The death of the world's most wanted man, al Quaeda leader Osama bin Laden is in no way related to my ten mile training. However, I felt like if I didn't mention him it would make me seem oblivious, not the impression I want to leave on my readers. (Hopefully I'll have some readers some day lol). Also, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to voice my opinion on the situation.
I never believed that his death would mark the end of the war. I never believed he would be found and killed either. God bless the CIA and the Navy SEALs The reality of this event's impact still hasn't set in for me. I took awhile to accept the death of Saddam Hussein in December of 2006 as well. It's very difficult to take in the sheer magnitude of these moments in history.
Like 9/11, this is one of those historical landmarks where you will always remember where you were and what you were doing when it occured. I was nearly asleep when the announcement was broadcasted all over the news. I found out about it via text message from a friend who saw President Obama's announcement.
I don't typically take pleasure in death. Yet, I was nearly overjoyed at the news, at first. Once the initial joy passed, the questions started to haunt me. Are we going to have another surge in Afghanistan? Should America fear retaliation? How much earlier do I have to get up in the morning to get through the heightened security on post now? I'm sure most of my questions will be answered in due time. I'll know the answer to the third question by tomorrow morning. The answers to the first two will simply lead to more questions. I sincerely hope that in the midst of the uncertainty that the families of the victims of 9/11 will gain peace and closure from this.
Now... on to the training portion of my life...
My plan to run seven miles was destroyed by the First Sergeant, who decided to do a "fun run." If your legs weren't broken, you were required to participate. At least I was able to run, and not tasked elswhere. The run was short, less than three miles. The problem with short distances, for me, is that the typically involve speed. I have always considerd myself a distance runner. So when the formation took off running at what had to be a five minute mile pace, I had to fall back. I never stopped running, but First Sergeant was sadly mistaken if he believed I was going to maintain that pace. I would love to one day be able to, but right now, that isn't realistic.
We ran past our brigade headquarters, and who else would be outside but the Brigade Command Sergeant Major? For anyone not familiar with the term, Command Sergeant Major is the second highest enlisted rank in the Army. The only enlisted person in the Army that outranks a Command Sergeant Major is the Sergant Major of the Army. He began running with us, and trash talking those who couldn't keep up. I'm beyond the point in my career to be much affected by trash talking, so my speed never increased, despite his "gentle encouragements." When asked what was wrong with me I simply replied "I'm fat." I know I'm not fat, but I also knew he probably wouldn't have a response to that. Thankfully, he didn't and found someone else to "encourage."
At one point we rounded a corner and I fell, nearly flat on my face in front of the entire formation and Sergeat Major. I managed to escape with no injuries, other than those to my ego. I got up and continued on. First Sergeant took us to a hill that I wouldn't be able to drive on without four wheel drive, and expected us to run up to the top, more than once. Apparently it was to "motivate us." As mad as I was, I must admit, it worked. I wanted to run it a few more times, but we were headed back to the unit instead. I was pleased with the fact that I felt as though I could have gone further.
Also pleasing is the fact that I may not have lost as much conditioning as I previously believed I had. I'm not sure I'm 100% ready for the ten miler, but I'm sure I'm getting closer, faster than I thought I would.
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