Pack mentality

You may have guessed that I am not a great runner. Some might call me a back-of-the-packer. I’m OK with that. I prefer to be called a social runner. I enjoy running with other people. It does not matter if it is one person or 15,000 people. Maybe it’s because, as a trucker, the majority of my runs are alone.

This year at the Mid-America Trucking Show we had a 1.5-mile health awareness walk. It was a great opportunity to meet others in the trucking industry. There is going to be a similar event at the Title Town Truck Show in Green Bay on July 10. My goal is to get these walks into as many trucking events as possible. These events help raise awareness of the health issues facing truck drivers. They also showcase one of the simplest solutions. Do I see trucker runs anytime soon? Let’s just walk first.

If you can’t make it to one of these events, try organizing or participating in a local event. Most towns across the country will host a local 5K (3.1-mile) run/walk event. Try one. Sure, it is competitive at the front of the pack. Even so, I try to run my best time. It takes me about 25 minutes. If I see someone that I guess is in my age bracket in the last half mile, I will try to beat them. It is my quest to be a top 3 finisher in my age group. Last year, I did get a third-place medal, but I strongly suspect that there were only 3 men in my age group.

The back-of-the-packers at these local 5Ks are the walkers. About half the people are walkers. Chances are that there will be other walkers going your pace. Introduce yourself and tell them that you are a trucker. That lets people know that truckers are real people. It helps give us a positive image. We need that.

So start walking. If you are involved in a local truck show consider adding a walk. Get hold of me, and I will do what I can to help. Let’s get healthier and promote a more positive image for truckers.

Editor’s note: Trucker health walks are also planned for the Great West Truck Show in Las Vegas in June and the Great West Truck Show in Dallas in August. For more information about these walks, visit www.fit4theroad.com.