Running club focuses on team concept, fun, morale-building

  • Published
  • By Karen Abeyasekere
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, Emgland --  With fitness being such an important part of the Air Force way of life, more and more Airmen are taking advantage of every opportunity to stay "fit-to-fight."

One of those opportunities, open to Airmen and their families, is the "RAF running club," started in December 2011 by Cindy Neldner, a 100th Maintenance Group spouse, to promote health and connect base members with other like-minded people.

"I've always been involved with the squadron and the military community, and just tried to find ways to help mothers, dependents, people with kids to get through military life as best they can. To have that support structure is really important - I've found it's been really helpful for me in the past," said Neldner, a native of Milwaukee, Wisc. "It's nice to have mentors and people you can talk to when things get tough.

"The majority of people who are active in our group are spouses, and a lot of them have kids," she added. "Most of our events are on base, but we run a lot off base. We met and ran the trails at West Stow (between Mildenhall and Bury St. Edmunds)."

The club tries to explore and give a lot of options, such as Saturday group runs and events where mothers can come out with strollers.

"We try to find suitable paths, and try to eliminate some of the barriers that spouses and dependents have for working out and staying healthy," Neldner said. "I found, especially at my last base, that the more spouses and dependents can be healthy, the better that translates to supporting the mission."

The club is a great resource for people of all fitness levels, ranging from those who have just started running, to others training for a marathon or other competitions. Keeping everybody healthy and active is important in keeping families together and to keep them going strong - especially through deployments and TDYs, Neldner said.

The RAF Running Club initially started as a way to get people together and train for a half-marathon and some of the base 5 km races. What started as a small-scale club now has more than 300 members throughout the three bases and local area.

"The aim of the club is to have fun with running," she continued. "In my running career, I've found that the more I have fun, the longer I want to do it. So I hope to pass along that running is something you can enjoy throughout many years, rather than just focusing on running a particular race or getting an awesome time and then get burnt out.

"We try and make it fun and enjoyable, we try and do coffee afterwards; it's just a way to connect with everyone. My focus with all my groups is that if people can connect - even if it's just for one event - then I've done my job."

When people are new to a base, it can be a challenge trying to find friends and others that are close to your area. Neldner says the group tries to pair people up, based on their location and fitness level.

"If I see somebody is out in Bury then I'll try to get some other friends in the group that I know are out there, and connect them."

Networking skills are a huge help in getting people together, and she is passionate about helping others get fit and healthy. The group recently had a potluck event and they met new people in the club.

"We said our motto was 'Leave no man or woman behind,' so we really just want everybody to feel invited and encompass the team concept," Neldner said. "It's about having a place to come and enjoy running, and whatever you want to make of it. Whatever your goals are, we focus on that - but we have a lot of fun!"

Running club members regularly meet all over, both on and off base, and always seek to find new trails in the area. Brandon Country Park, West Row, Thetford or Bury St. Edmunds - all have seen RAF Running Club members out enjoying the scenery. They are also open to suggestions of new places to run.

People are encouraged to post on the group's social media page when and where they are running, so others can meet up with them and they don't have to run alone.

"I became a member of the running club so that I would be more motivated to get out and run," said Janice Boisvert, a 100th Air Refueling Wing spouse and RAF Running Club member. "I enjoy running, but running alone gets a bit boring and I am hesitant to try new paths alone. I also wanted to meet more people who enjoyed it, since many of my friends think I'm a little nuts for how much I enjoy running. It's nice to be with others who understand and appreciate that running is a huge part of my life."

Being part of the running club has proven beneficial to its members in many ways.

"So many of the people in the group have a great deal of knowledge on running and how to deal with problems or how to improve," said Boisvert, a native of San Antonio, Texas.

"Everybody is very supportive and friendly; I appreciate that this group is focused on making anyone who joins the run feel comfortable. If you're not a fast-paced runner, that's okay. If you don't want to run long miles, that's okay, too. The group tries very hard to accommodate all who are coming out to group runs.

"It's also nice to run with people of different abilities - you get the best of both worlds. On one side, you get to encourage those who are new or are working toward a quicker pace and on the other you get to be encouraged by those who are a faster pace or are more capable on hills or are good at pacing," Boisvert said.

Those who have more experience are happy to offer advice and encouragement, and those who have less are just as willing to offer up encouragement and share what they are learning.

"By running with others, I've also become a stronger runner. It's really a wonderful balance.
Another advantage is the bonds that are formed," Boisvert said. "When out on a long run, we talk about just about anything - parenting, marriage, politics, our beliefs - there really is no end to what we discuss. What's said on the run stays on the run. It's a safe place to share and everybody is very respectful."

Other options for those looking to boost healthy lifestyles are the RAF Workout Group and the RAF Clean Eaters Group.

For more information on the RAF running club, RAF Workout Group or RAF Clean Eaters Group, email Neldner at cindyneldner@gmail.com or call 07557-055918.