BRENDAN SHEA
Run Coach - BOSTON, MA
I'm a lifelong fitness addict who works in digital marketing to support my addiction to new running shoes and race fees. I grew up competing in an entirely different side of running- in high school (and briefly in college) I sprinted, specializing in distances between 200 and 400 meters.
I caught the distance running bug when I signed up for a Tough Mudder in 2014- it was the first time I had ever really trained a distance further than a mile but I was quickly hooked. I ran my first half marathon in 2015 and haven't looked back since! I'm also passionate about strength training; I was competitive in the CrossFit space between 2017-2022 and continue to place an emphasis on building/maintaining strength. I love racing as much as possible but far and away the half marathon is my favorite distance.
I'm so excited to continue to be a part of the amazing community Mystryde has built out and help more runners meet their goals!
Coaching Philosophy
A flexible and agile approach to training! We all lead busy lives and between family obligations, work, travel, etc it's incredibly important to feel like missing a run or rearranging a week isn't going to derail progress. Training for a race is a summation of so many runs throughout a block so there's no need to stress! This requires consistent communication between a coach and athlete and I'm always there to help create flexibility as needed.
Why I Run
The reasons are too innumerable to list! It's an opportunity to clear my head and focus, a way to connect and make friends, a competitive outlet, an amazing vehicle for overall fitness.
Favorite Race
The Smuttynose Rockfest half marathon- this was my first half and I continue to race it again and again. Pancake flat, beautiful views of the ocean, free soup, lobster rolls and beer after the race. What more could you ask for?
Lifetime PRs
Marathon - 3:03:21, Newport Marathon
Half Marathon - 1:25:07, Napa Valley Half Marathon
5k - 18:47, Rockfest 5K
