every runner has a story

Meet Angi Griffin

► From: Lakeland, FL
► Started Running: 2012, at age 56
► LRC 2022 Race Planning Committee Chair

In 2012, a friend encouraged Angi Griffin to walk around Lake Hollingsworth instead of working out indoors, and though initially intimidated by the runners, she agreed. After weeks of walking and seeing others older than herself out there running, Angi decided to give running a try, and the rest is history.

What is your favorite thing about being connected to LRC? 

It’s really hard to pick one specific thing. The feeling of community is at the top of my list. I’ve met so many wonderful people. 

Why do you serve on the LRC board? 

It happened quite by accident when Gail Hardy asked Lynn King and I to be Watermelon co-race directors a few years back. Working closely with the board as a race director allowed me to see all the inner workings of the club, their mission, and the need for more people to step up. By the time the last Watermelon race over, I knew I wanted to be part of helping the club in a more active role. It really does take a village of committed like-minded individuals (volunteers) to do all the things the club does throughout the year. LRC offers so many wonderful opportunities to touch lives in a positive way through group runs, races, and educational activities, and I wanted to be a part of this.

What is your favorite running memory? 

I’d have to say participating in the Aching Quad Challenge is a favorite. For several years I avoided signing up because I didn’t think I could do it. But I signed up with a group of friends and we had a blast. I did it! I didn’t die! LOL! And I placed in my age group! So…win win win!

What is something most people don’t know about you? 

I’m pretty much an open book so this question is challenging. Maybe folks don’t know that I was born in Lakeland, grew up in the Green Swamps on a small farm, and have lived in Lakeland all my life with the exception of 5 years in Chicago when my husband was transferred. While I thoroughly enjoyed our time in Chicago, I’m a country girl at heart. 

Share This Post

More To Explore

Meet Will Strouse

A runner and LRC club member for the past 40 years, Will Strouse, now approaching 80, plans to run until he cannot and then walk briskly until he cannot. Running had an incredibly positive impact on his life, allowing him to do things after age 40 that were unthinkable to him in is 20s and 30s.

Read More »

Meet Nicole Minott

Nicole Minott, a high school teacher and dedicated runner, finds balance in her life through the Lakeland Runners Club, where she serves on the board of directors and embraces the sense of community that running brings.

Read More »

Meet Kaelani Leone

Kaelani completed all 10 LRC races in 2019, winning overall female at the Aching Quad Challenge and Double Down 5k, and placing in her age group in the other events. Leone also became a certified RRCA running coach in 2019, and volunteers with the LRC as a coach for the LRC Kids Run Club. In 2020 Kaelani trained for and completed her first marathon, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon, in 2:55:30.

Read More »

Meet Abby Rowzee

After escaping the bitter winters of the Northeast and moving to Lakeland in 2018, Abby recognized how large and active the running community is in Lakeland. That recognition led directly to a decision to take up running for the first time. And, as we all have learned or will learn, getting started is the hardest part.

Read More »
Meet Angi Griffin
X