Vance Airman represents in Chicago marathon; learns true value of running

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Angela Moore
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- In the demanding world of the United States military, resilience is a vital key to success that benefits not just the individual, but the whole team.

For 2nd Lt. Steve Baiardi, a student pilot assigned to the 71st Student Squadron, physical training and marathon running have played a crucial role in developing the mental and physical skills needed to succeed in the Air Force.

But Baiardi's journey didn't start with a love of his feet pounding the pavement.

“I used to hate running,” Baiardi said. “I was a basketball player in high school, and we did a lot of running for punishment. It really was one of the last things I looked forward to.”

An important mentor and former commander encouraged him to give running another chance, after all he just might find benefits, he wasn’t expecting. 

The advice proved especially helpful through the COVID-19 pandemic, when gyms were closed, and people were looking for new ways to stay active. So, Baiardi embraced running. What started as a way to meet Air Force physical fitness requirements soon became a passion, offering not only physical benefits but also a valuable mental reset.

“I fell in love with running. It was like a great way to clear my head, and I started to notice the other benefits too,” Baiardi said. “I learned consistency in training is vital, and while not every run is perfect, simply showing up makes a huge difference. 

“At first it can feel like a struggle fest. You’re like, oh man, I don't know if I like this type of thing, but over time it becomes second nature and it built a toughness in me to push through hard moments,” he said.

Becoming indispensable to Baiardi, running turned into training for marathons. Baiardi has completed seven to date, including four of the prestigious World Marathon Majors -- Boston, Berlin, London, and Chicago. Each race offers its own set of challenges, but the true value comes from the process needed to cross the finish line. 

Each race helps him build different aspects of his skills from pushing his limits and confronting discomfort to testing physical endurance and connecting with others. 

The Chicago Marathon, for instance, provided an opportunity to represent the U.S. Air Force, and Team Vance, reminding him just how many people are affected through intentional acts of resiliency. 

“I’m running along in my Air Force jersey, and in those moments when you might want to give up, you just realize you're part of something way bigger than yourself,” Baiardi said. “There are 50,000 people who are joining you on this race, and almost a million spectators lining the streets cheering. It was one of the best moments of my life.”

The biggest lesson Baiardi has learned through running is the importance of having a strong "why"—a purpose that keeps you moving forward when things get tough. The skills he has built and the community he has found along the way are his why, both in running and military life.

Baiardi encourages others in the Air Force to embrace physical training not just as a fitness requirement but as a tool for mental clarity, stress relief, and overall well-being. For those looking to develop their own resilience, his advice is clear: prioritize consistency, connect with others, embrace discomfort, and find a purpose that drives you forward.

“It’s not just about enduring hardships alone,” Baiardi emphasizes, “The importance of community support and camaraderie while you build your skills makes all the difference. I love the quote, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.’”