Remembering CPT John Hallett

Three years ago yesterday (August 25th) marked the day that CPT John Hallett was killed in Afghanistan by an IED. Also in his Stryker who lost their lives that day were SPC Dennis Williams, SFC Ronald Sawyer & CPT Cory Jenkins.

 

LT Kim (left) 1SG Gene Hicks (center) & CPT John Hallett (right)

 

 

Yesterday I ran 5 miles to honor and remember CPT Hallett, SPC Williams, SFC Sawyer & CPT Jenkins.

 

CPT Hallett, first row, 4th one from the left sitting next to Gene and SPC Williams, first row, last one on the right.  

 

I only met John a handful of times so I have few memories, but he was not only Gene's Company Commander but his friend. So John's name is spoke of often in our home and I love it when he shares stories of him.

 

I have talked often about CPT Hallett and his amazing wife Lisa Hallett on my blog, who started where Blue Run to Remember, but today I want to share with you a letter Gene wrote home to me a few weeks after CPT Hallett's death. Gene felt comfortable enough to share this letter on his blog so you can go HERE and read it if you would like. I hadn't read the letter in probably 3 years so it brought back all the feelings, emotions and tears from that difficult year of deployment.

 

 

John you are always in our hearts, thoughts & prayers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day!

Today I ran 4 miles. Four miles for the Fourth :)

On my drive home from my run I saw the above going down the street.

Beautiful to see.

I wanted to get on really quick and ask you all to go over to Another Mother Runner and check out their Why I Run, where I am lucky enough to be featured today.

Thank you Dimity & Sarah for allowing me to share my story and getting the word out about

 Wear Blue Run to Remember.

I also wanted to share with you a link to a story that will be featured on HLN tonight titled

 "Red, white, blue & purple: A Warrior Wife's First 4th.

I just recently started reading her blog After Blast Warrior Wife. I definitely recommend it for a look into the life of a wounded warrior wife.

Read her story on HLN (here).

Thank you to her husband SPC Aaron Causey for his service. And thank you Kathleen for being a strong Military wife.  

Thank you to all our Soldiers out there fighting now for our freedom.

Seattle Rock & Roll Marathon Recap

It's always so difficult for me to write the recap for this race. It's hard to put into words all the emotions I felt during this marathon.  I really felt blessed and thankful the entire weekend I was in Seattle. From the dinners I was invited to attend and all the goodies I received, to spending time with friends and family, and being able to share Saturday's race with Wear Blue Run to Remember, it was truely an amazing weekend.

  

The Wear Blue Run to Remember group photo in corral 17

My gear laid out ready to rock the streets of Seattle!

Before we set out to run we all gathered in corral 17 for the circle of rememberance.

We start with a moment of silence, followed by calling out the names of the fallen Soldier you are running for, and ending in prayer.

Then it's time to get pumped and ready to run! It so excited being around people you don't know (since I can't run with them in WA) but yet feel so connected because you are all running for the same reason.

As we approach the start, the announcer that is counting down to release the corrals tells everyone about the group and then starts calling the names of the fallen Soldiers.
This is when the emotions really yet me.
To know that all the people around you that are not part of Wear Blue Run to Remember know why you are running and what the blue shirts mean. It's not a running club. It's a way to help people heal. It's a way to help honor and remember.
My eyes teared up when the woman standing in front of me was shedding tears after they said her Soldiers name. I'm not sure who she was and what the relation was. But what I do remember is her saying "this is a happy day" That stuck with me for the entire race. This is a happy day.
A time to remember. Every footstep I take wearing the blue shirt with the Soldiers names on the back is my way of remembering them and letting their families know we have not forgotten you.

Gene's served with the Soldiers in 1-17 IN

It's my way of also of letting Gene know that I have not forgotten his Soldiers that he fought next to day in and day out in Afghanistan in one of the toughest wars he has ever deployed too.

As we started running the miles started flying by. I was holding a pace about a 9:30ish pace for the first few miles. With all the adrenaline and excitement I was trying hard not to go fast.
As I was about to approach mile 4 I saw a friend I hadn't seen since high school cheering me on from the sidelines. It was a welcome site since all my other friends were actually running the race so I knew I wouldn't see them till the end. And to my surprise I saw my friend a few times throughout the course.

Most of the miles really just blend together. I was feeling great and walking through water stops. As the half and full marathoners split I did see Alma from The Average Woman's Running Blog. I gave her a big high five and continued on to Seward Park. This was my favorite part of the race. It was so beautiful and peaceful. The crowd had thinned out since it was only marathoners now so I had people running in front and behind me but no one beside me. I really was just loving being out there and enjoying the views. I wasn't thinking about how many miles I had left or how fast or slow I was going. I was just running for the pure enjoyment.

When we finally looped around I loved seeing the other Wear Blue runners and cheering them on as they cheered me on. I did get to see some of my friends that had made the trip from Idaho to also run the full marathon together.

Soon we were joined with the half marathoners again so it got a little crowded and I was really starting to get warm with my hat on but was just thankful that it wasn't raining. I knew that the wear blue mile was coming up soon. This year I was prepared for it. Last year was my first year running this race and wasn't prepared for all the emotions that would hit me when I passed the photos and flags. But this year, I remembered that it was a happy day.

I slowly ran and tapped each photo that I could. Looking at the names of these men and calling them out in my head. As I tapped each photo I saw one of Gene's Soldier and best friend who he had served with in Iraq in 2004-2005.

SPC Clint Gertson.

That really touched me and brought tears to my eyes cause I wasn't expecting to see his photo. I never got to meet Gertson but Gene speaks of him often and his photo is up in our home.

Gertson (bottom right) and Gene (top left)

As I approached the flags the men and woman holding them were cheering for me. But I was cheering for them. Telling them thank you and giving them each high fives.

After the flags was the wear blue water stop and I said thank you to all the volunteers as I walked thru to drink my water. Just after this I text Gene and told him about the picture of Gertson.

The next few miles all blended together. As we turned onto the floating bridge I was feeling great. But soon we hit the first tunnel that seemed to last forever. I started getting dizzy and it felt hot and muggy in there so I took my first walk break (aside from the water stop walk thru's). I really felt like a lot of my energy was being drained from the tunnels and the heat without the shade of trees out on the bridge. I also realized how great walking felt so I started taking them more often. And that really was ok with me. I just wanted to enjoy this marathon. So I ran when I could and walked when I needed to from here to the end of the marathon. I did have a mantra I kept repeating in my head throughout the race that helped push me when I needed it "For the Families, For the Fighting, For the Fallen" (the saying that's in the shoe print on the back of my shirt)

The only part I did enjoy of this section of the race was the out and back because I again got to see my fellow Wear Blue runners and got to cheer them on.

Lisa Hallett holding the flag. She is the co-founder of Wear Blue Run To Remember
Photo Source

I had chatted with Lisa at the beginning and then saw her multiple times throughout. She was running with a group of people and they were passing the flag to each other throughout the marathon.
She really is one of the most inspirational woman I know. I only got to meet her husband CPT John Hallett a handful of times but his name is also spoken of often in our home.

I'm not sure which mile it was at but it was just before our last tunnel another Wear Blue runner came up next to me and we chatted for a while. She was running her first full marathon and her husband is deployed to Afghanistan right now. She gave me a little boost of energy but it didn't last long. Her pace was great and as we were in the final tunnel I had to walk and told her to go ahead. I really wish I would have stayed with her looking back at it now. It would have been nice to have the company!

I stopped at about mile 20 and text Tiffany to let her know what mile marker I was at and what my pace was (about 10 min at this point).

Finally getting closer to the Space Needle! These last few miles are the hardest cause there is so many people walking but I tried to run as much as I could even though it was at a slow pace.
Soon I could hear the crowds cheering and knew I was close.

As we were approaching the last few meters I started to get more excited and picked up the pace a little more. I see mile marker 26 but also see a hill I have to climb to get to the finish. I wanted to walk but didn't and kept on running finally reaching the top and started looking for my fellow Wear Blue runners and spotted them on the sidelines cheering us in to the finish. I cheered loud and yelled out Go Wear Blue!!! As they did and felt so happy at this moment. Not because I was about to cross the finish line but because I knew what I was running for and it felt great to run and remember. I heard the announcer call out my name and I threw my hands up and cheered as I crossed the finish line.

Official Time - 4:35:27
Pace 10:31
Garmin Time for 26.62 miles - 4:35:34
Pace 10:21

Overall 1588 out of 3091
Division 127 out of 270
Gender 582 out of 1434
Splits
5k 29:33
10k 59:54
Half 2:07:07
17.6 mi 2:54:02
20 Mi 3:23:59

As I walked thru the finishers area I grabbed my water and food and looked towards the sides for Tiffany and Alyssa. All of a sudden I turned around and they were in front of me.
Tiffany snapped a quick picture

She told me I looked really relaxed. After she said that I realized I was. I didn't feel like I had just run 26.2 miles. I did feel relaxed and peaceful but I also felt happy.

It was a happy day and I felt blessed and thankful to be a part of it. This race always grounds me and reminds me of part of the reason I started running and why I continue to run.

I can't wait to run it again next year!

For the Families, For the Fighting, For the Fallen

Wear Blue Run to Remember
If you would like to know more about Wear Blue please click the link above.

Ready to run Seattle!

Tomorrow I'll be on a plane heading to Seattle!!!

2011 Seattle RnR Marathon

I'm ready to run the Seattle Rock & Roll Marathon!

This race for me isn't about the medal or a PR.

It's about honoring the fallen.

My goal for this race is just to remember why I run and that I'm able to run and honor those who cannot.

For those of you running, look for the wear blue mile just after the half and full marathoners split.

Say thank you to the volutneers at the water station because many of them are either in the military or are family members.

Each of the flags will have a ribbon with a name of a fallen Soldier.

Say thank you to those holding the flags because many of them are wives & husbands, mothers & fathers, sons & daughters, brothers & sisters, and friends of the Soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.



Sybil Williamson grabbing hold of her son's flag. She ran the 2011 Seattle RnR marathon in honor of her son SGT Patrick Williamson who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009.
Source



For the Families, For the Fighting, For the Fallen

Wear Blue Run to Remember

22 miles - Wear Blue Runs for the Fallen Memorial Day Run

Today I ran 22 miles to remember the service and sacrifice of our Soldiers.

Calling out the names of our Fallen Soldiers

I started by calling out the names of the fallen Soldiers who died May 28th 2001-2011

LCPL Peter James Clore

SPC Adams Scott Hamilton

PFC Chad Michael Trimle

CPL Alexandre Alexandrovich Alexeev

CPL Zachary David Baker

1STSGT Michael Scott Barnhill

SSG Kenneth Ray Bradley

CPL Junior Cedeno Sanchez

CW2 Theodore Uland Chruch

SGT Anthony David Ewing

1LT Keith Neil Heidtman

SSG Thomas Michael Mcfall

SPC Jose Amancio III Perez

SPC Phillip Nicholas Sayles

MAJ Mathew Earl Schram

LTC Albert Eugene Smart

CPL James Eugene III Summers

1LT Kile Grant West

Then I called out the names of the Soldiers I was specifically running for

 SGT Tom Troy

CPT John Hallett

SPC Dennis Williams

SPC Kevin Graham

SPC Kyle Coumas

 CPT William Jacobsen

SSG Robert Johnson

SPC Lionel Ayro

SPC Clint Gertson

1SG Michael Bordelon

SGT Roberty Ayres III

SGT Christopher Sanders

LT Garrison Avery

Ready to run to remember

Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Gene's friends and Soldiers from 1-17 who didn't make it home with him. We will never forget you.

Thank you to everyone who pledged their miles to run in honor of our heroes today. With your help, every one of the 6,470 American Military Members who made the ultimate sacrifice were remembered. Total miles tallied so far is 13,780 and there are still more numbers coming in.

Thank you for taking the time to remember.

Run Strong. Run to Remember



6,460 miles - A mile for every life lost on the Global War on Terror

I promise I'll get to my race recap by the end of the week, I just wanted to share with you something that is very important to me.

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6,460

The number of American Service Members who have died in the Global War on Terror.

Memorial Day, for many, marks the end of a 3 day weekend, shopping sales and backyard BBQ's.

But this Memorial Day, before you enjoy that time with your family, I ask that you join me in remembering and honoring the Heroes who gave their all for the Unites States of America. Join me in remembering the gravity of the sacrifice these men and women made. In remembering that these Soldiers had names, families and stories.

This is not about politics, religion or your views about war. It's about honoring and remembering the service and sacrifice these men and women made.

This Memorial Day, I ask that you run or walk a mile, or more, in honor of the 6,460 Soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

All you have to do is pledge your miles HERE

I have pledged 22 miles.

21 of those miles for the number of years Gene was in service.

12 of those miles for 12 of Gene's Soldiers and friends

and the last mile, mile 22, for all the families that have lost a loved one in the Global War on Terror.

Want to join a Wear Blue Run's For the Fallen group run?

 Go HERE for events happening all across the US 

Already have a run planned that day? Then just pledge your miles and run.

You don't have to have a specific Soldier to run for. All you have to do is run to remember their sacrifice.

5,462 miles have been pledged so far.

How many miles will you pledge?

Pre-race post

This week has been so busy! Well the last few weeks have been busy. With work, my son's baseball schedule and getting home late from either one of those two the only thing I want to do when I get home is read my book and and go to sleep. But in a weird way I love when things are so busy. With summer coming up and baseball ending at the beginning of June I don't know what I'll do with all my time! Well maybe i'll have more free time to run instead of running to my son's practices to make sure I fit in my runs :)

So tomorrow I'll be running the Lake Lowell Half Marathon! I had originally wanted to run the full but was changing my mind since it's such a small race. I actually got contacted by the race director earlier this week cause he had come across that post and offered to upgrade me to the full marathon for free. I thought that was really nice! I declined cause my mileage isn't up their enough to run a full marathon. The longest training run so far is 16 miles. In fact I pushed my first marathon for this year until Seattle RnR on June 23rd. Mostly because of these darn shin splints that are still bothering me during runs :(

Anyway I'm excited to run the half tomorrow! I got to meet Lisa and Kim today at dinner who are also running the half. They are both flew in today for this race and then are getting on a plane a few hours after the race tomorrow to fly to Oregon and run another half on Sunday!

I picked up their race packet as well as mine today which was took me all of about 2 minutes to get. They had sent out an email earlier saying the race shirts wouldn't be available till next week and our timing chips need to be picked at the race so all we really got was just the bib and a few coupons including one for $5 or $10 off their wine run in the fall. That race is actually on my radar so I may be more inclined to register for it.

My race bib and we also got some scentsy's in the shape of shoes

After dinner at the Olive Garden there were a few shops across the parking lot so I stopped in Ulta which is kind of like a Sephora if you haven't been to one. I was looking for a new perfume. I ended up getting Daisy by Marc Jacobs. It smells sooo good and I got two tote bags as a gift with purchase!

I finally decided on what to where. I had been debating on which skirt and socks to where but after trying them on I decided to go with this combo...

My goals for this race is just to enjoy the run and finish in around 2 hours.

I'm going to finish my updated my playlist for tomorrow then I'm off to bed!

If your racing this weekend have fun and good luck!

Registered for a race and shin splints

I'm officially signed up for the Seattle Rock n Roll Marathon!

On leap day there was an great deal for Rock and Roll events, $29 off. I had to register for Seattle RnR!

If I could only choose one race to run a year this would be the race. Not because I love the course, cause this year they changed it so I really have no idea what to expect, or because I kind of feel like Washington is my home even though I only lived there for 3 years (yes I miss it there but I do love Idaho). I would choose Seattle RnR because of Wear Blue Run to Remember. It's more than just another race I get to add to my list or medal I get to hang up. Every step means something. Every step honors a Soldier that is no longer here with us. Every step puts a name to a face so that we may never forget. Every step honors the service and sacrifice of the American Military.

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I am hoping I didn't register for this race prematurely. If anything I can always drop down to the half but I would rather run the full and drop my spring marathon. I'm hoping that won't be necessary though.

I did get in 3 runs last week. A 3 miles on Tuesday (outside), 3 miles on Thursday (treadmill) and 8 miles on Sunday (outside). On my Tuesday run I felt a little bit of soreness, but it would go away and then come back. It wasn't painful to the point that I needed to stop or anything. I iced and compressed and took the next day off to see if it felt any different. Honestly I didn't really feel much but just a slight soreness going up and down stairs, same on Thursday.

On Friday I decided to do some cross training so I spinned for 30 minutes then did around 20 min of walking lunges with 12 lbs weights, squats with 12 lbs weights, 15 lb kettle bell swings. Then I did 10 minutes of stretching/foam rolling. When I woke up Saturday my whole lower body was SORE!! My butt was even sore! I decided to wait to do a longish run on Sunday which worked out perfect cause Cambry text me that day to see if I wanted to get together for a short run. And it was also 60 degrees!!! A beautiful and welcome changed from the cold weather we have been having.

View of downtown Boise

Cambry and I met at the Train Depot and ran to downtown Boise and back which was exactly 3 miles. We just talked and enjoyed the sun. I did feel soreness in my shin when we first started out and we stopped and stretched at the lights. At about mile 2 I didn't feel much soreness anymore.
After she left I went down to the greenbelt and ran 5 more miles. I would only feel soreness in my shin after I would stop and start running again. I did wear my compressing socks (with a running skirt, yay for skirt season!!) and I also wore some k-tape.

I'm not sure if the compression socks or k-tape helped but today the only time I feel any soreness is up and down stairs. I did take today off but tomorrow will try another run on the treadmill and see how it goes.
As of now I am just trying to figure out how to jump into training. If all my runs this week go ok I will attempt a double digit run this weekend.

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Here's another picture from my 8 mile run yesterday.

There was a photo session going on but I had to get a pic of the depot :)

Hope you have a great week!

Last RUN of the year... Happy NYE!!!

I did my last run of the year this morning.

I have ran a total 1,001 miles in 2011!!!

I'm ready and excited for 2012.

I wouldn't have worn any other color for my last run of the year...

Wear Blue Run to Remember

I'm working on my 2011 recap and 2012 goals post that should be up within the next few days.

I am enjoying reading everyone's recaps and goal posts. It helps to get me motivated and excited to see what 2012 has in store for me!

Hope you all have a safe and

Happy New Years!!

Today we honor you.

It's Friday and I have yet to run this week. This whole time change has really been messing with me. It's so dark when I get off work I feel like it's bedtime! I either need to wake up early and run before work (since it's dark then too) or maybe try running at lunch time. Only I don't want to go back to work sweaty. Either way no excuses right!

Today I am reminded of one of the reasons I started running and continue to run. For our Soldiers. Today I remember our current heroes and those that have made the ultimate sacrafice. My miles today are dedicated to you...

Gene and I, Military Ball 2009 before he deployed to Afghanistan OEF 2009-2010

http://www.wearblueruntoremember.org/