Vance instructor pilots complete Air Force half-marathon

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  • By 32nd Flying Training Squadron
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Two members of the 32nd Flying Training Squadron ran the U.S. Air Force half-marathon Sept. 19 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Capts. Tara Erlandson and Anthony Cannone, both instructor pilots, completed the race after months of training. 

More than 3,800 military and civilian runners finished the half-marathon. The weather was perfect for running, with the temperature in the low 60s when the run started at 8:30 a.m., EDT. Every runner who completed the half-marathon received a medal at the finish line. 

"The race was a one-of-a-kind event," said Captain Cannone. "It was incredible to see thousands of runners at the start with the same goal of finishing the run. As expected with any Air Force operation, the organization and execution was flawless and it made for a great weekend." 

Captains Erlandson and Cannone had never run a half-marathon before, and both met or exceeded their goals. Captain Erlandson held a nine-minute mile pace for all 13.1 miles, finishing right at two hours. Captain Cannone turned in just under an eight-minute mile pace, finishing in 1 hour, 45 minutes. 

For both of the runners, it wasn't just about running, but about overall physical fitness. The half-marathon was a significant milestone in Captain Erlandson's training. She has been on a physical training regimen where she has lost 40 pounds since the beginning of the year. 

"Since I started working out continually this year, I feel like I have more energy at work, which makes me a better instructor on a daily basis," said Captain Erlandson. "It's also important to me that I am setting the example for our students, because regardless of our busy schedule, I am proof that it is possible to make time each day to work on physical fitness." 

Captain Erlandson balances her time between her flying instruction duties, her role as class commander for student pilot training classes, working toward a master's degree and her family life at home. "The person who makes the real sacrifice is my husband, Adam, a T-6 instructor pilot, who has to deal with me getting up each morning before sunrise to make it to the gym," she said. "His support has made all the difference." 

Lt. Col. Phil Marshall, the acting commander of the 32nd FTS, praised Captains Cannone and Erlandson when he said, "I am proud to be associated with 'fit-to-fight' warriors like Tony and Tara. They demonstrate the benefits of a lifestyle that supports not just our mission and our country, but our families for life." 

Both runners are planning to make the trip back out to Wright-Patterson AFB next year to run again, but the next goal for both athletes is the new Air Force physical training test coming up in 2010. Both scored 100 on their PT tests this year and plan to work for the same result with the new standards.