Posted on May 28, 2016
What are your tips for running the Army Ten Miler?
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I'm proud to say that I have registered for my first Army Ten Miler this year, and I've been training for about a month now. For those of you that have participated in the event, what are your tips for a successful run? What was your experience like?
Washington
Distance Running
Advice
Edited 8 y ago
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 14
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I've run countless Half-Marathons and 7 full Marathons. Plus a variety of other team runs and Mud runs. My T-shirt drawer runneth over..
~ Acknowledge that you will not "win" the race.
~ Start towards the rear of the gaggle. The sheer numbers will cause you to start slow and build up your pace as you catch your second wind.
~ As the crowd thins out, pick someone ahead of you and get determined to pass them at a reasonable pace. Then pick out the next person. Rinse and repeat.
~ DO NOT TAILGATE THE PERSON IN FRONT OF YOU! Leave yourself a bit of room so you can see any obstacles on the road.
~ Be VERY careful at water points. Those paper cups all over the road are like Black Ice and will put you on your ass before you realize what happened.
~ Don't take it personal. Some people are WAY too focused on their own little world and will make sudden movements that may impede your progress. Kinda like the Tailgating thing but you have to anticipate people doing stupid shit outside of their lane and into yours.
~ Enjoy the run. Say Hi to Folks (even if just a smile and a nod).
~ Factor in time at the end for a bit of Camaraderie. The best part of the experience is hanging with your fellow runners after the run.
Good Luck and enjoy the scenery!
~ Acknowledge that you will not "win" the race.
~ Start towards the rear of the gaggle. The sheer numbers will cause you to start slow and build up your pace as you catch your second wind.
~ As the crowd thins out, pick someone ahead of you and get determined to pass them at a reasonable pace. Then pick out the next person. Rinse and repeat.
~ DO NOT TAILGATE THE PERSON IN FRONT OF YOU! Leave yourself a bit of room so you can see any obstacles on the road.
~ Be VERY careful at water points. Those paper cups all over the road are like Black Ice and will put you on your ass before you realize what happened.
~ Don't take it personal. Some people are WAY too focused on their own little world and will make sudden movements that may impede your progress. Kinda like the Tailgating thing but you have to anticipate people doing stupid shit outside of their lane and into yours.
~ Enjoy the run. Say Hi to Folks (even if just a smile and a nod).
~ Factor in time at the end for a bit of Camaraderie. The best part of the experience is hanging with your fellow runners after the run.
Good Luck and enjoy the scenery!
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LTC (Join to see)
On the water point thing- people often think training only involves the running. Don't forget the other little things you'll do race day as well. Practice your whole routine. If you won't use your own canteens, practice grabbing and drinking Dixie cups on the move or you'll splash all over yourself. A tip- pinch the cup so it pours in a narrow stream. "Train" yourself by eating the same foods you'll eat on race day on the days you do your long runs- you don't want to discover adverse reactions to an energy gel or peanut butter or whatever and be searching for porta johns at mile 7!
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If you're not looking to win, enjoy yourself and don't quit. You'll have a blast!
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I did it in 96. Started off small, just two milers, then three, then three for time, and kept going until I was able to run all ten at a 10 minute pace and sing cadences to myself helping me to breathe deeper. Back then at Ft. McNair they had a route that would take you to ALL of the monuments in DC to include the Capitol, White House, Nam Memorial and everything else. When you were done, you've completed 8+ miles. This took six months to get ready for, and when I ran, I kept to my pace, didn't race anyone, and when I came across the 14th st bridge back to the Pentagon, EVERYTHING began to finally hurt. Cramps, whatever could hurt, hurt. But I made it. That was the goal. Won't ever do it again. But I can say I did it, and that's what matters.
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SSG Warren Swan
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS - man why do I have to be called out? I don't think I could run past Krispy Kremes at a two day per mile pace. There's no other fat person in VA? I'd regret saying it, but it was really euphoric once I knew I made it. Sore as hell the next few days, but knowing I made it was priceless. To do it would take a LOT of training being I'm 80lbs easily bigger now than I was then. 230 vs 300/310? Knees won't hold that beating for long. But I'm crazy enough to try.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
SSG Warren Swan - Cause I know you're a local like me!
Story Time! : I got out of the Marines and SWORE I would never run again. 7~ years later I hopped on the scale... and said "Oh hell no." next day ran the hardest mile of my life. Knew if I was going to trim off that 30-40 extra lbs (I normally sit at 140lbs) I needed a goal. I decided to run a marathon (MCM). For the next year I trained HARD and I discovered something..
I hate running.. I still $&$* running.. But I like to eat, and if I want to eat, I need to run.
Story Time! : I got out of the Marines and SWORE I would never run again. 7~ years later I hopped on the scale... and said "Oh hell no." next day ran the hardest mile of my life. Knew if I was going to trim off that 30-40 extra lbs (I normally sit at 140lbs) I needed a goal. I decided to run a marathon (MCM). For the next year I trained HARD and I discovered something..
I hate running.. I still $&$* running.. But I like to eat, and if I want to eat, I need to run.
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