The Freedom 5K

10 Nov 2012

The Freedom 5K is a fun community-centric race set on a beautiful route that features both roadway and trail in the scenic town of Crozete, Va and presented by The Family Fund.

The Family Fund's mission:  Supports and encourages programs providing care, support and joy to children and their families. The Corporation will strive to fulfill its mission by supporting tax exempt organizations that promote the health, education and well being of children. The Corporation will raise funds and visibility for selected nonprofit organizations. This year two very deserving organizations were equal beneficiaries (Folds of Honor) and (Blue Star).

Learn about Folds of Honor here: http://www.foldsofhonor.org/

 

Learn about Blue Star here: http://bsfcv.avenue.org/Mission.htm

The race is billed as a celebration of freedom that brings families of the community together in a healthy activity that gives thanks to service members and their families. The event was held on a weekend that celebrated both the Marine Corps birthday and Veteran's day, it featured volunteers of all ages, shapes and sizes waving flags and holding patriotic signs.  Military members accompanied with families and friends came out in droves.  I think that the environment radiated patriotism; the freedom 5K had captured its theme perfectly.

 

This is the second year that I have had the privilege of participating in this event.  In fact I enjoyed it so much last year that it went from being my first 5k fun run as an adult to being the race that I recognize as the beginning of a real commitment to running.  This year I was accompanied by my good friends Paul and Briana, I am pretty sure that if they get a chance they will be back for more as well.

Last year I was proud to say that I came in 16th overall and 2nd in the age group with a time of 21:09.  This year I am prouder to say that I accomplished the same course with a 4th overall and 2nd in the age group with a finish time of 20:46.

This is my blog so obviously I am going to post my results, but the real value of this event is the community involvement and the patriotism that emanates from the crowd in support of and pride in those that serve overseas in order that we can can all feel safe at home.

Bad to The Bone Endurance sports managed the logistics (course marking, timing, start/finish line, etc) for the event.

Learn more about (Bad to the bone endurance sports) http://www.badtothebone.biz/



USAF PT test 2012

 The USAF physical fitness (PT) test is a mandatory function that each airman (regardless of rank)  accomplishes at least once a year.  It is designed to assess a member's level of strength and conditioning.  The test consist of four elements (pushups, situps, 1.5 mile run, and a measurement of abdominal circumference).  Each element is timed, the pushup and situp present the member with a one minute time limit per exercise in which the requirement is to do as many repetitions as possible before time expires.  The 1.5 mile run is accomplished on a certified quarter mile track, usually one that is designed in accordance with scholastic competition standards.  Of course, the waist measurement is taken with a standard tape that just doesn't lie.

The four elements each hold a point value with a minimum that must be achieved.  It is worth noting the inability to pass the PT test will make a member ineligible for both advancement and renlistment.  A satisfactory score will require that you be reevaluated six months after completion.  An outstanding score (90% or higher) will carry you for a full year.  With extreme consequences and the reward of peace of mind being the only possible outcomes, the test is not something that Air Force personnel take lightly.

Though I think that I am in the best shape of my life, I still get nervous every time I have to step up to the challenge.  This is not a race or event that I can opt out of, and it is not for bragging rights, medals, or trophies. It has very real career impacting implications.  Like everyone else, I hoped that this would not be the day that I underperformed or failed to meet my potential.  I hoped to cash in on the benefits that I have worked so hard to gain through a disciplined diet and workout routine while participating in a test that is designed to reveal my weakness and identify areas that I need improvement.

I feel really blessed that I did not run into any complications (illness or injury) that would cause me to underperform. On this day I managed to gain every point that the run and the abdominal measurement had to offer, and minimal loss in the areas that I knew that I needed improvement in.  My score breaks down like this:

 1.5 mile run: 9 minute 34 seconds for 60 points out of 60 available

pushups: 48 in one min for 9.2 points out of 10 available

situps: 42 in one minute for 7.5 points out of 10 available

abdominal circumference: 33  inches for 20 points out of 20 available

for a grand total of 96.7 points out of 100 available

As a person that has the privilege of being a physical training leader, I put a ton of pressure on myself to score high in order that I can lead through example. I can't tell you how good it feels to have put the 2012 USAF PT test behind me with a solid showing.