Garrison sponsors Team Hawaii in Ten-Miler

<p>WHEELER ARMY AIR FIELD, Hawaii - For the upcoming Army Ten-Miler, Oct. 5 in Washington, D.C., Team Army Hawaii has been chosen based on results from the 10-Mile Race Around Wheeler, held here, June 14.<p></p>The Army Ten-Miler, the annual race held in the nation's capital attracts more than 26,000 runners and spectators. The celebrated event, produced by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), starts and ends at the Pentagon, passing national landmarks including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and the Capitol, is the largest 10-mile race in the United States. <p></p> "It's a prestigious event; bragging rights (are up for grabs) between major commands," said Peter Burke, sports specialist and local race coordinator, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR). <p></p>Leading up to the Army Ten-Miler, installations hold qualifiers to create teams. FMWR administered the race here, with help from the Sports Office, Better Opportunities for Single Solders, Tropics Recreation Center and Leisure activities staff. The race, the qualifying event for active duty Soldiers wishing to represent Team Army Hawaii, the only team the garrison sponsors and funds. <p></p>In previous years, the 25th Infantry Division (ID) conducted the qualifying event and sent a coed team of 28-32 runners. Due to frequent deployments and the separation of the U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii and 25th ID, FMWR's Sports Office was tasked to conduct the race. <p></p>The 10-Mile Race Around Wheeler is the first race FMWR has held. It has since been added to the intramural sport program for 2009, according to Burke. <p></p>More than 80 runners showed up for the 10-Mile Race Around Wheeler, circling the race route twice. The race was open to active duty, retired, Reservists and National Guard Soldiers, as well as their adult family members and Department of Defense and Army and Air Force Exchange Service civilians working on an Army installation. <p></p>Only active duty Soldiers were eligible to make Team Army Hawaii. Members were chosen by their finishing time. <p></p>Capt. Shawn Dodge, 311th Signal Command (Theater), is the team captain. This is the third Army Ten-Miler for Dodge, who also coached the Fort Lewis team in 2006 and 2007. <p></p> "The job entails training the team, preparing the team for travel, ensuring that everyone is improving, modifying workouts for different abilities, and maintaining a positive presence within the Army's running community," Dodge said. <p></p>Training for the race will begin in July with four weekly workouts, including a speed workout, a hill or endurance workout, an 8-10 mile run, and a longer, 12-plus mile run, according to Dodge. <p></p> "The goal is to peak for the event in October at the right time and not overtrain too early," said Dodge. <p></p>Dodge is excited for the race and the chance to represent Hawaii. He believes the Army Ten-Miler is a great event that showcases the end result of months of training. <p></p> "Fitness is imperative in life...and in this case, the team is being rewarded with a trip to D.C.," Dodge said. <p></p>Even though running is not a team sport in the general sense, Dodge believes it's imperative to train as a team. <p></p> "The extra motivation and camaraderie associated with training with others cannot be matched training alone," explained Dodge. "When one runner is down or not feeling strong, the rest of the team can pick him/her up and get them through the workout. <p></p> "The only way to get faster is to train and run with faster runners; there is no substitute." <p></p><b>Team Army Hawaii</b>

Aca,!Ac 1st Lt. Kelly Calway, 500th Military Intelligence Brigade

Aca,!Ac 1st Lt. Kristen Campbell, 3-4th Cavalry Regiment

Aca,!Ac Capt. Shawn Dodge, 311th Signal Command (Theater)

Aca,!Ac 1st Lt. Jeffrey Glick, 84th Engineer Battalion - Construction Effects

Aca,!Ac Staff Sgt. Daniel Lopez-Bonaglia, Tripler Army Medical Center

Aca,!Ac 2nd Lt. Daniel O'Connor, 325th Brigade Support Battalion

</p><p><i>(Editor's Note: 2nd Lt. Raymond Kuderka, 2-27th Infantry Regiment, originally made the team but will be attending Ranger School during the race. O'Connor is taking his place.)</i></p>