Why I run the Bellin Run: Andy Whitman, Green Bay

May 11, 2011

I always ran, but never to the extent I do now.

When I moved to Green Bay last spring I considered myself a bit of a runner, so a co-worker suggested I participate in the Bellin Run. I was apprehensive at first but decided to give it a try.

I don’t like to start anything that I don’t think I can do well, so I went to the bookstore and spent an hour or two searching for a training book. In no time I was running 30-40 miles a week, way more than I ever had done before. I was using a four-month training program though and I only had three months until the big race so I cut out some of the suggested training weeks.

I stuck to it and come race day I put up modest numbers. I finished something like 260ish. Now, I want to see what a full year of training does to my time. But also, I have really begun to enjoy running more. At first it was just for training, but with each run I began to like running a little more. Now, on days that I don’t run, I actually feel a little empty inside.

So I run for a sense of purpose and fulfillment. But I’m running the Bellin Run to try and compete with the really fast runners and maybe one day pass them (maybe a little too ambitious). Either way, the Bellin Run introduced a whole new life to me, and that is why I will be running my second race in June.

Share Your Story
Send us a few paragraphs on why you’re participating in the Bellin Run and we’ll use your stories in a variety of ways, including posting them on our website’s blog at www.bellinrun.com.

E-mail your reasons for running (or walking) to Femi Cole at [email protected]. Put “Why I run/walk the Bellin Run” in the subject line. We’ll be watching for your stories.