By Tayla Dillon
70-year-old Beverley Laundry is showing no signs of slowing down as she prepares for this Sunday’s ASICS Half Marathon, her 28th time participating at the Gold Coast Airport Marathon.
The Yeppoon local quickly became infatuated with the Gold Coast Airport Marathon after first competing in 1984 and has participated almost every year since.
“The Gold Coast is the highlight of my running year,” Beverley said.
“I love getting together with like minded people for a weekend of running, seeing friends from previous years and enjoying the comradery.
“On Sunday evening after the race, we head to the magnificent beach close to our accommodation and eat dinner at our favourite restaurant. For those of us who have been practicing delayed gratification, that means a feast.”
While Beverley had been running for over a decade, it was the first women’s marathon at the 1984 Olympic Games which ignited her decision to compete in her debut Gold Coast Airport Marathon.
“I was a runner for 10 years before I ran my first Gold Coast Airport Marathon,” she said.
“There were two marathon runners that particularly inspired me, Norwegian Grete Waitz and American Joan Benoit. Joan won the first women’s Olympic Games marathon, leading from start to finish. She inspired us all.”
Beverley said she was increasing her distance in training in preparation for the ASICS Half Marathon.
“These past few years I have been competing in the Southern Cross University 10km Run,” Beverley said.
“But this year, when preparation began in earnest, the excitement of the longer distance beckoned.
“My training is more consistent now that I am retired and I’m more focused on quality rather than quantity.
“Training consists of rowing, eight kilometre tempo runs, track sprints, a nine kilometre barefoot run on the beach and then I finish the week with a long run with the Cap Coast Runners Club.”
After years of running, Beverley’s most memorable experience is still her first marathon on the Gold Coast.
“I had so many doubts going into that race. Had I run enough miles? Will my flat coke and water sustain me? Should I have changed from my heavier training shoes to these light racing flats?” she said.
“I remember every kilometre. The crowd’s enthusiasm, the bands and the supportive helpers made it so memorable.
“Reflecting on this makes me excited. I can’t wait!”
Entries for the Gold Coast Airport Marathon close Friday 1 July 2016 (8pm QLD).
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