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Some things are hard to do in the morning

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Abbigayle Wagner
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs

Have you ever had something due in a few hours but that snooze button on your alarm is your best friend at 5 a.m.? Well, that’s me and my life.

I’ve been meaning to go running with the Jolly Roger Running Club for weeks now, but something has always gotten in the way, such as a more pressing story or a hurt knee. However, today there couldn’t be any more excuses- today my running club story was due.

Usually I tell myself I can do anything, because I don’t like to fail and I want to seem capable of the world. I can even run at a decent speed… if I’m trying to pass my PT test. But today was a 10k. Who’s bright idea was it to begin running long distances for fun? It certainly wasn't me, because I was shaking in my boots.

Everyone was excited and happy at such a horrid hour in the morning to be running. I was just happy I didn't hit the snooze too much and made it in time.

Col. Stacy Jo Huser, 90th Missile Wing commander, and Lt. Col. George Chapman, 320th Missile Squadron commander, were asking me if I was going to run. They are in the Jolly Roger Running Club You know, the group I’ve been meaning to run with. I kept laughing the questions off because I'm the photographer, I can’t run a 10k with a big camera.

Well as it goes, I remembered my article and I can’t very well write if I didn’t run. Shortly after the start of the race, I stashed my camera and paced myself behind the group ahead.

I didn’t have the time, and there were not any road markers, so I don’t know how far I was able to get, but I do know it wasn’t 10k. That’s fine with me though. And to be honest, after making it what I can only assume was ¼ mile before I could no longer see the pack, I don’t think I’ll be running a 10k anytime soon.

However, after talking with everyone and receiving more encouragement to join the JRRC, I may do it for myself this time. I still don’t understand the run=fun deal, but the people you meet make it worth it.

The group typically runs on Saturdays, and it consists of a few miles around the base. Not everyone there is an awesome marathon runner, and not everyone has adjusted to the altitude of Wyoming yet. Which, if you didn’t know, the altitude kicks butt. Regardless, everyone is welcome, and all will receive enough encouragement to push them through the run.

Although I’m not planning to get a race bib anytime soon, running with the JRRC makes running easier because of their encouragement and motivation. I urge everyone to give it a try at least once, whether you’re an avid runner or training for your PT test.

If you want to get more information on the Jolly Roger Running Club, visit their Facebook page. I hope to see you out there next time.