Altus Airmen pour heart, soul into AF marathon race

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Aldric Borders
  • 97th AMW Public Affairs
ALTUS AFB --  Altus Warriors Master Sgt. Roque Urena, Tech. Sgt. Benito Saenz and Airman Basic Alyssa Schrock were all treated to crystal blue skies and cool temperatures at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base as they conquered the U.S. Air Force Marathon Sept. 15.
With a 7:30 a.m. start, the marathon course began and finished at the National Museum of the Air Force, tracing a path around the historic Huffman Prairie Flying Field where the Wright Brothers mastered the art of flying and trained the military's first aviators.
"I trained for four months, running three to four times a week to prepare for this race," said Sergeant Urena.
"I trained for three months running two to 13 miles five days a week," added Airman Schrock.
Sergeant Saenz said he worked on her stride for 18 weeks before taking on the running feat.
The preparation paid off as all Altus competitors finished their entire races. Sergeant Urena completed the full marathon, 26.2 miles, with a time of three hours and 53 minutes.
Sergeant Saenz completed his marathon in five hours and 17 minutes, while Airman Schrock completed the half-marathon in two hours and 26 minutes.
"I felt great after finishing with a time that was eight minutes faster than last year," said Airman Schrock. "Keeping myself motivated was the biggest challenge; but having someone to run with and keep me thinking positive is how I overcame it."
Sergeant Saenz said he was overwhelmed with a sense of accomplishment.
"It did not hit me that I finished until I walked to my car and I called family members to let them know I finished."
Sergeant Urena had a heartfelt experience as well.
"Not knowing if I could do it under four hours and crossing the finish line at three hours and 53 minutes was very emotional and satisfying," he said.
Both Sergeant Urena and Airman Schrock made this race a personal challenge, testing their willpower and strength to see if they could make the finishing times they desired.
"My motivation was to complete the half marathon in a faster time than last year," said Airman Schrock.
Sergeant Saenz, on the other hand, ran his race with a friend in dedication of his friend's father who recently passed away. This in addition to his personal goal to complete his first full marathon left him feeling he could "do anything."
"Literally just take it one step at a time," he said.
While it may have been a first for some and a challenge to do better than the year before for others, one thing is clear, the 11th annual Air Force Marathon provided a challenge for these three runners, a challenge their hearts answered with, as one of them put it, one step at a time.