Chief Makes Tracks at AF Marathon

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt. Erick Reynolds
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
A booming voice yells "runners take your mark," a pistol fires into the air and the 2nd Bomb Wing command chief starts running with what was estimated to be more than 9,000 other participants to commence the 12th annual Air Force Marathon. 

With this event being his 18th marathon, Chief Master Sgt. Tim Cooley, a 44 year-old command chief for the 2nd Bomb Wing, hoped to better his last year's time of 3 hours 07 minutes 01 second. 

Just a few years ago, Chief Cooley was a self-described "summer-runner" before committing and making running a part of his life. He explained that he used to run only during the summers and take the winters off before the Air Force started making it part of fitness testing. 

"I initially started running to lose weight," explained Chief Cooley. "I was about 170 and have lost more than 20 pounds over time." 

Today, the chief runs an average of 55 miles a week. He stated during a slow week he runs about 35 miles and on a good week he might knock out 75. Running that kind of distance, some might start to get bored or lose interest. To combat the monotony of right foot in front of the left foot, mile after mile, some runners may listen to music or do math problems in their head 

"I keep variety in my running," claimed Chief Cooley. "I run on a treadmill, along Teague Parkway or on the dirt roads of the East Reservation on base. Running is my way of relaxing and burning off stress." 

He explained changing up the scenery and the surfaces he runs on helps running from becoming tedious. One of the other tools Chief Cooley uses to combat boredom is setting goals. 

"Setting goals is very important, it gives you something to work for and helps fight boredom," said the chief. "The [Health and Wellness Center] Challenge is a great place to start because it will give a person something to start training for." 

For this year's Air Force Marathon Chief Cooley had set three goals. His first goal was simply to finish the event, the second was to finish under four hours and his final goal was to beat his personal best and complete the marathon in less than three hours. 

To accomplish his loftiest goal would be an improvement of more than seven minutes off last year's time and possibly push him near the top 15 military finishers for the event. He explained he sets his goals by the course he is running, the weather and by how much heat he will encounter. 

According to www.marathonguide.com, a 2006 chart shows the age group 40 - 44 is not only the largest age group for marathoners but the fastest with an average finishing time of 4:20:44. 

To achieve his goals, Chief Cooley said he has included more weight training and bicycling. He has also started using the combination of sport strips and water to help combat the toll running long distances take on his body. 

"Dehydration is one of the biggest problems runners have," he said. "Lack of water causes cramping so each runner has to find out what works best for them."
Chief Cooley also participates in half-marathons and 5Ks to help keep his body conditioned distance running. 

"Running is just a part of my life," Chief Cooley explained. "I'll run with anyone who wants to run and we'll run at their pace." 

Chief Cooley finished 12th out of 515 military men with a time of 3:12:44.