“Age and medical conditions – within reason – are never an excuse not to get out there and exercise!”

This is the advice of Richards Bay resident Charleen Wroe-Street (61), who has chosen to share her story in the hopes of inspiring others.

While the region’s Comrades runners and the Marsha Muller endurance runners of this world make regular headlines for their milestones, there is another group of athletes who should not be overlooked.

Enter Charleen Wroe-Street. In 2021, she realised the need to lose weight so began walking with Run/Walk for Life, which eventually led to walk/running.

From 172kgs, she has since lost 76kg through walking and running, despite suffering from scoliosis (which has caused a c curve on her back), as well as osteoporosis and Cushing’s syndrome.

“The first lot of weight I lost, I walked and ran morning and night. I didn’t diet to lose that weight. The last 25kg I want to lose is a lot more difficult as age and circumstances play a role.”

Part of her journey includes having had 12kg of loose skin removed, and liposuction on her legs.

Charleen advises that mindset plays a major role in a person’s fitness journey, as do commitment and dedication, even in the face of obstacles.

She spends much time in Middelburg and joined that branch of Run/Walk for Life under Natasha Joubert.

“Through Run/Walk for Life, I have reached the 600km/month milestone several times over, and I’m 172km from reaching 16 000km of walking,” said Charleen.

“Marsha Muller and her crowd are my inspiration, and Stacey Pretorius and Nikki Cox are also massive inspirations for me.

“They’ve achieved their running accomplishments through humility; they always want to help and encourage others on their fitness journeys.”

Charleen’s husband Peter is also her inspiration, and is her coach while in Richards Bay, away from her Middelburg Run/Walk for Life mentor.

“Walking is my go-to place, and I’m determined to carry on for as long as God allows me to,” she said.

Talking about future goals, Charleen also aims to achieve a 42.2km Comrades qualifier by the end of this year.

“I don’t necessarily have the Comrades Marathon in my sights, I just want to do a 42km marathon for my own achievements.”

Charleen hopes to serve as an inspiration to others just as local endurance athletes serve as her own inspiration.

“If I can achieve all that I have on my weightloss and fitness journey, there’s no reason others cannot do the same.

“Everyone starts somewhere, and the best way is to walk or run from lamppost to lamppost and take it from there.”

Anyone needing some inspiration can contact Charleen by email on charlsws@yahoo.com

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