Airmen prepare for USAF marathon

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  As the annual United States Air Force Marathon approaches once again, 10 Moody Airmen continually train to prepare for the long distance races.

This year's marathon, scheduled for Sept. 20 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, includes events such as a wheelchair marathon, half marathon, individual 10-kilometer and team 10-kilometer. There will also be a five-kilometer race on Sept. 19 at Wright State University.

The events are always held in September to celebrate the founding of the Air Force as a separate military service in Sept. 18, 1947.

Moody's team for the marathon consists of four males and four females, who will be funded by the 23rd Wing as well as two other runners who will fund themselves.

Tech Sgt. Rodney Elliott, 23rd Logistics Readiness Squadron Flight Service Center assistant NCO in-charge, participated in last year's marathon and is the team leader.

Even though he will not be able to participate this year, as the team leader, he has provided his training and marathon expertise to the team.

The team practices together twice a week, Mondays and Thursdays, he said.

"On Mondays, we concentrate on speed by running at different mile increments," said Sergeant Elliott. "On Thursdays, we run five to seven miles to build up endurance. Training is very important because the more training you put in, the more rewarding and enjoyable the running experience."

Practices are held at 5:30 a.m. to accommodate the participants' conflicting schedules.

"The dedication of getting to the gym by 5:30 a.m. is not always easy," said Capt. Kimberly Peters, 23rd Wing chief of protocol. "But attitudes have never faltered and everyone is focused on making this trip a success."

In addition to team practices, each individual has their own training regime.

"I also run on the others days the team doesn't meet, anywhere from four to seven miles," said Capt. Kristina Smith, 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron deputy engineering flight chief. "The reality is you just have to run, run and run some more, physically monotonous, but an incredible mental challenge."

For Senior Master Sgt. Dianna Vallely, 23rd Medical Operations Squadron superintendent, 2008 will be her first year participating in the marathon.

"I am running the half marathon this year," said Sergeant Vallely. "It will be an honor and privilege to represent Moody. It's been a great experience training with the team and we have some amazing folks on the team this year."

Those participants who finish the USAF Marathon, half marathon, individual 10-kilometer, team 10-kilometer and five-kilometer are presented a collector's medallion, featuring the F-22A Raptor, upon crossing the finish line.

The overall and age category winners will be presented with more than 300 uniquely designed awards.

"We have a good group of motivated people," said Sergeant Elliott. "Everyone is sacrificing personal time just to train hard for the marathon."

For the future, Sergeant Elliott hopes to create a running club so they can train together for other marathons.