Crew chief competes on All Guard Marathon Team

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Phyllis E. Keith
  • 130th Airlfit Wing
Charleston, WV --  A crew chief from the 130th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron ran her first race as a member of the All Guard Marathon Team, July 25, competing in the San Francisco Half-Marathon in San Francisco, California.
Staff Sgt. Kristen M. Roles, 25, a native of Lester, West Virginia, qualified for a spot on the All Guard Marathon Team, May 2, at the Lincoln Marathon in Lincoln, Nebraska.
"They have a tryout every year, and take the top 15 females and the top 40 males," said Staff Sgt. Roles.
Staff Sgt. Roles said she has been running marathons for less than a year.
Her first marathon was the Air Force Marathon in Dayton, Ohio, Sept. 19, 2009, where her time of 3:42:03, was good enough for the Guard to allow her to compete in the Lincoln Marathon.
She said she didn't think too many members from the 130th AW had tried out for the Guard team before.
In the Lincoln Marathon, she placed sixth among the 15 female Guard runners selected for the team, with a time of 3:35:08.
She said the Guard hadn't told her yet, but she thought her next team race might be the Houston Marathon in Houston, Texas, Jan. 30, 2011.
Staff Sgt. Roles said she still keeps up with her training during the week.
She said she plans to compete in the 15-mile, Charleston Distance Run in Charleston, West Virginia, Sept. 4, "for fun."
In the fall, she is slated to deploy to Afghanistan for the third time in four years.
Staff Sgt. Roles said being overseas is a good opportunity to train for the marathons since off-duty time is spent going to the gym.
"Sometimes we'll get together, a couple of us, and run the perimeter," she said.
Her advice for unit members who want to try long distance running, or who just want to improve their physical training times, is to invest in a good pair of running shoes and to stay hydrated while exercising.
"I always try to help people if they need someone to run with," she said.
"It's always hard to get started, but once you get into it, it's enjoyable," said Staff Sgt. Roles.