RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Staff Sgt. Brian Morris, 488th Intelligence Squadron Quality Assurance Chief Inspector, finished Team Mildenhall's half marathon with a time of 1:35.29.

Q: What was your goal for the race? 

A: My goal for this race was to improve my PR and try to get under 1:35.00. I wanted to push myself as hard as I could for as long as I could to prepare myself for the Aviano Air Base Marathon in Italy Sept. 20th.

Q: What was your previous PR?

A: 1:38.00.

Q: What did you learn from this race?

A: I learned to be patient when starting off -- begin at a pace that I could build up to, not one that would slow me down before I finished.

Q: What was the best part of the race?

A: Crossing the finish line at 1:35.30 in 4th place and setting a new PR.

Q: Would you do it again?

A: Definitely. The organizers put on a spectacular race and the competitors were friendly and motivating.

Q: What inspired you to run the half marathon?

A: To prepare for the Aviano Air Base Marathon in Italy.

Q: What have you done in the past that led you to run this?

A: 2005 Anderson Air Force Base Half-Marathon and the 2005 Unites States Air Force Marathon

Q: What are your plans after this?

A: My plans are to continue swimming, running and cycling in preparation for the 2009 Ironman Austria triathlon next July.

Q: Did you achieve your goal?

A: Yes. Though I missed my goal time by 30 seconds, I did beat my previous PR by two minutes and 30 seconds, so I'm extremely pleased with my performance. 

Q: Anything else?

A: At one time I thought a marathon would be unattainable, until I did it. Then I used to think the Ironman would be impossible but now I'm determined to do it.

I found these to be my keys to success: 

--  Believe you can ... no matter if "they" think you're crazy.

-- Put your training plan down on paper ... so you can see it every day and mark off your progress.

-- Invest in an event that you want to participate in.

-- Advertise to your family and friends your goal ... you'll be surprised at the support you'll receive.