Race #45 - Army Ten Miler - 1:11:17

The Army Ten Miler was as advertised in terms of size, organization and inspiration. The weather was perfect, the course historic and the crowds extremely supportive. I ran with Dale, my brother-in-law, who was running his 6th race with me this year. Dale and I have been running races together for over 25 years since we met as future brother in laws back in 1984. Dale has been running a lot this year and I think has turned back the clock with some of his fastest times in years. He just finished the Air Force 1/2 marathon two weeks ago and since he is an Air Force guy, he was in his own element there. I am not sure if he felt comfortable amongst the Army guys today, but I think he enjoyed it. Dale ran a very good 1:19:40.

My wife Ro accompanied me as well as Dale's wife (Ro's sister) Joanne who was celebrating her birthday. We made it a birthday weekend for Jo and weekend away for Ro and I. Leigh was home taking care of my son Michael.

We met up on Friday night at the hotel bar then proceeded to go to dinner. Friday was going to be the later night out since the race was on Sunday. We went for Spanish food and a few beers and met up with one of Joanne's old friends who works in Washington DC.

Saturday was spent picking up the race numbers and t-shirts and some sightseeing. We took in the Smithsonian and did lots of walking. I don't think that was a great idea because by the time we got back to our rooms, we were beat. We had Italian food at Philomena's in the Georgetown section then a drink by the Potomac. Unfortunately while having that drink, my wife and I received a call that our dog of almost 9 years, Blaze, had died suddenly of a heart attack. It was crushing blow and certainly put a damper on the rest of the evening and took all my enthusiasm for race day. Although her death was sudden it wasn't unexpected. She was diagnosed with an enlarged heart about 5 weeks ago and the doc said it could be any day or 6 months. Blaze was my running partner and a wonderful dog and will be missed.

The following morning we got up at 5am, got a cup of coffee, stretched and walked to the start which was near the Pentagon. I was assigned the second wave while Dale was in the third wave. With 30,000 runners those waves were pretty far apart. Paratroopers jumped from lanes and landed perfectly at the start and there was a copter flyover.

I got off to a good start and planned on running 7:15's for all of the race unless I felt good at the end, then I would run 7's. I felt okay early but my legs never got loose which I attribute to too much walking the day before. I hit just about every split between 7:05 and 7:20. Time was good but I wanted to feel a little better running that speed and did not.

This is another race that I would do again. The folks that put on this race did an excellent job from race expo to post race party. There were lots of teams competing from many of the army bases across the country.

Next up for me is the LBI 18 on Sunday. I will take this one at 7:45 pace.

Thanks to all who have donated and please join me at one of the remaining races.