Episode 626: Colleen Quigley – Building Something New: Launching Meridia and Owning Her Career Path

Hey friends! I’m so excited to welcome back a longtime friend of the show, Colleen Quigley. Colleen is a 2016 Olympian in the steeplechase, a national champion, and one of the first professional runners I ever interviewed on the podcast! It’s been a while since we’ve caught up on the show, and Colleen has so much going on in this next phase of her career. In this episode, Colleen shares all about her newest venture: launching Meridia, a pro training group built by athletes, for athletes. We dive into why she started the team, what makes it unique, and how she’s approaching this next chapter in her running career. I love Colleen’s entrepreneurial spirit—she’s always been someone who thinks creatively about her path as an athlete, and you’ll hear that shine through in this conversation. We also talk about the Meridia Mile, a virtual one-mile race happening on August 9th. This is such a cool way to support Meridia as they get their team off the ground. Entry is just $20, and you can use the code “another” for $5 off your registration. Plus, they’re doing fun giveaways each week when you sign up! You can get all the details at colleenquigley.org . Colleen opens up about how this team structure allows athletes to choose their own coaches and sponsors, what it’s been like navigating injuries, and why she’s feeling really excited about what’s ahead. She also talks about her continued partnership with Lululemon, her work with Runna, and how much she’s grown since first stepping on the professional running scene with Bowerman Track Club. This was such a fun catch-up, and I hope you enjoy hearing from Colleen as much as I loved chatting with her. If you do, it means so much if you leave a quick rating and review! What we talked about: Why Colleen launched Meridia and the journey to building an athlete-led pro team The meaning behind the name “Meridia” and how the team’s identity came together Breaking the mold: how Meridia allows athletes to choose their own coaches and sponsors The vision for Meridia as both a team and a media company amplifying athlete stories Building community through events like the Meridia Mile and their weekly newsletter How Colleen balances entrepreneurship with her own professional running career Her evolving relationship with running, navigating injuries, and finding joy again A refreshingly honest discussion about nervous system regulation, mental health, and the physical toll of sport Why Colleen stepped away from the steeplechase this season to focus on the 1500 and 3k What’s next for Colleen with racing, coaching connections, and future Meridia growth Favorite podcasts and books about the business of sport, healing, and mind-body connection Links: Sign up for the Meridia Mile: colleenquigley.org – use code “another” for $5 off Follow Colleen on Instagram: @steeple_squigs Books and Media Recommended: Second Nature Podcast The Mind Body Prescription The Cure for Chronic Pain Podcast Support our Sponsors!! Lagoon Use the code “Lindsey” for 15% off your order Previnex Use code “LindseySuperfoods” for 15% off if you purchase the Gut and Greens Superfood Use the code “another” for 15% off OR use code “LindseyStrength” for 15% off if you purchase their new Muscle Health Plus Cornbread Use the code “Another” at checkout for 20% off your order