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

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 debut, HM 78.51 down from 1.36, Syd 10k 36.04 down from 43mins, Track 5k 17.59 down from 20mins.

 “As a newcomer last year to Australia, and to proper running, joining Rejoov has been a hugely positive experience. The club has a great spirit, really well organised training, lots of people to run with across the full range of ability / experience and a stack of opportunities to participate in races near and far. The passion that Greta and Chris put into it is impressive and infectious in equal measure - thanks both.” Mark Higgs - 33.35 PB Sydney 10k 2018 a 73.18 PB RUN NSW / ANSW Sydney Half

"I would like to take this opportunity to let you know what a great job Greta and Chris are doing in building such a great community of friendly and dedicated runners.

I firstly met Chris and Greta in 2015 when I moved to Sydney and started running with Hurts. Since my wife, Ash and I took regular part to the Rejoov activities including the racing events under the ‘fluro squad’ banner (for the traditional bright pink and orange Rejoov singlets) which provided for great running experiences and camaraderie. The 2018 running retreat in Uluru in particular was extremely well organised and a once in a lifetime opportunity to run the stunning Larapinta trails in great condition! 

Early in 2018, I decided to target specific races and times I wanted to achieve and knew I needed support to doing so. I availed of Chris’s coaching services for 2 blocks of 3 months training where I was able to achieve numerous PBs including a sub34min 10k and a sub75min Half-marathon.  For me Chris’s input in my daily training regime and his availability were fantastic. Also being able to do key / specific joint-sessions with him prior to big races and getting live feedback really made a positive difference on how I approached my races physically and mentally.  Big kudos to the ever-smiling-always-running-never-tired-Truscotts and the Rejoov’ family, glad to be a part of it!" Jerome Depuy 2018 - Sydney 10k PB 33.58, City to Surf PB 49.09, 74.29 PB Run NSW-ANSW Sydney Half Marathon  

"Greta provided a training program that prepared me for the 2017 Canberra Marathon – my first road marathon, which I finished in 3hr 04 mins. In addition to the program I also joined the rejoov crew for several midweek morning sessions in Centennial park.

Greta’s program was exactly what I was looking for – structured enough to provide a system for my training, but also flexible to deal with busy weeks, family and social events. Greta was super responsive to any queries and very supportive and positive the whole way through the campaign and past race day. In particular she tailored the program through an injury and recovery period perfectly, as well as through the holiday period when all the routines changed. 

I really enjoyed the morning sessions with the rejoov crew (and wished I was able to attend more sessions!). The sessions themselves were suitable for all levels of runners but more importantly were fun, social and relaxed – a great way to start the day – running with people who enjoyed running".          - Gidon Edinburg 

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!

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". 

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!

"I've been running with rejoov for the past year and I'm so pleased that I've joined the group! Greta is an amazing coach who has created a fun, social team of runners, of all abilities. I love training with the group, dragging myself out of bed in the dark, to train with likeminded people who inspire and encourage me to go that extra mile when the going gets tough! Her programs are flexible and when training for an event, it is great to have a personal program with weekly  communication on how I'm progressing . I never could have expected to have run as quickly as I have in the past year on my own. My times continue to get quicker! The rejoov team has become my second family. Thanks Greta & Rejoov"                                       - Rachael Honeywood 2017 - Boston marathon pb 3.24.40 & GC half pb 1.33.27

"The program was perfect for me! I am a strong advocate for Chris and Greta!"        - John Clothier 2.52 Gold Coast Marathon 2016

“Thanks Chris for all the coaching and guidance this year! Another successful year of racing, with another PB (Melbourne marathon 2.59.13 in 2019).

This means that for the last ten years I have broken a PB in a race for either 10, half or full. This year I achieved strong 10k (36.30), half (80.20, close to Pb) and full (2.59.13).

Been great to have your programs guiding me, and having your motivation along the way.

I look forward now to JP Morgan Challenge and Husky Tri and then a good month off in November travelling and hiking around South America.

Bring on 2020!

Cheers

Biggsy” (Anthony Biggs)