In our "find out about 'em" slot, read about some of the fantastic Jog Leaders who volunteer their time to lead our Jog Derbyshire groups. They are the bread and butter of our scheme - we wouldn't be Jog Derbyshire without them! - so read on..... and find out a little more about their interests and inspirations. Maybe their story will inspire you to lead your own group..... or set yourself new challenges for 2011.
Joe Harvey - William Greggers Jog Group, Heanor
"In 2001, at a massive 21 stone, I decided that enough was enough and that I needed to do something about my weight. I joined a gym and started eating healthily and over the course of 2 years or so, I managed to lose 8 stone. 
Part of my regime at the gym involved incline power walking on the treadmill. I couldn’t bring myself to try running as it was something that I had always hated at school and the thought of it running on a treadmill was just so boring. So to give me a bit of a kick up the backside, I decided to sign myself up to the 10km Heanor Christmas Pudding run which gave me a perfect excuse to train outdoors and get some fresh air and now .... I am hooked! I regularly take myself off for 6 mile runs and have taken part in a number of organised 5 and 10km events. I’ve even taken up triathlon and running is certainly my best discipline.
Because I know how difficult it can be for people to get in to a new fitness regime, I decided that I wanted to do whatever I could to inspire others to get out there and starting pounding the pavements! I have now completed my training to become a Jog Derbyshire Leader and work alongside other leaders like Karen to help walkers, joggers and runners of all abilities to get out there, get some fresh air, get some exercise and have some fun"
Karen and Joe lead the William Greggers Jog Derbyshire group at William Gregg VC Leisure Centre, Heanor on Monday evenings.
For more information contact Karen Rhodes on 07779 330750 or call William Gregg VC LC on 01773 537940
Lesley Crane - Little Eaton Beginners Jog Group
"I was first ‘bitten’ by the running bug at the age of 18, when I joined the running club at University because I wanted to meet other people who enjoy the sport and combine running with socialising. I have been running ever since and have progressed from 10Ks, to half marathons and now Mountain Marathons.
I love to run because I find it is a fantastic way to unwind and keep fit. I love the simplicity of running and living in Little Eaton means I am surrounded by scenic off-road routes with stunning views that make the slog to the top of the hills worthwhile!
I couldn’t wait to set up my own beginners’ Jog Derbyshire group where I live in Little Eaton so that I 
could share my passion for off-road running with members of my local community. I wanted to provide beginners with a safe and friendly way to improve their fitness whilst exploring the stunning scenery around Little Eaton. I enjoy the challenge of keeping everybody in the group motivated and on their toes and it is immensely satisfying to see other complete beginners being ‘bitten’ by the running bug for their first time!
I am at my happiest when I am outdoors, whether it is in the garden playing with my three young children, on a walk across the fields or slogging up a hill during a fell race. Office life would never suit me which is why I really enjoy working for Run In England at the Sherwood Pines Forest Park in Nottinghamshire where it is great to see more people using its beautiful traffic-free forest trails to improve their fitness through joining beginner running groups"
Lesley leads jog sessions on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings in Little Eaton, and at Markeaton Park in Derby on Tuesday mornings. For more information, please contact Lesley on 07595 411464 or email lcrane@runinengland.co.uk
To find out details of all our Jog Derbyshire groups click here.
