John and Steph Gill

Steph joined B2R Sheppey when it first started in 2018 and became a team leader in 2020. John joined in 2020 and became a team leader in 2023.

Steph joined after losing 6 stone due to bariatric surgery and wanted to continue her weight loss journey and improve her fitness. From 21 stone down to 11, she lost the remaining 4 stone after joining B2R.
John joined, after much persuasion from Steph, after he had completed the London marathon in 2019 and realised the motivation to run is harder when you don’t have friends to run with.

For John, his greatest running achievement has to be running London marathon for the first time in 2019 in memory of their son. He then went on to receive the London Classics medal for completing the London Marathon, Ride London 100 and Swim Serpentine.
For Steph, although running the Virtual London Marathon in 2020 was her longest run, her greatest running achievement was completing three organised runs across three consecutive weekends (two 10 mile runs sandwiched a half marathon) and got a 10 mile PB on each run.

Biggest bit of advice Steph shares with anyone starting out is that to keep to a good steady pace, always run with a friend….as if you can hold a conversation while running it means you are regulating your breathing, if you stop being able to speak you are probably pushing too hard.
John advises anyone who wants to stay motivated to ensure you set yourself a target and book an event. That way you will remain inspired to run, even when you might not feel like it.

You can meet us and your future clubmates by joining our fun, vibrant, social online Facebook group before even stepping out the door.

If you are not on FB, don't worry our office team are on hand to help you with any queries and we look forward to meeting you at a club session soon!