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AMC lieutenant takes first in military category at AF marathon – leads Scott Airmen to higher fitness goals

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Justin Brockhoff
  • Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Fresh off taking top honors in the military women's category at the Air Force Marathon, 2nd Lt. Karissa Goodrich led nearly a thousand Headquarters Air Mobility Command Airmen on a 1.5-mile run on Scott Air Force Base's flight line Tuesday morning.

Lieutenant Goodrich, assigned to the AMC Intelligence Directorate, led the run as part of AMC's 'Fit-to-Fight' program - designed to prepare Airmen for the physical demands of supporting the Global War on Terrorism at home and abroad.

The lieutenant finished the Air Force Marathon in 3 hours, 12 minutes and 47 seconds. She attributes her running accomplishments to years of training and her goal to be as physically and mentally fit as possible.

"I started running with my dad [Army Col. Scott Goodrich] when I was 14, but got more serious about it when I was a senior in college in order to get healthier and lose weight," said Lieutenant Goodrich. "After that I just stayed hooked."

The 23-year-old intelligence officer, a member of the Air Force Marathon and Cross Country teams, hopes to compete in the Marine Corps Marathon Oct. 26 and the National Cross Country Championships in February 2009.

"Anyone who hasn't run a race of any distance before should consider trying," added Lieutenant Goodrich. "A 5k, 10k, half-marathon or full-marathon ... it doesn't matter. The events are always fun and inspiring. No one cares how fast you run, except you, and you usually get a t-shirt and some free food at the end."

The lieutenant's top advice to aspiring runners is to find out the best shoe to match their foot-type - a service offered through classes at many base Health and Wellness Centers, including the HAWC at Scott AFB. Lieutenant Goodrich also emphasizes the importance of laying out goals throughout a training program to track your progress.

"Training will ultimately help you reach greater fitness goals, help improve or maintain your health and give you an accomplishment to feel good about," she added.

Lieutenant Goodrich goals include finishing a marathon in less than three hours, and competing in an Ironman competition (a 140.6-mile triathlon) before her 25th birthday.