🏃 Lander Vermeulen
SPECIALTIES:
Marathon and Half Marathon
STORY:
From the Pitch to the Pavement: My Running Journey
Running wasn’t always the goal. It started as a way to stay fit for football. Back then, it was all about match day, and running was just part of the routine. But somewhere between training drills and recovery jogs, something shifted. I discovered that I didn’t just like running — I needed it.
I began on the track with the 800 meters, drawn to the intensity, the speed, the burn. Over time, I found myself gravitating toward the 1500 meters. It was the perfect mix of endurance and strategy, where every race challenged both body and mind.
While studying for my master’s in sport science, I decided to take running seriously. I trained smarter, recovered better, and saw real progress. But like any runner knows, the journey isn’t always smooth. Injuries started to show up. Setbacks came when I least expected them. It was frustrating and often felt like all the momentum I had built was slipping away.
During those tougher periods, my bike became my closest ally. When I couldn’t run, I could still move. I kept building my aerobic base, staying strong and connected to the process. Those moments, though challenging, taught me some of the most valuable lessons. I learned how to be patient, how to adapt, and how to come back stronger.
And I did come back.
In 2022, I reached the high point of my track career.
A personal best of 1:51 in the 800 meters.
A 3:46 in the 1500 meters.
That winter, I finished sixth in the European Championships selection race, just three places away from making the team. It was close enough to inspire belief and close enough to hurt.
Now, my focus has shifted to road racing. New goals. New terrain. But the same fire still burns.
When you’re out there chasing seconds and pushing limits, the gear you wear makes a real difference. That’s when I discovered MIER. The moment I tried their gear, I knew it was something special. The clothes feel like a second skin — light, smooth, and barely noticeable. Even after countless runs and washes, they hold up incredibly well. That kind of quality helps you focus on what really matters: showing up and giving your best every day.
Running has taken me through highs and lows, success and setbacks. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that progress isn’t just measured in times or medals. It’s about showing up. Again and again. No matter what.
And when your gear supports you through every step, that journey becomes just a little bit easier.
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