HAWC hosts running workshop

Published May 6, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Stephan Coleman
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 81st Aerospace Medicine Squadron health and wellness center hosted a free two-hour, hands-on workshop for better running May 1.

"Efficient Running: The Art and Science of Becoming a Healthier and Better Runner" was presented by Lt. Col. (Dr.) Antonio Eppolito, chief of Air Force telemedicine and 19-year member of the Air Force Running Team.

"Colonel Eppolito offered to do the presentation in the name of medical total health," said Terri Jordan, HAWC health promotion manager.

Eighty-five members of Team Keesler packed the Sablich Center auditorium for a demonstration on proper running techniques and the history of running shoes, as well as to dispel running misunderstandings.

"The best way to think of running is as a series of stationary stances," said Eppolito. "We transition from one single-footed stance to the other, falling forward as we move."

Eppolito detailed the steps to effective running and tips on how to visualize healthy running habits. He then moved to the issue of running shoes and transitioning to near-barefoot running.

"The transition must be gradual to overcome decades of foot atrophy due to large-heeled shoes," he said. "Recognize that true barefoot running is not practical in most environments -- therefore, the best realistic endpoint is a minimalistic shoe."

Large-heeled shoes condition runners to land on their heels, while minimalist shoes allow for more natural running, he said.

After classroom discussion, Eppolito brought his students to the Crotwell Track for practical demonstrations.