“Inspired by Life” is the motto Florida Running Club members with be showing off with pride on their jerseys as they participate in the Comrades Marathon.
The event is just two weeks away but the club’s members are full of excitement for the challenge that lies ahead. The club will have more than 40 members participating in the event.
To prepare their members, the club started the Road to Comrades programme last year August which advises and motivates on the best way to be ready for the competition.
“I did my first Comrades in 1988. With my experience in the marathon, I help the novices and regular runners to maximize their talents. Our goal is to have all the members of the club cross the finish line and in order to do that we need to train. I motivate the runners because sometimes they need that extra push,” said Laurie.
The Comrades marathon also brings some bitterness to Laurie. In 2006 on the night before the Comrades, his son died which lead him to stop running.
He returned to the sport he loves in 2013 stronger than before.
“Running offers me freedom and runners are friendly people who enjoy the thrill of the open road. Running is like a natural drug and when I don’t run, I get grumpy. And besides, if I didn’t run then I’d be mowing the lawn,” he said.
Laurie is confident the members participating in the event will improve on last year’s medals haul of 15.
“I have seen the weaker runners get stronger by being in the programme and improve with each run. Everyone is mentally and physically prepared for the challenge that’s coming. They will do the club proud and cross the finish line,” said Laurie.
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