Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alan Barr. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Alan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success, in my view, is built on a foundation of great work ethic and unwavering discipline. It’s not about innate talent or luck but rather the relentless commitment to pushing beyond comfort zones. David Goggins, a man who epitomizes discipline, once said, “Motivation comes and goes. When you’re driven, whatever’s in front of you will get destroyed.” This speaks to the idea that success isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment or feeling inspired; it’s about doing the hard work even when you don’t feel like it.

One story that drives this point home comes from David Goggins himself. Despite being far from an ideal candidate, he transformed himself from an overweight man working as an exterminator into a Navy SEAL, an ultramarathon runner, and an author. To achieve this, he implemented a rigid daily routine, woke up before dawn, and committed to tasks no matter how grueling. His discipline became his edge.

Relating this to my own experience, when training for races or trying to finish law school, discipline made the difference. It wasn’t about feeling like running or studying every day; it was about showing up consistently, sticking to the training plan, and staying focused on the goal. Those daily decisions to act, even in discomfort, led to crossing the finish line and walking the stage on graduation day—a success I couldn’t have achieved without discipline.

Ultimately, success comes down to showing up and doing the work, no matter the obstacles. It’s about deciding to be driven rather than waiting to be motivated.

Alan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Cowpoke Run Club started as a simple idea: to create a community where people could come together, stay active, and grow—not just physically, but personally and professionally. I was at a point in my life where I wanted to surround myself with like-minded individuals who shared a passion for self-improvement. Running became the foundation for that vision because it’s more than just a sport—it’s a test of discipline, perseverance, and character.

My journey with Cowpoke Run Club began by combining my love for running with my desire to build something meaningful. My two older brothers and I wanted to create more than just a running club; we envisioned a space where people could connect, not only for training and races but also to network and support each other in life and work. The name “Cowpoke” reflects resilience and grit, traits that mirror what it takes to grow as a person and runner.

Our club isn’t just about hitting mileage or preparing for races—it’s about fostering a sense of community and purpose. We offer weekly group runs, marathon training plans, and even opportunities for social and professional growth. What sets us apart is our emphasis on collaboration and our partnerships with incredible sponsors like American Hat Company, Johnny B Art, Barr Properties, Smitty’s Meat Market, Herb’s Hat Shop, The Warrior Law, Bentwood Country Club, and L&G Landscape. These partnerships allow us to not only enhance our members’ experience but also give back to the local community.

Personally, building this club has been a reflection of my own journey toward becoming a better person. Running has taught me discipline, patience, and the importance of showing up every day, no matter how hard it gets. The same principles I apply in training for races, like the Crazy Desert Trail Race or my current training for the Chicago Marathon, are the ones I bring into the club. It’s about setting goals, doing the work, and encouraging others to do the same.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how the club has grown into a support system. Seeing members achieve their first marathon, overcome personal challenges, or even land new professional opportunities through connections made in the club reminds me why we started this. And now, as I raise funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, I see how running and community can make a profound difference in people’s lives.

For anyone considering joining or following Cowpoke Run Club, I want them to know that we’re more than a club—we’re a family. Whether you’re here to run your first mile or crush your next marathon, our goal is to support you every step of the way. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself, and we’re here to help you do just that.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most defining moments of resilience in my journey happened during my first ultramarathon. If you’ve ever heard of “the wall,” you know it’s not just a physical barrier—it’s mental, emotional, and spiritual all at once. Around mile 28, my body was screaming at me to stop. My legs felt like lead, my mind was clouded with doubt, and I was questioning why I had ever signed up for something so grueling.

But in that moment, I thought back to my days playing college soccer at St. Mary’s University. Competing at that level taught me the value of persistence and mental toughness. I remembered the countless practices in the Texas heat, the late nights studying after games, and the way I learned to push through fatigue and discomfort for the sake of my team. That mindset kicked in when I needed it most during the ultramarathon. I reminded myself that I’d trained for this moment, that pain was temporary, and that finishing would mean more than giving in.

Step by step, I kept moving forward, even when it felt impossible. Crossing the finish line was one of the most rewarding moments of my life—not just because I completed the race, but because I proved to myself that resilience isn’t about never struggling. It’s about how you respond when things get tough. That lesson continues to shape how I approach challenges, whether in running, building Cowpoke Run Club, or striving to be a better person.

How’d you meet your business partner?

The story of how Cowpoke Run Club came to life is rooted in relationships that have been a part of my life for years. The cofounders are my two older brothers and three of my closest friends, who’ve been like family to me. I met those friends around the age of 11 while playing soccer here in San Antonio, and over time, our bond grew both on and off the field.

We all shared a love for competition, hard work, and pushing ourselves, and that connection only deepened as we grew older. When the idea for Cowpoke Run Club began to take shape, it felt natural to build it alongside the people who had been with me through so much. They brought different strengths, perspectives, and a shared commitment to creating something special for the community.

Together, we combined our passion for running and our desire to build a meaningful, supportive space for others to grow. The trust and camaraderie we’ve shared over the years became the foundation of the club. It’s been incredible to see how the same spirit that fueled our soccer days has translated into the success of Cowpoke Run Club.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @CowpokeRunClub
• Facebook: @CowpokeRunClub
• Linkedin: @alanbarr
• Other: Strava: @CowpokeRunClub

Image Credits
Dante Valencia Instagram – @dyv.media