ARARAT - Ararat running coach Marcus Cooper says the Ararat Active8 participant he is paired with will be trained like an athlete over the coming weeks.
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Marcus leads a talented bunch of local runners that compete over six months each year on the Victorian Athletic League circuit.
He said with the Marcus Cooper Stable's pre-season training in full swing, it would be the perfect opportunity for the participant to join the supportive environment.
"I think when you are in a group, for one you always turn up because you don't want to let anyone down, and when you get there and notice everyone else getting stuck into the training you get into it too," Marcus said.
"We are really good because we get in there and help each other out. If we see someone struggling we give them a bit of encouragement, get them going and push them that little bit further.
"The participant is lucky because we are going to be doing shed work also, so as well as running we will do weights and general fitness stuff.
"I will be training them like one of my athletes."
Over many years Marcus has forged a reputation as one of the top running coaches in Victoria.
He began running as a teenager at the Ararat Tech School before training under a number of well known local sporting identities.
Marcus has tasted success many times in his long career, winning a number of prestigious Gift races, while in more recent years he has turned his attention to training athletes in the Ararat district - young and old.
He said seeing people having fun and getting fit at the same time is what he enjoys most about coaching.
"I love running and helping people getting fit and achieve goals," he said.
"Being active is a very big part of leading a healthy lifestyle, but you've got to eat right too.
"Just looking after yourself in general is key. Your body is a temple and this is not a practice it is the real thing, so make the most of it."