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 told Angi Griffin that it was so nice outside that they needed to walk Lake Hollingsworth instead of being stuck inside working out. They started meeting at the lake a couple of times a week. Angi was really intimidated being there because there were people running and we were walking. Some were even talking and laughing while they ran. After a couple of weeks, her friend said we should try running a little. That was a hard no for Angi. She didn’t run and didn’t like it, and besides, it might ruin her knees and she didn’t want to die (which she was sure would happen if she ran)! After a couple of more weeks went by, she started noticing there were some people much older than herself running. She decided she could try it and here we are today.
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.
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Meet Michelle Hoffert
Hoffert took a few years away from running after high school, and reconnected with the sport in 2013. In addition to being a RRCA certified running coach, Michelle has run the Boston Marathon twice and has Overall Female wins at Moon over Croom, the Pinellas Trail Challenge and X-Country 30k.
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.
Meet Jon Mott
A two-time Olympica Marathon Trials Qualifer, Lakeland runner Jon Mott set a personal record (PR) 2:18:03 and won the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon on Dec 13, 2020. In 2017, Mott won the Detroit Free Press Marathon in 2:22. You can find Jon running the Lake Hollingsworth area most mornings and afternoons.
Meet Rob Mason
Rob Mason is the only person to complete all 46 Lake to Lake 10ks. He’s made so many friends and traveled so many miles. He’s done 26 marathons and a few triathlons. He met his life partner Linda Snavely at the 2007 Aching Quad race, and they have since run in 28 countries around the world. His home is full of memorabilia from all his adventures.