The week I got here a coworker invited me to do the Danish Contingent March here. It’s 25 kilometers with at least 10 kilograms of weight. My LT decided to do it with me, so on the day of the march we woke up at 0345 and met at 0415 to drive over and get our marching numbers.

The start, at 0500.

There was a lot of people there. To accomplish 25 kilometers we did 12 laps around the post. It was all pavement and I think that helped a little. The last long march I did was the Bataan Memorial Death March in 2012 in White Sands, New Mexico and that was all sandy trails. My weight there was heavier, too, and the overall route was about 15 kilometers longer.

We ended up doing a little over 25 kilometers and switched to running stretches in the last two laps to help break it up.

I finished in just under four hours, which I was happy with since I hadn’t gotten to train as fully as other people.

Sausage fingers from the blood pooling in them.

We picked up our certificates and will pick up our DanCon medals in a few weeks when they come in. I had a blister on my heel that was nearly healed that is now back with a vengeance and a blood blister on the bottom of my foot. I had a limp for the rest of the day since we got to shower quickly and then head straight back to work for the rest of the day and night.

Gladys and I glad to be done with the march

Today I’m still sore in my lower back from the weight, but my limp is gone (thankfully).

Next up, a possible half marathon in a few months on another base, attempting to keep what sanity I have, and continuing to work out.