Cowbridge centre boosts Laurence's running career - 03/11/06

 

A 74-year-old man has paid tribute to the staff and facilities at a Vale of Glamorgan leisure centre in helping to continue his running career.

 

First bitten by the fitness bug back in the early Eighties, Pencoed resident Laurence Brophy, who has been a Lifestyle Health and Fitness member at Cowbridge for the past five years, is a regular participant in national and international events.

 

Laurence took up running while seeking to improve his talents as part of a five-a-side soccer team in Birmingham, and enjoyed it so much that his achievements have included the completion of three London Marathons, with a best time of 5h 9s.

 

Laurence has also taken part in the Marathon des Sables – a seven-day, 150-mile run across the Sahara Desert – and the three-day Jordan Desert Cup. And, closer to home, he plans to enter the "Christmas Pudding" race at Merthyr Mawr where he will be joined in the seasonal multi-terrain event by receptionist Linda Smith and Lifestyle team member Aranka Pratt, from the Cowbridge centre.

 

Laurence, who looks forward to race preparation, which often starts a year in advance, and meeting fellow competitors from across the globe, has, as a LifeStyle Health and Fitness member, learnt more about all over body fitness levels and developed a good working relationship with Aranka, who has designed several personal programmes for Laurence including light weights and cardio vascular work.

 

Grant Briggs, LifeStyle Manager at Cowbridge, says: “Laurence knows that he has strong legs and stamina and, since his membership started, he has further improved his entire body fitness following the regime that Aranka recommended.”

 

Laurence accepts that some people may be surprised at his sporting achievements at 74 and is eager to convey the message that it’s "never too late" to participate in regular activity. He says: “Exercising should ensure that you live longer and appreciate life more.”

 

Laurence believes that, on retirement, it's easy to slip into the sit in front of the TV trap; it’s then that the body could be on a downwards spiral because of inactivity. He urges others to follow his lead and join LifeStyle who, he adds, have a "great team, excellent equipment and fabulous training facilities."

 

To find out more about joining LifeStyle Health and Fitness, telephone (01446) 732457 or, alternatively, to enquire about the Vale Council's Active for Life scheme, call (01446) 725959.