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262 Soldiers compete in half marathon
Posted in:
March 2010
By Capt. Jaime Wolhar
Mar 26, 2010 - 9:08:26 AM
Texas Half Marathon in Iraq?
The El Paso Texas Half Marathon here in Iraq, participated by two Delawareans? That's correct, amongst all of the stressors, responsibilities, and missions, over 400 Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Seaman will participate in this year's 4th Annual El Paso Half Marathon on COB Adder Iraq.
Originated in El Paso Texas, the El Paso Marathon Foundation mission is to organize a first class marathon that promotes health and fitness in the community, brings tourism to the region of El Paso and provides support to local and national non-profit organizations. Although tourism is not the objective here in Iraq, all branches of the military continually focus on the importance of physical fitness.
So, what would make any Soldier on deployment want to run a half marathon? "It is something to look forward to," states Specialist Brandi Kalinowski. "It clears my mind and takes me away from all the stress here". She and Staff Sergeant Anthony Graciano have been training for this for 2 months. They have both participated in 5 K's on the FOB and both have placed first in their age groups on two separate races.
Staff SGT Anthony Graciano, a medic for the 262nd assigned to the Battalion Aide Station has participated in half Marathons back home to include the Caesar Rodney Half Marathon. He has taken physical fitness training very serious and has led a remedial PT program that has assisted 3 Soldiers whom have struggled on the APFT, in finally passing the APFT in February.
"She never walked Sir, she did awesome" SSG Graciano says as soon as they both crossed the finish line. They finished with a time of 2 hours and 6 minutes, that's an average of 9.6 minute miles for 13 miles. Not too bad considering only training for 2 months.
Specialist Kalinowski , a mechanic for the 262nd has never competed in a half mile prior to this one. "We were at 8 minutes and 6 seconds our first mile" Specialist Brandi Kalinowsi states. "We had to slow down. I feel pretty good, it's just my legs there a little sore", says Specialist Kalinowski on her way to the refreshment tent. When asked now what, Specialist Brandi Kalinowski replies "all I want to do now is go and get some ice cream".
It's hard to imagine any race being organized in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom let alone a half marathon. It is a testament to both SSG Anthony Graciano and Specialist Brandi Kalinowski to even compete in a half marathon let alone finish so strong. They have continued to remain physically fit, with both scoring above 270 on the APFT in the beginning of this year. They have pushed themselves and are great examples to follow. Who knows maybe we will be reading about them in a full marathon next time?
Staff Sgt. Anthony Graciano and Spc. Brandi Kalinowski recently competed in the El Paso Half Marathon over in Iraq.