Okinawa soldiers prepare for Army 10-Miler

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Howard Reed | Army Capt. Christopher A. Renoll, the head coach for Okinawa based runners on the United States Army Japan Army 10-miler team, gives workout instructions to local runners Oct. 3rd at Torii Station’s fitness center. Renoll, a military intelligence officer assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery, has led the team for the past two seasons in preparation for the Army 10 miler race on Oct. 20th in Washington, D.C.  

TORII STATION, OKINAWA, JAPAN

10.07.2013

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Howard Reed 

10th Regional Support Group

TORII STATION, Okinawa, Japan – Five soldiers from Okinawa, Japan were selected to participate and represent the U.S. Army Japan at the Army 10-miler race Oct. 20 in Washington D.C.

The Okinawa-based members of USARJ’s team are led by Army Capt. Christopher A. Renoll, a military intelligence officer assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery. Renoll started out as a participant three years ago and today finds himself mentoring, guiding and coaching Okinawa based runners. Renoll said he offers the runners his 10-miler experiences in order to prepare them for success.

“Specifically as it pertains to the race we talk about things such as the hill at the 7-mile mark, and the finish line which is important because you don’t recognize it until you are literally upon it,” said Renoll.

This year’s team from the island features two newcomers. One of them, Sgt. James Sanders, an intelligence analyst assigned to the 10th Regional Support Group, started out as an alternate back in March but since has been elevated to the seven-person team because participants dropped out due to leaving the island or other military commitments.

“I didn’t think I would be good enough to make the team,” said Sanders. “I started running serious during the Okinawa Marathon this past February and also participated in a few other 5K runs since then. I’m looking forward to my first 10-miler with a goal to run under 70 minutes,” he added.

Renoll added this year’s team has a good chance of performing well in the Coed-division.

“The team here is training well and I think they have a shot to finish better than last year’s team,” Renoll said.

This year marks the 29th year for the Army 10-miler. According the Army 10-miler website the event promotes the Army, builds esprit de corps, while supporting Army fitness goals and enhances community relations. To find out more about the event log on to: www.armytenmiler.com

• Date Taken: 10.07.2013
• Date Posted: 10.18.2013 03:04
• Story ID: 115338
• Location: TORII STATION, OKINAWA, JP
• Hometown: CHARLOTTE, NC, US