Air Force Marathon participation inspires winning attitude Published July 11, 2007 By James Baker Skywrighter staff WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- A Louisville, Ky., man said he plans on running in the 2007 U.S. Air Force Marathon and is living proof to the adage to never give up. Chris Perry, 23, said he all but gave up on running when it was determined that he had a fairly rare condition in both legs known as compartment syndrome. The condition caused him to suffer only a mile or two into his running. "My legs became like anchors, my feet would just go numb and my shins radiated with pain," said Mr. Perry. "After two years of the same endless cycle and never seeing any change, I finally gave up on running and sports in general." After letting bad habits take over his life after his health problems, Mr. Perry said he gained weight, wasn't motivated and had all but given up hope of being an athlete and was devastated because of it. "I went to trainers, specialists, doctors and always got the same thing over and over," he said. "They told me it was shin splints and I should take two weeks off and use plenty of ice, which never worked." Mr. Perry said he was determined to run a half-marathon earlier this year, but the pain began again and he looked on the computer for someone who had his disorder. "I started researching on the Internet until I finally found a guy who suffered the way I did," said Mr. Perry, who then went back to the doctor where they confirmed his findings. "Usually it is caused by some sort of trauma, but in rare cases like mine athletes develop it for no reason at all." Mr. Perry said he had to have an inch-long incision made in the center of his shin on both legs and the tissue underneath had to be split open from the knee down to his ankle to relieve the pressure and allow more room for his muscles to move. "I started thinking of the years I had suffered and all I had to overcome to get my life back on track and this was the last hurdle that stood in my way," he said. "My recovery took about a month and a half and I was cleared to start running again. That is when I set my sights on running in the 2007 U.S. Air Force half-marathon." According to Mr. Perry, he has made a complete lifestyle change that has seen him eat healthier and exercise much more. At press time, he said he had just finished his first-ever, seven-mile run without any pain in his legs and is counting the days until Sept. 15. "This race means the world to me," Mr. Perry said. "It is going to be the first race I have ever been in and I'll remember it for the rest of my life. It will serve as a reminder for me that I can do anything I set my mind to and will never give up." To volunteer for the race, contact the U.S. Air Force Marathon office via e-mail at usaf.marathon@wpafb.af.mil or call at (937) 257-4350. To register for the marathon, visit http://www.usafmarathon.com.