Fort Bragg Soldier takes first
place in Air Force half marathon

by Capt. Thomas Cieslak
16th MP Bde. PAO

	Bourie

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — A Task Force Protector Soldier placed first overall for women running in the United States Air Force half marathon, Sept. 13.
Capt. Amy Bourie, a judge advocate general in the 16th Military Police Brigade, serving in Task Force Protector, placed first in the women’s division after running the 13.3 mile course in 98 minutes, 50 seconds. She averaged about seven minutes, 30 seconds a mile.

“I’m a big believer that the Army pays us all to be athletes,” said Bourie about her commitment to physical fitness. “Staying in shape is part of our job.”

Bourie trained for the event by running six to eight miles on a regular basis and between 13 and 18 miles, one day a week. She lifted weights and used elliptical machines in the gyms on Bagram Airfield on recovery days to keep active.

“Exercise for me is a big stress reliever and I think if you have a regular exercise plan, being mentally ready for challenges is a lot easier,” said Bourie about the benefits she receives from working out.

The event began at 5 a.m. at the Bagram Morale, Welfare and Recreation tent complex with the singing of the national anthem, an invocation by an Air Force chaplain and a safety brief. Runners stepped off from the start line at 5:30 a.m. to the cheering of those assembled to witness the event.

The course wound around the perimeter of the airfield, past aircraft hangars, container yards and motor pools.  Groups of U.S. military servicemembers not running the half marathon volunteered their time to man water points and provide runners with cold water to prevent dehydration.

Runners were greeted at the finish line by the cheers of servicemembers who finished before them and were given their official run time. Those who finished were presented with a medal for their efforts and in recognition of their accomplishment.

“Everyone ran in their brigade t-shirts and cheered for one another at the finish line, letting everyone know that the 16th Military Police Brigade is both fit to fight and a strong and dedicated team,” said Bourie about finishing with fellow paratroopers from Fort Bragg. “We have a lot to be proud of.”