Eight weeks out is plenty of time to implement a training plan
GREEN BAY - Experts say there’s still time to begin a training regiment for this year’s Bellin Run.
“It’s absolutely not too late to start training,” said Phil Turnbull, a licensed athletic trainer at Bellin Health Sports Medicine. “The human body is an amazing tool that can adapt to the demands of a distance run training schedule. So, no, it’s not too late to start.”
The 33rd annual Bellin Run will take place at 8 a.m., Saturday, June 13. The 10K (6.2-mile) run drew a record 15,149 registrants last year and is poised to receive even more this year, organizers have said.
Many registrants are already well into their training regiments, but that doesn’t mean it’s pointless to start now, Turnbull said.
“At this point, if you can walk for a good 30 minutes or so without much effort or interruption, illness or other conditions notwithstanding, you can get to the finish line. It will be challenging, but crossing the finish line is a very attainable goal, even at this stage in the game.”
The biggest obstacle for most people preparing to train for a distance run is themselves, Turnbull said.
“Most of the time it’s not about competing with the elite participants or comparing yourself to them or any other runners,” he said. “A lot of the time it boils down to a competition with yourself. Can you tune out the negative thoughts, self-doubts and fight through feelings of laziness or ready-made excuses and just get out and train?
“The Bellin Run is not a marathon, but it isn’t a 5K run either,” Turnbull said. “It requires you to make a plan and follow through.”
Bellin Health Sports Medicine offers a number of programs designed to assist runners in their training efforts, Turnbull said. An online training schedule is available at www.bellinrun.com.
“The Run a Better Bellin Class focuses on the needs of runners and racers. It provides videotaped running form analysis, a customized training program and a runner’s log book,” he said. “We’ll also be offering a seminar on warm up and stretching tips, as well as a free Runner’s Pain and Injury assessment designed to aid anyone whose training efforts are being hampered by existing aches and pains.
“There are several resources available to anyone who’s ready to get started with their run training,” Turnbull said. “The main thing is to just get out there and do it, and remember, it’s fun and the long-term health benefits are tremendous.”
Online registration for the Bellin Run began February 23 at www.bellinrun.com. Early online registration is $17 through May 31. Mail-in registration is $20. Late online registration June 1-11 is $20. Mail-in registration June 1 through June 11 is $23. On race weekend, participants can register after 4 p.m. June 12 through race day for $25 at the Astor Park registration tent. All participants receive a Bellin Run T-shirt.
