Barksdale Airmen about to get RIP’ed…

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Andrea F. Liechti
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  A fitness expert from the Health and Wellness Center plans to implement a four-week running improvement program scheduled to kick off Feb. 6.

Leah Beckham, HAWC health and fitness specialist, has designed the program to teach Barksdale Airmen how to run correctly. She hopes to help Airmen prevent injuries, and increase their running speed, efficiency and stamina.

"Most people don't know that something as simple as swinging their arms incorrectly could lead to knee problems and injuries," Beckham said. "The program will give me the chance to observe participants and help them improve their form. Whether the person is an experienced marathoner or beginner, it's important to know what correct form feels like."

Everyone is welcome to sign up; however, the group will be limited to 15 people per four-week program. Beckham said this way she can observe everyone's form individually.

At the beginning and end of the program, participants' run times and body composition will be measured so each person can see his or her improvements.

RIP participants will work with Beckham for one hour, three days a week. Sessions will be held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays beginning at 8 a.m. If approved by the Airman's leadership, these sessions will take the place of regular physical training sessions.

"I want to spend one day focusing on speed and agility, another focusing on stride, and the third day on endurance," Beckham said. "A lot of people don't realize they can't just run to become a better runner. Improving in all of the areas is necessary to excel as a runner, and RIP will help Airmen understand what those areas are."

Beckham has been preparing for a program like this since the moment she stepped foot onto Barksdale, she said. Now that she has the go-ahead, she's excited to get the program going.

One of her first "victims" was 1st Lt. Ben Meighan, 2nd Medical Group. Beckham recently volunteered him to test out some of the exercises she plans to implement in the program.

"Working with Ms. Beckham is exciting," Meighan said. "She brings a wide array of knowledge and strong credibility to the table, having worked as an intern at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs."
 
Beckham can create workout plans for people at any level, he added.

"Her workouts can be fun, or they can be painful," Meighan said. "The running program will inspire people to train harder and ultimately improve PT test scores."

Barksdale Airmen who are ready to take the RIP challenge should contact Beckham at 456-6399 or their unit fitness program manager.