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Airmen who train together, compete together

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Bryan Swink
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The Air Force Marathon will be held at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base on Sept. 15. Some deployed Airmen might see this as a show stopper for participation - NOT the deployed Airmen from the 379 Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia.

The 7128 miles separating Wright-Patterson AFB and the 379th AEW are a mere technicality that these Airmen have overcome.

"We have assembled a team of Airmen from across many 379th Wing Staff Agencies to train for the half marathon held here on the same day as the big Air Force Marathon," said Capt. Janet Dewese, 379th Command Post chief. "We have even added runners from security forces and the (logistics readiness squadron) who are up for the challenge."

The 15-person team, who call themselves 'The Kickers,' began training June 18, approximately three months prior to the actual marathon. These dedicated 379th Air Expeditionary Wing runners "kick-it" every day as they train and prepare for their own race to be held here.

"The training conditions here can be challenging," said Capt. Craig Carper, 379th AEW Public Affairs officer, deployed from Langley AFB, Va. "With temperatures in excess of 115 to 120 degrees, the heat can wear you down. Early mornings, late nights and treadmill time in the gym have been my work-around to the heat."

Throughout each week, members will make their way to the status board inside the Plans and Programs office inside the Wing Operations Center to update the miles they have accumulated while training.

"We, as a team, have run more than 700 miles in the last seven weeks of training," said Dewese. "We consistently try and increase our distance every week. Nobody wants to be 'that guy' who hasn't improved from the week before."

These Airmen are working together, building friendships and increasing physical fitness which supports the Air Force's Four Pillars of Wellness.

"Not only does the consistent training work on the physical pillar, but the emotional and social pillars are being addressed too," said Maj. Bryan Foley, 379th AEW Plans and Programs officer deployed from Vance AFB, Okla. "The friendly competition keeps everyone motivated and accountable to continue pushing themselves. It has definitely created a positive attitude around the building."

The goal of finishing this half marathon has kept these Airmen focused on something positive and healthy as opposed to counting the days until they return home to their friends and families.

"Chaplain Browning told me 'Don't count the days, make the days count," said Dewese who's deployed here for a year. "That phrase has really resonated with me and inspired me to make the most out of every day I'm here."

Even though it's not under the bright lights of a USA Track and Field certified marathon course, the bright sun will shine on these Airmen competing in their own Air Force run.