Editor's Note: Special Operator Matthew Butler Celebrated his 40th birthday while on deployment in Afghanistan. He decided to mark the milestone by running an ultramarathon. As with many who take on the challenge of extreme endurance events, Matt decided just running for his own gratification wouldn't be enough: he would have to find a greater cause. He decided the run would honor his fallen brothers from the Special Forces and serve as a fund raiser for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. The following first-person account of the run is excerpted from Matt's fund raising page at www.firstgiving.com/matthewbutler1.com.
The day of the 24th started out pretty well, the runners ate pasta, mashed potatoes and gravy for the carbohydrates then went to sleep. We slept until about 9:00 pm. Next we showered, dressed, did a small warm up so that the Physical Therapist could stretch us out. Then around 10:30 the medics gave us one last check. By 11:00 I gathered the support team to do one last check of equipment and give a safety briefing. By 11:30 we were moving to the start line. We had the runners, the support team, and a handful of well wishers who showed up just to see us off. At exactly midnight we started running.
The weather conditions were great. It was a cool evening, clear skies, and no wind. However this would change before the day was over. The 25th, was going to become the hottest day in Afghanistan so far this year. Temperatures would eventual reach 107 degrees.
Laps 4-5 were where I had the most concern. I knew that the last lap (which would take us to about 47 miles) and the last three weren't going to be much of a problem, because we would be seeing light at the end of the tunnel. I was right. Lap four was a dark, painful ordeal. I really began to question my decision to do this, the reality of finishing, and my overall sanity level. I tried to draw on every source of motivation I could think of. Family, Special Operations, fallen comrades, the Special Operations Warrior Foundations, families who benefit from these types of events, personal experiences, and sheer determination were what made up the majority of my thoughts.
We were greeted at mile 49 by a group of well wishers- the same who came out to see us of. This was a Civil Affairs unit who has a soldier (MSG Spring) in their unit who is the mother of one of my soldiers (SSG Spring). That was a real pick me up. Then when we got to Camp Vance there was another group of well wishers from our unit there to cheer the finish. It was followed up by lots of handshakes, hi fives, and hugs. We then walked to the SF Memorial dedicated to all the Special Operations fallen Soldiers who have given their life in this country and paid our respects. It was over!
The official time was 11:05. It was 1 hour longer than I had hoped, but 1 hour short of the deadline- so I am happy with the results.
Not only did Matt finish his run, he also exceeded his fund raising goal. To date his friends and supporters have donated more than $10,000 to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. To read the full account of Matthew's birthday run log click here.
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Laps 4-5 were where I had the most concern. I knew that the last lap (which would take us to about 47 miles) and the last three weren't going to be much of a problem, because we would be seeing light at the end of the tunnel. I was right. Lap four was a dark, painful ordeal. I really began to question my decision to do this, the reality of finishing, and my overall sanity level. I tried to draw on every source of motivation I could think of. Family, Special Operations, fallen comrades, the Special Operations Warrior Foundations, families who benefit from these types of events, personal experiences, and sheer determination were what made up the majority of my thoughts.