January Members of the Month

Congratulations to all the Members of the Month for January!
Written by Marcus Smith
InnerFight
InnerFight
Feb 1, 2025
-
5
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
January Members of the Month

InnerFight: Matt Gorman

Matt brings an incredible amount of energy every time he shows up! He encourages and pushes the guys he trains with, and this month, he has taken his training to another level. He has consistently run 10-15km on Saturdays on his own and completed 25km during the Dirtopia event. He always has a smile on his face and consistently embodies the InnerFight values.

Youth: Roman Polevikov

Roman is a regular in our Kids' programme, and he always brings a fantastic attitude to every class. He's enthusiastic, ready to work hard, and sets a great example for his peers. Roman always gives his best effort, and we often see him at community events working out with his dad, Sergei!

But it's not just Roman's dedication to fitness that makes him stand out. He's also funny, kind, inclusive, and an absolute joy to have in class.

Congratulations, Roman! Keep up the great work!

Endurance: Laurinda Kruger

Injuries are tough. They drain us physically and, even more so, mentally. Often, the default is to focus on what we can’t do.

As a runner, being told you might not run for 10–12 months can be devastating—especially when the injury isn’t even to your legs but to your shoulder.

But that wasn’t the case for Laurinda.

It might sound cliché to say she leaned into the discomfort, but that’s exactly what she did. We explored every possible modality and activity she could do to maintain her aerobic base while prioritising shoulder rehab.

There were tears, setbacks, laughter, and moments where we had to stop, rethink, and completely change direction—but the results have been nothing short of incredible. Five months later, she ran a 10km, half marathon, and marathon PB—all in one race—qualifying for both Two Oceans and Comrades.

A true testament to what’s possible when athletes and coaches work together, not against each other. A massive shoutout to all the @if_endurance coaches involved in her journey!

There are still mountains to climb, but we’re in a great place to do it.

Ladies Run Club: Emanuela Michalides

Ela naturally lives by the InnerFight brand values and is an asset to the LRC community. Recently running a PB in her marathon (3:19), she has returned to training with her usual smile following some much-needed post-race and Christmas downtime. Ela is an absolute pleasure to coach, and we are excited to see which race she takes on next when the time is right.

Endurance - Ireland: Josh Proper

Nothing but forward thinking and a will to listen and progress. As our Rookie of the Year in 2024, Josh continues to live by our values and reap the rewards. We want to recognise Josh this month for his commitment throughout January and his curiosity. Josh understands the importance of his foundational training in getting where he needs to go for his targets in 2025.

Endurance - New Zealand: Lauren Joal Jones

Congratulations to Lauren Joal Jones for being our MOTM for January!

Lauren joined InnerFight Endurance in November last year after taking three years off running due to burnout. She has returned to training with a greater understanding of what it means to train sustainably while still having fun.

After two months of building a solid aerobic base, Lauren levelled up this January with a focus on speedwork and longer, hilly runs in preparation for the Tarawera 21km. She has adapted to harder sessions effectively, ensuring she is fuelling properly and looking after all areas of her life.

There are many things in life and training that Lauren wants to achieve this year, and I’m excited to see her continue to thrive.

Keep asking questions, Lauren, and enjoy the process of training and discovering what you truly love to do. All the best for the Tarawera 21km in two weeks’ time!

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Specialty Class #25-26

GYMNASTICS

No Thursday PM Classes for the next 6 weeks.

This week, we’re working on handstand push-up development. We’ll start on the floor working on hip drive power, headstand balance and core work followed by box and wall drills before a strength piece to finish.

HYBRID FITNESS

This week's HYBRID session, we are working through repeats of specific sections of the race to dial in timings and feel. The primary focus will be on the initial four stages of the race.

MOBILITY

WEIGHTLIFTING

This week, we will focus on the squat snatch.  With a fun complex snatch pull, Hang squat snatch and OHS. Great technique session!

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Endurance #25-26

The Monday Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com\

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba

Track Tuesday

Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Wednesday - Indoor Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com

Thursday - Endurance Strength

A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.

Time: 06:30am

Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com

Friday - Coffee Run

Our weekly tempo run.  Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.

Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time
: 05:59 am

Start Location: Common Grounds

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Ladies Run Club 25-26

Monday

Session: LRC Tempo

There is no in-person session today. LRC Unlimited and Online clients, please check your TrainingPeaks accounts for the built session. Enjoy.

Tuesday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Session: Track Tuesday

This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. Come ready to run fast and have fun.

Wednesday

Session: LRC Intervals

There is no in-person session today. LRC Unlimited and Online clients, please check your TrainingPeaks accounts for the built session. Enjoy.

Friday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Common Grounds

Session: The Coffee Run

This is our weekly Tempo Session with InnerFight Endurance. Come ready to run, work hard, and enjoy coffee afterwards.

Sunday

Time: 5:29am

Location: Cafe Peloton car park

Session: The Coffee Run

Route options:

5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/evqgc848

10km: https://onthegomap.com/s/63kid650

14.5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/v56bkn24

19.5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/se0bifs8

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
Daily Workout 25-26

Monday:

Starting the week chasing a 1RM in the push press before partnering up to chase some Calories on the ski!

Strength:

Every 90 sec x 8 - 1 Push press build to a max

Conditioning:

3 Rounds in pairs, in a 7-minute window

40/30 cal ski

40 TTB

40 push Press (60/40)

Cal Ski in the remaining time

Rest 3 mins

Tuesday:

Bringing the heat on a Tuesday with some 1RM Deadlifts! 9min AMRAP will follow this workout will get Spicy!

Strength:

A) EMOM 12

M1 - 20-30 sec dip support

M2 - 20 sec/leg sl glute bridge

M3 - 15 Banded Good Mornings

B) Every 90 sec x 6 - 2 Deadlift building

C) 8 mins to establish a 1RM

Conditioning:

9min AMRAP

5 DL @ 60% of 1 RM

5 Handstand Push Ups

*Every round, add one rep!

Wednesday:

Some strict work to get the upper body working, then 8 3-minute rounds where the harder you work, the more rest you get!

Strength:

EMOM x 10 1/5 strict pull-ups

Conditioning:

Every 3 mins x 8

18/15/12 cal Ass bike

8 DB Thrusters

8 pull-ups

Thursday:

What better than building to a heavy Front Squat followed by all-out 500m efforts on the rower.

Strength

A) Every 2 mins x 5 - 2/2/2/2/5 front squat

B) Every 2.30 mins x 5 16 KB Walking Lunge into 12 Alt KB Gorilla Rows

Conditioning:

For time

500m row

Rest 3 mins

500m row

Friday:

What an end to the week, an upper-body pump session in Therapy!

Strength:

Every 90 sec x 9

A: 12-15 DB Skull Crushers

B: 10-15 barbell bicep curl

C: 5/5 Alternating DB Z Press

Conditioning:

28min AMRAP

3 DB Renegade Rows

12 Dual DB Deadlift

5 Wall Walks

Pool Run

Rest 90 sec

Every round + 1 Renegade Row on Each Arm

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
January Members of the Month

InnerFight: Matt Gorman

Matt brings an incredible amount of energy every time he shows up! He encourages and pushes the guys he trains with, and this month, he has taken his training to another level. He has consistently run 10-15km on Saturdays on his own and completed 25km during the Dirtopia event. He always has a smile on his face and consistently embodies the InnerFight values.

Youth: Roman Polevikov

Roman is a regular in our Kids' programme, and he always brings a fantastic attitude to every class. He's enthusiastic, ready to work hard, and sets a great example for his peers. Roman always gives his best effort, and we often see him at community events working out with his dad, Sergei!

But it's not just Roman's dedication to fitness that makes him stand out. He's also funny, kind, inclusive, and an absolute joy to have in class.

Congratulations, Roman! Keep up the great work!

Endurance: Laurinda Kruger

Injuries are tough. They drain us physically and, even more so, mentally. Often, the default is to focus on what we can’t do.

As a runner, being told you might not run for 10–12 months can be devastating—especially when the injury isn’t even to your legs but to your shoulder.

But that wasn’t the case for Laurinda.

It might sound cliché to say she leaned into the discomfort, but that’s exactly what she did. We explored every possible modality and activity she could do to maintain her aerobic base while prioritising shoulder rehab.

There were tears, setbacks, laughter, and moments where we had to stop, rethink, and completely change direction—but the results have been nothing short of incredible. Five months later, she ran a 10km, half marathon, and marathon PB—all in one race—qualifying for both Two Oceans and Comrades.

A true testament to what’s possible when athletes and coaches work together, not against each other. A massive shoutout to all the @if_endurance coaches involved in her journey!

There are still mountains to climb, but we’re in a great place to do it.

Ladies Run Club: Emanuela Michalides

Ela naturally lives by the InnerFight brand values and is an asset to the LRC community. Recently running a PB in her marathon (3:19), she has returned to training with her usual smile following some much-needed post-race and Christmas downtime. Ela is an absolute pleasure to coach, and we are excited to see which race she takes on next when the time is right.

Endurance - Ireland: Josh Proper

Nothing but forward thinking and a will to listen and progress. As our Rookie of the Year in 2024, Josh continues to live by our values and reap the rewards. We want to recognise Josh this month for his commitment throughout January and his curiosity. Josh understands the importance of his foundational training in getting where he needs to go for his targets in 2025.

Endurance - New Zealand: Lauren Joal Jones

Congratulations to Lauren Joal Jones for being our MOTM for January!

Lauren joined InnerFight Endurance in November last year after taking three years off running due to burnout. She has returned to training with a greater understanding of what it means to train sustainably while still having fun.

After two months of building a solid aerobic base, Lauren levelled up this January with a focus on speedwork and longer, hilly runs in preparation for the Tarawera 21km. She has adapted to harder sessions effectively, ensuring she is fuelling properly and looking after all areas of her life.

There are many things in life and training that Lauren wants to achieve this year, and I’m excited to see her continue to thrive.

Keep asking questions, Lauren, and enjoy the process of training and discovering what you truly love to do. All the best for the Tarawera 21km in two weeks’ time!

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Endurance #25-26

The Monday Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com\

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba

Track Tuesday

Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Wednesday - Indoor Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com

Thursday - Endurance Strength

A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.

Time: 06:30am

Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com

Friday - Coffee Run

Our weekly tempo run.  Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.

Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time
: 05:59 am

Start Location: Common Grounds

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Ladies Run Club 25-26

Monday

Session: LRC Tempo

There is no in-person session today. LRC Unlimited and Online clients, please check your TrainingPeaks accounts for the built session. Enjoy.

Tuesday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Session: Track Tuesday

This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. Come ready to run fast and have fun.

Wednesday

Session: LRC Intervals

There is no in-person session today. LRC Unlimited and Online clients, please check your TrainingPeaks accounts for the built session. Enjoy.

Friday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Common Grounds

Session: The Coffee Run

This is our weekly Tempo Session with InnerFight Endurance. Come ready to run, work hard, and enjoy coffee afterwards.

Sunday

Time: 5:29am

Location: Cafe Peloton car park

Session: The Coffee Run

Route options:

5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/evqgc848

10km: https://onthegomap.com/s/63kid650

14.5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/v56bkn24

19.5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/se0bifs8

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
Daily Workout 25-26

Monday:

Starting the week chasing a 1RM in the push press before partnering up to chase some Calories on the ski!

Strength:

Every 90 sec x 8 - 1 Push press build to a max

Conditioning:

3 Rounds in pairs, in a 7-minute window

40/30 cal ski

40 TTB

40 push Press (60/40)

Cal Ski in the remaining time

Rest 3 mins

Tuesday:

Bringing the heat on a Tuesday with some 1RM Deadlifts! 9min AMRAP will follow this workout will get Spicy!

Strength:

A) EMOM 12

M1 - 20-30 sec dip support

M2 - 20 sec/leg sl glute bridge

M3 - 15 Banded Good Mornings

B) Every 90 sec x 6 - 2 Deadlift building

C) 8 mins to establish a 1RM

Conditioning:

9min AMRAP

5 DL @ 60% of 1 RM

5 Handstand Push Ups

*Every round, add one rep!

Wednesday:

Some strict work to get the upper body working, then 8 3-minute rounds where the harder you work, the more rest you get!

Strength:

EMOM x 10 1/5 strict pull-ups

Conditioning:

Every 3 mins x 8

18/15/12 cal Ass bike

8 DB Thrusters

8 pull-ups

Thursday:

What better than building to a heavy Front Squat followed by all-out 500m efforts on the rower.

Strength

A) Every 2 mins x 5 - 2/2/2/2/5 front squat

B) Every 2.30 mins x 5 16 KB Walking Lunge into 12 Alt KB Gorilla Rows

Conditioning:

For time

500m row

Rest 3 mins

500m row

Friday:

What an end to the week, an upper-body pump session in Therapy!

Strength:

Every 90 sec x 9

A: 12-15 DB Skull Crushers

B: 10-15 barbell bicep curl

C: 5/5 Alternating DB Z Press

Conditioning:

28min AMRAP

3 DB Renegade Rows

12 Dual DB Deadlift

5 Wall Walks

Pool Run

Rest 90 sec

Every round + 1 Renegade Row on Each Arm

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Specialty Class #25-26

GYMNASTICS

No Thursday PM Classes for the next 6 weeks.

This week, we’re working on handstand push-up development. We’ll start on the floor working on hip drive power, headstand balance and core work followed by box and wall drills before a strength piece to finish.

HYBRID FITNESS

This week's HYBRID session, we are working through repeats of specific sections of the race to dial in timings and feel. The primary focus will be on the initial four stages of the race.

MOBILITY

WEIGHTLIFTING

This week, we will focus on the squat snatch.  With a fun complex snatch pull, Hang squat snatch and OHS. Great technique session!

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
January Members of the Month

InnerFight: Matt Gorman

Matt brings an incredible amount of energy every time he shows up! He encourages and pushes the guys he trains with, and this month, he has taken his training to another level. He has consistently run 10-15km on Saturdays on his own and completed 25km during the Dirtopia event. He always has a smile on his face and consistently embodies the InnerFight values.

Youth: Roman Polevikov

Roman is a regular in our Kids' programme, and he always brings a fantastic attitude to every class. He's enthusiastic, ready to work hard, and sets a great example for his peers. Roman always gives his best effort, and we often see him at community events working out with his dad, Sergei!

But it's not just Roman's dedication to fitness that makes him stand out. He's also funny, kind, inclusive, and an absolute joy to have in class.

Congratulations, Roman! Keep up the great work!

Endurance: Laurinda Kruger

Injuries are tough. They drain us physically and, even more so, mentally. Often, the default is to focus on what we can’t do.

As a runner, being told you might not run for 10–12 months can be devastating—especially when the injury isn’t even to your legs but to your shoulder.

But that wasn’t the case for Laurinda.

It might sound cliché to say she leaned into the discomfort, but that’s exactly what she did. We explored every possible modality and activity she could do to maintain her aerobic base while prioritising shoulder rehab.

There were tears, setbacks, laughter, and moments where we had to stop, rethink, and completely change direction—but the results have been nothing short of incredible. Five months later, she ran a 10km, half marathon, and marathon PB—all in one race—qualifying for both Two Oceans and Comrades.

A true testament to what’s possible when athletes and coaches work together, not against each other. A massive shoutout to all the @if_endurance coaches involved in her journey!

There are still mountains to climb, but we’re in a great place to do it.

Ladies Run Club: Emanuela Michalides

Ela naturally lives by the InnerFight brand values and is an asset to the LRC community. Recently running a PB in her marathon (3:19), she has returned to training with her usual smile following some much-needed post-race and Christmas downtime. Ela is an absolute pleasure to coach, and we are excited to see which race she takes on next when the time is right.

Endurance - Ireland: Josh Proper

Nothing but forward thinking and a will to listen and progress. As our Rookie of the Year in 2024, Josh continues to live by our values and reap the rewards. We want to recognise Josh this month for his commitment throughout January and his curiosity. Josh understands the importance of his foundational training in getting where he needs to go for his targets in 2025.

Endurance - New Zealand: Lauren Joal Jones

Congratulations to Lauren Joal Jones for being our MOTM for January!

Lauren joined InnerFight Endurance in November last year after taking three years off running due to burnout. She has returned to training with a greater understanding of what it means to train sustainably while still having fun.

After two months of building a solid aerobic base, Lauren levelled up this January with a focus on speedwork and longer, hilly runs in preparation for the Tarawera 21km. She has adapted to harder sessions effectively, ensuring she is fuelling properly and looking after all areas of her life.

There are many things in life and training that Lauren wants to achieve this year, and I’m excited to see her continue to thrive.

Keep asking questions, Lauren, and enjoy the process of training and discovering what you truly love to do. All the best for the Tarawera 21km in two weeks’ time!

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Ladies Run Club 25-26

Monday

Session: LRC Tempo

There is no in-person session today. LRC Unlimited and Online clients, please check your TrainingPeaks accounts for the built session. Enjoy.

Tuesday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Session: Track Tuesday

This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. Come ready to run fast and have fun.

Wednesday

Session: LRC Intervals

There is no in-person session today. LRC Unlimited and Online clients, please check your TrainingPeaks accounts for the built session. Enjoy.

Friday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Common Grounds

Session: The Coffee Run

This is our weekly Tempo Session with InnerFight Endurance. Come ready to run, work hard, and enjoy coffee afterwards.

Sunday

Time: 5:29am

Location: Cafe Peloton car park

Session: The Coffee Run

Route options:

5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/evqgc848

10km: https://onthegomap.com/s/63kid650

14.5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/v56bkn24

19.5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/se0bifs8

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
Daily Workout 25-26

Monday:

Starting the week chasing a 1RM in the push press before partnering up to chase some Calories on the ski!

Strength:

Every 90 sec x 8 - 1 Push press build to a max

Conditioning:

3 Rounds in pairs, in a 7-minute window

40/30 cal ski

40 TTB

40 push Press (60/40)

Cal Ski in the remaining time

Rest 3 mins

Tuesday:

Bringing the heat on a Tuesday with some 1RM Deadlifts! 9min AMRAP will follow this workout will get Spicy!

Strength:

A) EMOM 12

M1 - 20-30 sec dip support

M2 - 20 sec/leg sl glute bridge

M3 - 15 Banded Good Mornings

B) Every 90 sec x 6 - 2 Deadlift building

C) 8 mins to establish a 1RM

Conditioning:

9min AMRAP

5 DL @ 60% of 1 RM

5 Handstand Push Ups

*Every round, add one rep!

Wednesday:

Some strict work to get the upper body working, then 8 3-minute rounds where the harder you work, the more rest you get!

Strength:

EMOM x 10 1/5 strict pull-ups

Conditioning:

Every 3 mins x 8

18/15/12 cal Ass bike

8 DB Thrusters

8 pull-ups

Thursday:

What better than building to a heavy Front Squat followed by all-out 500m efforts on the rower.

Strength

A) Every 2 mins x 5 - 2/2/2/2/5 front squat

B) Every 2.30 mins x 5 16 KB Walking Lunge into 12 Alt KB Gorilla Rows

Conditioning:

For time

500m row

Rest 3 mins

500m row

Friday:

What an end to the week, an upper-body pump session in Therapy!

Strength:

Every 90 sec x 9

A: 12-15 DB Skull Crushers

B: 10-15 barbell bicep curl

C: 5/5 Alternating DB Z Press

Conditioning:

28min AMRAP

3 DB Renegade Rows

12 Dual DB Deadlift

5 Wall Walks

Pool Run

Rest 90 sec

Every round + 1 Renegade Row on Each Arm

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Specialty Class #25-26

GYMNASTICS

No Thursday PM Classes for the next 6 weeks.

This week, we’re working on handstand push-up development. We’ll start on the floor working on hip drive power, headstand balance and core work followed by box and wall drills before a strength piece to finish.

HYBRID FITNESS

This week's HYBRID session, we are working through repeats of specific sections of the race to dial in timings and feel. The primary focus will be on the initial four stages of the race.

MOBILITY

WEIGHTLIFTING

This week, we will focus on the squat snatch.  With a fun complex snatch pull, Hang squat snatch and OHS. Great technique session!

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Endurance #25-26

The Monday Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com\

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba

Track Tuesday

Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Wednesday - Indoor Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com

Thursday - Endurance Strength

A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.

Time: 06:30am

Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com

Friday - Coffee Run

Our weekly tempo run.  Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.

Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time
: 05:59 am

Start Location: Common Grounds

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
January Members of the Month

InnerFight: Matt Gorman

Matt brings an incredible amount of energy every time he shows up! He encourages and pushes the guys he trains with, and this month, he has taken his training to another level. He has consistently run 10-15km on Saturdays on his own and completed 25km during the Dirtopia event. He always has a smile on his face and consistently embodies the InnerFight values.

Youth: Roman Polevikov

Roman is a regular in our Kids' programme, and he always brings a fantastic attitude to every class. He's enthusiastic, ready to work hard, and sets a great example for his peers. Roman always gives his best effort, and we often see him at community events working out with his dad, Sergei!

But it's not just Roman's dedication to fitness that makes him stand out. He's also funny, kind, inclusive, and an absolute joy to have in class.

Congratulations, Roman! Keep up the great work!

Endurance: Laurinda Kruger

Injuries are tough. They drain us physically and, even more so, mentally. Often, the default is to focus on what we can’t do.

As a runner, being told you might not run for 10–12 months can be devastating—especially when the injury isn’t even to your legs but to your shoulder.

But that wasn’t the case for Laurinda.

It might sound cliché to say she leaned into the discomfort, but that’s exactly what she did. We explored every possible modality and activity she could do to maintain her aerobic base while prioritising shoulder rehab.

There were tears, setbacks, laughter, and moments where we had to stop, rethink, and completely change direction—but the results have been nothing short of incredible. Five months later, she ran a 10km, half marathon, and marathon PB—all in one race—qualifying for both Two Oceans and Comrades.

A true testament to what’s possible when athletes and coaches work together, not against each other. A massive shoutout to all the @if_endurance coaches involved in her journey!

There are still mountains to climb, but we’re in a great place to do it.

Ladies Run Club: Emanuela Michalides

Ela naturally lives by the InnerFight brand values and is an asset to the LRC community. Recently running a PB in her marathon (3:19), she has returned to training with her usual smile following some much-needed post-race and Christmas downtime. Ela is an absolute pleasure to coach, and we are excited to see which race she takes on next when the time is right.

Endurance - Ireland: Josh Proper

Nothing but forward thinking and a will to listen and progress. As our Rookie of the Year in 2024, Josh continues to live by our values and reap the rewards. We want to recognise Josh this month for his commitment throughout January and his curiosity. Josh understands the importance of his foundational training in getting where he needs to go for his targets in 2025.

Endurance - New Zealand: Lauren Joal Jones

Congratulations to Lauren Joal Jones for being our MOTM for January!

Lauren joined InnerFight Endurance in November last year after taking three years off running due to burnout. She has returned to training with a greater understanding of what it means to train sustainably while still having fun.

After two months of building a solid aerobic base, Lauren levelled up this January with a focus on speedwork and longer, hilly runs in preparation for the Tarawera 21km. She has adapted to harder sessions effectively, ensuring she is fuelling properly and looking after all areas of her life.

There are many things in life and training that Lauren wants to achieve this year, and I’m excited to see her continue to thrive.

Keep asking questions, Lauren, and enjoy the process of training and discovering what you truly love to do. All the best for the Tarawera 21km in two weeks’ time!

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
January Members of the Month

InnerFight: Matt Gorman

Matt brings an incredible amount of energy every time he shows up! He encourages and pushes the guys he trains with, and this month, he has taken his training to another level. He has consistently run 10-15km on Saturdays on his own and completed 25km during the Dirtopia event. He always has a smile on his face and consistently embodies the InnerFight values.

Youth: Roman Polevikov

Roman is a regular in our Kids' programme, and he always brings a fantastic attitude to every class. He's enthusiastic, ready to work hard, and sets a great example for his peers. Roman always gives his best effort, and we often see him at community events working out with his dad, Sergei!

But it's not just Roman's dedication to fitness that makes him stand out. He's also funny, kind, inclusive, and an absolute joy to have in class.

Congratulations, Roman! Keep up the great work!

Endurance: Laurinda Kruger

Injuries are tough. They drain us physically and, even more so, mentally. Often, the default is to focus on what we can’t do.

As a runner, being told you might not run for 10–12 months can be devastating—especially when the injury isn’t even to your legs but to your shoulder.

But that wasn’t the case for Laurinda.

It might sound cliché to say she leaned into the discomfort, but that’s exactly what she did. We explored every possible modality and activity she could do to maintain her aerobic base while prioritising shoulder rehab.

There were tears, setbacks, laughter, and moments where we had to stop, rethink, and completely change direction—but the results have been nothing short of incredible. Five months later, she ran a 10km, half marathon, and marathon PB—all in one race—qualifying for both Two Oceans and Comrades.

A true testament to what’s possible when athletes and coaches work together, not against each other. A massive shoutout to all the @if_endurance coaches involved in her journey!

There are still mountains to climb, but we’re in a great place to do it.

Ladies Run Club: Emanuela Michalides

Ela naturally lives by the InnerFight brand values and is an asset to the LRC community. Recently running a PB in her marathon (3:19), she has returned to training with her usual smile following some much-needed post-race and Christmas downtime. Ela is an absolute pleasure to coach, and we are excited to see which race she takes on next when the time is right.

Endurance - Ireland: Josh Proper

Nothing but forward thinking and a will to listen and progress. As our Rookie of the Year in 2024, Josh continues to live by our values and reap the rewards. We want to recognise Josh this month for his commitment throughout January and his curiosity. Josh understands the importance of his foundational training in getting where he needs to go for his targets in 2025.

Endurance - New Zealand: Lauren Joal Jones

Congratulations to Lauren Joal Jones for being our MOTM for January!

Lauren joined InnerFight Endurance in November last year after taking three years off running due to burnout. She has returned to training with a greater understanding of what it means to train sustainably while still having fun.

After two months of building a solid aerobic base, Lauren levelled up this January with a focus on speedwork and longer, hilly runs in preparation for the Tarawera 21km. She has adapted to harder sessions effectively, ensuring she is fuelling properly and looking after all areas of her life.

There are many things in life and training that Lauren wants to achieve this year, and I’m excited to see her continue to thrive.

Keep asking questions, Lauren, and enjoy the process of training and discovering what you truly love to do. All the best for the Tarawera 21km in two weeks’ time!