Home » Uncategorized » Physician’s passion for running

Physician’s passion for running

Dan Sutton practices what he preaches.

As a doctor, he knows that something he believes in is applicable professionally and personally. As a marathon runner, he believes being in top physical shape is an integral part of his personal life and sees running as a test of dedication and endurance.

Sutton practices family medicine at ThedaCare Physicians-Waupaca. While new to Waupaca, he has lived in Wisconsin all of his life. Originally from West Bend, he earned his undergraduate from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, received his medical degree from UW-Madison and completed his residency at the UW Department of Family Medicine in Baraboo.

Sutton’s passion for running began with his father, who ran a 5K in their hometown every year. Sutton joined in when he was 12 years old and by college, had transitioned from shorter runs to marathons.

“I found it easier and more enjoyable to train for marathons as opposed to shorter races, which have a more intensive training regimen called speed workouts,” he said.

Sutton has run in the Chicago Marathon, as well as the 2008 Olympic trials in New York, and has also participated in Fox Valley races. The most rewarding race for him was a 10K charity race in Baraboo dedicated to a high school student who died in an accident.

Sutton enjoys the beauty of the Fox Valley area and running in areas like Hartman Creek State Park and Waupaca’s Swan Park.

He offers the following advice for anyone thinking of running a marathon:

• Make it fun. Go to a state or local park. Partake in a scavenger hunt or sprint between a series of landmarks.

• Set goals. This could be running a particular time or distance.

• Buy a good pair of running shoes and replace them every 500 miles.

Scroll to Top