Brent Alexander

serving up perspective //

smashing the doubt

Tag: Pushing Limits

Dive into stories of perseverance, resilience, and breaking barriers to reach new heights in sports, mindset, and personal growth, one challenge at a time.

5K PR Fueled by Fiesta

Most people celebrate Cinco de Mayo with tacos and tequila. I celebrated mine with a free group run and a surprise PR.

The 5K run was hosted by Run In Greenville and New Balance, held at the always lively Double Stamp Brewery. It was one of those perfect spring evenings where the vibes were light and the energy was high. The kind of night where you show up expecting a social jog, and somehow end up racing the clock.

The real wildcard? New Balance brought some demos, and I couldn’t resist trying out the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4s. The moment I laced them up, my legs said “¡Vámonos!”

I wasn’t planning to push the pace, but the bounce in those carbon-plated super shoes said otherwise. Whether it was the shoe technology, the vibes from the crowd, or the Cinco magic—I found myself cruising faster than I’ve ever run a 5K.

Previous 5K PR: 26:13

Cinco de Mayo: Sub-26, baby.

Yeah, yeah, my Apple Watch says 3.09 miles. Haters can take it up with the GPS gods. The real takeaway? My pace was 7 seconds per mile faster than my previous PR, and I felt smooth the entire way.

Was it the shoes? The placebo? The CINCO magic?

Don’t know. Don’t care.

All I know is: FAST is FUN.

Big thanks to Run In Greenville, New Balance, and Double Stamp Brewery for putting on a great event. I’ll definitely be back for more group runs—and maybe another PR or two. 🌮✨

Photos by CITIZEN MEDIA CO. Full gallery here.

May 8, 2025
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
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
My First-Ever 10-Miler

I’ve officially checked off my first-ever 10-mile race, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with how it went! 🎉 This was a race full of new challenges, from the course itself to my personal goals. And yes, it’s a new personal record (PR) for me! 🔔

Race Stats:

⏱️ Time: 1:45:27

🏃‍♂️ Pace: 10:33 per mile

The Course: Hills on Hills on Hills ⛰️

The Green Valley Road Race certainly lived up to its reputation as a challenging course. The entire route felt like one big hill after another, which I have to admit, made me nervous at first. I even drove the course the day before to get a preview—and let’s just say, I might’ve freaked myself out a little bit seeing all those inclines. 😳 But honestly, it helped me prepare mentally and gave me a chance to appreciate the beautiful new scenery on race day. This is a course I would gladly run again!

Race Day Weather Perfection 🌅

The weather on race day couldn’t have been better for running: a crisp 42° at the start with sunny skies, warming up to just over 50° by the finish. This perfect temperature meant I could focus entirely on my running without being distracted by discomfort from either heat or cold.

Focusing on Cadence Over Pace 🥁

As I’ve been learning more about my running form, I decided to focus on improving my cadence rather than pushing for a specific pace. This was a shift in strategy for me, and I’m happy to say it paid off! I was able to maintain a much higher cadence of 163 steps per minute (spm) during the race. Just a few weeks ago, I was struggling to hit 150 spm, which I now realize was mainly due to poor form and over-striding.

To work on that, I decided to play some faster-paced tunes to help me find a rhythm. Shortening my stride and leaning into each step felt so much smoother. My knees were grateful for the change in mechanics—though I can’t lie and say I had no knee pain at all. My runner’s knee from last week was still a bit sore, but it was manageable, and I was able to push through the race without a problem.

Post-Race Recovery: Cold Plunge Magic 🥶

After crossing the finish line, I made sure to take recovery seriously. I treated myself to a quick 3-minute cold plunge in 45° water, and let me tell you: that water was pure magic! 🧊 It was exactly what my body needed to reduce inflammation and soreness, and I felt pretty good afterward—almost like I hadn’t just completed a tough race.

What’s Next: Rest and Recovery

Now, it’s time to rest, recover, and prepare for the next challenge ahead. I’ve got a huge workload this month as I get ready for my upcoming half marathon in March, but I’m feeling motivated and excited to keep pushing forward. It’s all part of the journey!

Thanks for following along, and I’ll keep you updated on my training. Until then, I’ll be focusing on continuing to push my limits and improving with each step. 🏃‍♂️✨

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A post shared by Brent Alexander (@brentalexander)

February 7, 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

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