FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
Men and women clad in running shoes and athletic apparel stretched; their steady, calm breaths slightly visible in the cool morning air. When they finished, they said a few parting words and began their hour-long run along a twisting park trail, their feet padding rhythmically on the ground.
This was the start of an average morning for the road warriors of the Fort Eustis Running Club, a group of dedicated runners who foster a welcoming environment for all runners, not just those interested in races. The club relies on the group dynamic to motivate and push each participant to their best performance, promoting teamwork, camaraderie and overall enjoyment.
"The running club is a practice group of athletes who share a common interest in running," said 1st Lt. Bryce Livingston, 73rd Transportation Company operations officer and running club officer in charge. "There is a wide range of skill levels. We help each other set goals, and meet them."
The running club was started in July 2012 as a team for the annual Army Ten-Miler race in Washington, D.C. After the team finished third in their category, they decided to continue training throughout the year with hopes of finishing higher in the next year's race.
Livingston, a former U.S. Military Academy at West Point long-distance runner, has run competitively for more than 10 years and serves as a coach for the club, offering his wealth of running knowledge to teammates. He leads the group and offers an experienced, personalized training regimen that incorporates strength, speed and endurance training.
The club also teaches runners how to perform "pre-race" habits, such as proper meals, hydration and correct running form.
The runners meet at Fort Eustis and the surrounding area to offer an easily accessible, comprehensive experience for all interested runners, regardless of their interest in the 10-mile race.
"It's important to have motivated runners around you," said Livingston. "Having that support group is invaluable to a runner. It motivates you and makes you better."
Sgt. 1st Class Danny Weatherly, 1st Battalion, 210th Aviation Regiment training developer and club noncommissioned officer in charge, never envisioned himself as a "hardcore" runner before joining the club. With the support of his peers, he has completed three marathons, one ultramarathon, numerous other long-distance events and even received the maximum score on his physical fitness test for the first time in his career.
"I never thought I would run 26 miles in my life, let alone all at once," he said. "The team helps participants realize they are stronger than they ever thought."
Weatherly said the club helped him perform at a higher standard than ever before by pushing him harder than if he worked out on his own, or in formation.
"Sometimes when you're by yourself, it's hard to break out and really push yourself," he said. "It's much easier to find the motivation to run if someone is waiting for you. This club has helped me step outside my boundaries of what I thought I was capable of doing."
Like Weatherly, Livingston encourages all Service members to go above and beyond in their own physical training.
"The hour you are given every day for physical fitness is just the minimum, and is intended solely to teach us how to perform exercises effectively," he said. "What you put into running is what you get out of it, and the club gives participants the tools they need to be happy, healthy people."
For those interested, contact the club at eustisroadwarriors@gmail.com, or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Eustis-Road-Warriors/