Building Community Through Kindness: The Plano Running Club Story with Shirley Barbaro

In this inspiring episode, Chris sits down with Shirley Barbaro, founder of Plano Running Club, to hear one of the most remarkable late-bloomer running stories you'll ever encounter. Shirley didn't run a single mile until 2010, and what started as a reluctant journey at Russell Creek Park in the freezing dark turned into something extraordinary—she won her age group and Boston qualified in her very first marathon just a year later.But this episode isn't just about personal achievement. Shirley shares the heartwarming story of how she built Plano Running Club from 12 people in 2013 to over 5500 members today, all founded on the same kindness and community support that kept her going as a brand-new runner. From their signature early morning coffee runs to traveling across the country as mobile cheer squads, this club embodies what running community is all about.Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or someone who's never laced up running shoes, Shirley's story proves it's never too late to start—and that the best reason to build a running club might just be selfishness (you'll have to listen to understand!).