See what the gang is saying about the Rejoov Running Group.

Imy Briscoe 2022: I joined Rejoov in July 2022 after meeting Estelle at the Gold Coast marathon (2.57 woohoo), who had joined the club earlier that year — and I'm so happy I did!

Rejoov is a welcoming and friendly community that brings people together with a shared love of running. 

I used to run track and cross country throughout secondary school, and really loved being part of a club and everything that comes with that (friendships, community, team camaraderie, pushing yourself with others). During University I prioritised other things, and would primarily go for runs by myself. I still love putting my headphones in and heading out sometimes, but running with a club again has revitalised my love for running, and given me lasting friendships that I am so grateful for.

Running isn't typically thought of as a team sport, but when you're training regularly with a group, I've found that it really feels like you are part of a team. 

Greta is an amazing, supportive coach; setting varied and challenging sessions weekly, but most importantly cultivating a positive and motivating environment within the group. Rejoov allows everyone to work towards their personal goals, and everyone's achievements are celebrated. For me personally, I look forward to training for what will be my third marathon at some point next year, as well as events like City2Surf that are so special to be a part of in Sydney.

2023: Runaway Half Marathon 82.47 PB by 3mins 7th female; Gold Coast marathon 2.59, C2S 53.04 PB 17th female.  

Chris Don 2023: I joined Rejoov Runners in December of 2021. I had just returned from a long-term teaching stint in the Northern Territory where I had been doing a little bit of running. I had done a lot of running 10 or so years earlier, mainly on the track in high school...

Anyway, one day I was crusing around centennial and saw a bunch of runners looking happy, calm and collected striding the white fence all wearing the Rejoov singlet. I made a note to self and sent Greta and Chris an email that afternoon. It is actaully not an overstatement to say that joining Rejoov has been one the best things I have ever done.

In all honesty, through my 20's I have a had a pretty rough trot mentally and physically. At times I had been pretty sick and one the big things I felt I had very little control over was my ability to front up to life and generally my overall health. Prior to joining Rejoov I was on the right track with a 37min 10k and 95min half marathon, though once I joined things changed for the better really quickly. 

At first it was simply Greta and Chris and their approachable and caring attitude towards me. Then it was the rest of the Rejoov community, and finally it was about me, feeling ok for the first time in a long time. Greta and Chris lead by example and have never got me to do anything in terms of my running or nutrition that they have not tried first themselves.

And for me the results have honestly been pretty extradioinary. From a social jogger with no idea what I was doing I have been able to run a 16 min park run, a 34min 10k, a 49min City to Surf, a 76min half and a 2.50 marathon debut (that I'm hoping to improve on this year). I am a going to Berlin this year to run, and that is so just so cool and exciting and it is probabaly 95% down the Greta and Chris' support at Rejoov. I am improving me running everyday and learning more and more for the expertise the coaches have. 

The physical feats speak for themselves though perhaps what has been most aswesome about my expereice with Rejoov has been the effect on my Mental Health. Running and particulary doing so with Rejoov has made me feel well again. Running with Rejoov makes everyday life for me a little easier, which sounds ridiculously cheesy but it is the honest truth.

So thanks Greta, Chris and the Rejoov community. I'm here to stay.

Chris Don x 

Phoebe O’Keefe 2023: I ran middle distance track and cross country competitively through school but hung up the spikes and turned into a social jogger during uni (I can’t be the first to retire to the student bars instead of the track!). Quite a few years later, I was keen to return to a running group and couldn’t help but notice the blur of orange in Centennial Park as I did my morning loop. Fast forward to the lockdown and I got in contact with Greta. Unfortunately injury struck just as I was getting into the swing of training and I was forced into time off before I’d even begun. However, I did know from that point on that I couldn’t wait to come back!

I returned in September 2022 after completing my first half marathon under the guidance of my physio’s plan and have been a regular since. The Tuesday and Thursday sessions challenge in you in a way that is very hard to create solo (believe me - I’ve tried!) and the weekend longy’s are a great opportunity to catch up with everyone you tried, but failed through panting breath, to chat to during the weekday sessions.

For me, Rejoov let’s me chase my personal running goals in an environment that is incredibly supportive, friendly and genuine. It doesn’t matter how big or small the goal you are working towards is, the group will always cheer you on. All achievements across all abilities are celebrated equally, all are made to feel welcome, and no one is ever left behind.

Greta’s coaching has made an enormous difference to my running. After finishing my first half marathon in September last year in 1:41 (pre-Rejoov), Greta took me under her wing and has managed to keep me injury free (no mean feat!) while continually cracking PBs. With the help of Greta and the entire Rejoov crew, I finished the Hoka Runaway Half in May 2023 in 87 minutes (14th female) and recently gave the Centennial Park Parkrun a whirl to finish with a 5k PB of 18:52.

Huge kudos to Greta, Chris and the entire Rejoov crew for keeping running fun. I can’t thank you enough!

Barry Meehan 2021 “I joined Rejoov after moving to Australia and picking up one too many concussions playing team sports. I did bits and pieces of running previously but never trained appropriately. Running a sub-20 5k was always a goal of mine, but I had failed on more than a few occasions. Within a year of training with Rejoov, Greta had me running a marathon time trial at that pace.

The combination of great early-morning sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, incredible social long runs on Saturdays, and a great coaching plan, devised by Greta, pushed me to become a much better runner and pick up PBs in the 5K, 10K and half marathon along the way.

I feel like Rejoov gives you everything you need to succeed at running, no matter your definition of success. I’ve been inspired by all the people in the club whose focus is running further than they’ve run before. There have been several first-time half-marathons, marathons, ultras and trail races in the short time I’ve been a member. Others use running as a brilliant social outlet while keeping fit and healthy at the same time. I know I’ve loved the post-long-run chocolate milkshake sessions!

The club is full of incredibly welcoming and supportive people. When I ran my marathon time trial, there was no shortage of Rejoovers willing to pace me around Centennial Park and cheer for me along the way.

So whether you want to run fast, run far or more importantly run friendly, I think Rejoov is a great place to do it.” - Barry Meehan Sept 2020 - Dec 2021 - PBs Marathon 2.48, HM 78.51, Syd 10k 36.04, Track 5k 17.59

Cathy Liu: "I began running with Rejoov in October 2017 as I was keen to try track running after only focussing on road running for the last 4 years. I was feeling quite nervous and intimidated at the thought of track racing but Greta was always such a calming, cheery and encouraging influence. The track training sessions were the perfect preparation both physically and mentally. Greta makes sure the environment is fun, relaxed and encouraging, while still pushing us to work hard and give our best. The other Rejoov runners were a joy to train with as everyone is so supportive of each other. These sessions quickly became the highlight of my training week. Following the track season, I began following training programs prescribed by Greta to work towards new road racing goals. These programs are great as they are tailored to my circumstances, including my goals, injuries (both previous and current), any injury-prone areas and schedule. Greta is a very attentive and personable coach, checks in every week without fail and adjusts the program as needed. She is also always open to discussing any ideas or thoughts I have (no matter how crazy they were!). During my time under Greta's tutelage, I always felt the belief she had in my ability to reach my goals (which was often more than the belief I had in myself) and I was always encouraged and cheered on every time we hit a hurdle. It's no surprise that in the few months that I've been coached by Greta, I got a 5k PB (18.15) and, ultimately, a 38 second 10k PB (37.39) despite a preparation that was hampered by a hip injury. In short, I can't thank Greta and Rejoov enough for the new running experiences I've gained, all that I've learnt and all the friends I've made in the last 8 months". 

Rach Birds ... #pantheroriginal™️ “The camaraderie and accountability in a good training group is what gets me out of bed and out training on a cold wintery morning. I’m grateful for the running, the banter and most importantly the friendships made through Rejoov. Thank you G & CT!”

Lisa Kent Sherman: “Having spent many many years running on my own, I finally decided it was time to join a group a couple of years ago to give my running a lift. I had always been daunted by the thought of running with a group but after joining Rejoov in May 2016, I haven’t looked back! Rejoov is a wonderfully supportive and encouraging team environment (whoever said running was a solo sport?!) and great to be able to run with so many like minded people and to achieve so many goals. Since joining Rejoov, I’ve hit PBs across 5km, 10km, half marathon and also achieved a long-time goal of running an ultra (the Great Ocean Road 60k in May 2018), very much thanks to Greta’s excellent coaching and never ending support not only with the weekly group program but an individual training program too. Seeing how much fun I was having with the Rejoov running family, my husband Grant also took the plunge and joined in December 2016. He loves the camaraderie and banter that goes on, getting amongst it and supporting everyone in their running. Grant’s also smashed PBs across 5km, 10km and half marathon since being with Rejoov. We can’t thank Greta, Chris and all that are part of Rejoov in making running such a fun team sport.”                                         

Lesley Mason: “Since joining Rejoov Runners in September 2015, my running has come along in leaps and bounds due to both the fabulous coaching of Greta and the incredible support of my fellow Rejoovers. I was new to running at the time and it was the first run group I have been a part of. I was immediately made to feel extremely welcome. As a slower runner I have never felt out of place and all sessions are very inclusive. I have also taken my marathon time from 5:45 in 2015 to 4:29 in 2017, running my first 50k in 2018 – and I credit this to the fabulous support from Rejoov.”

Josh Arthur 2020: “I moved to Australia in March 2019 and joined Rejoov within weeks of arriving, it is probably one of the best decisions I have made in the last few years in addition to moving to this fantastic country! I picked up running properly when I was around 24 in Edinburgh (I am now 31) and had a lot of success over the next few years (PBs of 16.22 for 5km, 34.16 for 10km, 74.40 for half marathon and 2.37.27 for marathon), however when I was 27 I moved to London and had less time for running/fell out of love with it a bit as the running group was not the same and my lifestyle was not conducive to training at that point. When I moved to Sydney I planned to join a running club to meet people and get fit again, so I emailed a few running clubs to ask about joining and Greta’s response stood out as it was very helpful and detailed in explaining what Rejoov could offer me both in terms of training and community. I remember my first Rejoov training session very well as Greta made sure to introduce me to lots of people and her enthusiasm, drive and passion for the sport and club she has built up with Chris was evident, its safe to say I was hooked after the first session. Since then I have gone from strength to strength with my running and my best times last year came in the form or Sydney Harbour 10km (very close to PB with 34.26) and Amsterdam Marathon (2.41.55 which was a 12 minute improvement on my 2018 marathon time!). This year I have more lofty ambitions thanks to the great training laid on by Rejoov runners, those aims are for sub 34 minute 10km, sub 74 half marathon and sub 2.37 marathon (so 3 PBs!). The other side to Rejoov that should not be overlooked is the social element it has introduced to my life, through the Rejoov community I have met some very similar minded people who I have come to think of as great friends. While I met these people running, I also enjoy swimming and climbing with them and attend social functions such as BBQs, dinners and drinks with them regularly. I joined Rejoov to get fit and meet people and it has delivered that and more, after 1 year I feel like I am in the best running shape of my life and part of a fantastic community of people with lots to offer!”

Yury Glikin 2021: Joining Rejoov Runners has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. The camaraderie, the support and the feeling of teamwork is always there. Everyone celebrates each other's success and there is no ego. Greta is a brilliant coach, always pushing you to do better, checking up on you and always there at training, rain, hail or shine, with a smile on her face. She has given me personalised programs and coached me for 3 years and I've never failed to hit a goal for all my races, including lots of new PBs. I'm happy to be part of the Rejoov community and seeing it grow, new people joining and everyone hitting their goals is really inspiring. I can't recommend Rejoov Runners (and Greta) highly enough!

Darren McGregor: “Greta and the Rejoov running crew has had a hugely positive impact on my running over the last few years. Having a structured and varied training programme and a coach that religiously followed up helped deliver a very satisfying 3:05 in the 2017 Melbourne marathon - an 11 min PB for me. Consistency is key in getting fitter and faster but just following a programme is only half of it – having a crew that encourages you and ensures you turn up each session is the real magic with Rejoov. The hard sessions are still hard but they are a lot easier when you can do them with a group of positively minded people that are up early getting more out of life. I knew no-one when I joined but the lasting and close friendships that have developed over the years have genuinely changed my life!”

Hamish McMaster 2018: “I met Greta through swim run training & events which we really enjoy. I started training with the rejoov groups (Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday) in Centennial Park in preparation for Sydney’s City to Surf 2018 to give last years time (49.10) a good shake! The specific speedwork was fantastic including longer tempos, fartleks, intervals & hill reps and a 14k tempo on the c2s course paced by coach Chris! G & CT encouraged me to do the Sydney Harbour 10k event for race prep (debut road 10k that wasn’t on the end of a triathlon) and was pleased with 34.45 PB. This helped refine the race plan for C2S, which came together on the day with 48.25 PB. Now I have the next few weeks to continue building speed endurance for a good 10k off the bike in Noosa triathlon!! I got into running in my 20s (I’m 30 now) after being sidelined with a bad hip through high school. Rejoov totally gets that I run, swim, ride because I love it & the experiences together with friends & family. Anything else is a bonus!”

"I have been running with Rejoov since 2016. Greta & Chris have created a fantastic running squad that caters for all runners. It has a fantastic vibe that is all about encouragement no matter what level you are at. The best runners support those slower than them and the slower team members always give a shout out to the fast guys. In 2017 Greta has helped me really knuckle down and improve my times from 5k to half marathon. I have set 7 pbs across these distances taking 1 minute 30 off my 10k PB and 5 full minutes of my half marathon time which is now at 82.15. I could not have done this without the enthusiasm and support of Greta and the Rejoov team. Anyone that wants to run with a relaxed squad that can help achieve your goals and have heaps of fun at the same time should contact Greta. Go Rejoov!"               - Matt Wacher 

Susan McCallum: “Running with Rejoov since Christmas 2014, achieving PBs across 5k, 10k, C2S, half marathon and this year 2018 has also taken me out of my comfort zone onto the trails, from Larapinta to Coastal Classic. Greta’s amazingly positive coaching and the friendship and support from the entire group has resulted in reaching running and fitness goals I would never have thought possible . There’s never any discussion when the alarm goes off at zero dark thirty- out the door and into the park!”