Jenkins speeds through Air Force half-marathon

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Zach Anderson
  • 507th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Oklahoma --  A year ago she would never have dreamed of this, crossing the finish line at the 2008 Air Force Half-Marathon, smiling brightly, a finishers medal draped around her neck, a reward for completing the grueling 13.1-mile course. 

In fact, a year ago, she was more likely to find a way to avoid running rather than voluntarily subject herself to 13 unforgiving miles of pounding the pavement. 

And yet, there she was, cruising to the finish, clocking in at two hours, 15 minutes and feeling terrific about it. For Capt. Rubannette Jenkins, the accomplishment was a long time coming. "I hated running until this year," said Jenkins, a Military Equal Opportunity officer with the 507th Air Refueling Wing. "I was impressed by one of my mentors running marathons and I thought I could do it as well. I see running as a physical and mental challenge." 

Even after she began jogging for fitness, Jenkins had no plans to get into the long-distance aspect of running. Instead, she had mainly done running at much shorter distances.   "I've done a lot of 5K's. Most recently was the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. I never considered doing a longer run until this year," Jenkins said. 

However, a co-worker suggested that Jenkins take part in the Air Force Half-Marathon event at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH. Jenkins jumped at the challenge, and immediately set about a grueling three- month-long training regiment to prepare herself for the race. "It was a little hard physically. I would run before work and I was drained all morning. It wasn't hard to stay motivated because I was focused on my goal," Jenkins said. 

During the toughest times of training, Jenkins said she relied on the support of her family. "I had so much support from my husband during my training which made it really easy for me. He bought me a shirt when I first began training that said, 'My husband and son are my inspiration to run'," Jenkins said. She continued, "My husband kept me motivated when I didn't like doing the runs. He would always give me motivational talks to continue with my goal." 

That training and motivation paid off on race day. 

"It was great! I didn't know what to expect because this was my first one," Jenkins said. "I was surprised with all of the excitement and hundreds of people just happy to be running. The water, Gatorade and banana stations were also great. All the cheering and music kept me going."  Over two hours later, as she crossed the finish line, Jenkins had just one thought going through her mind. 

"Thank you, God, I DID IT! I was so happy to have accomplished one of my personal goals." In fact, Jenkins did more than accomplish a goal. She had originally planned on running the race in two-and-a-half hours even. She actually finished 15 minutes faster than she had hoped. 

"I was shocked and excited! My personal goal was 2:30, but I felt good while I was out there and just kept going." Jenkins time marked the fastest half-marathon finish of any woman from Tinker Air Force Base at the event. 

Now, this woman who once "hated running" already has her eyes set on the next challenge. "I can't wait to run it again next year," Jenkins said. "I'm currently training for next year's Oklahoma City full marathon." 

Jenkins said that this event was about much more than the race itself. It also provided her with a unique opportunity to represent the Air Force and display her pride in her service and her country. "I was very honored to represent the Air Force Reserve. It gave me an opportunity to represent the Air Force in a different way."