Reservist places 10th in Air Force Marathon Published Nov. 10, 2010 By Capt. Ashley Conner 477th Fighter Group PAO Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio -- Air Force Staff Sgt. Jose Garza, 477th Maintenance Squadron low observable technician, placed 10th in the Air Force marathon at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio Sept. 18. Garza placed 35th in last year's Air Force Marathon and his run time secured him a place on this year's Pacific Air Forces marathon team. PACAF provided funding for airfare and lodging for the team; that consisted of Garza and three other active duty officers. "I would have paid for the trip myself," he said. "But it's nice to be a part of a team and represent the Air Force." Garza's run time of 2:51:55 was five minutes faster than his best time, but has goals to improve. "Next year I would like to place in the top five and knock off another 10 to 15 minutes off my time so I can qualify for the Air Force team competing in the Marine Corps marathon," Garza said. Garza credits his increase in speed not to age; he turned 40 this year, but with experience. "The more races you run the more you learn about your body," he said. "As I get older I know that it takes me longer to recuperate. I have to listen to my body, give it what it needs to get better." Garza has run nine marathons and will continue to as long as he is healthy, but he has found that he doesn't have to go far to find competition. "We have a friendly rivalry," said Staff Sgt. Jaime Haines, 477th Maintenance Squadron low observable technician. Haines currently holds the 477th's fastest mile and a half run time. "It's great to have a co-worker who shares a passion for running," Garza said. "Training together helps keep us both competitive."