We had the good fortune of connecting with Shelly Barney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shelly, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
One thing about my industry, running, that outsiders are probably unaware of is the sense of community that exists within the sport. When others think of running, they most likely think of someone running alone and crossing the finish line on their own. What is not as apparent is the deep sense of community that also exists within running.

Support within the running community is unlike any other. I founded InstaRunClub on this premise because I knew that support can move mountains for runners. At InstaRunClub, we strive to support, motivate, challenge, and provide expert information to all runners. I have seen in the year we have been serving the run community, the effects of a strong support system. We have seen firsthand the incredible impacts the community has had on its members, ranging from members reengaging with the sport or completing their first marathon, to the creation of new and lasting friendships.

Although running is a sport you may compete in on your own, you always have the support of those around you. Nothing can match a strong runner supported by an even stronger community, and as we like to say, “no one supports you like virtual running friends”.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Bringing people together and creating a community that fully supports them, is something I have always been passionate about. As a mom of two toddlers with a full-time career as a Clinical Pharmacist, I realize the demands of life can deter us from creating time to partake in activities we enjoy. Running has been such a large part of my life for many years that I knew I wanted to pay it forward; I wanted to create a place where everyone feels the same joy from the sport as I do.

Our run community, InstaRunClub was born out of a vision to create a place where every runner feels supported. What started as an idea has grown into something incredible. I am profoundly grateful for the community of runners that has become our virtual run family.

Balancing family, pharmacy and InstaRunClub is not always easy, but it has been one of my greatest joys to see InstaRunClub transform into what it is today.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a friend was visiting Miami (and let’s say it’s a running friend!) I would recommend coming the week of the Miami Marathon. The Miami Marathon is one of the best races I have participated in as a runner. You can take in the sights and sounds of the city, while also being surrounded by thousands of runners from all walks of life. It is truly an incredible experience.

I would highly recommend this person enjoys all the pre-race activities, like the expo, and arrives early to the race so they can see our beautiful glowing in the Miami night sky. Then once the run begins, they are off to see some of the most gorgeous sites Miami has to offer. The race route takes you past Star Island (home to many celebrities), through the hustle and bustle of South Beach, and ends in Downtown Miami near the Miami Heat arena. It is spectacular and definitely one for the books.

Post-race pictures can be taken along the water while you enjoy the food and music Miami is known for. What more could one ask for when looking into a runcation (run vacation). Miami Marathon weekend has it all.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shoutout to all of the incredible runners in the InstaRunClub community! I am profoundly grateful for the community of runners that has become our virtual run family. These runners continue to show up, Never Miss a Monday, and are the heart and sole of this community. The possibilities are truly endless for this group, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.

Website: www.instarunclub.com

Instagram: @InstaRunClub

Other: To shop official InstaRunClub gear, visit: https://www.etsy.com/shop/instarunclub

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.