Moody Airman runs past adversity

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jarrod Grammel
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  After acing his Air Force physical fitness assessment in 2009, he wanted another challenge. He wanted to complete something that less than .02 percent of the U.S. population has ever done.

Staff Sgt. John Music, 23d Component Maintenance Squadron security manager, decided he would run a marathon. The 26.2 mile race has been a test of endurance since the first modern Olympics in 1896.

"I set a New Year's resolution in 2010 to run a marathon," said Music. "The same year I ran the 2010 Air Force Marathon, and after that I was hooked."

His most recent marathon was the ING Miami Marathon, where he placed in the top 20 percent with a time of 3 hours and 54 minutes.

Although marathons are a new challenge to Music, fitness has always been an important aspect of his life. Music also competes in power lifting competitions and has recently taken up crossfit in hopes of competing at the national level.

"My parents were drug addicts and it was rough, but working out was one way I handled it," he said. "One of the best lessons I learned was channeling the negative things into something good to benefit yourself.

"'Never settle for anything and never quit,'" he added. "I live by that. It doesn't matter where you come from, if you work hard, you can do anything."

One of Music's closest friends is Senior Airman Tremaine Jones, 23d Medical Support Squadron medical logistics, who said they are competitive with everything.

"I like to lift weights, and every time I go to the weight room we always try to outdo each other," said Jones. "We bring out the best in each other.

"Music trains hard and gives his all," he added. "He lives for running. I remember one time he ran 30 miles to Lakeland, Ga., and back."

Music said he got started with the Moody running group, talking to more experienced runners. Since his resolution, he has run multiple marathons and is constantly training.

"When you're out there, you go through a lot mentally and it helps you think about your goals," he said. "When I finish a run, I'm a better person.

"Whether you're an elite athlete or someone who runs a marathon in six hours, you go through the same emotions," he added. "I was running next to an older man during a marathon, and I asked him how many he has completed. He told me it was his 72nd marathon, but he still gets nervous and excited before every race."

To watch Music finish the marathon and offer their support, Jones and two other close friends traveled to Miami.

"It was very inspirational seeing 25,000 people running at 6 a.m., giving their all," said Jones. "It inspired me to do a half marathon.

"His character stands out the most," he added. "Music is energetic, humble and looks out for others. He would give you the shirt off his back. He is just a genuine, nice person. I am glad to call him my friend."

By competing in marathons and other fitness competitions, Music hopes to inspire others to get involved with fitness. For Music, it's all about "channeling the negative energy into something positive."

Music's passion is fitness and running a marathon is just one outlet for fitness. Since the Miami marathon, he has been doing crossfit and letting his body recover. He plans to run the next Miami Marathon with his fiancé.