Why I Run the Bellin Run: Kathy Blozinski, Howard

May 10, 2013

I discovered the Bellin Walking Club last year when I set out to do my one and only Bellin Walk. That’s right, check it off the bucket list and don’t look back. But things changed for me in October of the same year.

I had just enjoyed a wonderful vacation with beach walking and rock climbing so I think my body was still in pretty good shape from all of the training for the Bellin (which, by the way, I finished in less than 2 hours which was my goal). Then the unexpected happened – I missed the third step in my garage and down I went with a crack! Just a simple mistake and my life changed forever.

I dragged myself to my car and drove directly to the emergency room where I was diagnosed with a broken femur and torn tendons in my ankle area but was told no surgery required. The orthopedic surgeon that I finally saw three days later thought otherwise and I had a titanium plate and six screws inserted on October 24, 2012.

As I lay in bed for six weeks, I began to reflect on what I needed to do to get back to “normal” once I was off the crutches (the knee walker was a savior). I had a huge desire to get back to the gym – it’s amazing what you want to do when you can’t.

I returned to work just shy of the six weeks the doctor ordered and continued with physical therapy with Bob Brady at Bellin West (he is amazing at what he does). He released me from therapy the first week in January 2013 and challenged me to walk the Bellin again. Always up for the challenge, I have set my sights on this year’s walk.  

I have a team of drill sergeants in my house who keep me accountable for my daily exercise (daughters Erin, Emily and Mallory) and a wonderful family doctor (Dr. Cynthia Lasecki) who encourages me (without harping) to push myself. I’m reminded of how much my daughters care about me with their constant encouragement.

As I have always told my parents “use it or lose it” and boy, am I living by that as I begin my 60s.

So my goal this year is not to finish the Bellin in less than 2 hours but rather to just finish with my family and friends by my side.

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 http://www.bellinrun.com
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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.