We were absolutely thrilled to celebrate Tanisha as our Runner of the Month for November!
Tanisha is one of those quietly determined, incredibly resilient women who remind us exactly why the RLJ community is so special. She shows up, she puts in the work, and even on the days when running feels hard, she keeps going, with strength, humility, and a smile 😊
Since joining Reigate Ladies Joggers earlier this year, Tanisha has made significant strides in confidence, fitness, and consistency. Her fellow runners and coaches have been blown away by her commitment. Whether she’s at Early Birds on a chilly Friday morning or throwing herself wholeheartedly into our track sessions, she gives everything she’s got, despite juggling a hectic personal life. And although she’s naturally quiet, her presence inspires the women around her more than she realises.
Here’s what Tanisha shared with us about her journey so far…
What first inspired you to start running, and how did joining Reigate Ladies Joggers help?
“I first started running to prepare for my kickboxing grading and because I wanted to learn how to run properly and be consistent. Joining Reigate Ladies Joggers gave me the structure and encouragement I needed. The group helped me build confidence, improve my stamina, and turn running into something I genuinely enjoy rather than something I had to do.”
What are the biggest benefits of running with a supportive group like RLJ?
“Running with RLJ means you’re never on your own. There’s always encouragement and motivation, whether you’re tackling a tough run or celebrating a milestone. The group atmosphere lifts you, helps you push further than you might alone, and makes running feel more enjoyable and rewarding.”
Can you share a challenging moment and the rewards you’ve experienced from making running a habit?
“A challenging moment for me was during a group run when I was really struggling and felt like giving up. The encouragement from the others helped me push through. That experience showed me the power of resilience and support. The reward has not only improved fitness but also confidence that I can overcome difficult moments. Running has become more than just exercise; it's taught me perseverance and given me a sense of achievement every time I finish a run.”
How do you fit your running, including RLJ sessions, into your busy life, and what tips would you give others?
“I try to find a session or a time to run that fits into my weekly routine and then make consistency a priority. Life gets busy, but once you treat running as part of your schedule, it becomes easier to stick with it. My tip is to be realistic and commit to a day or time that works for you and keep showing up.”
For someone unsure if they’re ‘a runner’ or if a group is right for them, what’s your most inspiring advice?
“Runners come from all levels, speeds, and styles; everyone brings something different to the journey. My advice is to just give it a go. Keep showing up and let the group support you. Over time, you’ll find your rhythm and realise how rewarding it is to be part of a community.”
Tanisha, thank you for being such a fantastic part of our RLJ family.
Your perseverance, kindness, and courage are noticed by everyone and your journey shows exactly what’s possible when you just keep showing up. 🌟
We are so proud of you. Keep going, keep growing, keep inspiring.