On December 7, 1941, the United States was thrust into World War II when the Japanese military attacked Pearl Harbor. Admiral Chester W. Nimitz was appointed Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet later that month. He oversaw the Allie's island-hopping campaign to systematically defeat the Japanese-held territories throughout the Pacific Ocean and led pivotal battles, including Midway. When the war ended, Admiral Nimitz became the Chief of Naval Operations. He made one of his more lasting legacies in this role: the Blue Angels.  

The Blue Angels are the Navy's flight exhibition team. Maybe you have seen them in action with their close-flying diamond formation (18" apart) and high-speed, low-ground maneuverers. Since its founding, a team of six Blue Angel fighter pilots tours the country, headlining airshows.  

Does the Navy need the Blue Angels? Of course not. The Blue Angel squadron does not make better fighter pilots. The Navy has other training for that. Why then form and keep the Blue Angels? 

Sometimes you need a little sizzle. 

Admiral Nimitz saw the general public lose interest and awareness in naval aviation as he led the Navy's post-war transition and demobilization. Pilots are essential to a Naval  Fleet's attacking and defensive capabilities. Nimitz's vision was for the Blue Angels to demonstrate the professionalism and skill of naval aviators. 

Look, we know the memes about runners. We always wear GPS watches and talk about upcoming races and how long we ran this weekend. Does that sound like you? It does me. Remember, though, that you can overdo this, and we should realize (gasp!) that not everyone is as interested in running as we are. But don't lose the sizzle. It's good to remind those around you that you run. Maybe you will inspire them to start running when they see running's tremendous health and mental benefits on you. We're not Admiral Nimitz. However, there's no reason we can't have a similar lasting legacy.