Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michelle Quirk, CEO of Mindful Marathon, located in Philadelphia, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a run coach and CEO of Mindful Marathon, where I help to make running easy and fun for busy professionals so that they can find their inner athletes! My customers are those who may have struggled with running in the past, quit running once or a hundred times, but have goals to establish a consistent exercise routine and maybe run a longer distance race!
Tell us about yourself
Mindful Marathon began as a passion project. Five years into working as a pediatrician in the hospital, I found myself in a place of burnout with clinical medicine. At that time, I was also spending a lot of time with myself on the pavement and trails as I trained for my first marathon. When I returned home from that race, I wanted to shout from the rooftops that everyone must go and run 26 miles and that it will change your life! I tried to get everyone I knew to start running, walking, and moving their bodies and began writing training plans for friends and family. I became a certified run coach through the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). The passion project has grown into a thriving business over the last 3 years. And I'm still a practicing pediatrician!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I work with many athletes who start out having the thoughts, "I am not a runner," or "I could never run a half marathon." Experiencing their mindset shifts along the way and then watching them soar in the sport is my biggest accomplishment! Hearing my athletes say things like, "I never knew running could be this fun," or "I just finished my first half marathon, and I loved it so much that I already signed up for another," is one of the many reasons why I love coaching!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Having the patience to allow the business to grow at its own pace. The world we currently live in loves to market quick fixes, instant gratification, and overnight successes. Those things exist, but it's not the norm. Remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint, and enjoy the journey!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
These tips are for both business and running!
- Remember your why and your mission. Write it down. It's important to return to the why when there are doubts and hurdles along the way.
- Consistency is key. At first, there does not appear to be a lot of return on investment for all of the time, money, and effort that you may be putting into your business. Trust the process, and continue to plant the seeds.
- The rest and recovery are as important as the training. Sometimes this one is hard for me, and I must remember my own advice. If we fire on all pistons in our business, we are sure to experience burnout at some point. I want to continue to enjoy running and coaching my athletes for a long time to come, so it's important to remember to pace myself!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://mindful-marathon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindfulMarathon
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindful.marathon/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellequirkmd/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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