Pat's Run 2017

This past weekend Justin and I ran in the 13th annual Pat's Run benefitting the Pat Tillman Foundation. It was my 9th time running this race. Crazy! I never sought out to run it this many times but it just kind of happened and now I am committed. My mom came over early Saturday morning to watch the girls while they were still sleeping so we could head out to the race. I ran really well last year and I knew I was not going to be able to run that again but I still went out and did okay. A couple of my co workers also ran along with Justin's brother. Justin stayed back with me the whole run and I thought it would help but I actually think it was worse because I just complained to him the whole time about it being hot and the hills being so hard! It was not even close to my best time but it was also not close to my worst time either. Hopefully next year I am in a bit better running shape. They also changed up a few things for this year's run. For the first time ever, the route was reversed. That was weird. Also, they started a medal series so we got the 1st of 4 medals over the next 4 years. That was kind of cool because I have always wanted to do a medal series. This year they also introduced a beer garden after the race. I know it sounds weird to have a beer at 8 AM but it's free! That was fun. We got lots of fun swag at the expo after the run and then headed home to see the girls. All in all, it was another good year out at Pat's Run. See you next year!

There were 28,000 runners!

Me and one of my co workers in her first race!

Representing the Governor's Office

The start line and the finish!

pooped!

Post-Race Jamba and beers!

So proud of Jared for knocking out his first race, too!

Three Larkins!

See you next year!

Pat's Run 2016

This past Saturday I completed my 8th Pat's Run benefitting the Pat Tillman Foundation. Justin had a trail run the next day so he did not sign up for the run this year. My little sister and her boyfriend were running as well but I drove by myself. I got up early and did a little foam rolling at home while my coffee was brewing. I made some peanut butter banana toast and ate it in the car on the way out to Tempe. I must have been on my A-game that morning because I got out there really quickly and early. I grabbed some free samples and promotional items before the race started so that I would be able to leave right after I finished. I luckily met up with my sister and her boyfriend right before the race started. My sister passed me around mile 1 and I stayed shortly behind her until mile 3 and then there were a lot of turns and I couldn't see her but I think knowing she was ahead of me was good for me because I ran a new PR. Last year (here) I finished in 34:40 and this year I did it in 33:36. I know that doesn't seem like a lot but it was hot and shaving a minute off is a big deal for me in only 4.2 miles. It was a little weird this year because normally you finish on the 42 yard line but Sun Devil Stadium is under construction so we finished outside but I was just happy with how fast I ran. Running has never come easy to me so the fact that I finished 37th out of over 2200 females aged 20-29 makes me pretty proud. Hopefully next year it is not so hot!

Hard to see but Tyrann Mathieu from the AZ Cardinals speaking before the race.

Post-race choco milk!

 

Katy's race pics

official results

so many people still running as I walked back to my car. Over 20,000 people out there!