Here’s a story about the most unconventional champion we ever had the privilege to meet and work with!
During a professional engagement we had a chance encounter with Sean Kachmarski.
This 18+ stone grassroots runner quickly turned out to be the most unconventional sporting inspiration we had ever met!
“In our line of work – alongside some of world’s best talent – that’s saying something!”
First thing you need to know… In what we’ll describe as near-enough ‘record timing’, Sean went powering from his futon to the finish line of a 50K ultra-marathon and beyond to inspire the masses!
Indeed, this isn’t your classic ‘successful amateur runner’ blog.
A Canadian living in West Yorkshire, Sean was over eighteen stone, out of shape, and living a rather inactive lifestyle. Covering distance wasn’t just a feat in miles, but in cerebral blocks whenever Sean was ‘crazy enough’ to think about a run.
But what would you do in the aftermath of a serious health-scare?
Sean had to consider his options, and carefully. He triggered himself into solution-orientated thinking and thought running could be the cure – contrary to his fears. One step at a time, he very reluctantly ventured on a new journey.
Unbeknownst to him, the world would soon come to know his name!
During the Edmonton Marathon (2016), which Sean had progressed to in a shockingly short amount of time, he found himself back of the pack and struggling to see light at the end of the tunnel. Sean was struggling to see anyone and had experienced profound physical/mental fatigue since the 13 mile mark!
He had 100 yards to go. That was it. But he had ground to a halt, face in hands. Broken. Until an enthusiastic volunteer ran out to meet him.
Then, something magical happened.
INSPIRATION TOOK HOLD!
The volunteer revived Sean’s vision to ‘Just Finish’! They were on the move and maintaining momentum.
The last few minutes were a great struggle, but unknown to Sean, his final paces had gone viral on social media, showcasing his bravery, determination, and the power of partnership to the masses (55+ million viewers to-date).
WATCH IT HERE: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=514515762403746
Sean’s experience encouraged him to inspire others, and that is how we came to welcome him into the SFC Family. Our mission to educate, enable, and empower children towards healthy active lifestyles aligns closely with Sean’s endeavors. Kindly share our community workshops and School Programme with your network to improve the quality of life in your communities.
Amongst Sean’s various approaches to empowerment, we are hoping to host him at a community event where you can meet and discuss his brilliant new publication: ‘Just Finish!’. This book has had some outstanding reviews from a number of privileged contributors.
THE BOOK: https://payhip.com/b/8Ik2
Sean has completed several other impressive feats, including a 50k marathon! Follow his journey and tell your story on Insta/Tw @just__finish.
Sean said, “The benefits of my running journey transcended what the scales told me every morning…
… This is a story about battling the temptations of procrastination, the powerful forces of indecision, crossing the threshold of the front door, and knocking down the barriers we subconsciously and inadvertently put up for ourselves without addressing them”.
Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ4XK4BcUFM&feature=youtu.be
What readers said:
“Just Finish! is self-deprecating, funny and brutally honest. It’s about mind over matter, dogged determination, bloody mindedness and the kindness of strangers. It is the tale of the extraordinary lengths an ordinary man went to for the love of his family and became a local legend. Lengths achieved only because of the love and support of the family. It shows the human condition in its best light.”
~ Alice Hearne
“Sean truly makes the marathon his own- a true champion and courageous marathon runner.”
~ Julia Church
More About Sean
He’s 49 years old and a husband of 15 years to Wendy. They have two children, Ross and Tasha. Originally from Canada, Sean now lives in Skelmenthope, West Yorkshire, and has for the last 16 years.
In 2014, Sean suffered a health scare which catalysed achievements beyond his wildest imaginings. Thanks to the sustained interest of everybody who listened to his story, the recommendation of writing a book was Sean’s next challenge and now a source of empowerment for all.