Grandma's Half Marathon

June 16

Apparently in Minnesota, they have a big marathon this time of the year. But since our Minnesota Army National Guard is here instead of there, the boys in the guard decided to host their own marathon. Due to the size of the base, they had to cut it down to simply a half marathon which was approximately 13 miles vs. the normal 26 miles in Minnesota. Several of our medical staff are long distance runners who decided to step up to the challenge. The other medical staff who signed up didn't realize what they were getting into but thought "Hey, I get a t-shirt." I am proud to say everyone finished with no real injuries. A few were sore in the days that followed, but everyone felt a since of accomplishment.

The marathon gang are smiling now

(it's 0430, that's before the sun comes up for you non-military folk).

from L to R: Dave, Tom, Dave, Chris, Liz, Ken, Lora, Ricks

Chris and I came out to cheer the runners on. We are in uniform because (1) we are not running and (2) chow hall opens at 0500 (that's still before the sun comes up).

The last of our folks from medical come in strong and well ahead of many others. Way to go Ken and Dave!!

Chris and I have eaten and quickly changed into our cheerleading outfits to greet the runners at the finish line. Originally we were there to support our medical runners, but we were having so much fun we stayed until the last runner past the finish line. The Minnesota boys showed their appreciation for our talent by awarding us honorary t-shirts and pins.

Our first place medical runner HM1 Ricks!

Ricks ran the marathon with a stress fracture and came in 7th overall averaging a 7 minute mile pace. His orthopedist is going to have a fit.

A few of the boys at the finish line.

from L to R: Tom, Chris, Ken, and Dave.