# Ep 96: Ask a Run Coach - 5 Questions I Get Asked Most Often, with Dr. Michelle Quirk of Mindful Marathon Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/mindful-marathon-podcast-7011584/ep-96-ask-a-run-coach-5-questions-i-get-asked-most-often-with-dr-michelle-quirk-of-mindful-marathon Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/mindful-marathon-podcast-7011584/ep-96-ask-a-run-coach-5-questions-i-get-asked-most-often-with-dr-michelle-quirk-of-mindful-marathon.md Podcast: [Mindful Marathon Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/mindful-marathon-podcast-7011584) Published: 2026-07-13T11:00:00+00:00 Episode link: https://mindfulmarathon.podbean.com/e/ep-96-ask-a-run-coach-5-questions-i-get-asked-most-often-with-dr-michelle-quirk-of-mindful-marathon/ Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/arwc8hyuwn4utfri/Ask_a_Run_Coach_5_s_I_get_Asked_Most_Often7gqh3.mp3 Processing state: not_requested JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/mindful-marathon-podcast-7011584/episodes/ep-96-ask-a-run-coach-5-questions-i-get-asked-most-often-with-dr-michelle-quirk-of-mindful-marathon Duration seconds: 1258 ## Resource In this first installment of a new Ask a Run Coach series, I'm answering five of the questions I hear most often from runners. Whether you're just getting started or thinking about your next big goal, this episode is filled with practical advice to help you train with more confidence and a little less second-guessing. We'll talk about why there isn't one "perfect" running shoe, how slowing down can actually make you a stronger runner, and why recovery and walk breaks deserve a place in every runner's toolbox. In this episode, we discuss: Why the best running shoe is the one that fits your foot How to know if you're ready for a half marathon Why most runners should slow down on easy days The important role of rest and recovery in training Why walk breaks don't make you "less of a runner" Free Resources If today's episode inspired you to take the next step, I've created two free workshops to help you get started: Start Running and Make It Stick A beginner-friendly workshop designed to help you build a sustainable running habit. Half Marathon Success: Thoughtful Strategies for Every Runner Practical guidance to help you train for your first (or next) half marathon with confidence. If you have a question you'd like answered in a future Ask a Run Coach episode, send me a message 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… ## Actions - request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/mindful-marathon-podcast-7011584/episodes/ep-96-ask-a-run-coach-5-questions-i-get-asked-most-often-with-dr-michelle-quirk-of-mindful-marathon/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode. - read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/mindful-marathon-podcast-7011584/ep-96-ask-a-run-coach-5-questions-i-get-asked-most-often-with-dr-michelle-quirk-of-mindful-marathon.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource. A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed. ## Transcript Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.