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Taper madness is real, and it’s terrifying

December 17, 2016 by Brent

taper madness

Typically, I don’t taper. I hate the mental craziness that comes along, the taper madness. I have read many blog posts from athletes tapering. Those stories normally curse the weeks directly preceding a big race. Taper madness, triggered by inactivity following weeks of intense training, includes wild food cravings, outbursts of misdirected frustration, and sometimes the […]

Filed Under: Running Tagged With: Boston Marathon, BQ, fitness, goals, long run, marathon, marathon training, motivation, patience, plan, race, race plan, run, runner, running, San Diego, taper, taper madness, track, track work, training, training plan, workouts

Plan your race calendar, the maniac approach

December 12, 2016 by Brent

race calendar

With half a platter of carne asada fries left, I knew another bite would be too much. My stomach was full, and I still had a taco left in front of me as well. My dad’s words popped into my head when I looked at all that tasty food with no place to put it. “Your eyes […]

Filed Under: Running Tagged With: 50 states marathon club, fitness, marathon, marathon maniac, marathon maniacs, motivation, plan, race, race calendar, run, runner, running, workout

Setting running goals: finding middle ground

June 20, 2016 by Brent

I can still feel the jolt of electric energy that rocketed through my body the second I crossed the finish line at the 2014 Green Bay Marathon. I immediately vomited, spewing Gatorade as my body attempted to alleviate the side stitch that had plagued my final four miles. But none of that pain mattered. My throw […]

Filed Under: Running Tagged With: Boston Marathon, BQ, fitness, goals, marathon, motivation, patience, personal record, plan, PR, race, run, runner, running, training

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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