Name: Brad Gardner
Age: 38
Hometown: Parkersburg, WV
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Brad's running career:
I've been competing in half/full marathons exactly 8 years this month! My first race was the News and Sentinel Half Marathon back in 2011. So far I've ran 20 half marathons and 4 full marathons in 20 States. My PR as of now is 1:42 and I also placed in my Age Group at the Illinois State Championship Half Marathon back in 2017. My goal is to conquer a half or full marathon in all 50 states!
Brad's motivation:
Being a former full-time personal trainer, physical fitness has always been an important part of my life and has driven me to set personal goals. When I finished my first half marathon it was one of the best moments of my life! After that, I just felt like running more and found a new hobby that I love and is good for my soul!
Advice from Brad:
My thoughts are you can do anything you set your mind to by working hard and accomplish it! Start out taking baby steps. First, go to a running store and talk to an expert on getting fitted for a good pair of shoes. Then when you begin walking or running it's a great idea get someone to go with you for moral support. If you are training solo, make a favorite song list on your phone and put in your earphones to make it more enjoyable on your journey. What I did was I began working my way into a 5K race and then increased my mileage up to a 10K race These two races prepared me to do a half marathon. I encourage everyone at some point in life to walk or run a half marathon. It's rewarding and something you will remember for the rest of your life to say you did it!