Meet Sheree

Joining Team RR a couple of years ago, this champion is always on the go, giving 100% in training and racing, and in fact everything she does. Sometimes referred to as my ‘second in charge’, she is always at the ready to help out whenever I call on her – whether it be to nut out new ideas or join me for a run and sometimes even a sneaky night out. Meet Sheree…

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Tell us a bit about yourself.

In another lifetime I worked really long hours managing an IT department. I also managed to raise two children into young adults during this time with the help of my wonderful husband. The words ‘running’ and ‘fitness’ weren’t even in my vocabulary back then and I used to laugh at people who ran in their lunch hour…like, why?? My life pretty much consisted of work, sleep and smoking (a lot) and I wouldn’t even run for a train back then!

Tell us a bit about you and running – How? When? Why?

In 2014 after 33 years, it was time to leave the work force. I sat around being bored for a year then I started at a local boot camp. In 2016 I heard about parkrun, went along for a look and the next thing I knew, I was running for the first time since primary school cross country (40 odd years prior). I finished the 5km and I couldn’t stop talking about it!

I stuck with parkrun once a month for 6 months and gradually improved my time, then feeling I was ready for the next challenge, I turned to Google to see what else was available in this weird running world that I knew nothing about. Google informed me the next step was a Half Marathon, so I found a plan and off I went. However, that was a false start and I was sidelined for 3 months with injury, but in 2017 I made a comeback and finished my first half marathon at Blackmores Sydney Running Festival, became hooked on parkrun and set a goal to get my 50 parkruns milestone shirt.

Around this time I realised this running thing can be lonely, so I looked for other runners and after a few false starts I discovered Rachel and her welcoming team of runners. I found way more than a running group – I have made so many great friends from this team, that I don’t think I could give up running and not see them all the time. Rachel soon set me straight on all the different types of running events that were around. I decided I had to do a road marathon before I hit the trails, so I completed two of those and have since moved over to the trails and jumped straight into the Ultra Trail Australia 50km event in 2019 and I can’t wait to return next year!

I owe parkrun for getting me into this running thing! I have now done over 100 parkruns at 49 different events and have touristed around to complete every one in Sydney. So now is my turn to give back to this wonderful community and I have become the Co-Event Director of Menai parkrun.

What’s the best thing about running for you?

The actual event day, finish line feels along with that medal bling are awesome, but in reality the best thing is the friendships you build with your running crew and those weekends away are so much fun!!

If I was still running solo I may have retired by now, but this team is what keeps me going, whether it’s at training, the events or weekly strength classes, we are always having fun and laughing together. #lovemytribe

What’s your favourite piece of running equipment?

I can’t live without my Garmin watch.

What’s your biggest challenge with running?

Remembering to take a photo for my daily post on Instagram and working out how much hydration I need for an event.

If you could invent a running or fitness tool or toy what would it be?

A visor that has a little arm which automatically comes down to wipe the sweat off your face and then disappears.

Any tips for fellow runners?

Set yourself some goals and get out there, anything is possible if you set your mind to it and trust the process!! i.e. listen to the Coach, she knows best! 😉