It is no surprise that the students at Cadillac Kenwood Elementary are inspired by Laurie Decker's example. She has put in the training needed for a top-caliber racing season. Result: she is Female Master Runner of the Year.

Laurie's quiet and humble demeanor might lead you to overlook her competitive drive and high level of motivation. She is willing to listen and learn, and has profited from the lessons of her mentors, whom she credits. There is nothing haphazard about the way she applies the knowledge she has gained.

Laurie's 19-race schedule for 2001 featured PR's and fine performances. She was the first-place Michigan master at the River Bank Run 25K (1:41:43), Pietro's 5K (19:57) and Ludington Lakestride Half-Marathon (1:30:05). She was state master's runner-up at the Crim 10-mile (1:04:47), the Spectrum Irish Jig 5K (19:20) and the Diemer 5K (18:47). She ran a 17:59 PR at the Grand Haven Coast Guard 5K, and set a master's course record (18:40) at the Sparta Applefest 5K.

Curious to know about what makes her tick? So was I ...

Laurie started running about six years ago, after watching her son, Eric, and daughter, Erin, run cross-country in Dave Foley's program at Cadillac. The camaraderie of the runners inspired her and her husband, Kevin, to take up the sport.

Three years ago, she began training with (and under the guidance of) Cadillac assistant cross-country coach Michelle Brines and Cindy Wotila. Laurie added speed work, hills, longer runs and regular weight training, and her 5K times improved.

In 2001, she branched out for the first time to longer race distances with fantastic results. Laurie maintains a training schedule of about 35 miles per week with a long run of 10 miles. She does about 80- to 90-percent of her running on trails near her home. Thanks to her mentors' advice -- and husband Kevin's interest in learning more about running and coaching -- Laurie has incorporated rest days, nutrition, good hydration, intelligent speedwork, and intensity in a disciplined formula that has prevented her from experiencing injuries.

Laurie combines her running with a full life. She works as a teacher's assistant helping elementary children with reading and math skills, using her experiences and achievements as examples to assist kids in setting goals. Laurie likes to express herself through watercolor, creative writing and knitting. She uses her time on the roads and trails to solve problems, develop creative ideas and to "think outside the box."

Talking to Laurie makes it clear how important the mental aspects of running are to success. She is inspired by other runners and by the ways in which runners encourage each other. She draws on quotes she finds in Runner's World and in "The Quotable Runner" by Mark Will-Webster.

Laurie's advice to other runners, in addition to regular hill work and off-road running, is to read something that inspires you. "Victory is on the starting line" -- one of her favorite quotes -- has helped her to victory at the finish line as well.

Robin Sarris-Hallop was Female Runner of the Year in 1999 and Masters Runner of the Year in 1998.