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August please go away; you’re the worst

August 26, 2017 by Brent

August please go away

It happens every year. August rolls around, and my training falls apart. But this year will be different, right? No Louisiana heat and humidity. Instead, I have California breezes and coastal views. Still, same story (I was sick for the whole first week, including a three day stretch where I barely left my room). August […]

Filed Under: Running Tagged With: August, August please go away, Berlin Marathon, california, distance, Fall racing, fitness, heat, humidity, long run, marathon, marathon training, run, runner, running, southern california, speed work, west coast, worst month

Back on track — literally (time to add back speedwork)

December 9, 2016 by Brent

on track

As of last night, I’m back on track. Literally. My running in the past six months hasn’t been the best. I struggled through sickness, and my monthly mileage dropped to the lowest it’s been in three years. But for the past three months, I’ve rebuilt my base. November was a breakthrough running month in a lot […]

Filed Under: Running Tagged With: fitness, goals, marathon, marathon training, motivation, run, runner, running, San Diego, Shreveport, speed work, tempo, track, track work, track workout, training, training plan, west coast, workouts

No running music? Make your own rhythm

December 7, 2016 by Brent

running music

  I made a decision in September of last year to give up running music. I had just completed my running coach certification class, and the teacher had been adamant. “As a coach, you should be an example for the running community. That means no running music. No earbuds. Set an example of safety.” His message, […]

Filed Under: Running Tagged With: cadence, earbuds, fitness, goals, headphones, long run, marathon, marathon training, motivation, music, run, runner, running, running music, running rhythm, San Diego, Shreveport, speed work, tempo, track, track work, track workout, training, training plan, west coast, workouts

The perfect run — where did that come from?

December 5, 2016 by Brent

the perfect run

I haven’t driven many sports cars in my life. Currently I have a Nissan Xterra. Before that, a Pathfinder, Hyundai Accent, and ages ago, an ’89 Ford Bronco II complete with stick shift and broken ignition. But I can remember the feeling of being behind the wheel of a car with a lot of power (always […]

Filed Under: Running Tagged With: Dallas, fartlek, fitness, goals, Katy trail, long run, marathon, marathon training, motivation, patience, race, run, runner, running, speed work, tempo, training, training plan, workouts

Hill repeats, why do you hurt so good?

October 22, 2016 by Brent

hill repeats

Like many of my runs lately, I had to drag myself out the door last night. I knew my planned hill repeats weren’t going to treat me well. Even with all of my dread, I caught myself by surprise when I found a burst in the first three repeats. I warmed up eight miles of easy […]

Filed Under: Running Tagged With: Boston Marathon, BQ, fitness, goals, hill repeats, hill run, hill workout, hills, hilly run, marathon training, motivation, run, runner, running, San Diego, speed work, training plan, workout

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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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