every runner has a story

Meet Michelle Hoffert

► From: North Dakota
► Started Running: high school cross country
► Lakeland Runners Club 2022 Board President

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.  

What is your favorite thing about being connected to LRC? 

LRC is genuinely the most diverse club I know. What do I mean by that? We aren’t all just ‘fast’ or just ‘new’, ‘young’ or ‘old’. Every member is who and where they are in their running and fitness journey. Willing to give, share, help others grow and look to other members for help in their own lives. LRC for me was becoming a part of the Lakeland community, not just someone who lives in Lakeland. LRC was finding others who cared about running and not going the journey on my own. 

Why do you serve on the LRC board? 

I took my kids to kids running club back in the Coach Grace days. And then little by little I helped support Coach Amanda when she took over in whatever shy way I could because I was there. And then I talked to a few more people that became dear friends at the Mitchell’s coffee run. Eventually they learned I’m terrible at saying no. At the end of the day – the simplest things like handing out water during a race show you the impact and difference you can make in someone else’s story and watching finish lines gives me all the feels.  

What is your favorite running memory? 

Can I just choose making them? I do often laugh about ‘losing’ a couple of middle schoolers that coincidentally belonged to fellow board members at Holloway Park during practice a couple of years ago. (Everyone was retrieved safely for the record. But I am still terribly sorry for making Abby cry Chris and Kim!) Adventure is part of the cross country experience, right? 

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

I was born and raised a North Dakota farm girl. Music Major – doubled in education and performance. But have spent my adult career in Insurance Technology. Also known as: pretty darn nerdy.

Share This Post

Share on facebook
Share on linkedin
Share on twitter
Share on email

More To Explore

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 David Casanova

David has been a LRC Member since 2019. His first race was the Watermelon 5k and his favorite race is the Mayfaire 5k. David is originally from Georgia and has a goal to run a sub five-minute mile before High School.

Read More »

Meet Lynn King

Lynn King has been a dedicated volunteer for the race planning committee since 2017 helping to execute the Watermelon 5k Series and Lake to Lake 10k. Lynn also served as secretary in 2019. Lynn has also coordinated the Tuesday night Pub Run for the local shoe retailer since 2019.

Read More »

Meet Chris Baker

Little did I know it was going to turn into a new lifeand totally change our lives. I’m in the best shape of my life now and Kim and I have made some of the best friends through the Lakeland running community.

Read More »
Meet Michelle Hoffert
X