Shelley Bennett discovered a love of running thanks to her daughter Jess’ Grade 5 school teacher.
Six years ago elite local runner Brady Threlfall was Jess’ teacher, and he was encouraging his class to participate in Sweat vs Steam. Shelley, who was 46 at the time, decided to train with Jess and before she knew it, she was able to run 5kms.
A few months later her husband Tim also followed, and running is now something they enjoy as a couple. Shelley is grateful for this shared passion, particularly as they both understand the commitment and dedication required to prepare for running events, which they both love to do.
Shelley is what I would describe as a serious runner. She runs most days, and the days she doesn’t she is at the gym, working on her strength. A typical week could see Shelley running up to 60kms, several gym sessions, a swim and maybe parkrun.
Running has had a positive impact on her health and wellbeing and has greatly expanded her and Tim’s social networks.
Running has taught Shelley that anything is possible – and that to achieve running and other life goals the ingredients include dedication, resilience and persistence.
Shelley embraces the challenges of running – whether it is the frosty winter morning early runs where her hands turn white or the endless “bloody” toe nails, Shelley can always see the bright side of a situation.
Much to her daughter’s amusement Shelley has a quirky sense of running fashion and can often be spotted wearing a bandanda, a backwards cap or her hair in distinctive pig tails. Jess also commented on her mum’s busy life where there’s always something to be done – like Strava to be checked, PB’s to log, setting out her running clothes for her early morning run or planning catch-ups with her running friends.
In 2020 Shelley has some ambitious goals. She is currently trying to build a bigger base and has the Great Ocean Road 44 km in May in her sights. Then it is the 50km Ned Kelly Chase at Wangaratta in October. She believes that one day a 100km will be possible with the right training, and wants to embrace what she can do while she can do it.
Shelley feels blessed to be surrounded by so many positive people in the local running community. Thanks to running Shelley says life is good, she not only feels fantastic but she feels a special sense of freedom.
