Name: Lauren Keeler

Joined Redway Runners: 2 June 2016

We go on the run with our members and we find out a bit more about them – which we thought would be great to share, this time it is with fairly new recruit Lauren Keeler

Thanks Lauren

26 September 2016

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CLUB

When did you start running and when did you join Redway Runners?

• I started running at school. I was pretty terrible and used to walk a lot but I used it as a good excuse to go and play in the mud around the old sand pits in Leighton Buzzard. When I got to university my friend Mary decided that she needed to fix my running technique (it was rather like Phoebe from friends) and thanks to her I fell in love with running. We were both in the Mountaineering Club so running at the time meant fell running in the rain when it was too wet to go climbing.

Have you run with other clubs how does Redway Runners Compare?

• Officially no- but I do have a girlie running group of five that meet up from Newport Pagnell once a week. Redway is brilliant as people want to run all the time.

What’s the best thing about being in a running club?

• I feel proud to represent a club when I race and in return I get an army of green supporters cheering me on (seemingly no matter where I race in the world!).

How much does running with Redway Runners mean to you?

• A lot- I feel like I am part of a big family.

Tell us about your first time? (with Redway Runners)

• I finally worked up the bravery to join RR on a Sunday run in summer at Salcey Forest. I was greeted by Paul (sorry I don’t know his surname) who has looked out for me ever since. The run was brilliant. I got to know some trails that I didn’t know and to my surprise it wasn’t so scary running as a group. Paul bought me a hot chocolate after and I was signed up from that moment on.

When and who do you run with the club?

• I try to make Monday nights and Sunday mornings and then I just fit runs around work when I can. I am useless with names but I have run a fair bit with Sean, Martin G, Martin Lawrence and have been guide running with Annette Smyth, Suzy and Simon.

YOU

What has been you best running achievement?

• Completing my first Ultra- the South Downs Centurion 50 miles in April 2016. It was the hardest race I have ever done and my whole body knew about it after.

What is your running ambition?

• I’d love to get a Good for Age marathon time.

Why do you run?

• Because I can.

What would you do if you were not running?

• Swim, cycle, rock climb or take up something new. I dabbled in canoe polo for a while so could do that. I’d keep myself busy but I wouldn’t be doing my favourite activity.

Favourite place to run?

• In the mountains. Failing that I love Rushmere Park.

What do you love to see while running?

• Boulders, mud, sunshine and cake.

Funniest running moment?

• Out with my running girls in MK about 18 months ago. We got a good distance into a marathon training run and the path was blocked. We didn’t want to add another 3 miles going around so we got down on our stomachs and slid through dust and gravel to the other side. We were still delayed as by that point we were in a fit of giggles.

Best running phrase?

• Shut up legs.

 

Favourite running photo and why? (please send it as well)

 

• There are so many! I have picked this photo of me and my husband Ollie at the end of Ironman Copenhagen. It felt good to be finished.

 

 

 

 

 

What do you think about when you run?

• What to have for the next meal.

What type of running do you prefer and why?

• Trail/ fell running. I love hurtling down a steep decline.

RACE/EVENTS

What was your favourite race and why?

• I love the races that take place around the Ashridge Estate. There around a few of them ranging from 10 miles to 16 miles.

Favourite race distance and why?

• Longer is better- probably half marathon or marathon.

This picture is of the three of use is at the end of the Centurion 50.