Olympian Shelby Houlihan On Elite Training, Resiliency, Mindset, and Her 2025 Comeback

Welcome to this special episode of the B.rad podcast, where Brad Kearns visits American record holding middle distance runner Shelby Houlihan at her high-altitude training camp in Flagstaff, AZ. This is an incredibly powerful and in-depth discussion about all aspects of what it's like to compete in elite level sport. Shelby has just completed her four-year layoff from a highly unjust and controversial doping suspension and is returning to competition as the 2025 US and world indoor season approaches. This wide-ranging discussion is a master class on developing the ideal perspective and mindset of a champion athlete. Shelby has been through hell like few other athletes—her livelihood and status in elite sport taken away in an instant with the four-year suspension. Please watch our first interview where we discuss the details of her doping violation and her legal case and the incredible injustice and lack of due process that athletes face if they test positive. We recap it a bit in this show, and you’ll learn about the nuanced dynamics of doping in high level sports, how the system works, and how we might do things better and more fairly. You learn about how a champion athlete has to cultivate a singular focus and narrow mindset but how this can lead to disappointment and frustration when you attach too much of your self esteem to results. its double edge sword but we talk about the sweet spot where you can still be a vicious competitor but also a well-balanced person. You learn about how Shelby spent her off time still training at a high level, doing some incredible time trials, getting a masters in sports psych, and making a great effort to broaden her perspective about life and sport. You learn about the business of T&F, a somewhat unpleasant topic when you realize how even the greatest athletes have very tenuous career prospects. This is a woman who has dedicated her life to elite sport and it was an honor to see such amazing resilience and maturity as she tells her incredible story. You don't have to be a track fan to deeply appreciate this interview. Please listen to the entire riveting two hours as we get the lowdown from someone who is about to go wild on the track and get some more records and titles. TIMESTAMPS: Shelby Houlihan has quite a story to tell about her experience with the anti-doping system. [02:02] After her four-year suspension, Shelby is looking forward to coming back into competition, although she is feeling frustrated. [05:15] For her comeback she still doesn’t want to use super spikes. She wants to run fast naturally not faster because of her shoes. [08:20] There are people, the haters, that don’t believe Shelby’s story. [14:06] Track and Field journalism field is rather small. Have they treated Shelby fairly? [18:09] Even when disqualified, Shelby ran because it was her identity. [20:57] Teaching sports psychology is a good place for her with all her experience. [25:52] A lot of athletes have a hard time with retirement….trying to figure out who they are without competition. [29:57] Has Shelby been able to cheer her friends on even though she, herself, isn’t running? [32:43] The biggest problem with elite athletes is over-training. [38:20] There are many injured athletes that return to competition too soon. If you rush it, you’re going to pay later. [54:48] Upon Shelby’s suspension, she lost her sponsors. [57:53] Unfortunately, some other elite athletes were not supportive of Shelby. Most athletes don’t understand what happens with the testing system. [01:02:11] Many athletes are doping and fans like to watch the sports. [01:08:51] How is Shelby going to handle the comeback? She hopes it will still be fun. [01:12:35] How will the crowd receive her? [01:16:24] How did she handle the fact that she knew she was clean, but had accept the suspension? [01:18:58] How is the team environment with her comeback? [01:22:01] Why are shoe sponsors so important over other products? [01:31:24] The Beer Mile World Championship was a fun challenge. [01:31:41] How much importance does she put on breaking her records? How does aging effect the athlete? [01:42:54] What does Shelby’s training week look like? [01:50:10] LINKS: Brad Kearns.com Brad’s Shopping page B.rad Whey Protein Isolate Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet! Available in Three Delicious Flavors: Vanilla Bean and Cocoa Bean and our Newest Flavor, Peanut Butter ! B.rad Superfruits - Organic Freeze-Dried Exotic Fruit Powder! Natural Electrolyte Hydration & Energy Powder Shelby Houlihan talks about her controversial and unjust doping suspension in 2022 Instagram @Shelbo800 Podcast with Shelby in 2022 Coe wins in Los Angeles Normatec NY Times article on Ingebrigsten 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! 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