Why I Run the Bellin Run: Evie Dumas, Pulaski

May 6, 2013

My first Bellin Run was in 2010. I was overweight and just wanted to get into shape and be healthier.

I started training for the Bellin. I didn’t really lose any weight that first year, but I ran the whole Bellin. So in 2011, I just wanted to beat my time by 10 minutes. I was unable to participate in the run though because I had problems with plantar fasciitis. I was bummed out but I kept working at it.

Last year I was down 10 pounds and doing the Bellin Run again. My feet were doing great. Even with the heat last year I had to walk some at the water stations to make sure I was getting plenty of water, but I did beat my time from the first race so I was happy with that.

This year I really put the hammer down. I have been going to the gym four days a week and running outside on the weekends, even when it was only 10 degrees out. I have signed up for my first half marathon in May and I am down a total of 26 pounds.

I like to think the Bellin Run is what started out my change in life. I am healthier now than I have ever been. I am 37 and I want to be in great shape for when I turn 40. I never thought I would be able to run more than 6.2 miles and recently I ran 9 miles. I was more excited though when I hit 6 miles and noticed that I had done that in 1 hour, shaving 20-some minutes off my Bellin Run time from last year.

I am looking forward to the Bellin Run this year. My goal is to finish in less than an hour, but I won’t be disappointed if it is an hour. I haven’t set a weight loss goal. Really, I have a statement that I just want to be the healthiest I can be, so that is what I work at.

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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.