Member profile -Mary Lloyd

Mary Lloyd 💚💚💚

1. Please briefly introduce yourself.

I joined the club in July 2014, as a nonrunner. I started on the 13-week beginner program, and have been hooked ever since. I’m one of the LiRFs in C/D Group (fingers crossed that we will be back to groups soon). I have completed 11 marathons and 2 Ultras over the past 6 years, as well as various other races, including: - the Benfleet 15 (5 times), the Full Grizzly once, the Essex 20 and many half marathons and shorter races.

2. What events, if any do you have coming up?

I have many races that have been deferred, so trying to fit them in will be difficult (if they go ahead). I’m hoping that the Manchester and Dublin marathons go ahead as I would like to tick them off of my list. I’m especially looking forward to Dublin as many family members will be coming to support from Tipperary.

3. What does running mean to you?

I love running with friends and the hubby, just to get out in the fresh air and enjoy the surroundings, no matter what the weather. I never run with music, I like to listen to the world go by and chat to all manner of folk. The whole camaraderie at races and the craic at the club sessions on a Wednesday night are unbeatable. I’ve made so many lovely, lifelong friends since joining the club, friends I know that if I ever needed anything or just a chat, I could just pick the phone up. Whenever I book a holiday, the first thing I look at is, where can I run while there, it drives the kids mad! I started a running club at work as I wanted others to experience the joy of running for themselves, and it’s a great way to build relationships with your work colleagues.

4. What is your best BRC memory.

There have been so many, so I’ve tried to pick the top few. Being part of the ladies’ team at the Spitfire Scramble, the whole experience from the planning meetings, recceing the route, through to running the last lap with the lovely Marijke, was just phenomenal, Jo did a fantastic job organising the event and us ladies. The weekend down in Seaton running the full Grizzly also stands out as a favourite. I also love a bit of cross country.

Mike Kavanagh’s Sunday runs, especially the Brentwood to Epping run, which I look forward to during the summer. B

eing part of the Essex Way Relay, being a pacer for BRC at the local park run, marshalling at our club 10k, I could go on, but I think that’s enough.

5. Proudest running moment.

Running on the Olympic track at the Diamond Jubilee relay, I felt like a proper athlete. Completing my first London Marathon in 2016, until I got to The Mall, I thought anything can go wrong, but then when you see the finish line and you realise that, Yes, I’m going to finish the Marathon, it felt very surreal. I started a running club at work, we had so much fun.

6. Best bit of running advice you have been given?

On a long race, respect the distance and just run the mile you are in, also I think it was the lovely Ken Bench who would always tell me to “Run your own race”, don’t worry about what the rest of the field are doing, I think about this often when on the start line of many tough races. I’d also have to agree with my fellow buddy, the lovely Lorna, to treat yourself to a sports massage, especially after long hard races, I’d swear by them.

Member profile - Sarah Humphreys

Member profiles are becoming so popular that this week we are treating you to a second helping.

BRC’s very own Sarah Humphreys.

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1. Please briefly introduce yourself.

I’m Sarah Humphreys and joined BRC in January 2019. I started off doing park runs in 2018 and then decided to take the plunge and join a club. I started off running in Janet’s group and met such a lovely group of welcoming ladies that are now firm friends.

2. What events if any do you have coming up?

I had a charity place for the VLM 2020 but had to defer before coronavirus due to being diagnosed in Dec 19 with breast cancer. So I’m now registered to do the VLM April 2022 all being well. I just completed my third Winter Run 10km which was amazing as it coincided with finishing my chemotherapy.

3. What does running mean to you?

Running has taught me so much about myself and my friends. Even when I felt down or tired from treatment, I was so grateful to be able to go for a run and appreciate life. For me it’s not about time or distance; it’s about self improvement, head space, friendship and fun.

4. What is your best BRC memory?

My favourite BRC memory has to be completing my first Essex Way leg.

Angela, Maria and ran our leg and had the best time. We were greeted and cheered at the end by a very patient and lovely Ben who must have been waiting for us for ages! We then had a lovely picnic in the sun and laughed so much.

5. Proudest running moment?

My proudest running moment was completing the Havering half marathon as it was my furthest race to date. It was lovely to see Jackie there too and lots of other BRC runners doing so well.

6. Best bit of running advice you could give or have been given.

Obviously I’m new to running and have had some setbacks, but the best advice I feel is to just lace up your trainers and go, even when you don’t feel like it. It never fails to lift my mood. I enjoy each and every run regardless of time/distance and appreciate that we are all so lucky to be able to run

BRC member profile. 💚

This weeks member profile is none ofher than BRC’s very own Keith Thornton.

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1. Please briefly introduce yourself.

I'm Keith Thornton and I currently run with the lovely ladies and gents of A group. I have been running for 38 years on and off and have played football to an appallingly low standard. I started out with Havering AC and ran track for them back in the day. I joined TGT after moving to Brentwood in 2000. I am also a UKA qualified coach.

2. What events, if any do you have coming up?

I was due to run the Rome marathon in 2020 with Marijke Van Eetvelde, but have now deferred until 2022. I have some UK based half Marathons, but if they will go ahead is anybody's guess. Would be happy with a Parkrun right now!

3. What does running mean to you?

Running to me is time to think and process. It used to be time away from the phone, but now it's phones and screens. It was also about spending time with like minded friends. Hopefully we can get back to that sometime soon?

4. What is your best BRC memory.

Undoubtedly being a Gamesmaker at London 2012. We worked hard, did the club proud and had a lot of laughs. Buy me a pint and I'll tell you some stories.......It was bitter sweet though, because it was also when we found out Graham Deacon was unwell.

5. Proudest running moment.

Running on the Olympic track. It was only at the end of one of the Newham 5 mile or 10K races but it was pretty special none the less.

6. Best bit of running advice you have been given?

Enjoy your running while you can and look after yourself.

Time flies by.