Run for your life, it makes a big difference
By Adam Woodworth August 29, 2012 7:10PM
Updated: October 1, 2012 3:44PM
I am a runner. It’s sounds funny to hear those words come out of my mouth. As a kid, I hated to run, and up until three months ago, I still felt that way.
Back in February, I topped the scale at 247 pounds. It suddenly became a wake-up call that if I didn’t do something, I was going to be in for some serious health issues. Through the use of free program called myfitnesspal, I’ve lost more than 60 pounds since the end of February.
All it entailed was counting calories and exercising — the basics. Through that regimen, and once I shed about 40 pounds, I started running ... and it’s funny to think that I actually enjoy it now. I couldn’t run at 247 for medical concerns that I could, potentially, blow my knee out. But now that I can run, I put on the headphones, start my mapmyrun program on my phone, and get lost in thought for a little while.
DNA Athletics out of Crest Hill held a 5K run a couple of Saturdays ago. It was an enjoyable run and it was my first officially organized 5K run that I had entered. I finished 32 out of 36. But, place didn’t matter, nor will it ever for me. That isn’t why I run. I run simply because, now, I can.
I thought that with my newfound love of running, that I would dedicate my column this month to promote other 5K run events that Herald-News readers might be interested in. Many nonprofits hold 5K run events to raise money for their organizations and to promote living a healthy lifestyle. Here are some runs you might be interested in:
Sept. 8: Make Your Mark Shorewood “Scoot” 5K — hosted by Provena Saint Joe — www.provena.org/stjoes/scoot to register.
Sept. 15: Back to School 5K Dash — hosted by the Lockport School District 91 PTO — www.d91.net to register.
Sept. 22: OktoberFAST 5K — hosted by the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet — www.oktoberfast5k.org/ to register.
Oct. 6: Fall Fun 5K Run & Fest — hosted by the Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn — www.cmoaklawn.org to register. Free outdoor family event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
These 5K runs and many more can be found at www.cararuns.org/, website of the Chicago Area Runner’s Association. If you are thinking about including running into your exercise regimen, always consult your physician before doing so.
Adam Woodworth is a Lockport resident and can be reached at a.woodworth@sbcglobal.net.
