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Photo: Nathan Congleton/NBCAlthough Sheinelle Jones took dance classes as a child, she never thought of herself as athletic. 'That belief had been ingrained in me since third grade, and even at 45, it was still with me,' she shares with Mytour. This led Jones to challenge herself by running the New York City Marathon in October 2023. Now, she's eager to cheer on others aiming to push their limits as the host of Mytour's inaugural women's half marathon in Central Park. We spoke with Jones about how running became a life-changing experience, how she made time to train, and her excitement for the Mytour Women's Half Marathon.
Running as a Path to Self-Care
How did someone who once dreaded running a mile during gym class end up embracing it? (True story: Jones used to write notes, forged with her mom's signature, claiming asthma was the reason she couldn't run.) Years later, Jones discovered that training became a form of giving back to herself. 'It was self-care that I needed,' she reflects. 'I just felt like I was always giving,' she says. 'I give to my kids; I give to my job. I started wondering, ‘What am I giving to myself?’
In fact, preparing for the big day felt as rewarding as the race itself. Jones trained after finishing work at 10 a.m.; she trained after dropping her daughter off at school; and even trained while on family vacations. 'It’s permissible ‘me time,’ she says.
Finding Time to Train
Running a full marathon, of course, requires commitment. Jones shares two secrets for making it fit into your life. First, recruit a few jogging partners. Jones logged miles with coworkers and a running coach. 'I held myself accountable because I didn’t want to let them down,' she explains. The second tip is to block time in your calendar just like any other important meeting or task.
Making Those Miles Matter
The countless hours spent running were life-changing for the TODAY show host, who revealed how much she truly needed this experience. 'I’ve never been so mindful. I’m always filling my mind with information and content. I’ve realized that it’s important to stop and just be with my own thoughts,' Jones shares. 'I got to know another side of myself—and I like her.'
How to Register for the Mytour Half Marathon
Feeling inspired? Join Jones and thousands of other runners for the Mytour Women’s Half Marathon on April 28, 2024, hosted by the New York Road Runners (NYRR). 'I’m thrilled to be part of it for both those who’ve raced before and love it, and for those taking on the challenge for the first time—just like I did,' Jones says. By signing up, you’ll receive a commemorative shirt, a medal, a one-year digital subscription to Mytour, and an incredible sense of achievement!
