James McKirdy Sets Four PRs At Broad Street Run

Run SMART client James McKirdy has been on fire ever since he signed up for coaching with Alvina Begay. Last year he wrote about how his abilities have skyrocketed after hiring his new coach. Since he’s broken 2:40 for the marathon and set a new half marathon PR.

Recently, coming into his next big goal race, the Broad St 10-miler, James set his sights on a top 50 finish amongst the 40,000 plus who toed the line. And apparently, he was sick of just setting one PR in a race. Along the the flat and fast course in Philly, James set PRs for 3 miles (15:25), boom, 5 miles (26:07), boom, 8 miles (42:45), boom, and then for 10 miles (53:55)! And he reached his place goal finishing 33rd overall. [Full Results]

June 9, 2014 / 1

James McKirdy Sets New PR At NYC Half

Run SMART client James McKirdy couldn’t be stopped at the NYC Half. Ever since he team up with his coach Alvina Begay he’s been on a tear.

Recently, coming off of being sick and on a cold and windy day in Manhattan he still managed to set a new PR by 2.5 minutes! He finished in 1:12:37, good for 63rd male overall. [Full results]

March 27, 2014 / 1

James McKirdy Drops A 2:38 In His First Marathon

Run SMART client James McKirdy of New Britain, CT finished his first marathon last weekend in Philadelphia in a time of 2:38:56. [Race results] He was 48th overall, capping off an amazing season with his coach Alvina Begay. As James noted earlier this year he has seen his ability skyrocket since he started working with Alvina.

November 20, 2013 /

McKirdy Braves The Heat In Fairfield Half

Run SMART client James McKirdy of New Britain, CT finished 25th overall (14th American) at the Fairfield Half Marathon. His official time was 1:18:45 in brutally hot and humid conditions. [Full results] According to Jack’s temperature conversion this result in ideal conditions comes out to a 1:15:30.

James works with Run SMART coach Alvina Begay.

July 16, 2013 / 1

“Because Of Her I’ve Seen My Abilities Skyrocket”

Run SMART client James McKirdy of New Britain, CT was kind enough to let us share his thoughtful words about his coach Alvina Begay. This kind of stuff makes our week! We love our staff and clients.

I just wanted to send an email to the staff to let everyone know how grateful I am to be working with Alvina. I started with her just after the New Year and it’s been a full 5 months I think. I came in with a background in running, I’m a professional trainer and have been in the health industry for just about a decade. I’m not one to gloat on my own successes, but I will say she’s done an amazing job with me thus far.

I’ve been training for the Philly Marathon in November later this year and never really tackled running in quite this way before. She’s a great coach and because of her, I’ve seen my abilities sky rocket. In fact, I’d actually say I’ve only had one bad workout and that’s when it was 93 and 95% Humidity. Aside from that, even though she’s half a light year away, she’s incredibly accessible and very supportive.

June 7, 2013 / 1