TSR Runner of the Week-Bill Seese
By: Kayla Dodd
I would like to introduce you to Bill Seese, our TSR Runner of the Week! He is just getting started on his running journey and loves it. Bill started running just one year ago. His first 5k was the Herald-Dispatch WV 5K Championship at Pullman Square on June 18, 2016. His current PR is 1:09:24.8, which he accomplished on October 1!
“My short term goal is to finish in under 1 hour and to continue losing weight. I have lost 25 pounds since September 1 and 75 pounds over all. I’ve still got a long way to go, but thankfully there are several local 5k’s each weekend.” Bill also mentioned that his long-term goal is to run an entire 5k!
He is motivated to run for health benefits. “My motivation stems from my love to ride roller coasters. I worked at Cedar Point Amusement Park for many years and was able to ride everything that I wanted. A few years after leaving the park, I fell into a deep depression and gained a lot of weight. In April 2016, I launched a group at Amazon.com called AmazonFit, which is dedicated to improving fitness and working toward a healthier lifestyle. Through starting this group, I no longer have to do this journey on my own. The best way to lead is by example and to be an inspiration to someone else.” This is truly amazing that Bill was able to start a group for not only himself, but for others who are also looking to start a new fitness journey or to get back into shape.
His coolest race so far was the Running Dead 5k, hosted at Barboursville Park on October 28. “I absolutely loved The Running Dead 5K with the zombies along the path. I’m a huge fan of the Walking Dead, so this was perfect!”
The next race that he is working towards is the Lungs for Kandi 5k at Ritter Park on November 19. “This is a close, personal cause to me. A lady that I go to church with is in need of a double lung transplant, so the proceeds from this race will help that cause.” A ‘Dream Race’ he would love to participate in is a 5k in Hawaii, or anywhere in the Caribbean or Key West areas. His favorite quotes are “Just Keep Swimming” – Dory (Finding Nemo) and “I Just Felt like Running” – Forrest Gump.
“My best experiences from doing these run/walks are always the finishes. There is always a huge crowd gathered at the finish line cheering me on when I cross the finish line. It has really motivated my peers from Amazon to keep pushing themselves since I am always giving 110%. I hope there are those outside of Amazon inspired by my accomplishments as well.”
Bill has his own favorite brand or running shoes, which are Crocs! “Where I’m a big guy, friction hurts when I wear walking shoes. I almost always sport blisters on the bottoms of my feet.” His favorite piece of running gear are his Bluetooth earbuds, which he loves rocking out to the 80’s with! Bill’s advice to a beginner runner is to NEVER give up, it’s mind over matter. “Start with smaller goals and work towards your goal. Celebrate the small successes along the way.”
Running has truly made an impact on Bill’s life, especially on his health. “Two months ago I had a heart attack scare and was told by the doctors that if it had not been for me participating in the AmazonFit events and 5K’s it would not have been just a close call.” He is thankful that he gets the opportunity to not just participate in local 5k’s for various causes, but also to improve his overall health. Congratulations to Bill on all of his successes so far, we know he will continue to do GREAT things. Join TSR on congratulating Bill! Do you know someone who should be the TSR Runner of the Week? Comment below or email kayla@tristateracer.com.