How a Non-High School Runner Built a 2:28 Marathon in Indianapolis: Brent Woodle's Path to Elite Masters

Brent Woodle didn't run competitively in high school or college—he was too busy playing World of Warcraft. But after moving to Dallas at 25 with no friends and a bucket list goal to run a marathon, he joined every running club he could find. Fast forward to today, and Brent is one of the fastest masters runners in DFW, with a 2:28 marathon PR.In this episode, recorded before the Dallas Marathon (where Brent would go on to run 2:39:05), we dive deep into what it takes to run at an elite level as a masters athlete. Fresh off running 2:28:26 at the Indianapolis Marathon, Brent shares his high-volume training philosophy—100-mile weeks, running twice a day six days per week, tempo-focused workouts over VO2 max intervals, and the importance of making running a daily habit. He opens up about the mental battles of goal-setting, recovering from burnout after Houston Marathon, and the sacrifices required—giving up alcohol during training cycles and prioritizing eight hours of sleep every night.Whether you're chasing your own PR or curious about what separates good runners from great ones, Brent's story offers candid insights into the discipline, routine, and mental approach needed to compete at the highest level while balancing a 16-year career as a software engineer and raising two young kids.Episode Highlights:How Brent went from casual runner to 2:28 marathoner without running in high school or collegeHis high-volume training approach: doubles six days per week, prioritizing frequency over intensityWhy running two 5-milers is better than one 10-miler for injury prevention and recoveryRace fueling strategy: consuming 900+ calories during marathons with Maurten gels and mixThe mental challenge of pacing and avoiding the trap of starting too fastPlans for Paris and Chicago marathons in 2026 at age 41The importance of running community and lifelong friendships built through the sport