Meet Nicole Minott

Nicole Minott’s journey into the world of running didn’t start with a passion for the sport, but rather with the gentle nudging of friends. Born in Plantation, Florida, and raised in Coral Springs, Nicole made her way to Lakeland after attending the University of South Florida in Tampa. “Some of my friends from college moved out here for work,” she explained. “Hanging out with them here made me fall in love with the small-town home feel.”

Her running story began in 2010, but it wasn’t an instant love affair with the sport. “Peer pressure by friends who were runners,” she said with a laugh. “I had to work for it because it did not come naturally to me.” Despite the initial struggle, Nicole stuck with it, slowly finding her stride and a deeper purpose in running.

It wasn’t long before she connected with the Lakeland Runners Club (LRC), thanks to a chance introduction from an acquaintance. Joining LRC opened doors to lasting friendships and a sense of belonging in the local running community. “I made some great friends through the LRC community that made me never want to leave,” she recalled.

While she doesn’t remember her first LRC race, her favorite race holds a special place in her heart. “Aching Quad [held 2006-2022] was my favorite,” she said, smiling. “It was always around my birthday and my gift to myself. Who doesn’t enjoy a good challenge?” The race became a personal tradition for Nicole, a way to celebrate her birthday with a test of endurance and determination.

For Nicole, running isn’t just about physical fitness—it’s about mental well-being. As a high school teacher for 17 years, running has provided an outlet for stress relief. “Running has helped me with my sanity,” she said. “It literally has helped get out the crazies of life and work.” This therapeutic aspect of running has been crucial, offering her time to unwind and find balance amidst the demands of her profession.

Nicole’s training philosophy has always been about finding community. She’s never had a formal coach, but the camaraderie of the LRC has been more than enough. “Between the different group runs and finding my community within a community to train and race with, it has helped me come a long way,” she explained. Running with others has kept her motivated, offering support and accountability.

Recently, Nicole faced a setback in her running, an injury that kept her off the roads for a time. But her spirit remains undeterred. “I am in the process of getting back into running again,” she said with optimism. “I’m excited to be out there training with my friends again.” Even with challenges, Nicole’s love for the sport has not waned.

When it comes to personal victories, Nicole reflects on her travels and race experiences. She’s participated in several half marathons, but her favorite distance is the 15K. “I’ve traveled for races and I enjoy it,” she shared. “Hoping to get a few more out-of-state races while I still can.”

Her worst running experience? A memorable night on Lakeland’s Three Parks Trail, where an unexpected closure left her locked in. “I had to jump a fence to get out and make it home,” she recalled.

When she’s not running, Nicole stays busy giving back to the community. Sitting on the board of three nonprofits, she finds joy in helping others. “Nothing makes me happier than helping others,” she said. Whether through her charitable work, getting lost in a good book or audible, or enjoying a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game, Nicole’s life is full of purpose.

Her advice to new runners is simple: “You will have good runs and bad runs, but the beauty of running is just getting out there. Give yourself grace, because you are doing it.”

Looking ahead, Nicole dreams of running the London Marathon, despite telling herself she was “one and done” after her first marathon. “I would love to do the London Marathon and am hoping I can in the future.”

Nicole’s story is a testament to the power of persistence, community, and the way running can shape not just a person’s health but their entire outlook on life. Nicole currently sits on the board of directors for the Lakeland Runners Club.