Fitness, second nature for Airman

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anne Gathua
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sweat pours down his forehead as he sprints like Death is chasing him. His breath in tune with his steps, he masters all his energy. His muscles stretched, he pushes harder.

He finishes strong, but no he's not satisfied. Airman 1st Class Duayne Martinez is 10 seconds from perfection.

"My weight slowed me down," Martinez said. "I had been concentrating on lifting weights and trying to bulk up so I run a 9:20."

Martinez earned the maximum number of points in the situp, pushup and waist measurement aspects of the Air Force physical fitness test. Those events and his run time gave him a 99.7 score. A 9:10 run time would have earned him a 100.

The 17th Contracting Squadron contracting administrator runs 1.5 - 3 miles, three times a week and works out in the gym twice a day except for Sunday. Martinez hopes this workout regimen will enable him to earn that perfect PT score next time.

During his lunch time and after work, he focuses on weightlifting, exercising different body parts each day.

"I started running cross-country and track in high school, and in junior year my brother made me take a weight training class," he said. "I liked it so I kept doing it."

The 21-year-old, who considers himself a natural runner, said he's driven by the feeling he gets after exercising, staying in shape and looking good.

"Working out gives me an all-natural high," he added. "The feeling of blood pumping in my muscles is great. I feel happier and all around better. I am more focused, stronger and confident."

Though it was hard for him to stay committed at the very beginning, the New Mexico native pushed through and made it a lifestyle.

"It's definitely not easy at first but you have to stay focused and make it a habit, that way it becomes part of your day," he said. "Soon it becomes something you look forward to and you enjoy the results."

He said most of the struggles Airmen go through when it comes to staying fit are caused by unhealthy eating and not staying committed.

"What you eat makes a very big difference and to get results there has to be a balance between your diet and exercise regiment," he added.

Martinez who would like to participate in weight-lifting competitions in future said his focus is to bulk up for now but he also wants to be a marathon runner in future.

He also believes getting a perfect score is attainable for any Airman who truly desires it.

"It's all about the effort you put into it," he said. "You can only be as good as how hard you try,"