Dyess Airman to run in 2014 Air Force Marathon

by Senior Airman Shannon Hall
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

7/18/2014 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas  -- While most people are spending their summer relaxing and enjoying extra family time, one Dyess Airman is putting in extra miles on pavement, all in preparation for the 2014 Air Force Marathon.

Senior Airman Seth Michael, 7th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, has trained for the past six months and has been hand-picked out of six nominees to be the 7th Bomb Wing representative.

"SrA Michael was selected by the Equipment Maintenance Squadron due to his dynamic attitude," said Chief Master Sgt. William Starling, 7th EMS chief enlisted manager. "EMS leadership felt his selection was a smart one and we always desire to put our best foot forward."

Part of the nomination process required Michael to submit his past three enlisted performance reports, last three physical training tests and single unit retrieval format (SURF), which is a summary of a person's military career.

"The opportunity to represent Dyess Air Force Base in the 2014 Air Force Marathon is an honor," Michael said. "To be the representative of your base in an Air Force-wide event comes with a level of commitment that you would not have if doing it just for yourself."

As part of his commitment and training, Michael maintains a healthy diet and works out twice a day, seven days a week.

"I use my lunch break to complete some of my work outs that include lifting weights and running; about 60 miles a week," he said.

Michael will continue his training until the 26.2 mile marathon takes place Sept. 20 at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. This will be his second time competing in this event.

When he participated in the 2013 Air Force Marathon, Seth finished in the top 10 percent of more than 6,000 runners.

"There are plenty of mornings I don't feel like getting up to run ten or fifteen miles before work, but there are a lot of people out there who can't run or play sports due to an illness, injury or some other disability," Michael said. "If you have a gift I believe you should use it. There are others out there who wish they could do what you do, and in part, you are kind of running for them."

Airman Michael said his primary supporters and motivators who keep him driven include his wife, parents, grandfather and the 7th EMS, specifically the Aircraft Ground Equipment shop.

"This is an experience I can take advantage of and I'm looking to perform at an elite level," Michael said. "Commitments have been made and goals need to be met."