Why I run the Bellin Run: Chuck Spann, Sherwood

May 5, 2011

In 2009, my employer, Burger Boat Co. of Manitowoc, participated in the Bellin Run Corporate Challenge as part of their wellness program. A lot of us looked like we needed some wellness in our lives.

After a little thought, I decided to join the team with some of my friends. I am not a runner. If I was to get any form of exercise it would be on my bicycle, although if you called it a workout I would definitely not do it. I enjoy riding for its own sake. I find it fun to be able to ride my bicycle around Lake Winnebago, enjoying the trip, rather than measuring my heart rate or clocking my pace. Although I can ride 100 miles in a day and don't consider myself too terribly overweight, I am not super-athletic and I could stand to lose a few pounds.

On my own, I would not be disciplined enough to train for a road race like the Bellin Run and become more fit, but my commitment to the Corporate Challenge team was enough to motivate me.

On the day of the run, we met in Green Bay and of course, pretty much all the team was comprised of those who looked like they didn't need any kind of fitness regimen in their lives. I was the token fat guy.

So with minimal training, I did the run. For me it was half run, half walk. But I finished, got the T-shirt and a sense of accomplishment.

In 2010, Burger Boat fielded another team and I wanted to be part of it. Again, that was my motivation, plus this time I vowed to run the entire course. However, just before the run, there were quite a few layoffs and I was told that I didn't have to run if I didn't want to. I decided to do the run anyway because I was already signed up. I ran the entire course, got the T-shirt, and was pleased at myself for an even greater accomplishment.

Now, in 2011, without the benefit of a corporate team or an employer to subsidize the entry fee, I am doing it. Again, for that same feeling of accomplishment, a possible improvement in performance, and of course, the T-shirt. And yes, I have shed a few pounds.

To prepare, I am on my bicycle often and I do run the dogs around the neighborhood for the fun if it. I think that’s what drives the elite runners, too. They run because they can and they like it. Just don’t call it a workout though, or I’m outta here!

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