U.S. Forces Fitness

Story by Kaitlin Kelly Marine Corps Systems Command After finishing his second Boston Marathon five years ago, Maj. Ken Parisi, a logistics specialist at Marine Corps Systems Command, wanted to tackle a new challenge – triathlons.   He has completed four full-distance 140.6-mile races and 10 half-distance 70.3-mile races. He said this passion for triathlons gave him confidence and made him a better Marine. “I realized I got myself into something pretty big, so I did what all Marines would do—I made a plan, hired a coach, bought a bike, and then just actively and aggressively pursued my training plan until I crossed each finish line,” Parisi said. This fall, he participated in the Ironman 70.3 World Championship at Nelson Mandela Bay in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, placing in the top 25 percent of 4,500 competitors. The race included a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run.  It was Parisi’s first World Championship race, and he had to overcome a fe...

Story by Sgt. Joseph Abrego Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni’s gates opened to Japanese locals who participated with service members in the 31st MCAS Iwakuni Triathlon at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 16, 2018. The triathlon afforded Japanese athletes and MCAS Iwakuni personnel an opportunity to compete at a higher level while enjoying a physical activity that transcends the boundaries of language and culture, providing a positive experience for all parties. “Events like this build morale, allows participants to test their fitness and provides us the opportunity to build a relationship with the local Japanese community,” said Woneata Stallworth, the assistant athletic director with Marine Corps Community Services. The triathlon drew in 164 participants who competed for various reasons, not including the many others who volunteered to help, spectate and encourage participants throughout the race. “I’ve been a lifeguard for many triathlons bac...