In this show, I break down and analyze comments from my recent interview with one of the greatest female middle distance runners in the world, the American record holder Shelby Houlihan.

It was a pleasure to drive up to Flagstaff, Arizona to meet Shelby at her high altitude training camp as she prepares for her long awaited comeback after a ridiculous four year suspension for a very questionable doping violation. In our interview, which you can listen to here (or click below under "links"), we talked about the tragedy she experienced when she had her career taken from her right in the middle of her prime, right as she was getting ready for the Olympics—then having to sit for four years. 

You will learn about the nuances of how that whole incident went down and the injustice of the anti-doping system in the world of elite sports. Of course we have to keep these sports clean, but can there be room for some imperfections and some victims too? You will also hear about the many aspects of what it's like to be an elite athlete, how Shelby expanded her horizons and her competitive disposition to try to become a more well-balanced person by getting her master's degree in sports psychology, and much more. 

Shelby said such amazing, thoughtful comments during the interview, and I think so many of her comments are truly profound insights that will help you as you navigate the very difficult challenge of designing an optimal training program that balances stress and rest (and also keeping your ego in check) as you pursue ambitious competitive goals. These big picture insights are especially helpful now, as the biohacking scene is currently getting a little out of hand—focusing on a regimented, high-tech, glossy, glitzy approach towards pursuing longevity, instead of just covering the basics—and the Blue Zones movement is getting torched by The New York Times’ revelation of the manipulation behind their messaging and how they drew inaccurate conclusions from the data they gathered. It all comes down to basics and consistency, so this show will highlight important insights about Shelby’s approach, from details of her weekly training patterns to how she is deliberate about what she does to unwind and rest during the off competitive season, and how she generally balances the physiological impact training has on her body.

 

TIMESTAMPS:

Biohacking is getting out of hand these days. [04:04]

The Blue Zone studies are now being questioned. It looks like it has been manipulated to promote a plant-based diet. [05:15]

It is refreshing to hear that Shelby deliberately takes the time to unwind and chill out rather that becoming a cyborg robot in pursuit of improving. [10:59]

Most champion runners do their training in a more relaxed way, not obsessed with biohacking behavior. It is so important to have balance in your life. [13:11]

Developing that aerobic system so that the faster paced runs can become less stressful and less destructive is the only path to success.  [17:51]

Shelby trains three days a week then on the off days, she just runs.  Her eight-mile runs are at an eight-minute pace. [21:13]

If you go faster than your anaerobic threshold, your body would start to accumulate lactate faster than you can remove it. [23:12]

Shelby has complete trust in her coach who allows for input and flexibility on the athlete’s side. [36:30]

A lot of people are talking about the super spikes and how they are distorting world records. [40:47]

Brad talks about Shelby’s problem with the accusation of doping. Was she cheating? [41:49]

You can’t roll back technological advancements in sport equipment. [45:34]

The incentive to cheat due to economic desperation is a real problem in elite international sport. [47:57]

 

LINKS:
Brad Kearns.com
Brad’s Shopping page
B.rad Whey Protein Isolate Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet! Available in Four Delicious Variations: Vanilla Bean, Cocoa Bean,Peanut Butter, and Unflavored!
B.rad Superfruits - Organic Freeze-Dried Exotic Fruit Powder! Natural Electrolyte Hydration & Energy Powder
BradKearns.com/olympian-shelby-houlihan-on-elite-training-resiliency-mindset-and-her-2025-comeback/


Shelby Houlihan talks about her controversial and unjust doping suspension in 2022
Instagram @Shelbo800
Born to Walk

 

Join Brad for more fun on: 

Instagram: @bradkearns1

Facebook: @bradkearnsjumphigh

Twitter: @bradleykearns

YouTube: @brad.kearns

TikTok: @bradkearns

 

We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you!

Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life:
Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off!
Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount!
GAINSWave: Enhance sexual function with high frequency shockwave therapy. Buy 6 and get one treatment free with code: BRAD
Take The Cold Plunge online course!
B.rad Whey + Creatine Superfuel: Premium quality, all-natural supplement for peak performance, recovery, and longevity. Now available in Vanilla Bean, Cocoa bean, Peanut Butter, and Unflavored!
Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience
Primal Fitness Expert Certification: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD!
Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO): Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grassfed animal organ supplement

Brad's Favorites on Amazon

I have a newly organized shopping experience at BradKearns.com/Shop. Visit here and you can navigate to my B.rad Nutrition products (for direct order or Amazon order), my library of online multimedia educational courses, great discounts from my affiliate favorites, and my recommended health&fitness products on Amazon.

In this show, I break down and analyze comments from my recent interview with one of the greatest female middle distance runners in the world, the American record holder Shelby Houlihan.
It was a pleasure to drive up to Flagstaff, Arizona to meet Shelby at her high altitude training camp as she prepares for her long awaited comeback after a ridiculous four year suspension for a very questionable doping violation. In our interview, which you can listen to&nbsp;<a href="https://bradkearns.com/olympian-shelby-houlihan-on-elite-training-resiliency-mindset-and-her-2025-comeback/">here (or click below under "links")</a>, we talked about the tragedy she experienced when she had her career taken from her right in the middle of her prime, right as she was getting ready for the Olympics&mdash;then having to sit for four years.&nbsp;
You will learn about the nuances of how that whole incident went down and the injustice of the anti-doping system in the world of elite sports. Of course we have to keep these sports clean, but can there be room for some imperfections and some victims too? You will also hear about the many aspects of what it's like to be an elite athlete, how Shelby expanded her horizons and her competitive disposition to try to become a more well-balanced person by getting her master's degree in sports psychology, and much more.&nbsp;
Shelby said such amazing, thoughtful comments during the interview, and I think so many of her comments are truly profound insights that will help you as you navigate the very difficult challenge of designing an optimal training program that balances stress and rest (and also keeping your ego in check) as you pursue ambitious competitive goals. These big picture insights are especially helpful now, as the biohacking scene is currently getting a little out of hand&mdash;focusing on a regimented, high-tech, glossy, glitzy approach towards pursuing longevity, instead of just covering the basics&mdash;and the Blue Zones movement is getting torched by The New York Times&rsquo; revelation of the manipulation behind their messaging and how they drew inaccurate conclusions from the data they gathered. It all comes down to basics and consistency, so this show will highlight important insights about Shelby&rsquo;s approach, from details of her weekly training patterns to how she is deliberate about what she does to unwind and rest during the off competitive season, and how she generally balances the physiological impact training has on her body.
&nbsp;
TIMESTAMPS:
Biohacking is getting out of hand these days. [04:04]
The Blue Zone studies are now being questioned. It looks like it has been manipulated to promote a plant-based diet. [05:15]
It is refreshing to hear that Shelby deliberately takes the time to unwind and chill out rather that becoming a cyborg robot in pursuit of improving. [10:59]
Most champion runners do their training in a more relaxed way, not obsessed with biohacking behavior. It is so important to have balance in your life. [13:11]
Developing that aerobic system so that the faster paced runs can become less stressful and less destructive is the only path to success.&nbsp; [17:51]
Shelby trains three days a week then on the off days, she just runs.&nbsp; Her eight-mile runs are at an eight-minute pace. [21:13]
If you go faster than your anaerobic threshold, your body would start to accumulate lactate faster than you can remove it. [23:12]
Shelby has complete trust in her coach who allows for input and flexibility on the athlete&rsquo;s side. [36:30]
A lot of people are talking about the super spikes and how they are distorting world records. [40:47]
Brad talks about Shelby&rsquo;s problem with the accusation of doping. Was she cheating? [41:49]
You can&rsquo;t roll back technological advancements in sport equipment. [45:34]
The incentive to cheat due to economic desperation is a real problem in elite international sport. [47:57]
&nbsp;
LINKS:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://bradkearns.com/">Brad Kearns.com</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bradkearns.com/shop/">Brad&rsquo;s Shopping page</a></li>
<li><a href="https://a.co/d/731gssV">B.rad Whey Protein Isolate Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet! Available in Four Delicious Variations: Vanilla Bean,&nbsp;Cocoa Bean, Peanut Butter, and Unflavored!</a></li>
<li><a href="https://a.co/d/epLtwgg">B.rad Superfruits - Organic Freeze-Dried Exotic Fruit Powder! Natural Electrolyte Hydration &amp; Energy Powder</a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Born-Walk-Surprising-Benefits-Healthier/dp/1736294415/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3GK7W57W2NXLL&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MwmsV3UeZI_02M1NmozlQ_1q44TTQvG8REPf4fJ3fjZNR_uSbBhcgw8ujcgusuiRwdFJ0M99ERuJ-OJCjMXsBN_lKgiBhcfdy9goaFBXMI_Wxm49Cr5AHBmnmaj4HlQCFX8cKCdjKQn2gDtpgR9kVR6R6STvKIU5gnbCWTDYeG75FLRT8lbzrNcYPTVSs4EeHifLcuf69Z4Be1D_Qb_Zeec9tIE3p41DwpYmNK_wTfw.A-0F6KSWkMuAfYvlGg1eSmvqUTaqrTIRGOyNwffPfHc&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=BORN+TO+WALK&amp;qid=1721063675&amp;sprefix=born+to+walk%2Caps%2C187&amp;sr=8-3"></a></li>
<li><a href="https://bradkearns.com/olympian-shelby-houlihan-on-elite-training-resiliency-mindset-and-her-2025-comeback/">BradKearns.com/olympian-shelby-houlihan-on-elite-training-resiliency-mindset-and-her-2025-comeback/</a></li>
<li>
<a href="https://youtu.be/3lpylJcp2xY">Shelby Houlihan talks about her controversial and unjust doping suspension in 2022</a>
</li>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/shelbo800/">Instagram @Shelbo800</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Born-Walk-Surprising-Benefits-Healthier/dp/1736294415/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3GK7W57W2NXLL&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MwmsV3UeZI_02M1NmozlQ_1q44TTQvG8REPf4fJ3fjZNR_uSbBhcgw8ujcgusuiRwdFJ0M99ERuJ-OJCjMXsBN_lKgiBhcfdy9goaFBXMI_Wxm49Cr5AHBmnmaj4HlQCFX8cKCdjKQn2gDtpgR9kVR6R6STvKIU5gnbCWTDYeG75FLRT8lbzrNcYPTVSs4EeHifLcuf69Z4Be1D_Qb_Zeec9tIE3p41DwpYmNK_wTfw.A-0F6KSWkMuAfYvlGg1eSmvqUTaqrTIRGOyNwffPfHc&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=BORN+TO+WALK&amp;qid=1721063675&amp;sprefix=born+to+walk%2Caps%2C187&amp;sr=8-3">Born to Walk</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Join Brad for more fun on: 
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bradkearns1/">@bradkearns1</a>
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bradkearnsjumphigh">@bradkearnsjumphigh</a>
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/bradleykearns">@bradleykearns</a>
YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4XXEoULD0AiiuPHdRw-Efg">@brad.kearns</a>
TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@bradkearns">@bradkearns</a>
&nbsp;
We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&amp;A shows, emailed to <a href="mailto:getoveryourselfpodcast@gmail.com">podcast@bradventures.com</a>. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you!
Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn&rsquo;t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won&rsquo;t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://peluva.com/?sscid=91k7_1q58j" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://peluva.com/?sscid%3D91k7_1q58j&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1694035602925000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0AUDXoSdWPX_Ciu3aYkZgb">Peluva</a>: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off!</li>
<li><a href="https://www.mitoredlight.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.mitoredlight.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1694035602925000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3yB4vB7v9Poi3yXqxwGAz3">Mito Red Light:&nbsp;</a>Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm.&nbsp;Use code BRAD for 5% discount!</li>
<li><a href="https://gainswave.com/brad/">GAINSWave:</a> Enhance sexual function with high frequency shockwave therapy. Buy 6 and get one treatment free with code: BRAD</li>
<li><a href="https://bradkearns.com/cold-plunge/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bradkearns.com/cold-plunge/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1694035602925000&amp;usg=AOvVaw27DgKhjBJfGIMO3NtOPzQ0">Take The Cold Plunge online course!</a></li>
<li><a href="http://bradnutrition.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://bradnutrition.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1694035602925000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3apw1dYkrVMPM-KjVKpCcO">B.rad Whey + Creatine Superfuel</a>: Premium quality, all-natural supplement for peak performance, recovery, and longevity. Now available in Vanilla Bean, Cocoa bean, Peanut Butter, and Unflavored!</li>
<li><a href="https://bradventures.thinkific.com/collections" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bradventures.thinkific.com/collections&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1694035602925000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1KeAmB6wYGR3eDWYt8u7Ua">Online educational courses:</a>&nbsp;Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience</li>
<li><a href="https://www.primalhealthcoach.com/brad/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.primalhealthcoach.com/brad/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1694035602925000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2vUrRhcuAvTXFcj8wSH8bW">Primal Fitness Expert Certification</a>: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD!</li>
<li><a href="https://bradkearns.com/mofo/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bradkearns.com/mofo/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1694035602925000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0KmIx_5nS8Hn8DUqcyyAXv">Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO):</a>&nbsp;Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grassfed animal organ supplement</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/4CCAC4F3-30B1-4459-8312-32EB4121B3D6?ingress=2&amp;visitId=d1dce474-2c5c-4ded-9955-c651e670f542">Brad's Favorites on Amazon</a>
I have a newly organized shopping experience at <a href="http://BradKearns.com/Shop" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://BradKearns.com/Shop&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1694035602925000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2lTUZJbyIoAHm8ftaBtnHA">BradKearns.com/Shop</a>. Visit here and you can navigate to my B.rad Nutrition products (for direct order or Amazon order), my library of online multimedia educational courses, great discounts from my affiliate favorites, and my recommended health&amp;fitness products on Amazon.

Join Brad Kearns, New York Times bestselling author and champion triathlete, Speedgolfer, and masters high jumper, in pursuing peak performance with passion throughout life. Enjoy memorable insights from leading experts on diet, fitness, peak performance, personal growth, relationships, happiness, and longevity. Brad’s “Breather” shows provide step-by-step tips you can implement right away to improve your life. Let’s explore beyond shortcuts, hacks, and crushing competition to laugh, have fun, appreciate the journey, and not take ourselves too seriously. It’s time to B.rad!

Join Brad Kearns, New York Times bestselling author and champion triathlete, Speedgolfer, and masters high jumper, in pursuing peak performance with passion throughout life. Enjoy memorable insights from leading experts on diet, fitness, peak performance, personal growth, relationships, happiness, and longevity. Brad’s “Breather” shows provide step-by-step tips you can implement right away to improve your life. Let’s explore beyond shortcuts, hacks, and crushing competition to laugh, have fun, appreciate the journey, and not take ourselves too seriously. It’s time to B.rad!

Brad Kearns, NY Times bestselling author and Guinness World Record athlete,  offers a fun and diverse mix of interviews with leading authors and health experts, and "Breather" shows for peak performance and personal growth

The B.rad Podcast

Join Brad Kearns, New York Times bestselling author, world #1 ranked masters 60+ high jumper, Speedgolf world record holder, and former world #3 ranked pro triathlete, in pursuing peak performance with passion throughout life. Brad delivers an engaging mix of step-by-step education on important health topics like staying fit, strong and powerful as you age; transforming diet to lose body fat and increase energy; sort through hype and misinformation to make simple, sustainable lifestyle changes; and broaden your perspective beyond a fit body to experience happy relationships, nonstop personal growth, and ultimately sail to 100 with a happy, healthy, long life. Let’s explore beyond shortcuts, hacks, and crushing competition to laugh, have fun, appreciate the journey, and not take ourselves too seriously. It’s time to B.rad!

 

Join Brad Kearns, New York Times bestselling author, world #1 ranked masters 60+ high jumper, Speedgolf world record holder, and former world #3 ranked pro triathlete, in pursuing peak performance with passion throughout life. Brad delivers an engaging mix of step-by-step education on important health topics like staying fit, strong and powerful as you age; transforming diet to lose body fat and increase energy; sort through hype and misinformation to make simple, sustainable lifestyle changes; and broaden your perspective beyond a fit body to experience happy relationships, nonstop personal growth, and ultimately sail to 100 with a happy, healthy, long life. Let&rsquo;s explore beyond shortcuts, hacks, and crushing competition to laugh, have fun, appreciate the journey, and not take ourselves too seriously. It&rsquo;s time to B.rad!
&nbsp;

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