Greenwood base tackling fitness, fun with ‘run the runway’ event

BY SARA KEDDY

Kings County Register

You’re normally followed -fast - by sirens if you’re on the runway at 14 Wing Greenwood.

June 6, it’s the place to be.

Wing Commander Col. Derek Joyce is challenging his military and civilian base personnel to “run the runway” as part of the Canadian Force’s efforts to improve its members’ personal fitness.

“We’re an air force base, so we’re going to run on the runway. There are people here who’ve never been on it before, and they’re excited.”

Perhaps, that is, until they discover Joyce himself is leading the five-kilometre run.

“Everyone will do at least a two-and-a-half kilometre run, but I’ll lead the five. I want people to do the maximum they can, and have a goal that’s achievable.”

He laughs with Wing public relations Capt. Scott Spurr, who says he’ll spread the word everyone runs the five - and don’t pass the commander.

“Oh, I’m here as a leader, and I will start first, but I probably won’t finish first, I can guarantee that!” Joyce says.

The run ties in a few CF objectives.

“We’re engaged in deployment operations - the Sudan, the UN and number one now is Afghanistan,” Joyce says. “We train to do our jobs and be able to accept the missions of the Canadian Forces.”

Seventy Greenwood personnel are deployed now, but over 100 were away a couple of years ago - and will have another tour next year, supporting the Middle Eastern Camp Mirage.

But even at the Valley base, there are daily operations.

“I’ll take you on a 10-hour flight - we’ll get you up at 4 a.m., take off at 7 a.m. after you’ve carried some heavy stuff. We’ll fly at 500 feet - or lower, and it could be windy over the Atlantic. Then we’ll keep you working at the base another hour before we send you home.

“How fit do you have to be?”

CF members must pass an annual test - push-ups, sit-ups, a shuttle run and grip strength with different standards for age and size. If you pass, you get a year off. Joyce is offering an extra day’s leave to personnel who pass this year, and a second day off if they hit higher targets on the shuttle run.

“We want to look at health and wellness in the force, and change bad habits of the past,” Joyce says. “We’re trying to create an environment where people want to be more fit.

“I’ve talked to guys who’ve said they’ve never done it before, but they’re training for the test now.”

Joyce says it’s worth it for them - and him, as it gives him a productive staff, fit for duty in Greenwood or carrying 80 pounds around Afghanistan.

If members fail, they’re given the support they need to get fit.

The base’s general activities started in January with a family snowshoe day. Joyce’s challenge kicks off June, and also marks the base’s first steps on a national running challenge to cover the distance to Afghanistan - about 10,000 kilometres.

“I expect 1,000 personnel - and we’ll all be dressed in red T-shirts to support the troops - on the runway, and we’ll add all that up.”

Joyce also says June 6 is significant, as it marks the World War II invasion of Normandy. The base will mark that as a group with its own strength and pride.

As for Spurr, he’s wondering how to commandeer a couple of golf carts to ferry visiting media for the runway event.

“That’s the trouble with being in public relations: you always have to be behind the scenes and never taking part,” he sighs.