Photo By Capt. Amber Kelly-Herard | Melanie Truschinski and Maj. Ryan Truschinski, 618th Air and Space Operations Center...... read more read more
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SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. - While some couples may prefer the popular dinner and a movie option, one Air Mobility Command family found a way to strengthen their relationship by training together for a half-marathon.
The Truschinski family, also known as "Team Ski," first ran together during a 10K on their fifth wedding anniversary in 2009. Now, Maj. Ryan Truschinski, 618th Air and Space Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center) Special Missions Division deputy chief, and Melanie, are registered to run the Air Force Half Marathon, Sept. 15, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
"Our first 10K was really special for us," said Melanie. "It was also the farthest we had ever run, so we made a goal to run more, but that went to the back burner when I got pregnant and we moved to a new assignment. When we saw the Air Force marathon was coming up, we decided to go for it."
Team Ski began a 15-week training program in June to prepare for the 13.1-mile run, but have found they have more to gain than a good run time.
"I am staying more in shape as I'm getting older by going beyond the 1-and-a-half mile physical fitness test requirement," said Truschinski, who has lost five pounds and gained muscle and endurance.
"I had a 1-year-old who I was still nursing, so I hope to inspire other spouses that with open communication you and your partner can meet your fitness goals," said Melanie, who has lost 20 pounds since beginning training.
With children ages 6, 3 and 1, running doesn't always fit into the Truschinski's schedules. To accommodate, Melanie wakes up at 4:40 a.m. to run, while Truschinski waits until the kids fall asleep in the evening to fit in his run. On the weekends, Team Ski runs longer, from 6 to 12 miles, as "date runs."
"It provides a rare time for us to spend time together without any distractions and it's good for us too," said Truschinski. "The more time we spend together is rewarding. Our runs are about two hours and we run at a conversational speed."
"It's nice that we are striving to accomplish a goal together," said Melanie. "Ryan was a sprinter in college and was used to only doing short distances and I don't look like your avid female runner, but we are running to cross the finish line together."
Running has now become a family affair for the Truschinski's.
"Our kids have become inspired," said Melanie. "Our 3-and-6-year-olds are excited about fitness."
Team Ski's physical fitness regime has also transferred into their eating habits.
"We are eating healthier," said Truschinski. "Less eating out and processed foods and more fruits, veggies and whole grains."
In addition to their relationship, family and health, Team Ski is taking their running a step further by running for Samaritan's Purse, a nonprofit organization that provides international relief, as well as, support to wounded service members and their families.
The couple says they are honored that their first half marathon is the Air Force half marathon. After crossing the finish line, they plan to see where they are at and move to their next event from there.
"We're currently looking at running the St. Louis Half Marathon," said Truschinski. "We plan to make this a regular thing multiple times a year, and we want the kids to do a children's run."
| Date Taken: | 09.14.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 09.17.2012 17:36 |
| Story ID: | 94852 |
| Location: | ILLINOIS, US |
| Web Views: | 67 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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