Photo By Kevin Hynes | U.S. Army Capt. David Buchanan (running, foreground), commander of the Headquarters...... read more read more
Md. Army Guard Captain Clinches Spot on All-Guard Marathon Team
05.09.2023
Story by Major Brendan Cassidy
58th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade
LINCOLN, Neb. - In three hours and six blistering minutes, Maryland Army National Guard Capt. David Buchanan, commander of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 58th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade, secured his spot on the All-Guard Marathon Team at the 46th Annual Lincoln Marathon, May 7, 2023.
Buchanan’s four months of preparation ensured that he hit his goal and then some. His pace was 15 seconds faster than the 7:20 per mile cutoff throughout the 26.2 mile-footrace.
“Being surrounded by National Guard racers helped foster the competitive environment and camaraderie that the organization is all about,” said Buchanan. “I am very excited to share blood, sweat, and tears with these fellow Guard runners for the next two years.”
To complete his racing goals required Buchanan to miss some of the unit’s annual training at Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia. Still, he credited his unit’s training achievements to his soldiers who took on more responsibility while he was at the marathon.
“The fine NCOs and leaders of the 58th EMIB HHC stepped up and accomplished the mission well above the standard,” said Buchanan. “Their ability to self-sustain and bring execution from intent paved the way to the mission success of our company's annual training.”
While nine minutes longer than the fastest of his three marathons thus far, Buchanan capitalized on his 6’5” frame and years of distance running to cross the threshold among more than 200 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from all 50 states, three territories, and the District of Columbia.
A career military intelligence officer, Buchanan has served 14 years in the National Guard between four different units and deployed overseas with Task Force Spartan in 2021. He attributes his military time as a source of physical fitness, discipline, and perseverance but recognizes the role his family played in his success too.
“I couldn’t have done this without my wife and kids for sacrificing so many long mornings without me as I trained.” Buchanan said. “Family support and faith have been great sources of inspiration”
Buchanan first began marathon training while running with a close friend and neighbor.
“I have been told ‘To give less than your best is to sacrifice the gift,’” said Buchanan of his friend’s advice. “My neighbor’s guidance and training plan were key in starting marathon running.”
Runners who qualified for the All-Guard Marathon Team will travel to many more races over the next two years throughout the United States and possibly abroad. The National Guard Military Competitions Program, which includes both a Marathon Team and an Endurance Team, exists to promote physical fitness, self-discipline, and esprit de corps among National Guard members while assisting recruiting and retention efforts at each community where they compete.
The All-Guard Marathon Team consists of 78 total members determined by the time trials: the top 51 males, top 21 females (including one Air Guard member per gender), and the top three runners of each gender in the over-50 Masters category.
“It feels incredible to make the team,” said Buchanan. “I have put in hundreds, if not thousands, of miles of training to best represent the Maryland National Guard to the nation. I fought back more tears of relief and happiness at the finish line than I did pain.”
| Date Taken: | 05.09.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 05.16.2023 07:47 |
| Story ID: | 444776 |
| Location: | LINCOLN, NEBRASKA, US |
| Web Views: | 90 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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