Meet Justine Sheekey – a mum, a running coach, a competitive club runner, and someone who’s faced down challenges both physical and mental with nothing but a pair of trainers and an unshakable drive to keep moving forward.
At 37, Justine lives in Colchester, Essex, with her husband and 9-year-old son, Noah. By day, she’s an Operations Manager for an aggregate company covering Essex and Suffolk. But by early morning and evening, she’s one of the most passionate runners in the local scene – pushing her limits, coaching others, and proving that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.
The Unexpected Beginning
Back in 2018, long before remote work became standard, Justine took a job working from home. At first, it seemed like a win – flexibility, less commuting. But something else quietly crept in. With minimal daily movement aside from the school run and walking the dog, her step count dropped to a meagre 2,000 steps a day.
That inactivity began to take a toll on her mental health, especially her struggles with health anxiety. “I became preoccupied with symptoms, convinced something was wrong,” she shares. “I knew I needed a release – something to help me feel more in control.”
That release turned out to be a pair of running shoes and the field across from her house.
Running for Sanity, Staying for Progress
What started as slow jogs with her dog turned into regular 5k runs. Soon, Justine found herself toeing the line at parkrun, chasing her personal bests.
And chase she did. She shaved nearly five minutes off her 5k time in six months – going from 25:24 to a blistering 20:40. That’s when she realised this wasn’t just a way to “cope” – she was falling in love with the process.
Joining Great Bentley Running Club gave her structure, social connection, and a whole new level of motivation. “I loved the accountability, the community. It gave me something I didn’t know I was missing.”
From Parkruns to Podiums
Post-lockdown, Justine doubled down and joined the more competitive Colchester Harriers. Under the guidance of coach Paul Dellar, she not only improved physically but mentally. “He helped me with mindset just as much as training,” she says. “He built an incredible ladies’ team, and we went on to be apart of the winning team of the Essex County Grand Prix multiple times.”
From solo jogger to County Gold Medalist and team co-captain, Justine’s rise was nothing short of remarkable. She even qualified as a running coach in 2025, completing both her LiRF and CiRF qualifications – a role that would become just as important to her as racing itself.
Injury, Insight, and the Power of Strength
But like many runners, Justine faced her toughest battle off the road.
For three years, she dismissed persistent pain as “tight hip flexors,” only to be diagnosed with hip impingement and labral tears – in both hips. The condition wasn’t caused by running, and surgery offered no guarantees. Instead, she took the long road back.
Working with physio Josh Congdon at Reflex 18, Justine took a step back from running in 2024. She focused on strength training, mobility, and patience.
The result? She came back faster than ever.
“I went from bodyweight exercises to pressing four times my bodyweight on the leg press,” she says. “I’ve PB’d at every distance. Strength training works.”
What Running Means to Me
“For me, running isn’t just about fitness. It’s changed every single aspect of my life.”
What began as a tool for mental health turned into a lifelong passion – and a platform to help others. Whether coaching, running, or chatting to strangers on Instagram about their running shoes, Justine lights up when she talks about the sport.
“There’s nothing like watching someone hit their goal and knowing you helped them get there,” she says. “Running has taught me patience, resilience, discipline – and most of all, joy.”
Justine’s Favourites
- Distance? “10 milers. They’re the perfect balance – hard, but not eyeballs-out painful. You can sit in a rhythm and just go.”
- Workout? “Threshold runs – that comfortably hard effort just on the edge of pain. I love it.”
- Racing Moment? Winning Essex Gold at the Tiptree 10, PB’ing and taking 1st V35 all in one race.
What’s Next for Justine?
She’s not slowing down.
- 5k goal: Break the 18-minute barrier (current PB: 18:18)
- Longer term goals:
- Sub 38 – 10k
- Sub 30 – 5 miles
- Sub 1:04 – 10 miles
- Sub 1:24 – Half Marathon
Justine’s Top Tips for New Runners
- Be patient.
- Be consistent.
- Slow down – most people run too fast, too soon.
- Get proper trainers – your feet will thank you.
- Fuel properly – running on empty helps no one.
- Stop comparing yourself to others – your journey is yours alone.
Final Word
Justine’s story is proof that running doesn’t just transform your fitness – it transforms your life.
Whether you’re walking a dog around the park or dreaming of county medals, there’s a place for you in the running community. Just ask Justine.
“It’s actually hard to put into words what running means to me. There is not an element of my life that hasn’t been positively impacted by it.”
