From: howard.valentine1@us.army.mil [mailto:howard.valentine1@us.army.mil]
Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2006 11:00 PM
To: suzanne@fleetfeethuntsville.com
Subject: Marathon at Salerno Afghanistan

Suzanne,
Hi....it's Master Sergeant Howard Valentine. I am 44 years old and this is
my first marathon. We have communicated before....plus you sent me a pair of
Nike Pegasus running shoes. Many thanks for the shoes, they felt great
during the marathon. Here's what I have to say about our marathon race:

We completed the Rocket City Marathon in Salerno Afghanistan yesterday. LT
Destrempt did a great job organizing the whole thing. The weather was very
cool and overcasted at first. The sun broke through the clouds about
half-way through the race and the day was absolutely beautiful. The route
consisted of 4 laps of 6.5 miles per lap that included approximately three
very significant hills and lots of turns (some sharp). Our Engineers
prepared the dirt route as best they could but unfortunately, there were
still a few pot holes, ruts and rocks that could present hazards if not
careful.

Personally, I ran very well the first two laps at about an eight minute pace
but encountered a little difficulty toward the end of the third. I had to
stop for approximately ten minutes to help a fellow runner who stepped in a
pothole and twisted his ankle pretty badly. It was a little difficult to get
started again after the stop but I managed to get moving again. Then I
became extremely hungry to the point of feeling dizzy. So I slowed my pace
and managed to make it to the start point where there were refreshments.
There I ate a couple bites of a protein bar from my bag and drank two cups
of Gatorade. Almost immediately, my energy was restored and I was on my way
again. My fourth and final lap went well for approximately the first three
miles. At about mile four of my final lap, I began to feel a cramp in my
right quad. I pushed on then suddenly the left began to cramp. I slowed to a
walk for approximately 50 meters. Then I began running again, slowly at
first then faster

since the cramps seemed to ease somewhat as I ran faster. Finally I could
see the finish line, but about 100 meters in front of me was one of my
Soldiers. I decided I'd catch up to her before she crossed the finish line.
This required an all-out sprint on my part. Realizing my intent, she
apparently decided not to allow it because she got faster. Unfortunately for
me, she crossed the finish line one second ahead of me. (it's all good
though, I'm proud of her) My official time was 4 hours, 44 minutes, and 23
seconds. I feel I could have completed the race about 30 minutes earlier if
certain events hadn't taken place but I am overall satisfied with my time.
My goal for my next marathon is to complete the race under 4 hours.

The race produced a few heroes in my book. There were a few individuals who
impressed me. One is Major Robert Mann. He completed the race in 5 hours and
6 minutes. I think that's impressive because due to mission, he was not able
to complete the training program. He only ran up to 13 miles during
training. He's extremely sore today but also extremely proud that he
completed the race. His goal was to complete it under 5 hours but he's
satisfied with his time.
The second is Staff Sergeant Sherry Truskolaski and her husband Sergeant
First Class James Truskolaski. SSG Sherry Truskolaski impressed me by
completing the race after she'd rolled her ankle at mile four into the race.
She ran through the pain and completed with a good time. (Turns out, she has
a pretty bad sprain) She was one I actually had to talk her into competing
in the first place. I was impressed by her husbands performance because he
did not train at all for the race. He merely ran the race to support and
accompany his wife.
CPT Aaron Flagg was the other person who impressed me. He was the first to
complete the race at 3 hours and 6 minutes. He has always trained
dilligently but not specifically for extremely long distances. He plans to
go to Ranger School.

I apologize for the length of this message but I just thought you might like
to hear about it from one Soldier's perspective who completed the race. I am
happy the race is over and now I enjoy a tremendous sense of accomplishment
because of it. Thanks again for your support and thanks for making this
opportunity possible for me and my fellow Soldiers.

HOWARD VALENTINE
MSG, USA
710th BSB SPO NCOIC
Task Force Spartan

"With your shield or on it"