U.S. Army Japan Ten-Miler team doesn’t let geographical separation prevent them from training together

CAMP ZAMA, Japan - "Running might seem like an individual effort, but you perform better as a team," Spc. Stephanie Feliciano Vazquez said.

That philosophy is driving Feliciano Vazquez, assigned to the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, and other members of the U.S. Army Japan Army Ten-Miler team as they prepare for the upcoming race Oct. 11 in Washington, D.C., transforming weekly team practices into a showcase of collective strength.

For Spc. Junho Yi, assigned to the 311th Military Intelligence Battalion, that team dynamic provides an essential spark during demanding training - even across great distances throughout Japan.

Using live video feeds during practice, the Camp Zama squad trains side-by-side with remote teammates Capt. David Ford and Staff Sgt. Ryan Figgins, also assigned to 38th ADA, at Okinawa and the Shariki Communications Site; and Sgt. Xaviar Estrada, assigned to the 765th Transportation (Terminal) Battalion at Yokohama North Dock.

"I usually run alone, so I lose motivation," Yi said. "Running with teammates gives me that extra push. It's always better to run with somebody. We try to run together and pace off each other."

That virtual and in-person connection translates directly to higher performance targets. Rather than simply participating, the squad said it helps them set aggressive personal and team benchmarks together.

"Our team goal isn't just to be there - it's to go out and compete," Yi said. "My personal goal is running 10 miles in under one hour."

Feliciano Vazquez echoed the drive to build lasting momentum.

"Every time we meet, we push each other to get better and make the team and each other proud," she said. "We want to keep this Army Ten-Miler team going every single year from now on, building a legacy that continues next year and beyond."