** The information contained in this podcast is intended to serve as educational information and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should consult your primary care physician before undertaking any fitness regimen or exercise, which can pose serious health risks if undertaken or performed improperly. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in the videos is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/advanced practice provider. ***