Episode 19: Pediatrician, coach Michelle Quirk on mindful running

Running has been vital for Michelle Quirk as she's grieved her father, who lost his life to cancer in 2012. It also helps her deal with the trauma she endures daily as a pediatrician. Think about it. Not every child comes through the clinic door with the sniffles. She sees kiddos who are terrified to see a doctor. Little ones with terminal illnesses. Tiny tots who are clearly being neglected and abused at home.

So Michelle, like many of us, works out her problems through running. She took that one step further a couple of years ago, when she began her running coaching business, Mindful Marathon. It's geared toward helping professionals cope with stress, anxiety, depression and, one issue that's running rampant in the healthcare industry: burnout.

Our conversation with Michelle was presented by DUI & Behavioral Health Counseling Centers, which has offices here in northern Illinois – in Sycamore, Plano, and Crystal Lake. If you suspect you or someone you love has a problem with drinking, drugs, mental illness or anger, call 815-895-9000 today and set up an evaluation. Visit duisycamore.com for more information.