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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

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

42nd Marine Corps Marathon, an honor and a challenge

October 25, 2017 by Brent

Marine Corps Marathon

Marine Corps Marathon is called “The People’s Marathon.” The race earns its moniker. It starts next to Arlington National Cemetery, winds through Virginia, Georgetown, Washington D.C. and back across the river to Arlington, Virginia, to finish near the Marine Corps Memorial depicting Marines raising the American flag at Iwo Jima. With throngs of runners and […]

Filed Under: Race reports Tagged With: America, D.C., fitness, flag, long run, marathon, marathon maniacs, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Marathon, motivation, patriotic, race, race report, run, run with the marines, runner, running, Virginia, Washington

Coeur d’Alene Marathon: keep your head down, push through

May 30, 2017 by Brent

Coeur d'Alene Marathon

What do you do when everything goes wrong early in a race? I faced that question Sunday at the Coeur d’Alene Marathon in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. My plan fell apart immediately, and I was forced to fight multiple mental battles starting in the first few miles. I learned a lot about mental toughness, however, which led […]

Filed Under: Race reports Tagged With: BQ, Coeur d'Alene, Coeur d'Alene Marathon, fitness, goals, heat running, long run, marathon, marathon training, motivation, patience, race, race plan, race report, race weekend, run, runner, running, training, training plan

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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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