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Posted March 29, 2007
Running
like crazy
By
Keith Uhlig
Wausau Daily Herald
kuhlig@wdhprint.com
Tom Rau runs about 10 to 12 miles a week, and thinks he might sign up for a 10-kilometer race sometime later this year.
Barb Klinner regularly runs 30 miles in one workout. She's training for the Western States 100, one of the most famous ultramarathons in the world.
On the surface the two seem to be at opposite ends of the running spectrum, but they have plenty in common in their approach to the sport.
Both tout the physical health benefits of running. But what the sport does to their bodies often takes a back seat to how it builds their spirits, bolstering them mentally and emotionally.
They aren't alone. The cover of last week's Newsweek touted the mental health benefits of exercise, quoting studies that have shown that brains work better when people are fit. The magazine also said that exercise tends to bolster self esteem, ease feelings of depression and gives people a better sense of well being.
Klinner, 48, of Wausau, a clinical research nurse for oncology at Marshfield Clinic Weston Center, says the sport gives her a feeling of peace.
"No one is getting out of here alive," she said. "Some things seem very unfair, and make you realize it's going to happen. Running kind of gives perspective. At least I can make the best of it, and feel the best I can while I'm here."
Rau, 54, of Wausau, the executive director of The Neighbors' Place, has run off and on for most of his life. He started running seriously and regularly about five years ago, mostly for health reasons.
"I think I really want to make sure that I was fit to do the kinds of activities that I've enjoyed doing all my life," he said.
But like Klinner, he's found that exercise smooths out life's little bumps.
"When I run, it's like a release," Rau said. "I almost find it's like a meditation. You can feel your body lose some of the wound-up-ness you develop during the week."
Perry Dau, 44, of Rothschild was a competitive runner in high school and college, and still runs impressive times in local races. He's also the owner of an online running equipment store, Revel Sports (www.revelsports.com).
The challenge of the sport is what keeps him going.
"I don't know, it's just kind of one of those internal drives a person has," he said. "I run to be as good as I can be. I work at it, and enjoyed some success at it. As long as I have a goal, it's always there."
Goals and competitiveness aren't a big part of Rau's regime.
"I think the main focus of my running is to be healthy," he said. "And I get a little taste of what they call a runner's high. And I'm comfortable with that right now. I like it."
Go for a run
Several Wausau area races and fun runs will be
held in the coming weeks.
Arts Alive Memorial 5-mile run
When: April 14; 9 a.m. registration, 11 a.m. run
Where: Baer Beverage Warehouse, 7205 Zinser Ave., Weston
Cost: $15 before April 6; $20 after
Contact: Jim Lee, 842-5596You should know: The race benefits Aspirus Comfort
Care and Hospice Services. A half-mile kid’s fun run also is included (10:30
a.m.), and walkers are welcome.
Evergreen Rock-N-Run 5-k and One-mile Fun Run
When: April 28; 8 a.m. registration; 9 a.m. fun run start; 9:30 a.m. 5-k start.
Where: Evergreen Elementary School, 1610 Pine Road, Kronenwetter
Cost: $15 on entries postmarked by April 11; $18 after. The one-mile fun run is
free.
Contact: Rick Koepke at 359-6591 or e-mail at
rkoepke@dce.k12.wi.us You should
know: The goal of the event is to promote school and community fitness, and to
raise money to support student activities.
To register: Log on to
www.dce.k12.wi.us/
evergreen/Fun_Run/information.htm
Wausau Half Marathon and
5-kilometer Run
When: May 5; 8 a.m. race time
Where: 400 block of Third Street in downtown Wausau
Cost: $20 until April 22, $25 after
Contact: Paul Zaal at 842-0472
You should know: There is no same-day registration. To register, log on to
www.wausauhalfmarathon.com
Wausau School District
Family Fun Run
10-kilometer and 5-kilometer races and 1-mile walk
When: May 19; 8 a.m. registration; 8:30 a.m. race starts
Cost: Free
Contact: Darci Mick Beversdorf at
dmick@wausau.k12.wi.us
You should know: Free T-shirts to the first 300 participants.
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