388 FW members seek personal best in Air Force Marathon Published Sept. 20, 2011 By Andrea V.Houck 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- To some, the 15th annual United States Air Force Marathon is similar to other running events with a variety of weekend events including a 5K, individual and team 10K, half-marathon and wheelchair marathon. But to members of the 388th Fighter Wing, the marathon held Sept. 17 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, commemorated a personal best in their Air Force career. Senior Master Sgt. Richard Barber was selected for the Air Combat Command marathon team and helped to stack up points toward the MAJCOM Challenge, which is a point system based on a demographic ratio of participation. While most people would shudder at the idea of running 26.2 miles, Barber considered it a privilege to run for the ACC Marathon Team and to represent Hill Air Force Base and the 388th Fighter Wing. "This was my last time running the Air Force Marathon as an active duty member, and it was an honor to run it representing ACC," Barber said, who will retire this month after more than 27 years of service. This was Barber's 19th marathon, and he's scheduled to run three more marathons this year and one half marathon. To Barber, running keeps his blood pressure down and well-controlled. "Overall, running keeps me sane, and has a positive impact on my health and well-being," he said. For those who hesitate at the idea of running, the superintendent offers advice. "The simplicity of running is that anybody can do it," said Barber. "The neat thing I've found is that it doesn't take as long as you'd think. If you start slow, you'll start to build the endurance you need over time." This Air Force Marathon was the first for 1st Lt. Genelle Martinez, from the 388th Operation Support Squadron, and she said she is already looking forward to her next. "I always wanted to be able to say I ran at least one marathon in my life," she said, "And now that I have I want to do it again." Martinez said her favorite memory of the marathon was when she called her dad right afterward to share the news that she finished with the time of 4:13:29. "Athletics are a huge deal for my family, and my dad has coached me throughout every event of my life. So even though he couldn't make it out to Ohio, I was happy to hear he could track me online to see how I was doing," said Martinez. Martinez raised money for the Air Force Marathon's charity partner Fisher House, which is an organization focused on providing for the families of patients receiving medical care at major military and Veterans Affairs medical centers. Barber and Martinez said they enjoyed their experience reaching personal records and goals from this marathon. "Finishing with a 3.14.28 time has been my fastest yet," said Barber, "But I think I can still beat it," he said.