Accomplishing goals, one pound at a time

  • Published
  • By Capt. Bill Pierce, Public Affairs
  • 507th Air Refueling Wing
Tinker AFB, Okla. --  People gathered at the finish line to cheer Senior Airman Christina Lindstrom on as she emotionally completed her latest goal. 

Marathon runner, Lindstrom has run her way into a healthy lifestyle and right back into the military. 

A member of the 507th Medical Squadron, Lindstrom spent four years on active duty before separating in 1986. “My four years were up two months after I gave birth to our first son Joseph. I wanted to stay home and raise my child,” said Lindstrom. 

Almost 20 years later, Lindstrom watched the same son she left the military for stand before her, raise his hand and take his oath of enlistment. “I watched my son get sworn into the Air Force himself. I was overjoyed that he decided to join the ‘family business.’ ” 

As a mother, Lindstrom’s concern for her son joining the military and possibly having to deploy were very real. “I realize that this is not the best time to be in the military...there are things happening in the world that may put him in harm’s way,” said Lindstrom. 

Having served in the military herself, Lindstrom knew the dangers and the rewards that come from serving. Observing her son renewed her sense of patriotism and sparked a flame that drove her to want to get back into uniform. “What better way to show my son how proud I was of him, and to stand behind my own convictions, than to be in the military myself,” said Lindstrom. 

Fearing her age and weight would prevent her from reenlisting, Lindstrom decided to call a recruiter anyway. At only 42, Lindstrom was possibly eligible the recruiter said. “So, one obstacle out of the way. Now, I worried about my weight,” said Lindstrom. 

Battling her own fit-to-fight test for the past 20 years she was determined to pass. “I had been constantly hounded by the ‘Miss Piggy Program’ when I was in before, so weight was definitely an issue,” said Lindstrom. 

At almost 200 pounds, Lindstrom had been dieting since the beginning of summer 2004 and making a lot of progress. Unfortunately at seven pounds over her maximum allowable weight, she forged ahead toward her aspiration of putting back on the uniform.
Taking control of her mind she started running about a month into her diet. “It began with a walk around the neighborhood after dinner. I bought a pedometer and noticed that the walks started getting longer. So, to cut the time but not the distance, I started jogging, and then running. 

“Running, in a way, represents conquering what seems to be impossible. I’ve learned that if you want something bad enough, and you train as best you can, and give it your best, even if you fail, you have beat those demons. You can push yourself harder than you ever thought you could...and in the end...you appreciate it. 

“Since re-enlisting was something that I really wanted to do, I was, more than ever, determined to make it. I once read that a goal is but a dream with a deadline. You can accomplish anything once you mentally determine that you want it It doesn’t matter if it’s about drinking, smoking, losing weight, or exercising ... you have to be ready to do it and I was,” said Lindstrom. 

The 2005 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon was her first marathon she competed in. “I found myself weeping at least three times during the 26.2 mile course. I was just so amazed with what I was attempting to do and this huge goal that I’d set for myself and how physically demanding it really was...but I did it,” smiled Lindstrom. 

Now more than two years later, 50 pounds lighter and a veteran marathon runner, Airman Lindstrom has continued running two to three times a week. Just like the military becomes a way of life for some, so has running for Lindstrom. She has completed three marathons and plans on running the big race in every state. 

Explaining what running meant to her, Lindstrom stated that losing weight does not solve all problems. It doesn’t make your job any easier and it doesn’t make the bills go away. However for this Airman it has helped her understand she was capable of achieving something great. 

She didn’t quit. She crossed the finish line.