Now I say HOOAH!

I completed the Army 10 Miler yesterday. BIG deal for me. I was told distance running was not in the cards anymore after my injury running the San Fran Marathon in 2005. I proved them wrong.

39, about to be 40 any second, I was approached with the opportunity to run as a team. I explained that I really wanted to. I'll train and if my knee is ok, Ill do it, but no promises. And train I did. 4-5 days a week, at stupid o'clock in the morning, I ran. I stuck to the treadmill because it is less impact on your body. I protected my knee and when there was pain, I stopped. Running on a tradmill is very different than road. I could build up endurance, but I knew I would struggle when the race came. Also, I never ran past 8 miles. I worried that I would end up walking during the race, and tried to convince myself to leave my ego back in Philly. I remember trying to sooth my team members who worried about their performance "whatever happens, happens. Let's just try to have a good time". I was really talking to myself.

The day couldn't have been more beautiful. Perfect running weather, trees turning a million vibrant colors, and the Nations Capitol as our backdrop. We did it. All of us. The pride we earned that day is priceless.

We all ran at different paces in different waves. For some of the team, this was not their first ATM. 5 of the 16 run Keyan style. Fast as shit. For a few, this was their first race of any kind. First distance run. For me, I had something to prove. You can never tell me I can't.

Not only did I run the entire race, I did it in 88 mins. BOOOOOOOMMMMMM. The 1st three miles were a struggle. I remember thinking, "Oh shit, 7 more miles". Then my stride became effortless. I started picking up speed with each mile marker I passed. The hills became fun, not an obstacle. I was now passing people from waves that started 10-15 minutes before me. When I crossed the finish line, my thought was what's next?

After the race we clebrated with hugs. We were awarded with coins from the Command Sergeant Major of the Army Reserves who just happened to be getting interviewed by our Rally point. We took the metro back to the hotel, jumped in the car, and made our way back home to avoid the traffic of 40,000 people trying to leave at once. It was a great day.

Again I proved to myself that there is nothing I can't do. I am a product of what I believe. I believe I'm a warrior. Half marathon next.

In the history of the 338th MED BDE, there has never been a team for anything. We started something very cool and we plan to grow. Lead from the front. Be an example. Engage your fellow soldiers and continue to accomplish things you thought you couldn't. Things in our unit changed yesterday. A new morale. We are proud of ourselves and everyone else is proud of us too. We need to use this momentum to inspire others to join us,

Now, I'm not saying there is no downside. I'm barely moving today. Last night was a little rough as well. I am still almost 40 with injuries. Walking is not my friend right now. Heating pads with my knee propped up watching reality TV. Thank God I had off from work. Taking a couple days break from running, but not too long.

More pics to come.