The opinions expressed herein are my personal opinions and in no way represent the US Military.
Last spring after returning from Afghanistan I went to the VA thinking I needed knee replacement surgery only to discover my bone structure was perfectly healthy and the pain was likely from scar tissue or muscle weakness in my left leg. Once I received that news in July, along with a little motivation from Pastor Mike’s promotion, I started running again for the first time since I re-broke my leg in 2002.
Since July I have reduced my permanent profile in the Army from a 3 which didn’t allow me to run at all, to a 2 which allows me to run at my own pace; I completed a 7 mile road march and have consistently ran three to six times a week.
Today I took another significant step…I completed the Turkey Trot 5k in 29 minutes flat, running the entire time (my only goal was not to walk). In the next twelve months I want to eliminate my profile altogether and complete a full marathon next November in Kansas City along with my Commander MAJ Brand and the Regimental Deputy Commander LTC Winkler.
Much like my finances three years ago, I finally became sick of my lack of responsibility. I realized that the only thing holding me back was a lack of effort. I found it very hypocritical for me to stand in front of future leaders in the United States Army and yet be unable to even run with them to chow. My victim mentality is gone replaced with excitement for what lies ahead!
Happy Thanksgiving!
