Runner inspires others to get fit

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tracy Brown
  • 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  He may not be Steve Prefontaine, world famous runner, but he certainly shares something in common - they are both responsible for inspiring a "running boom."

Tech. Sgt. John Straka, weapon's load crew chief of the 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, not only loves running, but also encourages and inspires other Airmen to run.
Sergeant Straka has a passion and respect for running and has been an avid runner for the past 12 years. He participates in several runs throughout the year that benefit charities, but said the biggest personal reward of each race is simply, finishing.

Staff Sgt. Wendy Wray, 442nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron support technician, with encouragement from Sergeant Straka, ran her first half marathon last summer when she completed the 36th Annual Hospital Hill Half Marathon June 6, 2009 in Kansas City, Mo.

The Hospital Hill Half Marathon, a charity run, began in 1974 and is one of the oldest half marathons in the country. The 5K, 10K and half marathon involve many challenges including multiple hills and weather, which is often hot and humid.

"I had no intentions of running a half marathon ever, until Sergeant Straka suggested it to me. Even after I repeatedly stated that I could never run 13.1 miles, he said I could. So, I set out to try," Sergeant Wray said.

She said Sergeant Straka was very helpful as she trained for the run. He was encouraging and always quick to throw suggestions her way, she said.

Through Sergeant Straka's suggestions, Sergeant Wray customized a training plan.

"I had a goal," she said. "I trained the best I could for it, and I accomplished that goal. I don't think Sergeant Straka would have let me quit if I wanted to."

Sergeant Straka's reassurance and his confidence in her ability to complete the run was encouraging throughout the training process, she said.

Sergeant Straka said he recognizes the benefits or running, not only for an individual's physical health, but also the advantages toward positive mental health.

"The most obvious physical asset is being more fit and healthy, but when I don't run for three or four days I can tell a big difference in my attitude. Being physically active is a natural stress reliever."

Sergeant Straka has not only been an encouragement to Airmen but also to his friends and family. He said his children are now involved in running and his daughter plans to participate in the 37th Annual Hospital Hill Half Marathon June 5.

Sergeant Straka runs three to four times a week and implementing swimming into his schedule. He tries to take one day off a week to rest and prevent injury, he said.

Sergeant Straka stays true to his training, even during a deployment when many find it difficult to find the time, opportunity or motivation.

When he was deployed to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan in 2006, Sergeant Straka said he couldn't afford to miss out on training for the Chicago Marathon while deployed. So, he took advantage of the perimeter road on base.

"The last month of training before a marathon is really the heart of your long runs," he said.

The 7.1-mile perimeter road proved to be the perfect stretch for which to take advantage.
Sergeant Straka said there were many interesting things he has witnessed while running.

"I remember there were old mud huts sporadically located along the perimeter, some very elaborate but most with no roof or a partial roof made of scrap metal or sheets. One hut housed a woman and two children. They would always stare at me as I ran by, and one day they saw me coming and began running my way and waving at me. So, I waved back. From then on, every time they saw me they would run my way and we would wave at each other," Sergeant Straka said.

During one of his longer runs, Sergeant Straka was forced to take a detour. Twenty-four miles later, his run was complete. He said he considered that quite an accomplishment in Afghanistan, with the heat and dust.

Sergeant Straka said there are many benefits and different reasons for an individual to take up running as a hobby.

"There is a group out there called Run for the Fallen. It's an apolitical organization to remember the fallen servicemembers. On June 14, 2008 they started running one mile for every servicemember killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The runners ended at Arlington National Cemetary on Aug 24, 2008.

"The group encouraged people to run, wherever they were, one mile for a fallen servicemember. I ran for Tech. Sgt. Sean M. Corlew."

Sergeant Corlew died during Operation Enduring Freedom. Sergeant Corlew, along with two other servicemembers, died when an Air Force MC-130H Combat Talon II aircraft crashed in the Paktika province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the Air Force's 16th
Special Operations Wing, Hulburt Field, Fla.

I was in Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan when the crash occurred, and I drove the truck that carried his casket during the fallen comrade ceremony. I ran 16 miles in memory of Sergeant Corlew that day and still have the printable bib I wore during the run - I always will."

"When I get somewhere new, I don't feel like I have really been there until I run there. You can find out so much about an area while running," he said.

"Running in a new place forces you to slow down and really take in the sights. You have a much better chance of learning your environment or finding alternate routes while running rather than passing by quickly in a car. You have the opportunity to see small details in an area while running that you may not get the chance to see otherwise."

Among the benefits for Sergeant Straka, is the opportunity to regain a positive mental attitude.

He is always looking for the next race to participate in, and this September, he doesn't have to look very far. Dana Straka, Sergeant Straka's wife, is planning the 3rd annual Murdock Banner Financial Group Warrensburg Half Marathon. The half marathon is scheduled for Sept. 18, and will benefit the Warrensburg Animal Shelter.
"We wanted to do something to give something back to the community," Mrs. Straka said.
Sergeant Straka said he told her the half marathon was the perfect idea for a community fundraiser because of the kind of personalities it attracts.

"Running usually attracts positive-minded, goal-oriented people," he said.

Local businesses and the community have donated time and supplies to support the half marathon. Airmen from Whiteman AFB have been involved with the run in the past, not only as participants but also as volunteers.

"We would love to see participants from Whiteman Air Force Base in this year's event," Mrs. Straka said.