Beale Airman competes in 2014 Armed Forces Cross Country Championships

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bobby Cummings
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The wind slowly creeps up his back as he advances into the vastness laid out before him. Running mile after mile is exhausting, yet his determination drives him forward to the finish line.

This was the scene for Senior Airman Derek Gwin, a 9th Reconnaissance Wing civil law paralegal, at the 2014 Armed Forces Cross Country Championships on Feb. 15, in Boulder, Colo. He was a member of a seven man team representing the Air Force, which received a second place finish out of the four service branches.

The 22-year old has been running since middle school and has run a mile in as little as 4 minutes, 15 seconds. The world record for fastest mile time is 3 minutes, 43 seconds. He routinely runs 50 to 70 miles per week.

According to the Colorado native, pain is prominently what he feels while running, but the sense of accomplishment gained once the run has been completed is worth it. "No pain, no gain," is his motto.

Unfortunately for Derek, while running in Boulder, pain struck harshly. A searing twinge rose up the back of his leg. Halfway way into the 12K run he suffered a pulled hamstring and finished with what he called an "unsatisfying" time of 46 minutes, 40 seconds.

"I am incredibly proud of Senior Airman Gwin for making the Air Force Cross Country team and for running in the Armed Forces Cross Country Championships in Colorado," said Lt Col. Thomas Byron, 9th RW staff judge advocate. "Gwin has an exceptional talent and the discipline to be an elite athlete. His running accomplishments set him apart as an athlete, however his character, loyalty, dependability and enthusiasm make him an exceptional person."

Although running in events and recreationally are Gwin's hobbies, the main reason he runs is because as an Airman it is his responsibility to maintain exceptional physical condition.

"Our primary purpose in our profession is to deploy and safeguard the interests of the United States," Gwin said. "Being physically fit is vital to completing the mission. Physical conditioning could be a deciding factor between life and death in a hostile situation."

According to Gwin, long distance running can be difficult with the constant necessity to remain in peak physical condition and all of the injuries that occur. But having the support of fellow wingmen and friends often provides the positive motivation needed to continue.

"Fit to fight is not just a slogan, it's a lifestyle and a mindset," Byron said. "I've found that people who exhibit exceptional physical fitness attributes carry that discipline into their job and tend to perform at a higher standard."

(For a complete listing of the final results of the 2014 Armed Forces Cross Country Championship view here.)