Army 10 Miler - Run10 Mile

It was a great race! Doug and I were in the first wave this year and it was a much better perspective. There were so many more participants and spectators cheering and that was great. I saw a guy running barefoot - wow - was passed by Batman, and handed a beer by a pimp (in costume)! Very cool.

Being in wave 1 we were starting up on the road so I could see the disabled veterans start. What courage. The opening events have the parachute jumps, the helicopters fly over and of course the national anthem. It is impressive to see 30,000 people be quite for the national anthem and what a flash back to my youth to see all the men and women saluting. Brought back a tear for dear old Dad.

Cannon sounded and we were off - sort of. Three minutes after the cannon we crossed over the timing mat and then we started. I had to laugh as I watched the line of men peeing in the bushes not 0.2miles after the start. As we crossed the Arlington Bridge I saw the lead group of the disabled veterans running along the water.

There was water every 2 miles and I took gels at miles 2 and 6. I walked the water stations just enough to actually drink my water rather than spill it down the front of me. Also I was taken out by a medic. Someone tripped on the curb to my left and as I was looking at that the medic ran through my feet and took them right out from under me. Thank goodness Doug was immediately in front of me b/c I fell right into him and that is the only reason I stayed up. Nice catch Doug.

Running down and back behind the Mall was much more enjoyable than last year. So many more people cheering! Those 2 miles flew by. I also didn't see as many "In Memory Of...." shirts this year, but I wonder if that was partially b/c I was running closer to the front. I hope it means there was less of a need this year.

As we crossed in front of the Capitol I joked to Doug, “So if we are up on Capitol hill does that mean the rest of the way is all down hill?” I was joking but a woman next to me gave me a very firm NO and didn’t want me to be disappointed by the “big hill on the bridge” that was left. People in DC don't know what hills are. I heard so many people complaining about the hills and realized they were talking about the bridges! I'm sorry, after Savage you've got to hit me with more than a 6 foot rise for me to consider it a hill. If I can't reach out and touch it while I am running up it, then it is not a hill! I appreciate her honesty and good intentions though.


I ran it in strong and Doug made me run his pace down the chute. Since he suffered through 9.8 miles at my pace I could suck it up for him. But damn, a 7:30min/mile is tough at the end!!

The calf did okay for the first 3 miles. At mile 5 I finally told Doug it was hurting and thought if I ran a little faster it might work the muscle differently. I was able to finish strong but spent the next few hours limping around.


Nothing. But next year I will break 1:30!!!

Got our coins, some food, watched the Army musical group perform for a while. They were great. Something about BDUs and combat boots singing Culture Club and Motown medleys is funny - but much appreciated. This year I found the Big Red One tent - where were they last year when I wore the shirt!?!!?



calf muscle


More participation this year was evident - but I think that is great. I always have a great time and really enjoy running the ATM. Wil be back next year too.