Active members of Dallas Running Club are used to seeing Sean Jett at almost every single race and every volunteer activity. We see him at the club's organized races, often passing us, making the long distances look effortless.

Sean in 2010

If you met Sean Jett in 2012, you would've met a much different person. He describes himself in those days as a cranky, fat chef who'd struggled with extra pounds his entire life and stood out in junior high and high school as the "tall, fat kid." 

So what changed in 2012 that led to the lean, active Sean Jett we know today? Several things converged in a synchronicity that changed his life. One, on a too-frequent visit to the doctor, his typical weight range of 250 pounds suddenly verged on 300. "The only place I wanted three hundreds was in my wallet," Sean jokes.

Second, his wife Erin decided to do something about her own struggles with extra pounds and joined Weight Watchers. Sean tried it too, at Erin's urging, but he resisted doing it just because his wife told him to. (Dallas Running Club members know Erin Jett as the fun, active, tireless, and long-distance-running volunteer director.)

What Sean didn't realize was that Erin had another, secret goal. She wanted to run a 5K. She didn't even tell Sean, because if she failed, she didn't want him to know. But one freezing cold Saturday morning, Erin returned to the house from what he thought was an errand, beaming with pride. She'd run her first 5K!

Erin's enthusiasm was contagious, and Sean told himself, "I can do that." He started on his journey with walking, working his way up to two miles by setting up "markers": trees, signs, anything to keep him going a few feet farther. By March, he was ready and registered for his first 5K. "It seemed like the longest distance in the world. I told myself, if I can complete this, I can complete anything."  

The successful March 5K led to a 10K in June, and Sean and Erin then joined Dallas Running Club for the half and full marathon training program. In December 2013, Sean completed his first marathon, followed by half a dozen half marathons over the next six months. Before long, he'd weighed in at a lean 190 pounds on a six-foot-four frame. He'd lost more than 110 pounds and gained confidence, energy, and a positive attitude in the process. Today, he is a Dallas Running Club Pace Leader for distance racers.

Sean pacing in 2015

As Sean says, "I have to give a huge shout-out to Dallas Running Club." He notes that the club's mix of runners at all levels, its social aspect, and its training programs really made a difference for Erin and him, putting them with a group of people who encouraged and supported them and each other.

As Sean notes, "Every distance runner has a story." He would listen in amazement as he heard the story of an elite runner who could maintain an incredibly fast pace over long distances. That runner told him that, just a few years earlier, he'd been unhealthy and near death.

Sean is right. Every runner has a story, and every story is different. Dallas Running Club enables those runners to share their stories and become better than they ever envisioned, all thanks to the magic of a positive social environment filled with mutual encouragement. Of course, training programs specifically designed by RRCA-certified running coaches help, too!  

If you've been running long enough, you've probably seen your fair share of running-related injuries. Almost every running injury involves some rehab. The best way to avoid rehab, is to "prehab".

You accomplish prehab by taking extra steps in your workout routine to insure that your body can take the rigors of the day-to-day training that you put it through.

This month, make a list of body strengthening exercises and do some research in self-massaging sore spots. Then make the time to perform these prehab steps.

If you have not already done so, invest in a foam roller this month and learn how to use it.

It is wise to consult a physical trainer, therapist, or other professional trained in these arts if you are unsure of how to proceed.

Join us on Thursday, May 21, at 7 p.m. for our monthly social run!

We will be at The Lot (7530 E Grand Ave, Dallas, TX 75214) for a 3-mile run (or any distance you prefer).

The Lot will offer beer specials just for those participating in this social run, e.g., Miller Light or Bud Light drafts for only $2.50 each! They are also providing some munchies.