Carla's road to Comrades runs through Wellness World in George

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BUSINESS NEWS - For Carla Spangenberg, lunch break is not about sitting down - it is about getting stronger.

This Comrades athlete trains at Wellness World Gymnasium in George, building the strength and endurance she needs for the gruelling miles ahead.

Carla works as an administration manager at a short-term insurance company directly across the gym, making her training part of her working routine.

Before her day even begins, she is often out running through George's neighbourhoods and town centre. Her husband and young son are her biggest supporters. "They often go along when I train. When my legs start getting tired, my son sings out from the car: "Hou bene, hou!'"

Those small moments remind Carla that her running is not a journey she takes alone, and that it includes her extended family at the gymnasium.

"The staff at Wellness World are always willing to help and offer advice, and the supportive atmosphere makes it easier to stick to my training, even on days when I am tired," says Carla.

Wellness World branch manager Marizaan van de Merwe and her team are immensely proud of Carla's achievements and dedication. "Her strength training programme is not simply about being 'strong', but focuses on exercises that can benefit her as a long-distance athlete."

Carla Spangenberg completed the Comrades Marathon in 7:10:26, finishing 27th among the women. In the process she fulfilled her biggest Comrades dream: winning a silver medal.

Carla works on her glutes, quads, hamstrings and core, as well as plyometric exercises that help with strength development, explosiveness and running efficiency. "One of the biggest things I have learnt over the years is that strength training is not time away from running. It is part of your running," says Carla.

Wellness World currently offers 12-month memberships with no joining fee, including single adult membership at R339 per month, student and senior citizen membership at R280, and two-adult membership at R620.

The gym is at 2 Joubert Plaza, 100 Meade Street, George, and can be contacted on 044 873 4340.

Running partners Kosie Gericke, Carla Spangenberg and Mario Meyer.

The Wellness World George team: Pierre Jean Treurnicht, Mekayla Gertse, Christo Sander, Marizaan van de Merwe, Vanessa Hendricks and Johannes Riaan Solts. Photo: Michelle Pienaar