Victory Base Complex run routes provide variety

Photo By Sophia Klevemann | Sgt. 1st Class J.R. Williams (left), of Pulaski, N.Y., Multi-National Division - Center broadcast operations non-commissioned officer, and other service members run the 10-kilometer Peachtree Shadow Race on Camp Victory, one of Victory Base Complex's many races.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

10.15.2008

Story by Spc. Sophia Klevemann 

Multi-National Division-Central

By Spc. Sophia R. Lopez
Multi-National Division - Center

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – For many Soldiers, running is not only meant for a physical training test. For some, it is a way of relieving stress, working out issues in their head or just getting in shape.

Whatever the reason, Victory Base Complex provides a variety of run routes, though they are not official routes or generally marked. Most routes are made up by runners as they go.

"It has to do with what you want to get out of your run," said Sgt. 1st Class J.R. Williams, of Pulaski, N.Y., Multi-National Division – Center broadcast operations non-commissioned officer. "If you are a serious runner, sometimes you are trying to look for a place where you can go for distance. So, you are looking for a longer route, with as little traffic as possible, where you can just really focus on the run, and you don't have to worry about your surroundings as much."

Williams, an avid runner, runs primarily on Camp Victory and Camp Liberty, and knows many routes runners can use. She recommends certain routes for certain purposes.

"Sometimes the goal is to just get out there, start and finish," she said, adding that it also depends on if a runner wants to incorporate hills, run for endurance or just take in the scenery.

Many of the lakes on VBC are about two miles around. Z Lake on Camp Liberty is just less than three miles. Many times, these lakes are used as routes for races.

"Because of the logistics of putting together a race, they keep the same routes for the most part," Williams said. "For Z Lake, a portion is shut off to traffic."

Some of the things people look for in a good route are how safe the route is, how much shade is provided and how much traffic is along the route. For races, water points also have to be set up, and military police assistance needs to be coordinated, as well as medics and volunteers.

"Each camp is different in what they can support," said Williams. For example, Camp Victory can hold up to a 10K, while Camp Liberty offers up to half-marathons.

"The races give you something to shoot for – get faster, work on endurance or just see if you are faster than someone," she said. "You don't necessarily need to be graceful or athletic. All you really need are a good pair of shoes and the will to do it, to get out and go."

Races aren't the only reason to run.

"You can do it for any occasion," said Williams. "If you're tired, sometimes running will wake you up. If you're angry, you can run it off. If you're feeling kind of conflicted, sometimes a good run can help you focus. I get some of the best ideas when I run. It gives you time to work on a problem and think of a different solution."

Some of the historical points along some routes include the palaces on the lakes around Camp Victory and Camp Slayer. Camp Slayer also has the Flintstone Village, a man-made structure resembling a village from the cartoon "The Flintstones."

Camp Liberty used to have a gaming preserve and some of the gardens are still around.

There are certain dangers that Williams advises runners to look out for.

"The biggest thing is the traffic," she said. "My number one concern is getting hit by a truck."

The heat can also be dangerous at certain points in the day, especially if a runner is a prior heat casualty. The roads themselves also pose a threat at times as some are not very smooth.

Lost Lake on Camp Victory is marked off as a PT route, but it is also a good route because it is low on traffic, generally shady and rather scenic, said Williams.

She recommends running in the mornings because it's cool, the dust settles overnight and there is light traffic.

"If you can, run with somebody or with a small group," she said. "It holds you accountable to do it. If you get injured, you have someone there to help you."

It also helps with camaraderie, she added.

"It can push you in a way that is fun," Williams explained. "Join a run club if you can find one here that way you are guaranteed to find someone who can run your pace or with you at certain times of the day."

• Date Taken: 10.15.2008
• Date Posted: 10.15.2008 17:46
• Story ID: 25040
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ