Why I run the Bellin Run: LuAnn Wickeham, Menasha

May 9, 2011

Who decides to start running at 50? Who decides to take on any challenge at 50? I know there are a lot of us out there and I am but one of those individuals that woke up one morning and knew there was more to life than I was allowing myself to experience.

So I started running at 50 years old. Never a runner, ask me, I'd tell you I couldn't get down the block. But a bunch of determination and lots of reading on the Internet and I set out to learn to run.

The Bellin Run was my first real race. Through the entire route I was telling myself, “I'm not walking. I’m here to run,” and “Look at me, I’m a runner!” Oh, the tears ran down my face at the thought; me a runner!

I finished in 1 hour and 15 minutes and 36 seconds and I haven't stopped running since.

Each race I’m trying to make a new personal best time. No, I'm not fast – guess they call me a penguin or something – but that’s ok, I’m doing it. Did my first ½ marathon last year and I’m signed up for a full this year.

Running the Bellin Run, having people cheer me on, all the support, all the different sizes, shapes, ages around me, made it clear this running thing, it’s really cool!

That’s why I’ll run the Bellin Run again and again. My time to beat this year is 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Come on out with me and join the fun.

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.