CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
While at home watching television this month, I discovered the 2007 Ironman World Championship was being televised from Kona, Hawaii. Although I had watched previous Ironman competitions in the past, the idea of swimming, biking and running 140.6 miles in less than nine hours never ceased to amaze me. The mantra surrounding the Ironman was best coined by its founder John Collins, "You can quit, and no one will care if you do. But you will always know."
These world-class athletes compete and push their bodies to the limit for one reason: they love the sport of triathlon. I caught the triathlon bug in 2004 and have competed in several races along the way. Perhaps the biggest advantage of the "new-found obsession" is now I actually enjoy working out and no longer dread the annual fitness test. I talk to several folks on a daily basis who state, "I hate to run" or "I'll get a passing grade on the fitness test, but I'm not going to work out to improve it." As life in the expeditionary Air Force continues to evolve, we must all be fit to fight, and there is no better way to stay fit than exercising in a sport you love.
Most of us come from an athletic background and never thought twice about running up and down a basketball court. As kids, we begged mom to let us ride our bikes to a friend's house five miles away. As we get older and responsibilities have been added, most of us stopped doing the sports and activities we enjoyed. Instead, we often sit on the couch watching professional sports on television while telling friends, "When I was that age, I flew past defensive backs."
Most of us no longer run because we enjoy it, we do it because we want a passing grade on the fitness test. We often complain about squadron physical training or dread the annual test because we are either not prepared or just not excited about working out. Although I always liked riding my bike, I didn't mind running too much and, with some help from friends, could keep from drowning in the pool when I swam. I quickly learned doing triathlons or running marathons was an activity I not only enjoyed, but it also kept me fit as well. It became a lifestyle for me and, instead of complaining about having to work out, I now complain that I don't have as much time to do it.
As part of your plan to stay fit, try some of the sports you loved growing up. You may not be able to bring back the glory days as an all-state quarterback or be able to shoot the outside shot with efficiency, but you'll quickly find you still enjoy being active.
We are fortunate to have state-of-the-art fitness facilities and countless intramural sports to renew our lost active habits. Make an effort to visit the Health and Wellness Center to get a starting workout plan, sign up for the squadron intramural football team, or participate in wing fitness challenges. These events strengthen our ties with other members of the squadron and build camaraderie within the unit. If you have children, sign them up for on-base activities like soccer or basketball. While teaching them the sport, you'll be active too.
The requirement to stay fit to fight is here to stay. Staying active not only ensures we're ready to deploy, but it also leads to a healthy lifestyle. As you regain your old fitness levels, you'll feel better about yourself and will look forward to the annual fitness test.
Swimming, biking and running may not be your sports, but there are countless activities at your doorstep that will make the annual test an opportunity instead of a burden. Regardless of which activity you choose, I think you'll find your desires are still there, they just need to be "stoked."