Fairchild's new track

Fairchild Airmen run on a track inside a vacant hangar for a physical training test Feb. 3, 2011. The hangar is vacant because Fairchild's runway is closed for repairs, so the aircraft are located at local airports. Previously, Airmen ran 24 laps on a track inside the base gym to complete the 1.5 mile run. This track is twice the size of the gym track so Airmen run 12 laps to complete the run. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Senior Airman Natasha E. Stannard)

Fairchild's new track

Fairchild Airmen run on a track inside a vacant hangar for a physical training test Feb. 3, 2011. Previously, Airmen ran 24 laps on a track inside the base gym to complete the 1.5 mile run. This track is twice the size of the gym track so Airmen run 12 laps to complete the run. This hangar is vacant because Fairchild's runway is underconstruction and the aircraft are flying out of and being worked on at other locations. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Senior Airman Natasha E. Stannard)

Fairchild opens temporary running track in Hangar

Published Feb. 10, 2011
By 2nd Lt. Nick Kim
92nd Air Refueling Wing

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- As an alternative to the 1/16 mile track in the fitness center, a new 1/8 mile track has opened for Team Fairchild in Hangar 2, Bldg. 2050. The track is a temporary answer to the track in the fitness center.

The track inside the fitness center requires 24 laps to complete the 1.5 mile run of the physical fitness assessment, according to Fred Wagner, fitness assessment cell administrator.

"The indoor track can cause some stress to the legs, especially with the tight turning radius" said Angela Pepper, fitness assessment cell administrator.

She emphasized, however, that injuries have not occurred due to the fitness track. Most were pre-existing injuries.
Airmen who ran on the temporary track saw an improvement in the quality of their runs. While their times have not changed drastically, it helped running to be less stressful on the body, according to two Airmen who took their fitness test on the hangar track.

"The track in the hangar is definitely better. It is an easier run," said Tech. Sgt. John Donahue.

While Fairchild's runway is reconstructed through November, the empty hangars have proven an effective alternative to the indoor fitness center track.

Airmen should remember, however, that a new track, like new sneakers, isn't going to make or break a composite test score. The hangar track is merely another option, Mrs. Pepper said.

"If Airmen are investing time into being more physically fit by running two or three times a week, exercising routinely and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, they can pass the physical fitness assessment," Mrs. Pepper said. "The new track is not going to be the saving grace for those who are barely passing or failing. Ultimately it is up to the individual."