For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running Colleen Quigley is Building a New Kind of Olympic Development Team
Athletes are more than their sport, so Colleen’s working to bring a holistic approach to team running.
Colleen Quigley is an American middle-distance runner, Olympian, entrepreneur, mentor, National Champion, and lover of women's sports.
From her high school days on the cross country and track teams, to her collegiate career and Florida State, and all throughout her professional career running for brands like lululemon, Nike, WHOOP, ROKA, and more, community has always been a top priority.
Colleen aims to bring that value of community to life with a new professional track team called Meridia and advised by coach Juli Benson.
*please note that this episode was recorded in March and some details have changed since recording including the discussion about Juli Benson and Kate Grace*
Juli is now an advisor to the team.
Listen to hear about:
- Differences of running communities between Boulder, LA, and Flagstaff
- Transitioning from soccer and dance to running and allowing it to snowball into a career
- The nuances of male vs. female running coaches
- Building a holistic team dynamic around ethos and values rather than around a brand
- Non-endemic brand sponsorships and allowing athletes to maintain control over sponsorship
- Storytelling for athletes and challenges around personal content and branding
- Growing a new, holistic approach for a track team with female leadership
Check out the Meridia Mile, a way for fans to “join the team!” https://www.movemint.cc/events/meridia-mile
Stay connected:
- Colleen Quigley on Instagram: instagram.com/steeple_squigs
◦Colleen Quigley’s website: colleenquigley.org
◦Meridia website: wearemeridia.com
- For The Long Run Podcast on Instagram: instagram.com/forthelrpod
- Jon Levitt on Instagram: instagram.com/jwlevitt
- Join the For The Long Run email community: for-the-long-run.beehiiv.com
This episode is supported by:
- Tifosi Optics: Fantastic sunglasses for every type of run. Anti-bounce fit, shatterproof, and scratch resistant. Get 20% off when you use this link!
- Boulderthon: Our favorite Colorado race event with a variety of distances. Use code FTLR20 for $20 off the marathon or half marathon when you register at www.boulderthon.org.
- PUMA: Get yours at your local Fleet Feet or your favorite local running shop!
- GOES: Need a trail companion that’s smarter than your average gear? Meet GOES—the essential outdoor app created by wilderness medicine doctors. Whether you're planning your next adventure or handling a backcountry emergency, GOES gives you expert medical guidance—even without cell service. Tap a body part, assess the risk, and get clear next steps. It’s like having a backcountry medic in your pocket—and it’s an absolute must-have in our kit.