REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. (Nov. 14, 2016) -- Some employees will go to any length to accomplish their goals.
Timothy Pitt, a systems engineer at the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center, recently took that dedication a step farther. 200,000 steps, by best estimate.
On Nov. 5 and 6, Pitt competed in the Pinhoti 100, a 100 mile endurance race that tackles climbing Alabama's highest point, Cheaha Mountain while navigating the Talladega National Forest. The race begins in Heflin, Ala. and ends on the rubberized track of the Sylacauga High School football stadium.
Pitt finished the race in 21 hours, 39 minutes placing ninth out of 232 starters.
"Going into something this big, placement was not important to me," Pitt said. "The order you place in a race is really just determined by who shows up. I thought to myself, that if everything aligned perfectly, I might have a chance at completing the race in under 24 hours. I am still in shock and awe."
Pitt began his official training in August. During that time, he ran in the Barkley Fall Classic 50K and the inaugural Wade Mountain Marathon. He explained that the Wade Mountain Marathon worked out like a last-minute cramming session before a big test. "It was two weeks before Pinhoti and I ended that week with 93 miles of training," he said.
Pitt started running in 2006 as a way to get fit and stay healthy. "I have been lucky to find myself surrounded by some pretty great runners who have taken me under their wing. I owe a lot of credit to where I am today to those guys," he added.
Pitt also began his career at AMRDEC in 2006 working in the Electro-optical and Infrared Branch. He says that many of those "great runners" were part of the running community on Redstone Arsenal.
At his current office within the Gray Eagle Unmanned Aircraft System Modeling, Navigation and Integration Lab, Pitt is surrounded by individuals that share his enthusiasm for an active lifestyle. Nearly everyone in the office uses a standing desk at work and several of his coworkers have also participated in 100 milers.
His cubicle-neighbor divulged that while several have entered into 100 milers, Pitt holds the record in the office.
"Running has affected me professionally because when I'm at work, I have the energy to stay focused. I think it's made me a better employee."
Pitt has already signed up for two races in 2017. His finishing time at Pinhoti has qualified him for a lottery entry at the Western States 100, described as the "Boston Marathon of 100 Mile Runs."
"They draw for the Western States Lottery in December," said Pitt. "It would be incredible to have opportunity to participate in that next June."
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The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center leads the nation in advancement and sustainment of aviation systems, missile systems and related technologies.
AMRDEC's mission is to deliver technical capabilities for responsive and cost effective research, product development and life-cycle systems engineering solutions that equip the warfighter with the best technology today and tomorrow.
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