Running for a reason

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joel Pfiester
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  One hundred sixty-one ... That's the total number of lives lost during an EF5 tornado which took place May 22, 2011, in Joplin, Missouri.

One hundred sixty-one ... That's the total number of miles U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brendan Brustad, from the 509th Medical Support Squadron ran from May 16-21 as a tribute to those victims.

The Joplin Memorial Run is an annual event where participants can register to run a half-marathon or a 5K. Brustad, who is no stranger to long-distance running, registered for the run, but rather than running the traditional distance, he ran 161 miles over the course of six days, all on Whiteman Air Force Base.

"It goes back to one of my first marathons," said Brustad. "It was during that race when something just clicked, and I realized that I needed to do something more for society and the greater good. I wanted to inspire others and make a difference."

Brustad does various long-distance runs, many of them contributing to a greater cause.

"I've been long distance running since 2006," said Brustad. "I had to take a hiatus from running for a while, but it feels great to be back. I have had the honor to help lead fundraising campaigns in the areas where I have been stationed. It's a great feeling to give back to a race that gives back to a great cause."

Like many of his resiliency runs, Brustad's recent accomplishment pays homage to the resilience that the town of Joplin and the community members who lost someone or something possessed after the disaster.

"Get knocked down seven times, get up eight," said Brustad. "Resiliency, to me, means taking a beating, whether it be emotional, physical or spiritual, and still being able to keep moving forward no matter what gets thrown at you."

Brustad ran at least 24 miles a day for six days straight. He ran 28 on day one, 27 on day two, 26 on days three and four, 30 on day five, and finally 24 on day six. So many miles could take a toll on even the most seasoned runner. However, his stride was never broken.

"Quitting is not an option for me," said Brustad. "Running for a reason motivates me. It's amazing what you can do if you run for something that's bigger than yourself."
Whenever the thought of quitting may have crossed his mind, he kept running strong with the thoughts of the victims of the Joplin tornado.

"The thought of quitting comes through my mind from time to time, but I just shake it off and keep moving forward," said Brustad. "For this particular run, I printed out a very heartfelt message I received from a mother who had lost her son in the tornado. It kept me going strong throughout the week."

Brustad's training regimen is simple ... run.

"I've run every day since Jan. 1. Rain, sleet, shine or snow," said Brustad. "I even put screws on the bottom of my shoes when it was really icy out this past winter. Most running books will tell you running every day is not recommended, however, the most important thing to know is your body and its own limits. Arthur C. Clarke once said, 'The only way to define your limits is to go beyond them.'"

Brustad pushed himself to his limits and stayed true to his commitment. During his last day running, his wingmen came out to support and join him for the final stretch of his run. Once the final steps of the long journey were taken, Brustad gave an emotional speech about why it's important to do these runs and honor the victims of such tragedies by raising awareness.

Brustad plans on sending his Joplin Memorial Run medal to the town of Joplin and dedicating it to them.

"Running is my way of changing the world," said Brustad. "One mile at a time."