Runner looks to break barriers

Runner, actor, documentary maker and podcaster Andrew Lorenzo. Photo by Damjan Janevski.

By Alesha Capone

Andrew Lorenzo hopes that documenting his journey to become a better runner will provide inspiration for others.

The Tarneit man is filming a documentary titled Breaking the Barrier, chronicling his efforts to complete a marathon in less than two hours and 40 minutes, within a two-year time frame.

He has also launched a podcast of the same title, in which he speaks about running and interviews other runners, coaches and motivational speakers.

“The whole point is not only to break a sub 2.40 (marathon) but to inspire people while I do it,” Mr Lorenzo said.

“I think it’s just about spreading the message and the hope that someone listening may realise there is something more in themselves.”

Mr Lorenzo said he decided that he wanted to tackle a marathon after completing a 10 kilometre Run Melbourne event last year.

“That was the first-ever race I’d done,” he said. “It was just a rush, I crossed the finish line and it was awesome.

“An hour later, I was like, ‘I’m doing a marathon’.”

Mr Lorenzo completed his first marathon, last year’s Melbourne Marathon, with a time of 4 hours, 29 minutes and 21 seconds.

He said he spent eight weeks training for the marathon, which had led to him making other lifestyle changes, such as eating more healthily.

Mr Lorenzo has joined the Wynfit running group and started participating in the local park run.

“That’s been the most rewarding thing, the running community is very supportive,” he said.

See www.breakingthebarrierrunning.com/ for details of the podcast.