Miles that connect: Army captain finds readiness, community on Vicenza roads

VICENZA, Italy — Before much of Vicenza begins its day, U.S. Army Capt. Jordan A. Beagle is often already moving.Some days, the miles take him through… VICENZA, Italy — Before much of Vicenza begins its day, U.S. Army Capt. Jordan A. Beagle is often already moving. Some days, the miles take him through historic streets. Others lead toward rolling hills or along the network of paths surrounding the northern Italian city. Each run is another training session toward his first 26.2-mile race, but for Beagle, the road has become about more than reaching the finish line. Nearly nine years into his Army career, running has been a constant for Beagle, a public affairs planner assigned to U.S.

Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), amid changing duty stations, professional demands, and the responsibilities of being a Soldier and father. Beagle grew up competing in basketball, football and other team sports. As his responsibilities increased, finding time for organized sports became more difficult. Running offered something different: competition without a fixed practice schedule, a field or even a teammate. Over time, what began as another way to maintain fitness became a year-round pursuit. Whether preparing for the Army Fitness Test two-mile run, a 10K or a half marathon, Beagle began measuring progress against his previous performances. A few seconds off a