Blogs
24 days and counting! If you’ve been following along since January, you are probably aware race weekend is rapidly approaching. As of the writing of this post, we are 24 days out! This is the time when ALL the cliches come into play and fit perfectly. Rounding third and headed for home… Before I began
Choose Happy. Often times, the greatest experiences are the ones most difficult to put into words. Every time I finish a long-distance race, I take time to reflect and embrace the journey. As I shared back in May, I set out to complete a half marathon in August, the last one for me having been
Why Volunteers Matter. Any time you are aware of an event, you may see a post or a callout for volunteers. While this may seem trivial, know that events cannot exist without them. Volunteers are the backbone to make anything get off the ground with success. Think about it: You travel to a race and
Where has the time gone? For this month’s Director’s blog, I decided to share a little bit with you of my journey of years thus far at the Air Force Marathon. On June 2, I celebrated 9 years with the organization! Now, if you’d asked me 9 years ago if I would one day be
Starting Over: Starting over again can be really daunting in any task, whether it is a job change, a relationship change, or a physical activity change. And since I am sitting in that position currently with re-starting my running regimen, I decided this seems a good time to give a pep-talk which works for my
For whom he runs: Today’s featured Ambassador has captured the hearts of those who have run with him. Sid Busch may be one of the most selfless people we’ve had the pleasure of meeting. For those who do not know, Sid is a retired Navy Veteran (Senior Chief Sonar Tech). He has run thousands of
Energy Abound? ‘Spring is in the air!’ ‘Hope springs eternal!’ ‘Ditch the pants, bring on the dresses!’-Ok, the last one was one came from my best friend at Purdue. Phrases that let you know the temperatures are rising. The flowers are blooming. The allergies are ON FIRE. Race season is here and the cold gear
This week’s Star Spotlight is on Pamala Berry! Our Stars Crew is a very special group who have run the Air Force Marathon every year. Truly, they have gone through life together, catching up every September and sometimes more often. We would like to introduce you today to local Star, Pamala Berry. Why Air Force
Life Lessons found in the run. In my life, I am an analyzer and a learner. I am constantly taking in what is being said and done around me. I would like to say I use these moments to grow in who I am learning to become every day. I admit, though, that sometimes the
An Olympic Hopeful in the Air Force? Our Tailwind Ambassador Crew is full of adventure and surprise. What may come as a big surprise to most is that one of the members is an Olympic Hopeful and will attempt to qualify again next summer. Senior Airman Michael Mannozzi is a race walker and competes for
What thoughts go through your head while out on a run? How many ‘world problems’ do you solve while logging miles? Recently, our ambassadors started posting ‘what they ponder.’ A lot of what travels through their heads is probably what goes through yours as well. I hope you laugh with them as we did, relating
Double the trouble or double the fun? This week’s Stars Spotlight is also a member of the Tailwind Ace Crew Ambassadors! Amanda Preble has taken part in the Air Force Marathon since 1997. She stated she had such a good time that first year, she just kept coming back. 2002 is her most sentimental year
Getting to know the Ambassadors: Over the last few months, we have truly had the honor to get to know our Ambassadors. The way they interact with the staff, with others in our group makes hearts swell. Reading John’s posts, his comments when others post is the reason he is today’s spotlight. Wanting you to
Why the Air Force Marathon? Rachael and I were interviewed for a podcast Monday. One of the first questions asked was ‘what brought you to the Air Force Marathon?’ Rachael’s story is one of working her way through the ranks and growth. Mine is different because I worked my way through a few different races
Ambassador Spotlight: Megan Mottet I would like to introduce you to Megan Mottet, our next Tailwind’s Ace Crew Ambassador. Megan is the definition of grit and grace. She encourages those around her and finds a fire within herself to dig deep and do more. As of this typing, Megan is ranked in the top 10%
On the move…It’s Expo Season! Race Expo season is really one of my most favorite things. Everyone in the office knows this. Rachael laughs and teases me about it. I have attempted to write this post at least 15 times about how much I love expos and why and the reason I feel like this
Ambassador Spotlight #1 Join me Tuesdays leading up to the Marathon weekend as we get to know our Tailwind Ace Crew Ambassadors! The individuals you will come to know have different reasons for wanting to represent the Air Force Marathon. All filled out questionnaires and agreed to promote the race through social media channels. As
The age-old story of the Tortoise and the Hare… By now you have most likely heard the story of the tortoise and the hare. The hare is confident of winning the race, so he stops, rests, and does silly things along the way. At the same time, the tortoise is slow and steady. The hare
The Stars Shine Bright… When a race director first lays plans to have a race, they truly hope the people will come. Questions run through their head much like a runner runs laps racing the 5000M on a track. After the first iteration of the event, a true test of measure is who returns. And
On the move…traversing Dayton Being able to travel around Dayton and find new places for all of us to venture is truly an amazing job perk. Meeting the people who run the establishments is even more fun. This week, we’re on the move in a few must visit areas of Dayton. Carillon Historic District If
Back in the Saddle… Do you exercise for health, for sanity, for goals? When I run, I like to have goals in mind whether it be an upcoming race I am running or a race I am pacing. I used to set timed goals to the point of obsession. At that time in my life,
We are one month into the new year already. The adage of “time flies” is very true. If your schedule is anything like mine, it is often hard to fit everything you want to do into one day. We have work, family, exercise, committees, kids’ activities and our own hobbies. How is it possible to
Fairborn and Dayton: Traveling to races, whether local or destination, always presents a challenge. Where should you eat before/after? Are there fun activities pre- or post-race? What could you visit on your downtime (instead of resting your legs)? Over the next 8 months, there will be local venues and activities for you to add to
Introducing me: Hello! I’m Jill! Assistant Race Director by day, mom all the time, and forever on the move. I have two teenagers involved in sports, extracurriculars, music, and everything social. We have a Black Lab who NEVER stops talking. I am a fiercely loyal friend. Something I am not: a life-long runner. That journey
From the Director’s Desk: Happy New Year! We are two weeks in to our resolutions (if you make them). Personally, I have always been a goal setter-adding, evaluating, revising all year long. Sometimes, I succeed. Other times, I let go. This year we have team goals for the Air Force Marathon, and I have separate