Incirlik Airmen partake in running trial: Part 1 of 3

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Daniel Phelps
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Editor's note: This is part one of a three-part series on a trial running program taking place on Incirlik Air Base.

Airmen gathered at the Incirlik track Aug. 29 during the day's early hours as part of a new Air Force running program designed to help Airmen become stronger runners.

The eight-week program was established for those who scored less than 45 points on the run portion of their last fitness test, said Bobbi Cervantez, 39th Medical Group exercise physiologist.

On the first day of the program, the students ran a 1.5-mile test to establish a base to see where they stood.

This program is separated into three stages designed to increase one's cardiovascular endurance in the same way that one lifts weights to increase muscular strength, Cervantez explained. Participants run for 22 minutes each session, focusing on their heart rate threshold as they run.

The heart rate threshold range for the first stage is to stay between 65 to 75 percent of their max heart rate while they run, and this lasts about three weeks. The level of intensity will go up with each stage, Cervantez explained.

The instructors also try to look at running form and breathing to help the students become better runners, said Staff Sgt. Gregory Viruet, 728th Air Mobility Squadron physical training leader.

"It's a very easy program and is very structured," Cervantez commented. "Those who feel they are slower runners can feel successful with this."

So far, one student has taken one minute off of her run time, she added.

When the course started, most people didn't know what to expect, Viruet said, but the students have been taking it seriously and giving 100 percent. There were a few Airmen that struggled in the beginning, but they've been getting faster as the class has progressed.

The people in the class have seen improvements fast, Cervantez remarked. It's all about consistency.

"My hope is to see people continue after the program is over, making this a lifestyle change," she added.

Currently, this course is in the study phase as it is the first of its kind, Cervantez said. The data from the trial run will be used to decide if it will become an official Air Force program. When the course ends in October, the results will be sent up to Air Force Medical Operations Agency.

"We hope to see overall fitness improvement from this," she said.

The class takes place at 5:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the track until mid-October.

The mid-course test is scheduled to occur Sept. 10 so students can get a feel for how they have progressed and have the results sent in for evaluation.