Rachel

I have been running for almost 6 years and I really enjoy it because it’s such a great stress reliever as well as keeping fit in the great outdoors. I have been with RLJ for almost 1 year now, taking part as a coach or helper on several of their courses and runs. I run because it’s an hour a day that is mine, a great time to think and reflect as well as feeling a sense of freedom and happiness which I cannot get in the gym! Running with RLJ is great because the camaraderie and chats of running together with like-minded women make running much more fun and enjoyable!

I am a fully qualified massage therapist with almost 4 years’ experience. I massage people from all walks of life, from office based professionals, weekend warriors to sportsmen and women.

Chris

"I love running" are three words I never dreamed I would put together! I was never particularly sporty at school and would find every possible excuse to avoid P.E. lessons. However all that changed when I joined RLJ in 2013. As my husband so kindly puts it, I "took up running later in life" and I haven't looked back. Running with RLJ has motivated me to achieve what I never thought possible! And an added bonus is that I have met so many lovely ladies. I love that RLJ is so supportive and inclusive. Running with a group makes me run further than I ever do on my own. I guess that's all down to the distraction of running with friends and having a good old natter at the same time!

Leanne

I joined Reigate Ladies Joggers 3 years ago when I first moved to the area. RLJ helped me to get to know the local area and introduced me to a great bunch of like-minded people, which was invaluable given I was new to Reigate/Redhill. I first started running 10 years ago and have never looked back. What I love most about running is getting home from a busy day at work, lacing up my trainers and getting out in the fresh air with friends. I decided to become a coach to share my love of running with others and encourage those less confident about running to get out there and give it a go!

Libby

I first started running with RLJ when I moved to Surrey with 2 very young children, I didn’t know a soul and thought what better way to meet other Mums.

I love the camaraderie of running with a group, everyone has a different story, and there is always so much to gossip about. It is an inspirational and motivating club full of wonderful ladies from all walks of life.

Running for me is something I do for myself, it helps me clear my head and enables me to deal with some of the challenges being a Mum brings. I have been a nurse for many years specialising in Cardiology. I started running when together with a group of friends we walked a race for life , we were so embarrassed we hadn’t put a bit of effort in we swore to run the next one which we did , we then signed up for a 10k and we have all since run a half marathon .

Not so interesting Fact- In my youth I was in the TA Medical Corps- on basic training I was told I stripped and cleaned my gun like I was flower arranging

Ash

I have been running with RLJ for almost 4 and a half years – this is the longest I have ever stuck to any form of exercise! I started out in the beginners group and from there built up my fitness and enthusiasm for running. It makes such a difference to so many aspects of life – besides health and fitness; it is such a feel good thing to do and a great stress buster. Running in a group makes it much easier – everyone is always supportive and there to enjoy their run together.

I know I will always feel good after a run – more positive, more energised, more motivated. When I started running with RLJ, I never thought I would be such an advocate of running or be prepared to run in ALL types of weather – but knowing how good it makes you feel, it is easy to do just that!

Lindsay

I started running in my mid 40's, after having done no sport for ages, with a small group from work. Once I got going with running regularly I found that I had loads more energy, which is an amazing benefit when you are a single mum of 2 boys!

It took me a while to build up to my first race - 5k Race4Life and then gradually building up to a 10k distance. The first Reigate Half felt like a huge step up, but I had a training plan and built up the miles slowly. I totally loved the event and 2018 will be my 5th year at Run Reigate! I ran the first Reigate Priory parkrun in 2014 and try to go as much as possible, especially touring around to visit different ones. This year I am hoping to complete my parkrun alphabet.

I discovered RLJ a few years ago and found it so amazingly supportive and welcoming as a ladies club. Going out with the groups in the evenings was so inspiring even after a long day in the office. My highlight of the year is definitely the Winter Run, which I think I have done 3 times now with RLJ.

I have gained my Leadership in Running Fitness qualification as I was keen to be able to give back some of the joy I have got from getting outside running (never on a treadmill), being fitter and healthier, as well as a way to meet new people, back to others. I am looking forward to continuing my running journey

Becky

I started running after having my eldest who is now 17 years old! Previously I had always gone to the gym or taken aerobic classes but I began by taking on the challenge of training for a Race for Life 5k. I found that running then became a habit and something that I really missed if I was not able to do it, as it gave me a bit of headspace. I never saw myself as a runner just a mum trying to get fit!

 I then tried out running a 10k and from there I built up to run my first half marathon in Brighton in 2012. Since then I have well and truly got the bug and ran several half marathons including Run Reigate three times, The Royal Parks, Run Gatwick twice, the Surrey Half and the London Landmarks Half. I also ran the first Reigate Priory parkrun and have since completed over 100 parkruns and love the ethos of community and participation. I also felt that I had to tick off my ultimate bucket list and run a marathon, and so I have run the Brighton Marathon twice. 

 Whilst training I found I would often talk myself out of a lone run if it was too dark or too wet, which is when I found Reigate Ladies Joggers. Through RLJ I have met lots of lovely women and never regretted turning up for a run, always leaving feeling a lot better than when I arrived. I love the camaraderie from everyone in the group and have met so many interesting women with different stories to tell whilst they are running. 

 I have now taken my Leadership in Running Fitness qualification as I hope to be able to bring to others some of the huge positives and friendships that running has bought into my life. I am looking forward to meeting you all at future sessions.

Keata

Running has always been a huge part of my life. I grew up in South Africa where sports and running played a huge role. My parents used to drop me off at school early and we were made to see how many kilometres we could do before school and by the time I was 9, I was running around 200km a year.

My husband and I both love running and he really inspires me to push myself further. I like to concentrate on 10kms or half marathons, when my husband prefers marathons and triathlons. We both have an infinity for spinning and we used to run a studio in London, exercise is just a huge passion for us.

What I love about running is that it is there for everyone, you don’t have to be good at it, you don’t need to be picked for a team, you just need to put your running shoes on. My son is 7 and has just started running, I love going out with him and seeing that he can get the same enjoyment as me from running outside.

When I am not running, I am busy running my freelance marketing company and looking after my 3 kids.

Ginevra

I am a busy mum of three and I first started running when my youngest was born to get rid of unwanted baby weight. I signed up to the gym but quickly realised that I only ever went running on the treadmill and this is when I signed up for my first half marathon in Eastbourne.

This is when my love of run started and now I run regulary entering anything from 10km to half marathons. I just love racing, so I dont really mind what the event is. When I am not road running, I am an active member of RPAC, where I am secretary and help with the junior section. I get a lot of enjoyment out of track racing and love anything from 3000m to 15000m.

I have a very busy life with my active family and running gives me a bit of ‘me’ time. I never run with music and instead just enjoy peace and quiet!

Liz

I have always been a runner, at school I took part in cross country competitions and recently I completed a marathon. I started running with RLJ a few years ago when myself and my husband moved into the area and I have met some fantastic people via the club from many mixed ability runs and courses I have completed. RLJ isn’t just about running, it is so much more. I find running is a great release from the stresses of work and a great way to explore the local area (RLJ have introduced me to many routes I didn’t know existed).

Out of work I work in Human Resources and I am a seasoned ticket holder to my home town rugby club Bristol.

Laura

I started running as a 11 year old training & competing in the 800m
I gave it up due to school work & boys!
I return to competitive running in my early 20’s now competing in the 400m. I did this until my son was born when I was 30. After that I started doing longer runs and qualified as a personal trainer. Having a passion for all things running I encourage my clients outside to run!
I’m now in my early 50’s and still have a passion for track work and even thinking about returning to competition as a veteran athlete!
I have been with RLJ for many years and love my role within this lovely running family as a coach. I especially like taking the track coaching sessions. I am also a keen cyclist and love getting out on my bike in good weather with friends.