brettmatcheck

With a background in military air force operations and business management, Brett Alexander Matcheck has wide expertise in technical customer service practices and has excelled in various roles both in the military and civilian spheres. Outside of his professional pursuits, Brett Matcheck enjoys long-distance running.

Long runs are a common training plan for different types of runners. Whether you’re preparing for a 5k, marathon, or simply running for fun and health benefits, long-distance running aims to improve both your stamina and aerobic endurance which are key parameters for runners who’d wish to increase their running distances. Below are tips on how to successfully run for long distances:

1. Mental preparation is key before running long distances. It is perfectly normal to be anxious when faced with long-running distances but visualizing the route beforehand and picturing yourself running and finishing strong sets the much needed positive mindset.

2. Keep yourself entertained by choosing a favorite audiobook that will keep you encouraged and going strong by eliminating boredom during a long run. Listening to an interesting running audiobook while on the track will shift your mind away from focusing on the long-distance you have to cover.

3. Ensure your mid-run nutrition needs are well taken care of. Before embarking in a long run, you need to carry along your energy gel packets, sufficient water, sports drink, or salt tablets if you sweat a lot while running especially in the hot summer weather.

A multi-engine and instrument flight instructor certified by the Federal Aviation Authority, Brett Matcheck serves as a technical service coordinator of RAS Systems, and a flight operations supervisor of the 2nd Special Operations Squadron. A decorated combat pilot, Brett Alexander Matcheck served the U.S. Air Force in combat missions such as operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn, and Inherent Resolve. Brett Matcheck received the Air Force Aerial Achievement Medal (AFAAM) two times during his active service with the U.S. Air Force.

The AFAAM was created by the U.S. Air Force through the Secretary of the Air Force in February 1988. It is awarded to U.S. civilian and military personnel who have performed sustained meritorious achievement while engaged in aerial flight. Such achievements must be beyond what is normally expected of professional air personnel. For military service members, awarding of the AFAAM is delegated to wing commanders, while the Secretary of the Air Force is designated to approve the AFAAM for civilians.

To qualify for the AFAAM, an air service corp member must accumulate 20 flights of a minimum of two hours, with one flight per theater day. For each AFAAM, an enlisted personnel receives three promotion points.

The AFAAM bears a bald American eagle symbolizing the United States, with its wings extended outside the boundaries of the medal, which is an allusion to freedom. Above the eagle are 13 stars representing the 13 original colonies. Beyond the eagle are arcs representing aircraft flight paths. At the feet of the eagle are lightning bolts symbolizing the Air Force.

Author: brettmatcheck

Tips for Successfully Running Long Distances

The Air Force Aerial Achievement Medal