Pat's Run 6.0

Six time's the charm? I mean this was the year to run and get the final medal to complete the set honoring Pat Tillman as ASU Sun Devil, Arizona Cardinal, and US Army Ranger. Overall, I would say I had a pretty good build into this race. The Lord blessed me with my fastest 5K in the fall, my first marathon in December, and a fast 10K in February. I was pretty confident I could top my 8:01/mile pace from 2023, but then I got sick. I was thankfully only down for a few days and was able to run easy on those days. I did miss my 12-miler, though. (I was using the Sub-45 minute 10K plan from Run, but not quite running the assigned paces.) I felt a little froggy throughout the week and still had a little bit of a runny nose. I tried to prioritize sleep and carbs (bagels!) during the week so I could give the race what I had.

Goals

A: Better my time of 33:40 from 2024 and my 10K pace of 7:41/mile

B: Enjoy my time in the first corral (Will that ever happen again?)

C: Run miles afterward if possible (on my way to training for my last race of the "season")

Packet pick-up

I need to remind myself that this takes a little bit of time. Packet pickup is not difficult, but there is traffic. This time, I think the issue is that the left turn arrow was only letting through a few cars at a time. I found a parking spot right away when I entered, even though the lot was full. I had to stand in a line of about six people to get my packet, but when I got to the front, pickup was quick. I told them my bib number, got my bib and shirt, and was out.

There is not much in the race bag in the way of swag. I got my shirt, a restaurant coupon, and a packet of Squirrel's Nut Butter (new this year). That is not what this race is about, though. Many people do not even choose to "race" it. Rather, they choose to run in memory of a man who gave his all for his country. 

Sometimes I get race nerves. This race, though, got me excited on Friday. I looked actually looked forward to being with so many people working together for a great cause!

Race Day

As in past years, I got up at 4 am, and we were out the door by 5 am to catch the 5:13 am light rail. I got a little chilly on the light rail and walking to the arena, but I knew I would warm up quick. Praise the Lord, the morning went mostly according to plan. I went to the restroom for the first time. We walked through the vendor tent. I picked up a lot of loot. I got my husband to take pictures.

Warm-Up

Two miles was a good warm-up for my most recent 5K and 10K, so I aimed for that again. It was a little tricky finding enough space to run, but I got it in. I threw in a few strides (bursts of speed) during the second mile. All of this I did from 6:20-6:40 am. Then it was back to the restroom, and into the corral by my goal time of 6:50 am. At 6:55 am, I took a caffeinated vanilla GU gel, and at 7:05 am, we were off.

The Run

The first bit of the race (the jag to get the 0.2 mile, I think) is a little crowded. Thankfully, I was able to keep a good pace. My first mile came in at 7:28/mile. There was a little downhill for mile 2, and that brought me to 7:16/mile. There is a slow uphill around Papago Park, which is not hard, but did slow me down some. That mile came in at 7:36/mile (still faster than my 7:41/mile 10K, which was my goal). I tried to keep a good pace and keep passing people for the last mile. At 4 miles, I told myself to work and get into the stadium. I knew there was a small uphill, but figured I could count down from 100 twice, and it would be over. I lost cost in the first hundred. I did remember to throw up my hands at the finish line, and for once, I got a decent photo.

The finish line was a bit different this year in that they hustled us through the chute and completely out of the arena to get medals and refreshments. It could have been cool to get a medal photo on the field, but my husband was not there anyway. No big deal. 

Pat's Run hosted a tailgate this year, but we did not attend. I just got my husband to take a few photos, and then I went out to run the rest of my miles around Tempe Town Lake before heading to brunch at 10 am. Let me tell you. That brunch was delicious!

Results

My final time was 31:18, and 7:27/mile. That is two minutes and 22 seconds faster than last year. As my mom taught me to say, "Yeah, God!" And also thanks to all the running dietitians who put out free information about nutrition for athletes. That has made the biggest difference in me being able to train more and run further and faster.

Final Thoughts

This race is so cool because it is not just a race, but a community event. The event is SO well-organized. I so appreciate the fact that it is made accessible for as many as want to participate, from wheelchair racers, to families who want to push their children in strollers, to kids who want to run the 1K. What a great way to commemorate Pat Tillman, a man who put others before himself and gave all to protect our freedoms to engage in activities like this race today. His legacy is truly a great one!