Train for Your First (or next) runDisney Race Around the Life You Actually Have
A personalized plan or 1:1 coaching for doctors and other high-stress professionals ready to use running as the vehicle back to balance, not another box to check.
Why custom runDisney training?
Are you about to chase your first challenge weekend and wondering how to prepare well for consecutive race mornings with a 2a wakeup call?
Are you balancing training with shift work, young children, or a demanding career?
Every runner arrives at the start line with a different story. The problem is that most training plans weren't written with your life in mind, and that’s where I come in.
I create personalized runDisney training plans designed around your schedule, your goals, and your experience so you can train with confidence and not guesswork.
Meet Your runDisney Coach
I help runners train for runDisney races with personalized training plans that fit their goals, schedules, and lives.
I'm Michelle Quirk, MD, a pediatrician, RRCA Certified Running Coach, and founder of Mindful Marathon. Since becoming a running coach in 2019, I've helped runners prepare for their first runDisney races from the 5k all the way up to the Dopey Challenge. I've completed numerous runDisney race weekends, including Wine & Dine, Marathon Weekend, and Springtime Surprise.
My own runDisney journey began in 2016 when I convinced my mom and mother-in-law to train for our first half marathon together. The next morning, while watching marathon runners return to our resort, I found myself wondering, Could I do that someday? Two years later, I crossed my first marathon finish line at Walt Disney World.
I believe training should support your life rather than compete with it, so you can arrive at the start line prepared, confident, and ready to enjoy every magical mile.
Why train with me?
runDisney holds a very special place in my heart!
First runDisney race: January 2016 Half Marathon
First marathon: 2018 Walt Disney World Marathon
Favorite runDisney race so far: 2026 Springtime Surprise 10-Miler
Coached numerous runners to their first runDisney races (from 5k to marathon and challenge weekends) including the Dopey Challenge
Which option is right for you?
Whether you're training for your first 10k or your next Dopey Challenge, I offer two ways to help you reach the start line with confidence.
Personalized Training Plan
✓ You want a race-specific training plan tailored to your life, not a cookie-cutter template.
✓ You're comfortable training on your own, once you have a clear roadmap.
✓ You'd like expert guidance before training begins, but don't need ongoing coaching.
✓ You enjoy following a plan independently and checking workouts off on your own.
✓ If your needs change, you can always upgrade to coaching later.
Best for: Independent runners who want a customized roadmap.
1:1 Coaching
✓ You want a fully customized training plan that evolves as your training progresses.
✓ You want regular feedback, accountability, and support throughout your training.
✓ You want help navigating setbacks, schedule changes, motivation, and race-day strategy.
✓ You want a coach in your corner to celebrate wins, troubleshoot challenges, and adjust your plan as life happens.
✓ You're looking for a collaborative coaching relationship from your first training run through race day.
Best for: Runners who want ongoing guidance, accountability, and support.
What Our Athletes Are Saying
✅ This IS for you if:
✓ You're training for a runDisney race or challenge weekend and want guidance from someone who understands the unique demands of race weekend.
✓ You have a busy career, family, or other commitments and need a plan that works with your life and schedule.
✓ You prefer a run/walk approach. I write plans using continuous running or run/walk.
✓ You value thoughtful preparation and want to arrive at the start line feeling confident and ready to enjoy the experience.
❌ This may NOT be for you if:
✓ You're looking for a one-size-fits-all training plan that you can download immediately.
✓ You're hoping for the fastest or most aggressive plan possible, regardless of your schedule or recovery.
✓ You aren't ready to commit to following a training plan consistently.
✓ You're looking for a coach who believes more miles are always better.
Not sure which option is right for you? Reach out! I'm always happy to help you choose the level of support that best fits your goals, experience, and training style.
If you're interested in working with me, complete the form with a few details about your running goals. I’ll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.
Let’s Work Together
Mindful Marathon is an independent coaching business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Disney or runDisney. "runDisney" is a trademark of Disney Enterprises, Inc. and is used here only to describe the races these training plans are designed to prepare athletes for.