Page 27 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt 12-18-15

Thunderbolt SPORTS COMMENTARY Dec. 18, 2015
http://www.luke.af.mil
27Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt
RUNNING (from Page 20) bag packed at all times served me well. about the first 10 miles, everything
It comes down to choices you make felt great, frequent water stations Sports Shorts
Tech. Sgt. Karl Clymer, 56th Range with local base and community sup-
0DQDJHPHQW2I¿FHVXSHULQWHQGHQW every moment. If a person really pays porters were making everything per- Red-eye open
attention, they can pinpoint when they fect. About mile 12, it struck me that
right person for many years. People make the excuse or give up. Even if I I was nearly half way done with a The Red-Eye Open golf tourna-
around me deserved better. I woke up missed a day, I used it as motivation full marathon! Mile 15 brought some ment is 8 a.m. Jan. 1 at Falcon Dunes
and realized I couldn’t continue on the to put in the extra effort on my next pains and a little fatigue. The people Golf Course. The cost is $52 per club
path I was on. workout. Most of this was a mental I was running with were maintaining member, $57 per nonmember and $62
game. You just don’t give in to nega- about a 10:45 pace. Around mile 15 I per guest and includes a continental
My body had begun to acclimate tive feelings or think you can’t do it. started having to take an occasional breakfast and Bloody Marys, greens
to the higher elevation of Colorado It’s also OK to listen to your body and walk. By mile 17 the gradual inclines fee, range balls, cart rental, lunch and
Springs, a 5000-foot difference. I occasionally take a rest day. and hills were causing extra effort, prizes. Register by Dec. 26. For more
found when I returned to Phoenix and my calves were sore and legs information, call 623-535-9334.
I could breathe more easily when When I started getting into double- growing heavier with every step. “I
running. A friend challenged me to digit-mile runs, odd things started will definitely do more hill training <RXWKKROLGD\¿WQHVVIXQ
run a marathon. I accepted, wanting happening, some pains here and there. next time,” I thought. hour
a long-term goal to maintain what I I encountered sore knees, feet and
had gained. I found online and used back. I didn’t ignore it, instead I did At mile 19 my back was in excruciat- The 56th Force Support Squadron
Hal Higdon’s beginners’ marathon research and realized they were com- ing pain. I stopped and applied pain Youth Center open rec members ages
guide. mon running related injuries, easily relief gel in a large handful over my 9 to 12 can play basketball, floor
preventable and repairable. I found lower back and calves. The change in hockey, volleyball and more 2 to
I started about 20 weeks out, know- stretches, certain workouts, supple- sensation was just enough to allow my 3 p.m. during winter break Dec. 21
ing I would be ready if I committed to ments, foam rollers and the application mind to tolerate the push for miles through 23 and 28 through 30. For
the plan every day. Sometimes, I didn’t of heat and cold could help. I learned 20 through 24. At this point, I was more information or to sign up, call
want to get out of bed early but luckily about running postures, breathing and alternating walking with jogging on 623-856-7470.
my desire to be better outweighed this. even choosing the right music. a pretty frequent basis. I took note of
At times life would plot against my several people sidelined with locals Squadron challenge
workouts, but I would just take my stuff Training in a Phoenix summer is helping them. I noticed they appeared
with me and find another time during definitely a challenge. Initially I was in much better physical shape than The first Friday of the month, two
the day. I found that keeping a workout waking up around six in the morn- me. Runners of all shapes and sizes squadrons compete in six events —
ing to avoid the heat and sun. As crossed that finish line; it was truly bench press, 40-yard dash, vertical
the weeks went by, the weekend long awesome. jump, three-cone drill, broad jump and
runs required me to get up earlier. short shuttle. Six-member teams must
Eventually I was starting at two in This was a surreal moment, the include one female competitor. For
the morning and running for hours realization that commitment, prepa- more information, call 623-856-6241.
until the sun came up. Once in a while ration and mental resilience were far
I would sleep in, and be forced to run more important than ideal weight or Snowbowl ski trip
later in the day. I had a pretty rough my image in a mirror. Initially those
July afternoon with a 14-mile run; I things were a driving factor in my The 56th Force Support Squadron
wore a hat, sunblock, and drank lots of motivation and had greatly improved. Outdoor Recreation is featuring a ski
water. One hundred thirteen degrees Eventually in all this, life stripped day at 5 a.m. Jan. 16 at Snowbowl
will motivate you to get up early even away the superficial desires. I was near Flagstaff. Ski and snowboard
if you’re the stubborn type. left with wanting to feel good and live packages are available for youth to
more meaningfully. It’s also proof that age 17, adults, and seniors, ages 65
The day of my first Air Force mara- everyone has the ability do something and over. Registration deadline is
thon in Dayton, Ohio, was exceptional. extraordinary. Jan. 9. For more information, call
It was overcast and cool, I couldn’t 623-856-6267.
have been luckier for weather. For

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Thursday Tech. Sgt. Staff Sgt. Civilian Airman 1st Class Master Sgt.
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