Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 109, Aug 2018 | Page 9
SIBLING
RIVALRY
PFMA CLUB
Leigh Privett has made a name for herself in Gauteng
running circles this season, having made the podium at
a number of races, but what many don’t know is that
right beside her is her training partner and biggest fan,
her younger brother, Michael Sherman. And this sibling double-act from the Planet Fitness
Modern Athlete Running Club is tough to beat in any half marathon.
R
umour has it that Leigh started running before
she could walk, and was encouraged to pursue
her running talent by her dad, a Springbok
Athlete in his day. By the time she reached high
school and was competing more seriously with the
guidance of a coach, Michael, at nine years her junior,
was watching from the stands, and would be following
in his sister’s footsteps.
These days, the pair train together regularly, but it is
rather amusing to hear their differing perspectives
on these training sessions. Michael describes his
tendency to sing while on a run as the thing that
annoys his sister most, but as Leigh puts it, “there
is never a dull moment when we train together. For
obvious reasons, it’s safer than training alone, and
Michael’s bad jokes and shocking singing keep me
entertained and motivated.”
While extremely close and supportive of each other,
these two both describe themselves as fiercely
competitive, which means it’s always a race! However,
it’s less against each other, and more about constantly
trying to better their individual performances, chasing
personal best times and giving each race their best
shot. And they love comparing the week’s mileage
and times.
On race day, they agree that running the whole race
together is just not feasible, but Michael is strategic
in pacing Leigh
and ensuring
she doesn’t start
too quickly. Her
racing strategies
are far more
calculated,
though,
including that
she entices him to enter and run
races with her with the promise of breakfast after the
race! Whoever finishes first on the day, this brother
and sister share a bond that is mutually cherished
and nothing brings each of them more pleasure than
seeing the other succeed.
SIGN UP TODAY!
The Planet Fitness Modern Athlete (PFMA) Running Club is the first of its kind in SA, offering not only regular training runs and a sense of community, but also access to the best gym
facilities at SA’s preferred health and fitness destination. Sign up today and qualify for these benefits:
•
•
Club Training Runs: PFMA members can join social group runs from one
of the PFMA associated Planet Fitness MegaClubs: Bedfordview, Wanderers,
Fourways, Centurion Gate and Waterkloof.
Chilling with JOINTEze: After the highs and lows of racing, members can relax
in our exclusive Chill Zone, and can also jump the queue for a massage from
the JOINTEze team.
•
•
Preparing with Power Plate: Power Plate and its Run Injury Free! Programme has
supplied us with our own Power Plate, so that we can ensure that members are prepared
for racing, and able to recover afterwards.
6-Week Complimentary Gym Access: PFMA runners are eligible for six weeks of
complimentary access to the PFMA associated MegaClub of their choice. Thereafter, an
exclusive PFMA membership offer is available at these gyms.
PFMA Membership Packages
Gold
(Planet Fitness Members)
Club Vest Free R300
Group Runs (Tues/Thurs/Sat) Running-Focused Strength Class
n/a
Monthly Talks from Experts in the industry Free Free
30% 20%
R99 R99
ASA License
6 Week Complimentary Access to Planet Fitness
Training App with weekly programmes
PFMA Zone and Catering at races
Free Entry at selected races
#9to5 Challenge at a discounted rate
Just Run
(non Planet Fitness members)
Monthly Contribution
Terms and conditions apply
PFMA runners are proud ambassadors of
the #runclean initiative, and our club vests
feature the unique #runclean anti-litter
pocket, which allows us to hold onto litter
until we can get to a bin.
Find out more
• Visit www.pfmaclub.co.za to sign up.
• Email [email protected] if you have questions.
• Follow us on our Facebook Page: pfmaclub.
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