This week we share the story of USAF Lt. Col Ben Payne- Running Strong, healthy, and happy at age 42. Congrats Ben on an amazing run at the 2024 Olympic Trials Marathon 34th place in 2:17.05. Lots of carnage out there on a hot Orlando day but you got the job done!
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Ben we connected probably over 20 years ago representing the USAF on running adventures. It has been exciting to follow your career over the years! What you did this year was amazing finishing 34th and first (and only) finisher over 40. Its a privilege to share with our readers what you have learned.
Mark – thanks for reaching out – being part of the USAF running community for nearly 20 years has been one of my favorite aspects of staying in the Air Force. I’m pretty sure we first met in 2007 at my first Armed Forces XC meet (Boulder) – you’ve also been at it for a long time, very impressive!
You have had a loooong running career. Where and when did you start to get interested in the sport?
I am grateful to have healthy legs and still enjoy training and competing at a high level because I know this will not last forever. Growing up, I did some short road races with my parents but never anything serious. I thought I was a baseball and soccer player in early high school,but that all changed when I got cut from my high school baseball team as a sophomore (Faith Christian HS, Arvada CO). I decided to give track a try and quickly figured out I enjoyed running long distance and ended up doing well as a junior/senior, then was fortunate to get recruited to run Track & XC at USAFA.
Why did you choose USAFA?
For me, it was an easy decision to pursue USAFA as it was close to home, a great opportunity to run at an NCAA Division 1 level, and an even better opportunity to get a great (FREE) education and eventually pursue a career as a pilot serving my country.
How was it balancing the rigors of course work, military duties and running at USAFA?
Very challenging – especially because for whatever reason I decided to major in Aeronautical Engineering! I did have alot on my plate to juggle but I also really enjoyed the challenge – and being part of the Track/XC team was no doubt the main thing that helped me to survive those 4 years.
You went into flying. What Air Force and civilian planes have you flown and who are you flying with now?
USAF: T-6 Instructor Pilot (Columbus AFB, MS), U-28 (Hurlburt Field, FL), C-21 Learjet (CO Air National Guard – Peterson AFB, CO), T-53 Cirrus SR-20 (USAF Academy, CO – current assignment)
Civilian: Southwest Airlines pilot (currently on Military Leave of Absence)
Did you take any long breaks from running after USAFA?
Yes for sure, I have had a few periods of more relaxed training/racing due to prioritizing life circumstances. Specifically – during the 18 months of AF Pilot training, during a few years of constant deployments overseas, and during the race-less period of COVID. I never completely stopped running but it became less of a focus and more casual during these times – which probably has helped extend my career of running fast into my early 40s. I know running will be a lifelong activity for me to keep me healthy and sane, but will look different depending on other priorities in my life (kids, career, adventures, etc.) and that’s ok!
You were a strong track and XC runner but when did you decide to take on the marathon?
I gave in to running a marathon in 2009 earlier than I was planning . Thanks to some peer pressure from fellow Air Force athletes, I was convinced to race Marine Corps Marathon and had a decent debut (2:26, 4th place) but definitely hit the well. At that time I had no idea how to be committed in training for a marathon, and was very unprepared to race a solid 26.2 miles! It really wasn’t until the 2016 Olympic Trials (after 10 marathons) that I had a good grasp on the commitment and dedication it took to prepare well for the marathon distance, and I finally cracked 2:20.
How many Trials have you run?
Three – 2016: 17th in 2:18:37; 2020: 31st in 2:16:42; 2024: 34th in 2:17:05
Any other highlight races?
2015 was my breakout year on the roads as I set my half marathon PR (63:10) all the way down to my mile PR (4:03). And of course can’t forget about placing 2nd at Peachtree 10k with a photo finish (my moment of fame as I supposedly lost the race by celebrating early!).
Winning the Bolder Boulder 10k citizen’s race that year was also an accomplishment I am very proud of as a Colorado native!
2016 NYC Marathon: 9th place (4th American) in 2:15 (still my current Personal Best time). This was a huge breakthrough race for me as I built on the success of the 2016 Trials and raced well on the hills of NYC. I did a lot of my training mileage at sea level while in flight training for a new aircraft – which was not ideal – but realized that I could continue to balance training at an elite level around life’s challenges!
You have 3 beautiful children . How is it balancing work, family, and fitting in some training?
This is where my wife, Erin, gets all the credit. She is my biggest fan and is always willing to help me get out the door for my daily runs and give me weekends away to compete so I can pursue this passion! We both know this season of elite distance running won’t last forever, but we’re thankful to enjoy it as a family while it does last. We try to travel as a family to races as much as possible so the kids can be part of the experience as well – and they like to compete in the shorter kids races!
Have you had any major injuries or setbacks?
Very few, thankfully. Some minor muscle strains, two cases of plantar fasciitis, and a stress fracture (metatarsal) are the worst setbacks I’ve dealt with. I’m very blessed to have enjoyed many healthy years of running, but have also been wise about keeping the mileage within reason, without always redlining workouts.
If folks want to keep running the way you are after 40. Any words of pilot wisdom?
Have fun with it! Take days off/seasons off when needed. Add some variety when it becomes a grind – I like to switch over to trail running when I’ve had too much road running. I truly believe running makes me a better husband, dad, employee, and person – and vice versa.
I believe you were the 2nd oldest in the race other than 5 time Olympian Abdi (correct?)
As far as I know, that is correct – but even more impressive is 40-year old Army athlete Elkanah Kibet placed 4th overall, setting a new Masters American record. I know him well and have been racing against him for a long time – great athlete.
The Orlando race must have been special in many ways. Anything you want to share about that?
Orlando was special because in 2020 I definitely didn’t anticipate being there again in 2024. I took a couple years off of competing during COVID, and then got the urge in 2023 to get after a sub-2:18 marathon (Olympic Trials standard) as a masters athlete as a new challenge. I had a fun summer of road racing last year, leading up to 2:17:15 in Chicago (1st masters), my first marathon back since the 2020 Trials in Atlanta. So I feel like I’m in a bonus “extra inning” of racing.
And over 30 family members made the trip to Orlando to cheer me on – these races have always been a good excuse for big family reunion type trips together! (My kids wore shirts that said, “My daddy STILL runs faster than yours”! Very proud.)
You live in Colorado. Did you do any heat adaptation things while in Colorado?
I did frequent sauna sessions after runs, as well as some climate/altitude controlled treadmill workouts. Thanks to previously living in Florida for about 5 years, I learned how to train & race in the heat and I think that played to my advantage as well.
What do you like to do when kicking back for fun?
Biking, skiing, hiking, camping, traveling! I enjoy being active all year long here in Colorado.
Any future running goals?
I’m taking a break from marathons for the time being – but looking forward to some fun shorter road races this spring/summer! Competing as an elite Masters division runner has given me some new motivation and focus for training. And the best part is it’s all just for fun!
Thank you Ben!
It’s never too late to reach for the sky
