Edd Kenny Levick

In October last year I signed up to a charity boxing match in aid of Cancer Research. I needed something to focus on and once I had committed, I knew there was no going back. Part of the deal was 8 weeks free boxing training, but the rest was up to me.  I had the ability to learn new skills, but following a bit of research I became acutely aware of the importance of total body fitness if I was going to survive 3 rounds in a real ring. If anything would let me down, it would be my fitness. The match was to take place a week before Christmas in front of an audience of 1500 people.

With 10 weeks to go, I was making slow progress so on the recommendation of a very good friend, I approached Lauren and asked if she fancied taking on a bit of a project. Her instant enthusiasm was an immediate boost and we met for an initial consultation and to plan what turned out to be a very specific program with clear focal points that were designed to optimise and build upon what I would truly need in order to succeed. I wanted to lose a few kilos, but more importantly be fit enough to give a good show.

We met once a week for 10 weeks. and despite my hectic work schedule, Lauren was always ready to work around a rather random routine and sometimes at very short notice. She was always sensitive to the limitations my 45 year old body presented to us and managed to accommodate a couple of old injuries that flared up during training which threatened to bring a halt to the whole plan.

I particularly remember receiving a video message via Whatapp late one night whilst on business in Milan while I frantically nursed a failing knee joint. I was panicking about it, but the video was Lauren, in her kitchen, painstakingly and succinctly explaining a specific exercise to address the issue in her usual calm and friendly style. This was integrated into my “Hotel Room Workout” which Lauren had previously designed for me, and sure enough 10 days later I was cured.

There seems to be very little Lauren does not know about effective exercise, and more importantly, she clearly knows how to apply her knowledge to achieve very specific objectives. She also knows how to take you just beyond your comfort zone, without destroying whatever confidence you’ve built so far. 

And the fight? Well, I won, and I raised £2,300 for Cancer Research UK. And of course, Lauren was there, quite literally cheering me on to the end. But the real prize was my new core strength and bonus 6 pack that I got in time for Christmas! 

Julie Peach

I had dabbled in the occasional run as part of my weekly fitness activity, but my preference was always to do weights rather than cardio. Then in September 16, I came across ‘Run Like a girl’.  My interest was piqued and having bumped into Lauren in the gym, she persuaded me to join the intermediate sessions.

The fun, sociable and knowledgeable training sessions began, and the group’s enthusiasm to achieve goals was infectious. An idea took seed in my head. As part of my ‘things to do before I am 60’, maybe I could run a 10k? Hmm. In December 2016 I went out for a run on my own, and yes I managed to cover 10k, though it took me well over an hour – so game on.

In January I contacted Lauren and she could not have been more supportive, or more enthusiastic. I sort of set a goal to run the 10k at Draycote Water on 26th February. And perhaps I could do it in 59 minutes – 59 minutes at age 59. Seemed like a good idea. After a chat with Lauren on the phone she understood perfectly what I needed and before I knew it Lauren had sent me a 7 week training plan to achieve this goal. Suddenly it had become real.

I was now running with a purpose, against a fixed training plan which covered interval training, hill repeats and distances mixed in with my ongoing weights sessions. It suited me perfectly.  I also joined the newly created classes of ‘Runfit’ run by Lauren on a Monday night over at Southam, which added into my general fitness mix.

3 weeks into the plan I ran a decent time on an 8k training run and already felt as though the training was paying off. Lauren kept constant surveillance on my progress with regular motivational social media contact. She then upped my 10k target time, so no time allowed for resting on my laurels.

As a ‘race virgin’ Lauren had then kindly offered to be my pacemaker on the day, and I was so grateful for that. I knew I could do the 59 minutes, just how much under was the question.

So on a cold and windy morning I joined the 476 other runners and set off, huffing and puffing my way round, listening to Lauren’s expert advice every step of the way. The last kilometre was a nightmare, into a full head-on wind, hanging onto Lauren’s ‘coat tails’ for all I was worth. Time achieved 54 minutes 33 seconds!

I can honestly say it has been a great journey. Lauren has introduced me to a complete new running sorority - through ‘Run like a Girl’. Giving up her personal time was indicative of her generous nature and of her natural supportive, motivational and ‘can do’ attitude. She is selfless, patient, and knowledgeable, and certainly got the very best out of me! All this finished off with her big bright smile… what more could you want in a Personal Trainer.

Thanks for all your help Lauren – and thanks again for passing on this running bug!

Tracey Pankhurst

I’ve been working out with Lauren for close to 5 years and it’s been absolutely incredible. I love our sessions together and that is completely down to Lauren being such an amazing PT.

She constantly introduces new exercises, different games and challenges, to really make working out fun and unique, whilst still being hard work. A session with Lauren is tough, but never boring and I sometimes jump for joy when she tells me the game we’re going to be playing! Not only that, Lauren is quick to adapt something if it isn’t working out. I struggle with pains in my feet, and Lauren is always understanding and considerate, adapting the session so I’m still getting the same level of impact, but I’m not in pain.

Lauren always pushes me to work hard and give everything I have. She’s really built my confidence over the last few years and encourages me to push that little further every time. I never feel pressured by Lauren to do anything - she never shouts or demands - but her calm encouragement and positive motivation make me want to give my absolute all and I always feel like Lauren is proud of what I’ve achieved.

The only negative is that she makes me do burpees on Christmas Eve even though she knows I hate them!” (This last bit is obviously a joke!)

John Linington

My fitness journey goes back to April 2020 when we entered our first Lockdown. Lauren set a schedule of classes that would take place three times a week at 7am. For me those classes helped so much during lockdown, they were a reason to get up early and start my day on a positive note. The community that she has built through these classes are great, everyone is so supportive of each other.

After enjoying her classes I asked her if she could be my Personal Trainer and my Running Coach to help me prepare for a number of running events. Looking back, it was the best thing I have done. Instantly I saw improvements in both my fitness and running.

During the past two years of training with Lauren I have taken part in a number of events with her guidance and support - I have always reached my targets and aims. During 2021 I entered two 50 mile races, both close to each other and I managed to get quicker. Then during the summer I took part in my first 100 mile race and I managed to finish in 21hrs, one of my proudest moments. The effort Lauren put into my training was incredible and my time would not of happened without her.  

My next challenge was taking part in Marathon Des Sables and even though it did not go my way, getting to the start line is a hard task and Lauren got me into the best shape I have ever been. It might of not gone my way in the desert but I think I have come out of it stronger and a better runner.

I have got a number of running adventures planned and I will always want Lauren to be in charge of my training. She has got over 20 years of experience in the fitness fields and her knowledge of running and fitness is second to none.  I know I will continue to train with her for many years to come.