New Duke 'clinic' helps Airmen improve F2F results

  • Published
  • By Dan Neely
  • 919th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  Duke Field reservists who find the Air Force's newest physical fitness test a daunting challenge now can get expert help for their workout regimens.

After the Fit-to-Fight program recently pushed up the bar on standards, and subsequent test failure rates here rose, the wing's leadership and its fitness program official met to work out a solution. The solution was found with the standup of the 919th Special Operations Wing Running Clinic.

"We are always looking for ways to assist the members in making improvements by supplying them with the tools that can help them reach their goals," said April Crooks, unit physical training facility manager. "Since many of the F2F failures were coming from the run component or AC (abdominal circumference) component, we looked at what could assist our members in these two areas.

"While weight around the midsection is linked to cardio health and some of the other bases had already begun implementing running clinics for their members, we thought it would be nice to be able to offer some of the same type services for our folks here at Duke," she added."

Two Duke Airmen, 2nd Lt. Dalia Delannoy and Master Sgt. Dan Landrum, quickly answered the wing's call for volunteers to lead the clinic, which meets every unit training assembly at 6:30 a.m. Sundays at the pavilion near the running track. Delannoy, from the 919th Mission Support Group, and Landrum of the 919th Security Forces Squadron, are veteran distance runners who were eager to share what they've learned over the years, Crooks said.

"Although we're not certified professionals, wing personnel can take away basic but helpful knowledge, that if applied correctly and consistently, should help them achieve and exceed their fitness goals," Delannoy explained. During a typical running clinic session the leaders cover important tips ranging from proper breathing, running strides and gaits to hydration and stretching.

"The running clinic has impacted me tremendously," said Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Bridges from the 919th Communications Squadron. "I have always had problems with the run portion of the F2F. I usually scored in 70s and often didn't have a passing score."

Bridges said he benefited greatly from clinic leaders' lessons in correct running form that delved into the specifics of optimal foot placement during each stride.

"The biggest thing I came away with was to run at your own pace, take your time and speed will increase eventually," he said. "I have gone from having an extremely hard time running a mile and a half to running three miles with no problems. I used to cram for a month to try to pass my F2F because I was not motivated, but now I look forward to it."

Admitting a longtime dislike for running, Bridges said he now regrets any missed opportunities to hit the track or trails for a workout. But he added that the running clinic has helped more than just his running skills.

"In the last four months I've lost a ton of weight and feel great," he said. "I don't know where I would be right now without attending the clinic -- probably still struggling. (Delannoy and Landrum) are both so helpful and really know what they're talking about. They help motivate you and keep you going, and next up for me will be my first 5k."

Crooks said she continues to encourage members who are facing challenges with the run portion of the F2F test to attend and that she recommends that unit commanders allow them to participate whenever possible.

"There may be little things that members don't realize they're doing that make all the difference," she said. "I think too often people just assume that we all know how to run, but there's a lot more to it."