Runner Sharrone tells her story of how she found I Can Run and how she stays motivated!

I was introduced to I Can Run by Emma Talbot when she participated in an ‘Inspirational Women’ guest session at my WI in 2017. She was so passionate that all women regardless of age, ability and size should have the opportunity to run. That night my perception was changed - running was not about being the best, or the fastest, but simply just getting out there and enjoying running. Shortly after this I enrolled in the 6-week beginners’ class. I was excited but at 57 I was also feeling a little apprehensive - am I too old? Have I left it too late? Emma and the leaders soon put me at ease, there was no pressure, and I was encouraged to work at my own pace. I did the course twice as I had to leave halfway through the first for personal reasons but finally I was at the end, having gained new friends and a shiny medal and forgot I was 57! 

And so, I was looking forward to joining the weekly running group. I’m not afraid to say that I was feeling a little daunted as they were going to be better and faster, and I wouldn’t be able to keep up! My worries were unfounded as there was a leader at the front and back of the group, so no one would feel alone. I was so inspired by many of the women who had competed in 5k and 10k runs, while reminding myself that they too were beginners once.

The support I received from the group and the leaders was so encouraging and motivating. Running made me feel good about myself, but there were times when I did not want to run - we all have that little voice telling us we can’t do it, and I still have those days, but after a run I am so thankful that I made the decision to go as l feel a real sense of accomplishment afterwards.

When I’m having a day where I feel less motivated, I think of my son Daniel who, in 2019, competed in the Enduroman Arch to Arc Triathlon. It consists of an 87-mile run from Marble Arch to Dover, a 21-mile swim across the channel and finally a 180-mile cycle ride from Calais to Paris, ending at the Arc de Triumph. He completed the triathlon in 72 hours. He was the 43rd person in the world to complete it. Then I tell myself to pull myself together!

I really wanted to challenge myself more, so one of the leaders suggested Parkrun. It was so great to see so many I Can Run ladies participating, and although it was only a 5k race it was a big step for me. My time for my first race was 38 mins. Just before lockdown it was 31 mins.  

The next step was going to be the Twilight 10k, which for me was a long distance and the biggest run so far. On the weekly runs I would run and chat with some of the ladies who had previously run this distance and more; they were helpful and a few of us would meet and run together to complete small challenges which helped me to push myself.

It was during this time that I would sometimes doubt myself; I would sometimes use my age as an excuse not to participate. I spoke to Emma, who is the most positive lady ever, and she really understood and helped to change my thinking. I completed the 10k on probably the hottest day of the year - I ran more than I jeffed and I completed it in 1 hour 20 mins! The feeling was ecstatic! 

I have since participated in lots of races. My favourite was the Elmer Run which involved running to each Elmer Elephant around Ipswich, I loved this so much I did it twice! I enrolled for the Great East Run half marathon which was sadly cancelled due to the pandemic. This was going to be my biggest challenge ever!

In January I walked/jeffed and ran 100 miles for Suffolk Mind while raising money for this essential charity.

Since joining I Can Run, I have achieved more than I could have imagined; running isn’t about being the fastest or the best, for me it is enjoying every moment - this is the advice I would give anyone who is considering running. I am so proud to be part of this amazing group of women, but most of all I thank Emma for coming into the WI and giving so many women the opportunity to run.