Reservist lace up to run, rock 'n' roll

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Carrie M. Peasinger
  • 433rd AW Public Affairs
LACKLAND AFB, Texas --  About twenty reservists share a common goal; to finish their first marathon or half-marathon, by participating in the first San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll Marathon.
Nine members from the 433rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron along with members from the 356th Airlift Squadron and other organizations around the 433rd Airlift Wing are coming together through training for this event.
Traditional reservists regularly come together once a month and two weeks throughout the year, this can sometimes leave gaps in building relationships. Building a common bond brings reservists together, said Capt. Amber Marcella, executive officer with the 433rd Operations Group, who is running in her 5th marathon.
Senior Master Sgt. Steven Tyler, the ASTS flight superintendent, running his first whole marathon, said by sharing this common goal we are able to stay motivated and bring this motivation back to the unit. Fitness is an important factor to keep in mind throughout the year as reservists need to meet their fitness standards.
"We are ambassadors for the unit fitness program," said Maj. Mark Goldstein, a health care administrator at the ASTS. He is running his first whole marathon also.
Seeing another member finish her training and complete a marathon in her 40's, is what inspired Maj. Patricia Niles, a clinical nurse at the ASTS. She is training to run her first half-marathon and  is now up to running twelve miles regularly.
Although the members of the various units are training with the same goal of completing the marathon and half-marathon, they have been inspired in a variety of ways.
Captain Marcella made running marathons a part of her life-style. She found her niche. "Everyone is good at something and running is what I am good at and what I am proud of," she said.
Tech. Sgt. Kimberly Jones, a mental health technician, is training for her first half-marathon. She is inspired by the sense of accomplishment she feels passing weekly running goals. She said she is now in better shape than she has ever been.
Niles said, by running she will live longer and stay healthy, not only for herself but also for her family.
Another idea has sparked further motivation in the runners as they head into the last four weeks of training. They have all agreed to some friendly competition. After race day, they will compare the top three finishing times in the full and half-marathon, the unit with the top finishers will be declared the winning unit.
The members of the Alamo Wing said the challenge is open to anyone and there is still time to register. 

For more information or to take up the challenge see the official marathon website.