Complete a 5K Run/Walk (3.1miles).  Join us for Frist on the First at the Westerville Medical Center or complete one on your own during the first week of the competition.

The 5K can be done inside or outside, grab a friend and make it fun. The deadline to post a picture of yourself participating in the challenge or showing your completed time is due on the OFAC Facebook page by Sunday, Jan. 8.

Fausto & Kevin

I have participated in the OFAC Health & Fitness Competition since its inception.  Rhonda (the aforementioned beautiful wife) is Dr. Berlet’s nurse and my best friend.  She also can be my biggest critic, competitor and motivator.  The competition has always been a way for us to come closer while working on fitness.

Obviously fitness is a priority in my current situation.  This is an environment where 16 hour days are the norm, not the exception, and the stressors are magnified.  Each Soldier is required to meet the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) and weight control standards and I am a firm believer in holding my Soldiers to these standards.  That being said, you have to lead from the front, and all eyes are on you.  Joining the competition is another opportunity as First Sergeant to set the standard for the company.  Soldiers have ample opportunity to work out in all of our 5 locations and many are transforming their bodies into lean specimens.  Regardless, everyone needs a little incentive to push themselves even harder.  That is why the 684^th will be attempting to shadow OFAC Health and Fitness Challenge from here in Afghanistan.

Contrary to what the slogan says, there is no “Army of One”.  When we move out, we leave the most important parts of our team at home, our friends, families and significant others.

The stress that they have at home can be just a hard on them as what we have here. Challenging them to participate in the competition is a way to get them involved in the fun with us, while helping them maintain a health and fitness level that will ensure a happy reunion on our return.

The last thing I would say is that almost every person here is a competitor.  Anytime we get the chance to compete against other units, services or each other, we are eager to do so.  The results and comments are usually hilarious. I will be sure to share during this blog.

Hope everyone enjoys the competition as much as we will!

1SG Kevin Runyon

684^th ASMC (Med Dogs)

Protecting the Pack, Leading the Way!

Jeff McNally- Professor & Avid Cyclist

Jeff McNally had a total ankle replacement with Dr. Berlet 3 months ago. He is a fitness fanatic from Ann Arbor, Michigan and he suffered from severe arthritis in his ankle, inhibiting to do what he loved to do, cycle.

After surgery he chronicled his recovery. By 6 weeks he was riding his bike 8 miles every other day, he rode from Chelsea to Ann Arbor at 9 weeks (32 miles), and did 67 miles at week 12. We are happy to report Jeff met his goal of riding a century, 100 miles, this weekend and he feels great.  Jeff ‘s advice for patients is that they need to choose a surgeon that is best for them, in his case; it was Dr. Berlet and his team. He felt very comfortable with them from his initial visit after doing much research on the web. He understood that he may have some decreased motion compared to the ankle that was never injured, but he has learned to adjust his activities and does not consider it a limitation.

According to Dr. Berlet, Jeff had severe arthritis of his ankle with an otherwise good foot. He had a lifetime of fitness and was very hesitant to fuse his ankle as this would limit his activities that define him and his quality of life. He traveled to Columbus for a consultation and we discussed the option of ankle replacement as an alternative to ankle fusion. The ankle replacement fit his needs for pain improvement while preserving function and motion of the ankle. I am very pleased with his early recovery and know that he will continue to improve for a year after surgery. Congratulations Jeff – you worked hard and the short-term result is excellent. We are proud of you and look forward to hearing about your other accomplishments.

Join us on New Year’s Day to kick off the OFAC Fitness Challenge! This is a great event and we are excited to be a part of it again this year. Bring your friends and family; start 2011 off on the right foot.

Event: 5K Run/Walk or 2K Fun Walk  (these are pet friendly events). Directly after you finish you will grab a plate and be served a hot roasted pork sandwich and black-eyed peas to ring in the New Year!  Hot drinks and Powerade will also be available.  In the case of cold weather, take your plate inside and enjoy the warm hospitality of OhioHealth.

Distance: 5K Run/Walk or 2K Fun Walk

Location: OhioHealth Westerville Medical Campus, 300 Polaris Parkway, Westerville, 43081

Date: Saturday, January 1st, 2011

Start Time: 11:00am

Registration/Packet Pickup: 10:00am

Packet Pickup: Begins Thursday, December 30th through Friday December 31st  at Fleet Feet Sports during regular business hours. Fleet Feet Sports is located just off Polaris Parkway at 1174 E. Powell Rd. in Lewis Center.

Registration Prices:

5K Run/Walk – $35 through December 21st and $40 December 22nd through race day.

2K Fun Walk (Untimed) – $20 through December 21st and $25 December 22nd through race day.

Family Pack – $25 each (you must sign-up online and all 4 family members need to be signed up in the same transaction)

For more information and to register on-line  click here.

Event: 5K Run/Walk or 2K Fun Walk

Location: OhioHealth Westerville Medical Campus, 300 Polaris Parkway, Westerville, 43081

Date: Friday, January 1st, 2010

Start Time: 11:00am

Registration/Packet Pickup: 10:00am

Packet Pickup: Begins Saturday, December 26th at NOON through Thursday, December 31st at 2:00PM at Fleet Feet Sports. Fleet Feet Sports is located just off Polaris Parkway at 1174 E. Powell Rd. in Lewis Center.

Registration Prices:

$25 thru Dec. 19.  $30 after the 19th and on race day
FAMILY SPECIAL $15 EACH (4 OR MORE)

For more information and to register online CLICK HERE