LINCOLN, Neb. – The rainy, humid morning air left a haze as lightning flashed across the sky and thunder rolled. A crowd of thousands gathered in the streets, mentally and physically preparing themselves for the storm that was brewing within and the challenge that lay ahead.
Two-hundred sixteen National Guard members representing 46 states and territories joined nearly 10,000 others on the streets of Lincoln, Neb., May 6, for the 35th Annual Lincoln National Guard Marathon.
And although lightning rarely strikes the same point twice, for one National Guard member it did, while another brought the thunder.
Army Capt. Robert Killian Jr., a member of the 5-19th Special Forces Group of the Colorado National Guard, set the pace for all National Guard participants for the second year in a row. Killian crossed the finish line, completing 26.2 miles in two hours, 37 minutes, 35 seconds, less than a minute shy of his 2011 time. His time was good enough to place fifth overall.
“I’m feeling good, there was bad weather this morning and I was expecting the course to be pretty tough,” said Killian. “Last year was my very first marathon I have ever done. To come out and run it two years in a row and win is great.”
Killian follows a rigorous training program by logging 40-50 miles per week at elevated altitudes, participating in bi- and triathlons including the Ironman competition in Hawaii, and running a marathon in San Francisco. His goal is to continually improve.
“I want to come back next year,” said Killian. “I want to try to get in the top three.”
Killian said the weather was a little rough in the morning with rain and wind, but added the wind actually worked in the runners’ favor as a tail wind.
Eventually the sun came out, quickly increasing the temperature. Killian said he enjoyed the course and was glad he finished before it got too hot.
“It was a great course, but it’s easy to just give up and be satisfied with seventh or sixth.” said Killian. “You just have to keep up and try to get the Guards’ name out there for a top five finish.”
Also representing the National Guard well was Army Capt. Sara Day, with the North Carolina National Guard. She used her leave from a deployment in Kuwait to run in the marathon. Not only did she top all National Guard females, she came in second place for all female competitors with a time of three hours, two minutes, 22 seconds.
Day said she joined the active-duty Army as a professional runner. Initially, she focused on her occupation, but decided to change her focus back to running. She joined the Guard in 2008 and later tried out for the National Guard marathon team.
Day said she has competed in marathons previous to the Lincoln National Guard Marathon, but this was her first time running in Lincoln, and notched her second fastest marathon time although it didn’t come easy.
“I was feeling a lot of things. When I was running in mile 13, I was thinking, ‘I have not done nearly enough training in Kuwait to finish this marathon,’” said Day. “I was like, ‘I can’t quit.’”
Day said the course was perfect, but the temperature was a lot warmer than she wanted it to be. She said the volunteers were very helpful and the water points were great, all helping her have a strong race.
When deployed, Day said she woke up every morning at 4 o’clock to run, then went to work for eight to 10 hours. She said she wouldn’t entertain the idea of quitting because of all the support she has back in Kuwait.
As if the marathon was not challenging enough, Day faced logistical and funding challenges just to be able to participate, because of her deployment to Kuwait. Fortunately, she said her chain of command showed their full support, and bent over backward to help her in any way they could.
“Physical fitness is the one thing that has taken me through my career,” said Day. “Running has given me perseverance.”
The Pennsylvania National Guard won first place in the team competition, with their top three runners averaging a time of 2:52:30. The Wisconsin National Guard team followed in a close second with Oregon finishing in third place.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Hagan, National Guard Bureau marathon coordinator, said the day was challenging because of the weather, but successful.
“This was a very tough course; some said they need to train on more hills,” said Hagan. “It was very hot and it took a toll on their bodies. I don’t think anyone doesn’t feel that they didn’t run hard today.”
“The day started off with a big thunderstorm and high humidity,” he added. “Overall, the heat came up and affected a lot of people today but it did not affect their determination to try to make the team. All in all, a great day”
Hagan said the guard was well represented throughout the day on the course.
“I couldn’t ask for anything better. They were out there giving 110 to 150 percent the entire time. I am overwhelmingly proud of what they did today, “said Hagan. “They definitely represented the National Guard in the utmost highest fashion.”