At LightCorp, we’re passionate about supporting people with good energy. We’re committed to improving the lives of not only the people who use our products but also the people who work here.
In fact, LightCorp’s core purpose as an employer is to provide opportunities for people to thrive. We’re a tight-knit team that supports every member in achieving their goals at work and outside of work. That’s why we couldn’t be more proud of LightCorp product manager Chris Pabst, who recently won the Seaway Half Marathon, a 13-mile running race in Muskegon, Michigan. We were so inspired by Chris’s journey out of ‘hibernation’ and into triathlons (he’s currently training for a Half-Ironman!) that we asked him to share his story with us.
LC: Congratulations! Training for and competing in marathons and triathlons takes a lot of time. How do you fit it all in with work and family commitments?
CP: Sometimes I bike to and from work. I usually run outside but sometimes I’ll use the treadmill at work during lunch. I’m so grateful for the support I have at LightCorp, including a gym that allows me the flexibility to complete my training and do my job. Without a gym at work, I wouldn’t have been able to do this. I schedule my training around the activities of my kids (ages 6, 11, and 13). Other times we do a family bike ride and run in the evening, and I might stretch during family movie night.
LC: What inspired you to get in shape?
CP: I was an All-American runner in college. Before graduation, I tore my meniscus and gradually fell off the fitness wagon. I spent 15 years ‘hibernating’ and didn’t take care of myself at all.
The pandemic was a wake-up call for me. Seeing people become ill and in some cases lose their Covid battle motivated me to change my ways and improve my own health. It didn’t happen overnight. It was much harder than I expected and has taken several years, but the payoff has been worth it! While winning a race is great, I’m more excited about just feeling so much better both physically and mentally.
LC: Tell us about your journey back to fitness.
CP: It wasn’t easy! I didn’t realize how out of shape I had become. I thought I could run whatever distance I wanted but quickly learned I had to ease back into it. I realized that repetitive distance may be too much for my nagging knee issue from college, so I added biking and then swimming, which is what led me to triathlons.
I’ve learned to love triathlons and have competed at Bear Lake, Reeds Lake, Ludington, and Grand Haven. I recently raced at the USA Triathlon Sprint National Championships in Milwaukee, finishing 22nd in my age group. Right now I’m training for the St. Jude Ironman 703 in Memphis in October; it’s a Half-Ironman that includes a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run.
LC: Do you have any words of wisdom for others?
CP: Take one step at a time. It’s okay to take it slow at first, but do get moving! Plan ahead just like you do for your job or your family commitments. Be creative and carve out time. Don’t be afraid to take time for yourself—the payoff is worth it for everyone. I never realized how awful I felt being sedentary. You’ll never know how much better you can feel until you try!
“Don’t be afraid to take time for yourself- the payoff is worth it for everyone.” -Chris Pabst
A Team that Helps You Thrive
At LightCorp, we understand that associates bring their whole selves to work, so we provide access to the best healthcare options for physical and mental well-being. In addition to access to two fitness centers, health-related benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance; nurse visits in-person or virtually for all associates, spouses, and dependents; health care manager/advocate services; and a well-being reward program. Additional benefits include career success coach services, tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, paid vacation and volunteer hours, and more.
LightCorp is a great place to work and it shows; on average, our associates stay for 13 years. Want to join the team? Check out our website’s careers page to learn more and see available positions. /