Have you ever thought about...?

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Heather Cook
  • 436th Aerial Port Squadron commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Have you ever thought about what it would be like to walk up several flights of stairs and not be winded? Have you ever thought about what it would be like to complete a half-marathon without pain in your lungs?

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to make it through a movie without coughing?
Or what it would be like to save at least $2,700 each year?

You can do it.

All you have to do is visit the folks at the Health and Wellness Center and they will point you in the right direction.

I did it $16,425 ago.
I did it 2,098 days ago.

I smoked Marlboro Reds, Lights and Ultralights for 30 years. I couldn't run 1.5 miles without feeling sick. I couldn't laugh without coughing. I started to feel as if I was going to die before my 45th birthday.

So, I went to the HAWC; (several times, but ultimately--when I was ready) I quit.

I ran in my first sanctioned race less than a year after quitting--8.5 miles. I improved my aerobics component tremendously and started getting above 90 on my physical training tests. I ran my first Half-Marathon--without walking.

I WILL NEVER pick up another cigarette again. You can too.

Just do it. You'll be happy you did.

You really can do it. Just try. Every day, just try.