Servicemembers prepare for the Air Force marathon

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anne Gathua
  • 17 Training Wing/ Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  On your mark, get set, go!

With those words, more than 30 servicemembers from Goodfellow and Presidio of Monterey, Calif., will put their training to the test by participating in the 14th United States Air Force Marathon to be held Sept. 18 in Dayton, Ohio.

The teams, led by Col. Mike Buck, Angelo State University, ROTC, Det. 847 commander and Lt. Col. Donna O'Harren, 311th Training Squadron commander, have been fervently training in preparation for the event.

A three time participant, Colonel Buck has been working on a modified training schedule due to surgery from a knee injury. For him, the hardest part in running a marathon isn't the race, but the training schedule.

"We are pretty much working in small groups," the Colonel said. "The groups get together twice a week to run, building up mileage at 10 to 15 percent per week."

For the Presidio of Monterey team, a combination of group and individual training runs that vary in length characterize their training program.

"It all depends on whether one is participating in the full or half marathon," said Lt. Col. O'Harren.

A first time marathon runner, the lieutenant colonel was inspired to participate because of the Air Force heritage and camaraderie the race brings.

"My goal is to successfully complete the half marathon in preparation for future ones and my team goal is for everyone to enjoy themselves and gain a sense of accomplishment as individuals and as a team," she added.

With a few trainers already having participated in a half marathon this summer, both team leaders concur that the training is going very well.

Colonel Buck is also training for the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa to be held this month. He participates in marathons to encourage and help the Air Force community get involved in fitness activities and hopes to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

"I like helping our Airmen work through the hurdles to get them ready for the marathon," the colonel said. "I didn't have opportunities like this when I was a young officer. Getting them out there not only gives them something rewarding to accomplish but also gets them ready for their PT test. Having such a challenge gives one more purpose and desire to work out regularly."

A first time marathon runner, Senior Airman Rebecca Nelson, 17th Force Support Squadron will be running the half marathon. As part of her training plan, she runs 3-7 miles five days a week and two miles in speed runs twice a week.

"I ran track in high school and have always wanted to participate in a marathon," the Airman said. "I love to run so as soon as I heard about the Air Force marathon I signed up. My goal is to finish in 1 hour 30 minutes, but I will be happy just finishing the race.

For the Airman, the most difficult part about training is having enough energy, especially with the hot weather. She motivates herself by striving for excellence.

"I keep thinking of everything I have accomplished so far and just being able to say that I have ran in a marathon keeps me going," she said.

Lt. Col. O'Harren sees this as a great opportunity for the staff and student runners to experience an exciting large Air Force event and a change of scenery from their Army host base.

"We're looking forward to the trip and appreciate the Wing's support with funding assistance and allowing us to be part of the Goodfellow team," she added.

Colonel Buck said running a long race is a rewarding experience and everyone who gives it a try is a winner.

"The reward comes with finishing the race, knowing you did it and then going out again to see if you can do it better," he added. "Many wonder if they can do it; they can. It is 90 percent attitude and 10 percent following the training plan that puts you in the position to succeed."