Fast Running Soldier

Day of rest. Went to church.

Today's run wasn't exactly as fast as I would have liked it. I felt pretty flat for some reason, but I have also picked up mileage slightly so that could account for it. 7 good miles outside today...finally! There were three pretty steep hills in the middle of the run which may account for the slow time. I averaged a 7:38 pace. Mile 5 and 6 weren't the greatest, but it happens sometimes.

7:52   7:15    7:28   7:28   7:57   7:59   7:25

Did some night land nav using a DAGR...those things don't work very well under a canopy of trees! Anyway, it was a good experience and gave me a few more miles in my newer boots. I used my GPS watch to get my distance. It wasn't as far as I would have thought, but the night plays tricks on your mind!

Did a little trail run out at the FOB (TAA Leader). I didn't like it much because the trail was awful and people could turn ankles really easy. Plus it was a bit slow, but we had a good time, it was nice to get a little run in!

We did our 10 mile ruck march today. It was great to be able to do it as squads released from the platoon. My squad was the very last to start (two platoons went this morning) and we passed up every sqaud from both platoons and ended up finishing first just a little bit ahead of the 15 minute mile pace! It was great. We had to do it with all of our crew serve weapons as well, and each squad had their own M-240B. I carried that for 3 miles and the SAW for 2 miles. The squad did great, especially with ruck sacks that are probably 50lbs or more! Gotta love the Infantry!