The first timer Published Sept. 8, 2008 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Tech. Sgt. Angel Rios, who works at the fitness center, finished Team Mildenhall's half marathon with a time of 2:11.52. Q: What was your goal for the race? A: To finish in two hours and 20 minutes. Q: What was your previous PR? A: This was my first half marathon. Q: What did you learn from this race? A: Proper preparation makes a big difference. Q: What was the best part of the race? A: The positive energy of the organizers, volunteers and other runners. Q: Would you do it again? A: Yes. Q: What inspired you to run the half marathon? A: Returning from the desert, I wanted to maintain the level of activity I had achieved. Moving duty sections from the dining hall into the fitness center also influenced my choice. I'm self conscious and want to "look the part" of a fitness staff member. Running seemed the best way to improve my fitness level. Staying motivated was going to be the challenge. I found a running partner and have the most supportive coworkers and friends anyone could ask for. My husband even rides his bike with me on my long runs. Q: What have you done in the past that led you to run this? A: The PT test and trying to get the 100-mile club T-shirt in the desert. Q: What are you plans after this? A: To run 20 miles this weekend in preparation for the Aviano marathon on Sept. 20. Q: Did you achieve your goal? A: I did better. I ran it nine minutes faster and was awarded the Athena. Q: Anything else? A: Shoes. I recommend having a gait analysis done or attend the shoe clinic offered at the Health and Wellness Center. I just wanted good shoes that would hold up for the duration of the training. It was time well spent. I've talked with other runners, and I've not experienced some of the "hard knocks" they have.