Randy Woodward (MM15271)– Bataan Memorial Death March 2024
White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
What a tough event.
The event started with me at the front again presenting colors during the national anthem. Then I stepped to the side until my group (military heavy) came by. With the start of every group they fired off an artillery round. That pretty much jumped my heart rate and it stayed high remainder of the day 😔
I did not attempt to jog at all. Knew it would take everything I had to complete the 26.2 miles while carrying 35 lbs on my back. The added 2 ft of flag pole with additional flag caught A LOT of wind. Especially the last few miles.
Long stretches of sand followed by long stretches of pavement (ridiculous uphill and then back down). That was followed by a lot of up and down sand and dirt trails through the mountain areas. Then back to extremely long stretches of sand/dirt trail until reaching the finish.
Camaraderie was fantastic. I chose to go with the Navy blue cammies knowing there would be a sea of green uniforms. Was the only person of there in other than greens. Great! Although, one person dressed as a Storm Trooper and completed the 14 mile course (no 13.1 half).
Felt like the day would never end. Very happy I was able to finish during daylight hours. 11 hours and 27 minutes of walking with one 5 minute sit down break. The weight of the pack did a number on my feet, back and shoulders. All but the first mile my feet felt as if each have one big foot-size blister on the bottom. After the event, no blisters. Bizarre!
Rucksack was weighed after the event to ensure no one cheated and emptied their load. I no sooner finished my walk, crossed the finished line, got a finishers medal then promptly proceeded to dry heave. Could not stop and nothing coming up. Despite pushing the water and Gatorade every chance possible I still dehydrated and was overly worn out. Ten minutes of heaving, medical snagged me up against my better wishes wheeled me into the tent. Put on a bed, given an IV and 2 liters of fluid. After 15 minutes laying down and being hydrated the doc on staff said I was tachycardic and heart rate was still above 140. Rest of the story is they kept me there and comfortable until the heart rate dropped to 90. Took some time but we got there.
Majority of the 26.2 mile march my heart rate was 160+ bpm. The added weight of the rucksack along with weighted and wind blown flag(s) were giving me a triple work out. I think I’ll be skipping arm and leg day for awhile 😁
77 marathons
67 of which with flag
42 states completed
If you do not know what the Bataan Death March is, please research it. Just one of many important, and sad, parts of WWII history.
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