WASHINGTON -- The question is not if it’s difficult. It is. The question is how one disciplines oneself to be able to run 26.2 miles. It isn’t an easy feat of endurance. In fact, less than 0.5 percent of the U.S. population has even attempted to run a marathon, according to a 2014 study by Running USA. (https://www.runningusa.org)
Maj. Lela Diers is an Air Force Reserve Individual Mobilization Augmentee who serves as the chief, plans and programs for the Air Force Element at the Defense Intelligence Agency. She is also one of 10 Citizen Airmen representing Air Force Reserve Command in the MAJCOM Challenge at the 20th Air Force Marathon Sept. 17 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
“Marathons are hard on you,” said Diers. “After a race, I’m always happy it’s over. Sometimes I can barely walk. After every one I always say it’s my last. This is my fifth marathon and afterwards I will probably say this is my last one too… but it won’t be.”
Diers enthusiasm for running and excitement for representing AFRC during the upcoming race removes all doubt that this will not be her last marathon. When she describes the feeling of anticipation for a race it becomes clear that her love of running is embedded in every fiber of her being.
“It feels epic before this race,” said Diers. All the music, balloons, Air Force jets flying over, it’s like a party. It is always exciting and I get fueled by that. I love everything about it. Representing AFRC is amazing.”
While representing her fellow Citizen Airmen is motivating for Diers, she finds motivation in a few people much closer to home as well.
“It is phenomenal to be able to represent the Reserve, but I have a daughter who really likes running too and I love showing her this,” said Diers. “Marathons are a physical way to show her that she can do anything she puts her mind to. My dad introduced me to running and instilled in me the attitude to never quit. It’s a family thing and I love sharing that with her now.”
Run. Rest. Repeat. Excelling at running a marathon doesn’t just come naturally. Running for that long of a distance takes dedication and practice. Practice takes time. She spent time that would normally be devoted to her family preparing for this race. That sacrifice is not lost on her.
“I want to send a huge thank you to my husband, Beau,” said Diers. “He has been my most amazing supporter. He takes care of our daughter while I train and that training can eat up a lot of our time together. There is no other way to put it. He is amazing.”
Each of the 10 AFRC Challenge Team runners made sacrifices of blood, sweat, tears and time to prepare for this year’s race. They embody the best of what the Air Force Reserve provides for the nation’s defense. And the same commitment, discipline and sacrifice they demonstrate in their military capacity extends to their training for the marathon.
Diers, and the rest of the Challenge Team represent AFRC’s core values and their commitment serves as a model for other Citizen Airmen to follow.