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Home » Race reports » Page 5

2018 Mesa-Phoenix Marathon — a good day in the desert

February 26, 2018 by Brent

Mesa-Phoenix Marathon

For three straight years I’ve travelled to Arizona in February for the Mesa-Phoenix Marathon. And for three straight years the race has delivered a shiny new PR. While I’ve never lived in Arizona, I feel like this event is my hometown race. Mesa-Phoenix Marathon is the first race I’ve run more than twice. At this […]

Filed Under: Race reports Tagged With: fitness, marathon, Mesa, Mesa-Phoenix Marathon, motivation, Phoenix, PR, race, race report, run, runner, running

Thanksgiving means family, food, football, and sometimes a PR

November 24, 2017 by Brent

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is special. It’s my favorite holiday for many reasons — some of my most precious childhood memories revolve around Thanksgiving. I remember my family gathering at my grandparents’ house in Lake Charles, La., and watching the Macy’s parade while waiting for turkey dinner and Dallas Cowboys football. At halftime of the game, we would […]

Filed Under: Race reports Tagged With: Flying Feather, football, PR, race, race recap, race report, race weekend, run, running, Thanksgiving, Turkey Trot

28 days later, Outer Banks Marathon wraps up wild racing month

November 17, 2017 by Brent

Outer Banks Marathon

A twisted ankle, overheated final 5K, and wrong-turn DQ turned three straight marathons sour for me to start the Fall racing season. All of that drama and disappointment made Sunday’s Outer Banks Marathon finish more special. Failing to hit race goals can lead to more self pressure and self doubt — feelings I tried to […]

Filed Under: Race reports Tagged With: Boston Marathon, BQ, Detroit Marathon, long run, marathon, Marine Corps Marathon, Outer Banks Marathon, race, race weekend

One wrong turn can turn a special race into a nightmare

November 5, 2017 by Brent

wrong turn

Nothing will bring down a running high like a mid-race detour. From knocking out miles and building momentum to frustration and helplessness. One wrong turn can completely change mood and motivation. I know many runners who have taken a wrong turn in a race — some make getting lost a habit. But I avoided such […]

Filed Under: Race reports Tagged With: 26.2, 50 states marathon club, Boston Marathon, Boston qualifier, BQ, fitness, marathon, motivation, race, race report, run, runner, West Virginia, wrong turn

Enjoying the unexpected PR, and donuts

October 30, 2017 by Brent

unexpected PR

I showed up for donuts and ended up with an unexpected PR. Running is crazy like that — you never know when it’s going to be your day. No matter how hard we attempt to set up a PR attempt, there are so many things we can’t control. On Sunday, I participated in the Columbus […]

Filed Under: Race reports Tagged With: 5K, Columbus, Donut run, fitness, marathon training, motivation, Ohio, PR, race, run, runner, speed

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About me

Brent Shirley My name is Brent Shirley, and I'm a stay-at-home dad with experience writing and selling running shoes. Married to a surgeon (she's much smarter than me). Certified RRCA running coach and 11 time Boston Marathon qualifier (2015-25, although I missed the cut in 2015-16). 50 sub 4 finisher.

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