You’ve started training for the Bellin Run, right?

March 18, 2011

Snowy or freezing weather isn’t really a valid excuse anymore for delaying your training runs for this summer’s Bellin Run.

Nate Vandervest, a running specialist with Bellin Health Fitness & Athletic Performance, has suggestions on how and why you should get out and start training.

“The snow is finally starting to melt and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering how you can get into shape. Making the decision to take part in the Bellin Run, the nation’s 7th largest 10K event, is a great start.  

Running is one of the biggest calorie-burning activities available to us, not to mention it offers loads of health benefits – lower cholesterol, improved cardiac health, and much more. So how do you get off the couch and onto the treadmill or out onto the sidewalks and local running trails?  

First, make the commitment. Signing up to run or walk the Bellin Run is the equivalent of signing a contract with yourself. Because once you sign up, you know the next step is to train your body for the 6.2-mile run/walk.

Next, recruit others. This is a great event in which to get family members and friends involved. Also, see if your employer has a Bellin Run Corporate Challenge team you can join. Camaraderie can be a great boost to training efforts.

Finally, start training. The Bellin Run offers a Training Guide and Pace Chart for beginners and veterans alike. We also offer free training sessions like the annual Run a Better Bellin class and a number of related running and injury prevention clinics led by fitness and athletic training professionals, like me. So if you’re still uncertain how to get started with your training, check out any of these offerings and talk to running professionals, as well as people of similar running experience. You have lots of support … and very few excuses left.

The feeling of satisfaction you’ll get when you cross the Bellin Run finish line and you’ve met all your training goals is almost indescribable. Once you complete the race it will be that much easier to continue on your path to enhanced health and fitness and turn a one time race into a complete health and fitness lifestyle change.”

The 35th annual Bellin Run is at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 11.