A Small But Mighty Runner

Like my previous post, this story is also about a soldier who deals with unexploded ammunition and bombs, but this story is, fortunately, happier. It's also a story I will keep firmly in mind the next time I hesitate to go for my run. MP+

Face of Defense: Soldier Grabs Guinness Record
By Roger Teel
Special to American Forces Press Service

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md., Jan. 12, 2010 – Army 2nd Lt. Sophie Hilaire does not particularly fit the general image of an explosive ordnance disposal warrior.



Army 2nd Lt. Sophie Hilaire sprints to the finish of the Philadelphia Marathon, setting a Guinness World Record for women by running the Nov. 22, 2009, race in 4 hours, 54 minutes wearing full battle gear. Photo courtesy of Island Photography

At 120 pounds, one wonders how she possibly could be strong enough to function in an 85-pound bomb suit, handling the physical and mental demands of defusing improvised explosive devices.

But Hilaire is strong enough to run a marathon in full battle armor. In fact, she holds a world record for it.

Read the whole article here.