Brent Alexander

serving up perspective //

smashing the doubt

Tag: Motivation

Explore motivational insights and inspiration. Discover posts that ignite personal growth, resilience, and the drive to succeed.

Freedom In Motion

“How many years can some people exist before they’re allowed to be free?”
– Dylan

55:08 | 10K | New PR

12 minutes faster than December.

I didn’t just run.
I broke loose.
From the weight I used to carry.
From the me that thought this wasn’t possible.

With every step, I remembered:
I’m allowed to fly.
The cage was never locked.

Freedom in motion.
Not just a mantra—
a reckoning.

I’m not finding myself.
I’m freeing myself.

I’m free to move
without asking for permission.
I’m free to chase what lights me up
instead of what weighs me down.
I’m free to live within my own cadence,
not someone else’s expectation.
I’m free to take up space.
Fully. Unapologetically.
I’m free to run toward myself,
not away from doubt.
I’m free to speak my truth.
Stand in my fire. Never shrinking back.
I’m free to become more me
with every step forward.
I’m free to define my own finish line
and to crush it on my own terms.

“How many roads must a man walk down?”
“How many years must a mountain exist?”
“How many deaths will it take till he knows?”
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.

Existence can be fleeting.
But it doesn’t have to be.

Nothing changes if nothing changes.
Change is the key to unlock destiny.

A fork in the road.
Rain on the mountain.
Sudden and unexpected loss.

Some bring bliss.
Some bring heartache.
All bring change.

And it’s up to the traveler to decide the road.
It’s up to the climber to choose the path.
It’s up to the survivor to keep moving forward.

It’s up to the soul to rise on the zephyr,
embracing what was always within reach.

This is my wind.
And with it, I fly.

April 23, 2025
Rory McIlroy: A Masterpiece, At Last

This is what it means to Rory McIlroy.

For over a decade, the Masters was the one that got away—the final brushstroke missing from an otherwise legendary career. Four majors by the age of 25. Dominance, elegance, and charisma in equal measure. And yet, year after year, Augusta remained elusive. A heartbreak in 2011. A dozen tries since. Whispers of what could have been, what should have been.

The career Grand Slam.

One of the rarest feats in golf—claimed by only five men in history. Rory had three legs of it for over a decade. He just needed one more walk up the 18th at Augusta in triumph.

But this… this is what it feels like to chase a dream through storms and silence. To carry the weight of expectation, of near-misses, of a jacket that never quite fit—until today.

And here’s the thing—this isn’t just Rory’s story. It’s ours, too.

You can have all the pieces. All the promise. But some dreams take time. They demand more than talent. They ask for patience, heartbreak, growth, and relentless belief. You might wonder if your window has closed—but what if it’s just not yet?

Rory didn’t just win the Masters. He joined the legends.
He completed the career Grand Slam.
He finished the story.

And in doing so, he reminded us: unfinished doesn’t mean failure. It means there’s still more to come. He kept showing up. Kept believing. Kept working. And when the moment finally arrived, it meant more because of the wait.

So if you’re chasing your own version of a Grand Slam—don’t stop.

The timeline is different for everyone. But persistence is undefeated.

Keep showing up. Keep doing the work. Let the dream take the time it needs.

When he stood on the 18th green, jacket draped over his shoulders, the crowd rising in applause—not just for the win but for the journey—you could see it in his eyes: relief, redemption, glory.

Well done, Rory.
A decade in the making.
A masterpiece, at last.

April 14, 2025
My First Pickleball Medal 🥈

Pickleball has a way of testing you—not just your skills, but your mindset. It rewards patience, resilience, and the ability to adapt under pressure. In February, I put that to the test in a four-week 3.5 Men’s Doubles Ladder League, and let me tell you, it was a ride.

Rising & Sliding Down The Ladder

When I signed up for this league, I knew it was going to push me. I came out strong in the opening week winning almost 90% of possible points. But I slid down the ladder in week 2 only winning two out of four games. Week 3 was even worse, not capitalizing on the points I needed to set myself up for a push for the podium. Heading into the final week, I found myself sitting three places from last. Not exactly where you want to be when medals are on the line.

But that’s the thing about competition—it’s not over until it’s over.

Flipping the Switch

Going into the final week, I knew I had to play differently. Not just better, but smarter. More intentional. This wasn’t about coasting or hoping for a lucky break. If I wanted a shot at medaling, I had to lock in. 🔐

Trust the work. Trust the instincts.

I focused on my footwork, my shot selection, and most importantly, my mental game. Instead of playing not to lose, I played to win. No hesitation. No second-guessing.

And when it mattered most? I swept the field.

Every game. Every rally. Every point. I played with a level of confidence and intensity I hadn’t fully tapped into before. By the end of the day, I went from sitting near the bottom of the rankings to standing on the podium with a silver medal around my neck.

Doug, Gold medalist (on left) alongside Brent, Silver medalist (on right); Not pictured: Steve, Bronze medalist.

The Takeaway: Trust & Adjust

This wasn’t just about winning matches. It was about proving something to myself—that when the pressure is high and the odds are against me, I have another gear. I can adjust. I can fight.

Sure, I’ve had good games before. But this was different. This was a breakthrough.

Shoutouts & What’s Next

Silver medal and the Gearbox Pro Ultimate Elongated pickleball paddle

A huge shoutout to Gearbox Pickleball—the Pro Ultimate Elongated paddle was an absolute beast. The power, control, and feel made a huge difference in my game. Also, big thanks to the City of Greenville Parks and Recreation for hosting a fantastic league.

And this? This is just the beginning.

The fire is lit, and I’m already thinking about the next challenge. More tournaments. More leagues. More chances to level up. I’ve already booked a Spring outdoor ladder league coming up at the end of April.

In pickleball—just like in life—you grind, you come back, and you medal. 🥈

See you on the courts. 🤙

March 31, 2025
My First Half Marathon: More Than Just A Race

No one ever told me that doing hard things could coexist with so much joy.

A couple of weeks ago I ran my first half marathon in Myrtle Beach. With it being my first ever half, I came into race weekend expecting it to fully suck. And honestly, I was ready to embrace it. I was prepared to ride the wave and push through the pain, knowing it was part of the process.

But then something surprising happened. Just past the halfway point, as I was steadily pacing with the 2:30 group, I felt good. Not just “hanging in there” good, but genuinely strong, present, and capable. And in that moment, it hit me—the wave had already been ridden. The past 30 days of 100 miles, plus the 60+ miles in January, that was the real work. That was the true test. The day-in, day-out, feet-on-the-ground consistency, even when I didn’t feel like it, was so much harder than my 2:19 finish in MB.

That realization changed everything for me.

The Journey to Race Day

Training for a half marathon is not just about running 13.1 miles on race day. It’s about every single run leading up to it. It’s about lacing up your shoes when your legs are tired. It’s about getting out there in the cold, the rain, or when motivation is at its lowest. The true test wasn’t the race—it was every single run before it. The half marathon itself? That was the victory lap.

And let me be clear—it wasn’t a walk in the park. Running for over two hours straight is hard. Mile 12 tested me. My mind was filled with questions and doubt, my legs burned, and I wondered if I had enough left in the tank. But then I reminded myself: I had done enough. I had put in the work. I had already won before I even stepped onto that course.

The Finish Line

As I neared the end, I knew I would easily beat my goal. That gave me the push to ramp it up even more. The crowd’s cheers carried me forward, and when I crossed that finish line, it was like a floodgate opened. I broke down in tears. Not out of exhaustion, but from an overwhelming rush of joy.

I had done it.

Not only had I accomplished my longest distance yet, but I had also kept a promise to myself from 60 days ago. And I had done it in a way that filled me with joy. The medal around my neck was a great symbol of achievement, but the real reward? The person I became in the process.

Reflection: It’s All About the Grind

The Myrtle Beach Half Marathon gave me more than just a medal—it gave me perspective. It reminded me that the real victory isn’t in the race itself but in the months of preparation leading up to it. The real win is in the discipline, the grit, and the consistency.

To everyone out there pushing themselves toward a goal—whether it’s running, fitness, or any personal challenge—know this: the reward isn’t just at the finish line. It’s in every step along the way.

Thank you, MB Half. You were too good to me. I do not deserve you. But I’m sure glad I have you.

Special thanks to my wife, Kellie, for the best support I could ever ask for. I wouldn’t be here without you. 🫶

March 14, 2025
100 Miles For Cancer

A Challenge For A Cause

In February, I’ve decided to run 100 miles—not just for myself, but for something much bigger. As I ramp up my mileage in preparation for my upcoming half marathon on March 1st, I’m partnering with the American Cancer Society in a virtual challenge to support those fighting cancer.

I’m running 100 miles for cancer, and I’d like to share why this means so much to me and why I hope you’ll join me in supporting the cause.

A Journey Beyond the Miles

Running has always been a personal challenge—an opportunity for growth, self-discipline, and pushing through physical and mental boundaries. But in February, my miles will carry a deeper purpose. As I run each step, I will do it in honor of those who have battled and lost, those who are still fighting, and those who have fought and won. This challenge is about more than just endurance—it’s about remembering loved ones and supporting those in the fight against cancer right now.

While my half marathon on March 1st unfortunately won’t count towards my 100-mile challenge (it ends February 28th), it still represents the physical and emotional effort that this month is all about. Every mile run will be for them—those whose strength and courage inspire me to keep pushing, especially when it gets tough.

Honoring the Fighters, Remembering the Lost

Cancer has impacted nearly every one of us in some way. Whether it’s a loved one who has faced the disease, a friend or family member who is still fighting, or someone we’ve lost too soon, the emotional weight of cancer is undeniable. I’ve seen firsthand how cancer takes its toll, but I’ve also witnessed the incredible resilience of those who fight it with all they have.

This month, I’m running for everyone who has battled cancer and for the families who have supported them. Whether you’ve lost someone to this disease, or you know someone currently in the fight, I hope you’ll take a moment to reflect on those warriors and their strength.

Why 100 Miles?

Running 100 miles in one month is no small feat. But I’ve chosen this challenge because it symbolizes the perseverance and determination needed to overcome cancer. Each mile represents a step toward raising awareness, offering support, and raising funds for critical research that continues to push us closer to a cure.

I believe in the power of community, and that’s why I’m asking for your support. Every donation to my JustGiving page goes toward cancer research and support for those who need it most. Together, we can make a tangible difference.

How You Can Help

I’d be honored if you could join me in this journey in any way you can, whether you donate, share this post, or simply offer words of encouragement as I take on this challenge.

You can follow my progress and contribute to the cause on my fundraising page: Brent Runs for Cancer. Every donation, no matter how small, helps fund cancer research and support services that improve the lives of those fighting this disease.

Thank you for being part of this journey. With your help, we can make these miles count.

Support The Cause

The miles I run this February will be a physical challenge, but the emotional drive behind them is what will keep me going. This is my way of honoring those who have battled cancer, remembering those we’ve lost, and supporting those who are still fighting with every step.

Let’s lace up and run this race together.

January 31, 2025

Categories

Tags