Chief for enlisted matters

What was your New Year's Resolution? What's that, you don't have at least one? Why not? Is it that you don't believe in goal setting? After all, that is really what a resolution is ... a goal and what better time to set a goal than at the start of something new ... a new year. Here is an idea: why not consider making a resolution that will help you both personally and professionally? In fact, it is one of the most common types of resolutions made every year ... establish a personal fitness program. With the new Air Force Fitness Program coming online, this is a good time to do so.

Establishing a fitness program is one of the most popular resolutions. In fact, memberships to gyms and fitness centers always spike in January of each year. Unfortunately, many of these resolutions go by the wayside. In January 1997, I made a resolution to establish a running program and it was quite a stretch for me. You see, I was the kind of person who wouldn't walk across the street if I could drive. But the fact of the matter was that I was not in great shape and I had started to pick up weight. I didn't like how I looked or felt. The problem was that my travel schedule made it difficult for me to make it to the fitness center on a regular basis and I also didn't want to take time from my family when I was in town. The answer: running. It is portable, can be done with the family (they ride bikes), and the only equipment required is a good pair of shoes.

I was fortunate when beginning my program because I had a good coach. The most important thing he taught me was that to be successful at establishing a fitness program, I first needed to establish a habit and habits are not born of pain and suffering. If I tried just to begin running, invariably my personality would drive me to running farther and faster each day as a measure of my fitness. In other words, I would push myself too hard. Subconsciously, I would quickly begin to dread my daily workouts because of the physical exertion, and before I could establish a habit, my workouts would gradually come to an end as I found excuses to avoid them. The saying, No Pain, No Gain does not apply to a fitness program.

So I began my program by getting up every morning at 5 am, putting on my running gear, and running one lap around nay neighborhood block. It took about three and a half minutes. It was almost not worth the trouble of putting on all my gear (this was January in Germany). I did this for 30 days and then increased to two laps around the block. Every 30 days after that, I did a similar increase. All along my coach warned me that no matter how good I felt, not to run any farther and that if I felt any pain, then cut back.

Six months later, I was running 2-3 miles a day and I never felt any pain. What's more, I was enjoying it! I usually looked forward to my runs everyday and if for some reason I had to miss one, I really missed it. I felt better physically and mentally. I no longer had to be so conscious of calories and weight has not been an issue.

In the years since, I have officially become a runner. I have run 4 marathons, several half-marathons, 10 milers, and 10Ks. Make no mistake, I am not a competitive runner, I'm strictly middle of the pack, but I am a runner. I'm in the best physical shape of my adult life and the new Air Force Fitness Program is something I look forward to participating in. I just wish the run was longer (smile).

So, I offer my story as something to consider this month. If you don't have a strong personal fitness program, make a resolution to do so. Then start your program real slow, and build a habit without pain. Ultimately you will benefit personally and the Air Force will benefit as well.

COPYRIGHT 2004 U.S. Air Force, Financial Management and Comptroller
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group