At Reigate Ladies Joggers, we love celebrating the amazing women in our community and this month, we’re delighted to shine the spotlight on Lauren Farley, our well-deserved Runner of the Month!
Lauren’s running journey is one many of us can relate to: starting, stopping, trying again, and sometimes feeling like you’re always going back to square one. But since joining RLJ, Lauren has found consistency, strength, and a whole lot of joy in her running. Here’s what she had to say when we caught up with her...
What first inspired you to start running, and how did joining Reigate Ladies Joggers help?
“I’ve run on and off for the last 10 years but I had got into a cycle of starting running, keeping it up for 2–3 months, seeing some progress then stopping and having to start again. I’ve lost count of how many times I did Couch to 5K!
Joining RLJ has definitely made me more consistent, and I’ve seen the benefits in both the distance and speed I can now run.”
What are the biggest benefits of running with a supportive group like RLJ?
“Knowing there is always a run to book onto, with plenty of choice! Running with other people definitely pushes me further than if I was running on my own — especially when there’s a hill ahead!”
Can you share a challenging moment and the rewards you’ve experienced from making running a habit?
“The 10K trail run! I knew I needed to do it and that I could do it, but I just needed to take the leap. Although it was hard, and very hot, I was so pleased at the end. I did have to have an afternoon nap afterwards to recover though!”
How do you fit your running into your busy life?
“I love a routine, so I try to plan the week ahead on a Sunday and book myself onto the RLJ sessions I want to do. That way, I know when I’m running and I can build it into my week.”
What advice would you give someone unsure if they’re “a runner” or if a group is right for them?
“Have a chat with Emma, she is very wise! Nothing is ever as difficult as I think it will be; our minds have a great way of talking us out of things. But we are all so much more capable than we realise.
Give it a go! There are so many options, and the coaches only want you to feel happy and comfortable in whichever group you’re running with.”
Lauren, we’re so proud of you and inspired by your determination and positivity. Thank you for showing us how much can be achieved when you commit, believe in yourself, and run with others by your side.
👉 Inspired by Lauren’s story? If you’ve been thinking about starting your own running journey, there’s no better place than RLJ. Check out our sessions, courses and PAYG page to see when our next Beginners Course is starting we’d love to welcome you into our community!