60-year-old will walk the event with his two daughters
GREEN BAY — Physical activity, running in particular, has always played a prominent role in Jim Bins’ life, that’s why he says despite his double knee replacement surgery (attributed to years of working on his knees as an auto technician) he’s ready to tackle the Bellin Run – again.
Bins, an automotive lab aid at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, had both his knees replaced in November 2007. His rehabilitation was successful enough for him to walk the entire course during the 2008 Bellin with his daughter Megan.
This year, Bins says he’s planning to again walk the course with daughters Megan, 25, and Vanessa, 23. It’s an event he looks forward to each year, he said.
“I’ve had a lot of people ask me how I did it, and why I do it,” he said of completing the Bellin Run seven months after knee replacement surgery. “I do it because once you turn my age, I’m 60, you’ve got to stay healthy by eating well and exercising regularly.”
His replaced knees have not been an excuse to skip out of the annual event, he said.
“It’s important to me to get back to doing something athletic,” he said. “Besides, staying active is part of my lifestyle now. I’ve improved my health overall and exercise is a big part of my life right now.”
Bins said he hails from a family of runners and walkers.
“I have four brothers and two sisters and all but one of them runs marathons on a regular basis,” he said. “The Bellin Run has become almost a family affair for us. Even the grandchildren are starting to participate.”
Bellin Run sponsor Manor Care will sponsor the Back to the Road Crew, a Bellin Run program to get orthopedic, cardiac rehab and general rehab patients active again after medical treatment. Back to the Road is an expansion of last year’s Joints Walk program that drew more than 200 registrants. Participants in the program can elect to take part in a half-mile, one-mile, two-mile or the full 10K (6.2 mile) course.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of the 2009 Bellin Run,” said Manor Care spokesperson, Renee Fliss. “People like Jim Bins are truly an inspiration to all of our clients. We hope this year’s participants have just as much fun as Jim does.”
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.
