At 56 years old, Lorraine Geraldine Especkerman stands as Malaysia’s first blade runner, a title she never anticipated holding. Her path to success, paved by resilience and determination, came after a series of life-changing challenges. Especkerman, now a personal trainer, continues to inspire many through her athletic achievements and message of perseverance.
‘You have to learn to adapt, accept where you’re at,’ says Especkerman, reflecting on her journey from injury to inspiration.
A Sports-Filled Youth and the Call of Athletics
Raised in a sports-loving household in Malaysia, Especkerman enjoyed an active childhood filled with physical activities, excelling in school sports and even training with her father.
‘So I used to do a 100 meter dash in school, play football, hockey, and I cycled a lot. Running was, of course, my favorite,’ she recalls. But as life progressed, personal challenges and marriage took precedence over her athletic pursuits.
‘I married at a young age and had three children,’ she admits, with a hint of nostalgia for those earlier carefree days.
However, her first marriage turned abusive. Especkerman was faced with difficult decisions as she tried to navigate both family life and a toxic relationship. Despite the hardships, she pushed forward, raising three children while balancing work.
Yet, her love for athleticism remained close to her heart, even as life’s challenges demanded her focus elsewhere.
Navigating Through Hardships and Tragedy
After enduring an abusive first marriage, Especkerman managed the delicate balance of raising three children while working. In 2009, however, her life took a devastating turn. She and her then-fiancé were returning from a friend’s engagement party when they met with a severe car accident that would alter her life forever.
‘I was the only one who sustained the worst part of the accident,’ she recalls. Especkerman lost her leg that night, with an amputation on the spot.
The accident left then 41-year-old Especkerman with concussions, stitches, and multiple fractures, marking the start of an arduous recovery journey.
Her fiancé, who would later become her second husband, became her pillar of support through her healing process. But just as she began to rebuild her life, tragedy struck once more when her husband passed away suddenly in 2013. His death plunged her into a period of deep depression and grief, yet Especkerman persevered, drawing strength from her family and her memories of physical fitness.
Finding Strength After Loss
It was not until her daughter stepped in that Especkerman began to rediscover herself. ‘She told me to get back into the gym, where I had always been happiest,’ Especkerman recalls. What started as an attempt to cope with grief turned into a full-blown transformation. She began strength training, working on rebuilding her body and mind.
As COVID-19 hit, Especkerman took a bold step, leaving her corporate job to pursue a career in fitness. In 2021, she became a certified personal trainer, focusing on helping others improve their health. Her first client? The very orthopedic surgeon who treated her. ‘She believed in me and used my story to inspire her other patients,’ Especkerman shares proudly.
She asserted that when one is open to adapting, nothing is impossible, and no situation is unconquerable.
‘Everything requires adapting,’ Especkerman divulged.
A New Mission: Blade Running
Her journey toward becoming Malaysia’s first blade runner began almost by chance. A friend connected her with Singaporean blade runner Md Shariff Abdullah, who had been searching for a Malaysian counterpart for over 15 years. ‘I was shocked when he offered me one of his blades,’ Especkerman recounts. Abdullah’s generosity gave her the opportunity to train for the prestigious Standard Chartered Marathon.
Training with a blade was an entirely new experience for Especkerman. ‘I was used to a normal prosthetic, but running with a blade was a different challenge,’ she says. With just a month to prepare, Especkerman was determined to complete the race.
‘It’s not just physical; it’s mental too. You have to adjust to a new way of moving, and it can be exhausting.’ With just a month of training, Especkerman took on the challenge head-on.
The marathon itself presented several challenges. ‘My prosthetic gave me issues during the race. By the 6km mark, I was struggling,’ she admits. But the support she received from fellow runners and spectators kept her going. ‘People were coming up to me, giving me fist bumps, and cheering me on. That energy gave me the strength to keep moving.’
Completing the marathon, despite the physical obstacles, was a monumental achievement for Especkerman. It was not just a personal victory—it was a message to others facing adversity. ‘I wanted to show that if I can do it, anyone can. It’s all about mindset,’ she says, her voice filled with determination.
Overcoming Obstacles and Inspiring Others
Though she faced difficulties, including issues with her blade being too high for her frame, Especkerman completed the marathon. “It was a mental game by the end,” she admits. But for Especkerman, the race was about more than just personal achievement.
‘I felt blessed by the support I received,’ she says, emphasizing the importance of encouraging others, especially those facing physical challenges. ‘I want other amputees and people facing difficulties to try something new. Challenge yourself.’
Especkerman ran the KLSCM for Hospis Malaysia Run for a Reason to raise funds for palliativecare.my.
Onto the Next Mission
Today, Especkerman trains clients in her gym and continues to set ambitious goals for herself. ‘I’m planning to run a half marathon next year, and I hope to climb Mount Kinabalu,’ she reveals, her determination undimmed.
Her home gym, converted from a second room in her house, allows her to train any time she wants. Whether strength training or running long distances around Kuala Lumpur, Especkerman is continuously pushing her limits.
Her message is simple: ‘Keep fighting. Don’t back down.‘
For Especkerman, it’s a motto that has carried her through every challenge, and one she hopes will inspire others to keep moving forward.
She lives her life to also leave a legacy for her kids, stating, ‘Life is tough, but we are built tougher.’ She wants her children to recognise and acknowledge, ‘If mommy can do it, yeah, I can do it.’
To Conclude
Lorraine Especkerman’s journey as Malaysia’s first blade runner is a testament to the power of resilience. From losing her leg to running marathons, she has turned adversity into strength, inspiring others to believe in their own capabilities.
“Life will hit you hard, but you have to rise up stronger,” Especkerman says. Her story, much like her journey, is far from over.
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