Firecracker 5k fun run sparks competition among Luke members

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Melanie Holochwost
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  More than 180 runners gathered at the Firecracker 5k starting line July 8 at Luke Air Force Base to compete for trophies, T-shirts and other prizes.

Capt. Sean McGarvey, 56th Fighter Wing Judge Advocate intern, and Staff Sgt. Amy Stutzman, 56th Medical Support Squadron medical equipment manger, were two of the top finishers with times of 20:09 minutes and 25:24 respectively.

Surprisingly, both said they weren't natural runners.

"For most of my life I hated to run," McGarvey said. "It wasn't until my senior year of college that my feelings changed. I started to find it relaxing, and I enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment that followed a good run."

Stutzman said she didn't start taking running seriously until she joined the military.

"Running still isn't easy for me; I have to push myself every time," she said. "Because I'm a competitive person, the monthly 5k runs motivate me to run faster. I'm always pushing to pass those in front of me."

Participating in 5k runs can help Airmen of all skill levels improve their physical fitness test score.

"The 5k runs are excellent practice because they make the mile-and-a-half run seem easy," McGarvey said. "It's important to condition your muscles for longer distances to improve endurance."

McGarvey and Stutzman said they reached their current fitness level by forcing themselves to exercise five or six days a week. Becoming two of the fastest Airmen on Luke Air Force Base was just a side effect.

"In a typical week, I wake up each morning and go for a light swim," McGarvey said. "In the afternoons, I alternate between cardio and strength workouts. For cardio, I usually run for an hour and my strength workouts usually incorporate 'super-sets' of three exercises at a time to keep my heart rate up."

Stutzman said she focuses on cardio, strength and nutrition.

"For cardio, I run, climb stairs or take spin class," she said. "I also make sure to lift weights three times a week."