Blog Updates. . . Running

For those who are waiting on an update about my recent trip home, please note that I am continuing revisions to that blog entry. Although some may think blogging is easy to do...it's actually not so easy while in a combat zone! I am carefully reviewing and revising the entry to capture - as best possible - my experience without sharing critical sensitive information about troop movements and other operational security related information. What appears to some as a simple trip home actually involves troop movements and processes which remain in place, ultimately creating blogging difficulties. The security of all troops is of utmost importance and no blog or communication is important enough to reveal such sensitive information.

In the meantime, I've added a widget to my blog which shows the number of miles I've run while here in Afghanistan. To date, I've run more than 621 miles (all outside in the elements: heat and cold), including a half marathon (13.1 miles) with another half marathon scheduled this coming Sunday. My current mileage also includes two 10K's (6.2 miles each), thirteen 5K's (3.1 miles each), and the "Army's Annual 10-Miler" Run. I've run these miles in 136 different workouts which have totaled more than 203 hours. Pretty incredible numbers...(a running website does the calculations, not me!)

Before leaving Afghanistan, my personal goal is to run 1,000 miles and to run a full marathon (26.2 miles). I am 100% focused and know I can do it. I'm very proud of my running and more importantly, my dedication to this most difficult mileage challenge which I've presented myself with! I can say with certainty that there are very few - if any - others here in Afghanistan with the same or greater mileage.

To those who say they don't have the commitment or desire: I didn't either before arriving in Afghanistan. Although I've run with blisters, lost toe nails, and endured various aches, pains, and strains, the fact remains that I am simply proof that once you put your mind to something, you can do it!!!