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Weather squadron Airmen run in ‘Rock’n’ half-marathon

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Maria Bowman
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Six members from the 15th Operational Weather Squadron ran in the St. Louis "Rock 'n' Roll" half-marathon Oct. 21, and helped raise $1,000 for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

The runners received donations for every mile they ran and many supporters came from family and squadron members.

"We trained individually," said Master Sgt. Erik Huber, the 15th OWS weather forecaster who organized the fundraiser. "We started off with lower distances and worked our way up to running more miles."

"Before the marathon, I was up to running eight miles, two-to-three times a week."

The runners worked hard to prepare for the 13.1 mile run as well as their training strategy.

Huber created a 10-week training plan for the group to help everyone get ready.

"I've been running for a couple of months," said Senior Airman Lauren Morales, a 15th OWS weather forecaster. "I had a personal goal to run a half-marathon, now my future goal is to build up to a full marathon."

Before the race, the runners said they were having mixed feelings.

"I felt nervous," said Huber. "It was a physical feat--I'd never run a half-marathon before."
Morales said she was looking forward to the run.

"I was excited to get it over with," she said. "I wanted to do it and finish it."

After the half-marathon was over, the participants said they felt good about their accomplishment.

"The marathon was a huge success and an even better time than I expected," said Huber. "And all the participants received a medal for running."

The SOFW provides full scholarship grants and educational and family counseling to the children of special operations personnel who die in operational or training missions. The foundation also provides financial assistance to severely wounded SOP and their families.

"I felt really good about the half marathon," Morales said. "I finished faster than my goal time, which is great. I'm glad that we all got together to run and raise money for this great cause."