Down Sound Racing Highlights


 

 

365 days and nothing better to do

The Langley to Baghdad out and back, Phase V.  It's a recurrent theme, the 'racing keeps me sane' thing.  This is the first in the final phase of my Baghdad racing plan.  Bozeman Classic 10k in early September.  Marine Corps Marathon in late October fell through when I got caught in a lightning storm and the helo flights I had were cancelled.  Baghdad International Marathon this past Saturday went well (see below).

 
Bozeman Classic 10k.  Just past the 5k mark all by my lonesome coming off a loop of Lost Lake on the Victory base.  This is the place the local runners collect in mornings and evenings - roughly 2 miles around with the lake on the inside and Baghdad on the outside.  A beautiful mosque along the wall with minarets that tower over you as you run past.  And in the morning, the call to prayer from the heights of the minarets echoes clearly across the lake.  Ran with my Army buddies Jesus and Stefan up to 2 miles, in the middle of the lake loop, then went on alone.
Bozeman Classic 10k.  300 meters from the finish.  Organized by an Army National Guard Unit from Montana.  They weren't sure what to make of this Navy guy shattering himself with no one else in sight.  I explained the Challis Ironman CA inspiration factor but they didn't get it.
Bozeman Classic 10k.  The lead Humvee got hung up in the final two corners and I pulled a Madison and launched past them with 50m to go using their antenna.  The Marine who took this picture sent me an email saying "Sir, this picture is slightly blurry, but it’s because you were really trucking.  Program coordinators were commenting on the man who passed the escort truck; they were shocked to see you come round the corner so quickly.  Congratulations on winning. R/Corporal Kent".  I laughed.  First overall in 33:41.
Baghdad Marathon.  Domed gate at mile 9 on the course.  Ran right under it.  Twice.  Spectacular.
Baghdad Marathon.  Iraqi Police at the Mile 10 roundabout.  Streets lined with regular Iraqis out waiting for buses on this Saturday morning.  I kept trundling out the best "Marhaban" and "Sabah al Nur"s I could muster and these folks were all smiles.  I even got a few "Sabah al Nur"s in return.  Fun.
Baghdad Marathon. Another major traffic circle in downtown Baghdad.  Passed it at mile 1, mile 8, and mil 12.  Despite no traffic control on the course, all the Baghdad drivers were exceedingly courteous and friendly.
Baghdad Marathon.  Arch at mile 12.
Baghdad Marathon.  Me and my trinkets.

 

 

© Copyright 2003 John Root.