The Honolulu Marathon, Afghanistan was a huge success. About 190 soldiers and civilians ran and one lone Afghan and about 135 finished. That is wonderful if you consider the rugged terrain at nearly a mile high in elevation. The one part of the course dubbed Diamondhead for the lone hill on the track was no Diamondhead. This hill was very tough and took us from about 4200 feet to just over 5000 feet in less than a 10th of a mile. the hill was steep and had to be ran not once or twice like Diamondhead, but five times. I finished in 4 hours and 27 minutes 21 minutes faster than my previous Honolulu Marathon from last year. The only other 68th Med pilot that ran it Jeff Elliott, completed the 26.2 mile marathon in combat boots. That's right combat boots. The purpose, none other than the fact that he forgot his running shoes and they were a 45 minute flight away. He did finish his firsts marathon ever in 5 hours and 22 minutes.
With all that I would like to wish the county of Ventura a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I would especially like to say Merry Christmas to my family there in Simi Valley and Camarillo, My Mom and Dad, My brother and Sister's, My Gradma and Grandpa, My Aunts and Uncles, my cousin and his wife, and my other cousins. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I love and miss you guys.
Glad to hear that the Marathon went well. It must be hard to be away from your family for christmas. Merry Christmas and try to stay safe out there.
Posted by: Myndie at December 20, 2004 10:47 AMToday was my first time reading your postings in the Ventura County Star. I think it is wonderful to hear of things that are happening over seas. Thank you for your time and effort into this website and everything else you have done for others. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Posted by: Nikole at December 20, 2004 12:48 PM