Photo By Richard Kim | U.S. Army 1st Lt. Georgia E. Jones, platoon leader, 814th Multi-Role Bridge Company,...... read more read more
“My platoon told me to win it, so that’s what I did.”
Taking that directive to heart, Army 1st Lt. Georgia E. Jones, platoon leader, 814th Multi-Role Bridge Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, secured the fastest overall time of 56:53 during the June 13 Camp Humphreys Army Ten-Miler Qualifier, besting the next top finisher by nearly two minutes.
She planned to run a steady pace, but when the race kicked off, she pushed herself to stay in contention.
“I don’t want to be the fastest version of myself, I want to be the strongest and most powerful version of myself,” said Jones, who arrived at the installation 10 weeks prior to the race. “Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Make it hurt. When you know you’re running well, it’s not pain, it’s strength.”
As a former collegiate athlete who grew up playing soccer, Jones maintains her athletic edge by logging about 50 miles a week.
Training requires commitment and discipline, she said. Despite the challenges of balancing running with her duties as a platoon leader, she finds time, whether that involves heading out late at night or waking up an hour early during field training to get the miles in.
“Running once a week isn’t going to help a whole lot,” she said. “If you want to get better at running, you should run at least three to four times a week, focusing on building your aerobic capacity before you bring in any speed workouts.”
A gradual build-up also prevents injuries, Jones said, suggesting Soldiers incorporate cross-training activities like biking or swimming to increase aerobic work.
Her coach would often say extending runs past the 20-minute mark is crucial, as the human body transitions into steady-state aerobic metabolism, optimizing oxygen use and maximizing cardiovascular benefits for every minute that follows.
“Consistency is the most important step in building progress,” Jones added. “Sporadic workouts won’t be very beneficial in the long run.”
Good nutrition is also vital in fueling long-distance runs, Jones said. Her typical pre-race meal consists of protein and carbohydrates, such as chicken parmesan and pasta. But it’s connecting with her family that provides fuel for the soul.
“My mum gave me my passion for running, and my dad gives me advice on injuries and staying healthy,” she said. “Shout out to them for always picking up no matter the time zone.”
Her performance earned her a spot on the team representing the U.S. Army in Korea at the national race this October. This marks her second time competing in the Washington, D.C., event.
“Running will always help me clear my head, make me feel alive, and feel my best mentally and physically,” Jones said. “But with teammates it becomes something more.”
Top Eight Finishers Make Up Team Korea The following top four men and top four women earned a spot to travel to Washington, D.C., to represent the U.S. Army in Korea at the national Army Ten-Miler. Top Four - Men
Top Four - Women
| Date Taken: | 06.23.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 06.25.2026 23:17 |
| Story ID: | 568527 |
| Location: | PYEONGTAEK, GYEONGGIDO [KYONGGI-DO], KR |
| Web Views: | 50 |
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