Taking life in stride: HAWC offers class to hopeful runners

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ciara M. Travis
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  "As Airmen, we are trained in every aspect of our jobs in order to succeed. However, I've noticed one glitch," said retired Lt. Col. Gary Trautmann, instructor for the 'Running for Dummies' course at the Ramstein Health and Wellness Center. "We are graded on our performance, including our physical fitness, yet we are never taught the proper way to run -- one of the most important keys to our physical fitness."

This was just one of the many motivations for the husband and wife team who began teaching the running clinic that focuses on running and its form.

Like many of the Airmen that take the class for their own personal reasons, Lt. Col. Trautmann began teaching the running class for personal reasons after a life-changing experience.

"I was inspired by my own experiences," Trautmann said, "Before, I was a couch potato that was weighing in over 200 pounds. After I started changing my lifestyle and my health, I wanted to help other people get out of their rut."

As a husband and wife team, they hated seeing nearly 30 percent of Airmen failing the new physical training standards. Adrianna Mitchell, who is also a certified personal trainer, joined her husband in teaching the course because she wanted to encourage better attitudes towards fitness.

"Watching so many Airmen fail their PT tests was a huge motivator for teaching the course," said Ms. Mitchell. "When health is a factor, running is much more important than most people think."

Staff Sergeant Terrie Smith, 435th Air Mobility Squadron contingency command and control, enrolled in the class to help encourage herself for a long-term goal she wishes to achieve.

"I signed up for this class so I could get some pointers on running, because one day I would actually like to enjoy running," said Sergeant Smith. "My long term goal is to be able to participate in a marathon."

While the running course encourages attendees to run for physical health reasons, the instructors also want people to realize the mental benefits of running as well.

"Running is a very encouraging sport," said Lt. Col. Trautmann, who uses running as a way to clear his mind and balance out his life. "The inclusiveness and encouragement you get from the running community is what makes you run harder and push yourself to the max."

According to Mrs. Mitchell, performance is based on several things -- but being properly equipped is the most important.

"By taking this class, you will learn how to run faster with better technique and also how to properly equip yourself with the right gear," said Mrs. Mitchell. "Running shoes made to accommodate your feet and your body is the most important thing."

After learning what is needed to fully succeed in stride, Sergeant Smith intends on getting her friends excited about running as well.

"Anyone would benefit from taking this class," she said. "I highly recommend it."

The class is open to all ID card holders and anyone interested in encouraged to sign-up here: https://www.php-ids.net/IDS_Campus/index.asp?Base_ID=70

The course, which generally fills up quickly, is scheduled 1-2 times monthly depending on the number of immediate sign-ups.

Also, those interested in learning more about the proper footwear, running and exercise may contact the exercise physiologists at the HAWC at DSN 480-4292 or commercial at 06371-47-4292.