Staying Fit on the Road: Lanod Westmoreland’s Journey

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — What’s the secret for a 36-year-old former Golden Gloves boxer to maintain fitness while traveling?

Lanod Westmoreland has a clear approach. “I try to exercise whenever possible,” he shared. “I bring along a 55-pound dumbbell, some resistance bands, and a dip bar. I often run around truck stops to get my heart rate up.” His commitment to fitness is reflected in his success; he won the men’s division of the Fit to Pass Fittest Driver Push-up Challenge with an impressive 125 push-ups in one go.

Inspired by Family and Athletic Background

Westmoreland’s passion for physical fitness stems from his father, a lifelong military serviceman who moved the family frequently. “Sports and athletics have always been a part of my life. I boxed both in high school and at the amateur level, including Golden Gloves in Hawaii,” he explained. Although he contemplated pursuing an Olympic career, other commitments took precedence.

A New Path in Trucking

In 2018, after his military service, Westmoreland embarked on a career in trucking. “After earning my associate degree, I joined the Air Force as an intelligence analyst, managing drone operations remotely,” he noted. Following four years with the military, he worked for a civilian contractor in Afghanistan as a tactical controller for another four years.

Transition to the Road

Yearning for a change after eight years in military roles, Westmoreland found himself drawn to trucking. “I kept seeing trucks coming in and out of the warehouse and thought, ‘I can do that,’” he recalled. Now with J&R Schugel Trucking, he transports refrigerated and dry loads, often traveling across the East Coast and Midwest for weeks at a time.

Creative Pursuits: Music and Film

While serving in the Air Force, Westmoreland also pursued a Bachelor’s degree in digital cinematography and computer networking. This led him to start his own production company, JusNod Productions. “Music has always been a passion; I play keyboard instruments and sometimes write songs or produce beats for R&B and Hip Hop,” he said, adding that he hopes to revive his production company soon.

Future Aspirations in Fitness and Film

In addition to his creative aspirations, Westmoreland is eager to share his fitness journey with others. “I want to start a fitness initiative for drivers, offering tips on healthy eating while on the road, as it can be quite challenging,” he explained. His diet relies on fresh foods from Walmart and daily protein supplements. Westmoreland also dreams of establishing a boxing gym to mentor youth. “For me, trucking is just a practical way to support my goals,” he said, emphasizing his steadfast faith as the foundation of his endeavors.

Advice for Fellow Drivers

Reflecting on his journey, Westmoreland advises, “Take it one day at a time to finish the race.” No matter where his travels take him, he focuses on staying fit while pursuing his dreams.