We have our first finisher! CPT Jessica Jak Miller shadow ran our marathon at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan on Oct 27. Jessica is a Manchester native and had hoped to be able to run in NH with her husband Nathan Miller but she did not get home in time. She had a finishing time of 4:15. The following is an excerpt of her message to us: My friend, First Lieutenant Mamie Sparacino ran the entire 26.2 miles with me. We started at 0400 in the morning after waking up at a very early 0330. After a quick bit to eat from some bread and peanut butter saved from dinner the night before, We were off and running. On the first lap of the FOB we were joined by our commander Captain Didomenico. She started us on a great and sustainable pace. After eight miles she entrusted us to my sections Sergeant Major, Sergeant Major Sullivan who pushed us through the next nine miles. At mile 17 he left us to our own devices. It was getting light by this point and the sun was rising over the mountains around us. The snow on the mountains reflected bright whiteness in the morning light. As if it needed to get any better, we were at the end of the airfield when two F-16s took off. We cheered and pumped our fists at the planes feeling truly proud to be Americans. Nothing can ever be as cool as watching those things take off! We were continuing to run really steadily but were certainly getting tired by mile 20. Needless to say there were no water or food stations like at a normal marathon so we were relying on what we could carry in our shorts for food. Luckily there were plenty of water pallets around all of they guard towers. The sun was up and we were getting warm (finally) so we were getting anxious for the end. This was my second full marathon with Mamie this deployment in addition to countless training runs. We didnt feel the need to talk towards the end but just ran together in comfortable silence. It was enough just knowing she was there. In the last mile we started to discuss what we were thankful for. It was a wonderful experience to share. We reached 26.2 as we came to our brigade headquarters. We hit our watches and had one very sweaty hug! We finished in 4:15. Not nearly my fastest marathon, but one of my best thanks to my wonderful Army family. Mamie had stashed an orange soda for us at brigade which we happily shared. We very quickly got showed and headed out to the dining facility for some well earned breakfast. I hate to have missed running in Manchester, the city where I grew up and will always call home, but this was a great experience I wouldnt change. My husband will be running the marathon this weekend. Ill be there in spirit. Ill be home very soon and hope to run Manchester next year. Ive attached a post marathon selfie of me (yikes! ) as well as a photo of Mamie and I once we had showered. My husband will be sending you my GPS file as well so you can take a look art the course here. It was a boring and flat course but the company was great. Thank you again for allowing me to do this shadow run. I was so disappointed I couldnt make it home, but mission first. I hope all goes well this weekend!
Posted on: Sat, 01 Nov 2014 11:28:40 +0000
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