JB's March to Bataan: 2012 Bataan Death March Memorial Marathon

Monday, March 26, 2012

2012 Bataan Death March Memorial Marathon

The race is finally complete. An amazing experience. On the personal level, I have now lived through the various challenges on the course that people have tried in different ways to describe. Two things are obvious - 1. words really can't describe the insane hurdles thrown into this course. 2. while it was all difficult, everyone has a different perspective on what was most painful. There hasn't been anything in my life that remotely compares to the physical toll I felt going through this. That finish line was one welcome site!

In the broader view of the event, it's hard to describe the pride in our country that I have from being part of this. Our soldiers are amazingly tough, yet quality people. The people running the event not only ran the event with precision, but were super nice...and I've never run a race before where I've bonded with more runners as we worked thru the pain - from David from Castle Rock who kept coach me to run the downhills, not the uphills, "Miss Congeniality" Rachel and my savior Mari with the sports beans to Tim Timmons, Division Chief at Joint Interoperability Test Command, who ran with me from mile 18 to 20, to General John Ferrari, Commander of White Sands Missle Range, who not only hosted the event but also ran in it (I didn't catch him until half way up Hell Hill).

I'll post more pictures and stories shortly, but want to finish with how I started - with a plea that you show support for our military. The U.S. Army is not a nameless, faceless corporation, it is a bunch of tough individuals who have put themselves at daily risk of incredible physical challenge, torture or death...so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have. They are real people with real families, who while proud of their commitment worry daily for their safety.

If you don't have a favorite cause, consider giving to the Sgt. Todd Gibbs Scholarship - the link is on the right side of this webpage. He was a real person with a real family who sacrificed it all so that we can live at home in peace.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Bataan Death March Memorial - background

I've never met Sgt 1st Class Todd C. Gibbs, nor will I ever given he gave his life for his country on December 7, 2004. While he may not have been a member of my family, he certainly was part of a loving family back home. While he did not directly impact my life, his actions - and those of his fellow soldiers - have allowed me and my family to lead the lives we live.

Todd's brother Bret told me about a challenge here at home called the Bataan Memorial Death March. This VFW sponsored event has - for the last 23 years - recognized the WWII soldiers from Bataan, and was originally a military-only event but now has teams and participants from all branches of the military, Wounded Warriors and now civilians participating in the Memorial. The Memorial is a marathon distance endurance challenge at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

As described by a recent participant "The hardest aspect of this event is that even though it is considered a marathon it has far too great a diversity to be considered “just” a marathon. Changing from hard pack to asphalt back to hard pack and then desert sand is enough to buckle any athlete’s knees...dusty conditions and a five-mile long hill under full sun separates the weekender from the diehard athlete...I believe the last four miles of the event is the most difficult for three reasons. First, the sand is unstable, rutted and your feet are well on there way to becoming lumps of clay. Second, you are able to see the finish line that doesn’t seem to draw any closer because of the route around the base and psychologically is depressing.. Finally, the wall creates an air block that soaks up the heat and wind which just adds to your fatigue..."

To me, this event recognizes and memorializes ALL of our military personnel - past and present - who have volunteered themselves for the greater good putting themselves at risk of injury or death on a daily basis.

I get the privilege of working in an air-conditioned office and sleeping in a comfortable bed thanks to the sacrifices of our military. As feeble as it is, I would like to say "Thank You" by putting a bit of a challenge on my own physical capabilities and participate in the 2012 Bataan Memorial Death March.

I'll use this Blog to whine about how tough it is being middle-aged and soft, but more importantly hope to use this as a platform to raise donations for noble causes supporting our troops. I am far from being a "social network" expert - having never created a blog or website before - but hope that the power of internet and our extended networks can make a difference for these charities.

Help me out! Post a story or comment. Share the charity links with your network. Recommend another charity. Let's prove that the value of the internet and Facebook is more than getting updates on Aunt Edna's bunyons! Most importantly, say “Thank You” next time you see a soldier or veteran!