RIP it! New running program puts Airmen's best foot forward

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristin High
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Barksdale Airmen are always looking for new ways to improve their physical fitness. Some watch late night fitness program infomercials with aspirations of looking like actor Gerard Butler in less than 30 days, while others struggle with trying to catch up to the squadron fitness guru. But Leah Beckham, 2nd Medical Operations Squadron, developed a course to help improve people's fitness without injuring.

"In RIP or the Run Improvement Program, we train on speed, agility, endurance, proper mechanics and increasing your stride," said Beckham, Health and Wellness Center health and fitness specialist. 

Beckham meets with a group of 15 Airmen in the morning and another group in the evening three-times-a-week for four weeks.

"The main goal is to be able to run faster for a longer distance; therefore, decreasing the amount of time that it would take to run their one and a half mile during fitness tests," she added.

Airman 1st Class Micaiah Anthony, 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs photographer, has been participating in the new course.

"I read about the program in the Barksdale Warrior and thought it could really help improve my overall fitness," Anthony said. "So far, it has really helped me increase my stamina. I plan to continue my workout regimen so I can annihilate my PT test when it comes up in June."

Sometimes starting a new workout can be overwhelming, and it can be hard to stay motivated.

"My groups are realizing the course is a little more challenging than they expected, but they are okay with it," Beckham said. "They're up to accepting the challenge and working past the soreness to achieve the goal."

The running course helps to improve fitness for a variety of Airmen and build better and healthier lifestyles.

"I would definitely recommend that everyone join the program," said Anthony. "Even experienced runners could learn a few things that could help them with their running technique."

For more information on RIP and future courses, call Beckham at 456-6399.