Workshops provide advice for AF Marathon Published April 3, 2015 By Diane Kofoed 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- A group of runners gathered March 24 on the basketball courts of Wright Field Fitness Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to participate in a workshop led by Dr. Mark Cucuzzella, chief medical consultant to the Air Force Marathon. "Remember, ounces are lost in the gym, pounds are lost in the kitchen," said Cucuzzella, emphasizing the importance of nutrition in partnership with exercise. Proper nutrition, the importance of building endurance and maintaining overall health were topics covered in Cucuzzella's running workshop. The Air Force Marathon sponsored the workshop to give runners preparing to take part in the races useful information about running and distance training. Five additional workshops were held throughout the community at local partnering businesses. "The workshops went great. We had about 25 people per session, and they've been engaged and enthusiastic," said Cucuzzella. Cucuzzella has been a competitive runner for nearly 30 years and has completed more than 60 marathons and ultra-marathons. He is a two-time winner of the Air Force Marathon as well as part of the Air Force Running Team and is a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force Reserves. He has designed programs to reduce running injuries in military personnel. Cucuzzella is a family physician and associate professor at West Virginia University School of Medicine, where he is an advocate for healthy living and also works in his local community to promote the values of exercise and healthy eating. The Air Force Marathon will be Sept. 19. The Sports & Fitness Expo will be held at Wright State University's Nutter Center on Sept. 17-18. For those who would like to assist in the marathon festivities, volunteer registration will become available May 1. For more information about the Air Force Marathon, visit www.usafmarathon.com.