Talk about fun!  JBB hosted a track meet this past weekend, and it was a blast!  It felt good to go up into the stands and look down as individuals were getting ready to compete in their events.  It reminded me of all the track meets I would be missing out back home, but it was nice to be able to run on that day in a great track meet with fellow competitors. They really wanted to make this a big deal, so we had the helicopters, (although that is a sight and sound you get use to over here…just about every 15 mins…), they had MRAPs drive around the track, throw some colored smoke grenades and from the smoke arose a team of armed Military members escorting the leader with a lighted torch.  It was really cool!

 Most teams were stacked in just about every event.  Our 402^nd team consisted of five members…  We were just going out to have a good time and maybe some bragging rights around the office.  Well, two members of the team were in the masters division of the shot put and the discus, and one of them ended up winning both events, so that was really cool.  Frank stepped up and ran one of the legs of our 4 x 400 relay team since one of our guys did not show.  That showed a lot of heart.  For Frank to step up to that challenge was a big deal.  He later informed us that he was waiting for a knee brace since he has been having knee problems.  I am going to give him my gold medal that I got from the mile.  He deserves it.

 The mile was the first event.  I ended up winning it with a sub-par time of 4:51, but then again, I had not done any track work for a VERY long time.  The next event was the 400 open.  I got third in my heat , which qualified me for the finals the next day.  Right after that was the 800.  I knew I was going to be tired from just running the 400 but wanted to compete anyway.  I ended up taking it easy the first lap, just sticking with the pack, then started to move up around the last 200 mark.  I should have gone earlier because I was short and just missed the win.  I ended up getting third.  I think I held back too long…oh well, it was a great time.  We then competed in the 4 x 400 relay.  It was just for fun at that point and we did in fact have a great time.  I think we have a great team here in the S8 office, well, some of us probably need to go home, but the rest are all great individuals. 

 For the finals, I was flat from the start.  I ended up getting my doors blown off, but no regrets.  I was a good time.  I can’t wait to compete again on soft all weather tracks back in the states.  I know my time over here has def made me appreciate everything and everyone back home.  I will be back for sure soon enough, but for now the mission is not complete and I hope to continue supporting the troops the best I can.

 Hope all is well with everyone,

Run Happy.