EPISODE · Jun 20, 2026 · 39 MIN
#743 - Claire Bartholic: How a Goal Oriented Athlete Can Put Running in the "Friend Zone"
from The Rambling Runner Podcast · host Matt Chittim
In this episode, Claire Bartholic shares her inspiring journey from running a sub-3:00 marathon despite starting her running journey later in life to redefining her relationship with running, emphasizing the importance of joy, adaptability, and perspective as athletes age. We explore how athletes can find fulfillment beyond peak performance and embrace new goals at any stage of life. Main topics covered: Claire's transition from competitive running to a more relaxed, enjoyable approach The significance of redefining success and setting micro-goals in later years The mental and emotional aspects of aging as an athlete How to maintain motivation when peak performance is no longer the focus The role of physical activity as a vehicle for overall health and happiness Comparing athletic identity and dealing with the loss of former self Strategies for staying in love with running and avoiding pressure and burnout The value of trying new sports and activities for variety and fun The concept of running as a lifelong, adaptable journey, not just a race to the finish Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at www.mounttocoast.com and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to curranzusa.com to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website. Tailwind Nutrition - Tailwind set the standard for running nutrition and hydration. Head to tailwindnutrition.com/RAMBLING or use code RAMBLING20 to save 20% on your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What this episode covers
In this episode, Claire Bartholic shares her inspiring journey from running a sub-3:00 marathon despite starting her running journey later in life to redefining her relationship with running, emphasizing the importance of joy, adaptability, and perspective as athletes age. We explore how athletes can find fulfillment beyond peak performance and embrace new goals at any stage of life. Main topics covered: Claire's transition from competitive running to a more relaxed, enjoyable approach The significance of redefining success and setting micro-goals in later years The mental and emotional aspects of aging as an athlete How to maintain motivation when peak performance is no longer the focus The role of physical activity as a vehicle for overall health and happiness Comparing athletic identity and dealing with the loss of former self Strategies for staying in love with running and avoiding pressure and burnout The value of trying new sports and activities for variety and fun The concept of running as a lifelong, adaptable journey, not just a race to the finish Sponsors Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at www.mounttocoast.com and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order. CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to curranzusa.com to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website. Tailwind Nutrition - Tailwind set the standard for running nutrition and hydration. Head to tailwindnutrition.com/RAMBLING or use code RAMBLING20 to save 20% on your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
NOW PLAYING
#743 - Claire Bartholic: How a Goal Oriented Athlete Can Put Running in the "Friend Zone"
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Mar 19, 2026 ·34m
Feb 18, 2026 ·11m
Feb 11, 2026 ·45m