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Feeding the mileage monster and finding balance in high mileage running

February 6, 2020 by Brent

mileage monster

My “No Days Off” poster from Tracksmith helps me view my training in individual days but also as a whole year block. I had run 10 miles that Monday morning — not bad for me as I worked to come back from the injuries that derailed my training all through 2019. Still, a voice in […]

Filed Under: Running Tagged With: Boston Marathon, BQ, fitness, inspiration, marathon, Mesa Marathon, mileage, mileage monster, motivation, run, runner, running, sub 3, training

2019 California International Marathon review — for whom the bell does not toll

December 13, 2019 by Brent

California International Marathon

At the finish area of the California International Marathon, which ends at the California State Capitol Building in downtown Sacramento. I knew going into the 2019 California International Marathon that hitting a Boston qualifier, and getting to ring the BQ bell, was unlikely. Inconsistent training gave me some doubt, but a nagging Achilles issue really […]

Filed Under: Race reports Tagged With: Boston, Boston Marathon, Boston qualifier, BQ, california, California International Marathon, CIM, fitness, marathon, marathon maniacs, motivation, race, run, runner, running, training

Miss the Boston Marathon cutoff? — Don’t give up

October 1, 2018 by Brent

Boston Marathon cutoff

I’ve missed the Boston Marathon cutoff. Twice. I’ve written about those painful misses before. But with this year’s cutoff landing at 4:52 faster than actual qualifying times, I’ve seen a lot of reactions on social media. From anger and outrage to despair. Thankfully I was able to make the 2019 Boston Marathon field with a […]

Filed Under: Running Tagged With: Boston, Boston 2019, Boston 2020, Boston Marathon, Boston Marathon cutoff, BQ, fitness, long run, marathon, motivation, run, runner, running, training

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

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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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