Physical fitness can lead to personal success Published March 30, 2007 By Chief Master Sgt. Russell Kuck 62nd Airlift Wing command chief master sergeant MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- If you're wondering why the Air Force stresses the importance of physical fitness, think of how a healthy lifestyle leads to success. Regular exercise can help build self-confidence and, in turn, sharpen your leadership ability. If you're physically fit, you can accomplish anything. Every so often, I gather students from the Julius Kolb Airman Leadership School and the First Term Airman's Center for an eight-mile run. Each mile is representative of an enlisted stripe. The eighth mile represents the chief master sergeant stripe. Remembering that each mile is a stripe they earned and as they complete each mile, I ask them to reflect on what they plan to do when they achieve that rank and to reflect on where they came from. As they begin running the next mile -- the next stripe -- they should think about how they'll approach their next milestone. Everyone runs at their own pace. It's not a test to see how fast you can get there, but rather a test of endurance. Because leadership is not a test of speed, it is a test of endurance. Some may run faster while others run slower, but everyone finishes. Being physically fit can only help you achieve whatever it is you've set out to do. When you reach the peak of your strength, push your self to do five more reps. Sprint that last leg of your six laps. Think of how it feels to accomplish your workout goals, and apply this technique to other phases of your life. If you've made it this far, why not push yourself until you've finished? Whether it's to prepare yourself to max out on the fitness test or to train for living in a deployed environment, incorporate a workout routine for your own personal benefit. Don't choose to workout three times a week simply because the Air Force makes it mandatory. Motivate yourself, motivate your Airmen and continue running on the path of success. Hooah!