This morning, I ran the “Run for the Fallen” 5K here at Fort Jackson, SC.
My Nike+ Sportband measured the run a 3.3 miles, rather than 3.1—probably because of the turn around in the course.
When I arrive to the run, I was expecting the normal race atmosphere—people getting ready. People stretching. And talk of expected times and pace.
What I found were several Army formations and families. I first felt out of place because I didn’t have my uniform “Army PTs”. I worn my running gear. I hate the Army PTs. But, soon more people showed up—allowing me to feel less like a dork.
I began to understand that this run would be different when the announcer advised that the “unit formations have priority and individual runners must not pass the units.” This difference was confirmed when the Chaplain (I think—and hope—it was a Chaplain…they never said) giving the Prayer said “We are not running for medals or trophies or personal best…we are running in remembrance of the fallen.” I understood and fear that this would be slow.
The run began with the units running out. They had announced that there would be a 3 minute pause between units and individuals. That never happened because people started passing me—so I jumped in. The pace was fairly steady until it came to the turn around point and everything ground to a halt as the big units ran around the cones.
All in all—not a bad day. I ended the race soaking wet—from the run and from the low hanging clouds in SC humidity. I ran across the finish line in 27:07…with an average pace of 8:02. Not bad for following units.