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Columbus Airmen train for AF Marathon, encourage others to join

  • Published
  • By Air Force Staff Sgt. Blake Mize
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Mississippi --  Two Columbus Air Force Base noncommissioned officers are in the process of training for September's 2015 Air Force Marathon and are encouraging other Team BLAZE members to join them.

Tech. Sgt. Thomas Russell, 14th Force Support Squadron Fitness Assessment Cell Manager, and Air Force Staff Sgt. Chigbo Nzoiwu, 14th Flying Training Wing Command Post Controller, plan to run the full 26.2-mile event at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Sept. 19.

For the less ambitious among us, however, half-marathon, 10K and 5K options are also available.

"Being here, I've noticed that everyone is open to new things, [but] we don't necessarily have as many programs as some other bases, [such as] running clubs," said Nzoiwu, who got to Columbus last May. "Anyone else that wants to do this marathon, let's team up. Let's go on runs and let's represent Columbus AFB to the strongest power that we can."

Nzoiwu, who is relatively new to long-distance running, agreed to run a half-marathon in New Orleans with his girlfriend earlier this year after her running partner had to drop out at the last minute. He had only a few weeks' notice, but with the guidance of more experienced runners and a few long runs, was able to prepare himself for the grueling 13.1-mile trek.

"I'm not a runner. Running has never really been a passion of mine," Nzoiwu said. "I didn't have any clue about technique, but I got a lot of great tips and I put them into practice. The day of the event, we just ran through it and had a blast."
And that was it. He was hooked.

"It's kind of funny; it was never a part of my bucket list to ever do a marathon or half-marathon, but as soon as I finished this one I realized how fun it was," Nzoiwu said. "Rising to the challenge wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be."
Training with the more experienced Russell has already proven beneficial, the California native said.

"[He] is a whole lot faster than I am, so training with him has pushed me to a limit that I didn't even think I wanted to go," Nzoiwu said. "I'm excited about that because in just two instances running with him, my time dropped by a minute and a half."
Russell's speed is no accident. He said he has run consistently throughout his 11-year Air Force career.

"I run every day, Monday through Friday, about three to four miles each day," Russell said. "I've never done a really long distance [though], so [Nzoiwu] has run a distance I've never done before."

The two NCOs have very different running pasts, but a shared goal. Some Team BLAZE members may have similar running experience, but varying fitness goals. That's why Russell and Nzoiwu think a running club, a group of people who run together and motivate each other, could be so beneficial to Columbus Airmen.

"Our run club is not just for the Air Force Marathon," Russell said. "It's for people who enjoy running, who just want to get out of the house and have fellowship with other people. It's not going to necessarily be for people trying to do the marathon. There are other options for people who want to sign up for the half marathon, the 10K or the 5K."

Anyone interested in joining the Airmen in their training is encouraged to do so. In addition to the Air Force-sponsored events in September, there are myriad running events throughout the country for all levels of runners.

"Running with thousands of people with music along the way and new sights to see, it kind of takes your mind off the pain and struggle of the run," Nzoiwu said. "It kind of makes it enjoyable. I would recommend everyone do a professional, sponsored event. A 10K or half marathon is attainable for most people with a little bit of practice, especially if you have some time to prepare for it."

For more information about the Air Force Marathon and its associated events, go to www.usafmarathon.com. For information about the running club, contact Russell at thomas.russell.2@us.af.mil.