This past weekend marked the beginning of my return to running.  For the past three weeks I have been training to run in Pat’s Run which holds a very special spot in my heart.  For those of you who don’t know, this run is to honor Pat Tillman’s life.  What makes this such a special event for me is really two things.  First, Pat Tillman played football for the Arizona Sun Devils while I was at school.  He was a part of my college experience even though we never knew each other.  The 1996 team that took us to the Rose Bowl is one of the most fun football memories that I have.  I was right there in the stands, cheering away when we shut out Nebraska and I was there when we carried the goal posts down Mill Ave., when Mill Ave. was still eclectic and bohemian.  Having an undefeated season was amazing!  He was part of the dream team, the same team that I cried a little for when we lost the Rose Bowl in post-season.  The look on Jake the Snakes face just broke my heart…but, overall it was an amazing year!  So every time I run this event, it takes me back to some great times that I once had.

The other reason why this event is so special, is that it really encompasses family.  For three years I have done this event with my Mom and Brook.  After the main “adult” race, they have a kids race that Brook has been apart of.  Here is a picture time line of her being in these races.

Brook and Jolene at Pat Tillman 2007

Brook in Deep Thought 2007

In 2007, she was a 1 year old.  Now given, she was getting close to 2, but she was still such a sweet baby in my eyes…oh, who are we kidding, she is still my baby.   I am pretty sure I carried her most of the way during the .42 kid race.  But, it was the foundation for the future.

Brook Running the Pat Tillman Race 2008

Brook and Mommy at Pat Tillman 2008

Here we are in 2008.  She is now 2 years old and I am pretty sure she ran most of the .42 mile race this time.  She was so cute with her arms pumping and excitement in her eyes.  She stole the show with her determination and cuteness.

Brook Running at Pat Tillman Race 2009

Brook and Mommy Pat Tillman 2009

Here we are 2009 and look how my baby has grown.  She is now three, going on thirty!  With a mind of her own and a love of running established, she ran the whole .42 race this time by herself.  I didn’t carry her once.  With the same happiness and determination, she completed this year with a stellar performance.  She is already asking when are we going to run again.  I can’t wait till she is old enough to run next to me in the “big” race and to finish right along side me.  That is if I can keep up with her.

Here are some more pictures from this years race…

Cece (my Mom), Me and Bill after the race...I averaged 10:15 minute miles. Not bad for 3 weeks of training.

Brook Already Loving on the Football Players

Brook Loving on More ASU Football Players

Travis Loving His Free Rubio's Fish Taco

Travis, Mom, Brook and I Inside Sun Devil Stadium

So as you can see, this race holds a special place in my heart.  It’s 4.2 miles of memories, running and family.  It’s a healthy and exciting tradition that really honors an amazing hero…Pat Tillman.  To give his life to our country and for his wife and family to dedicate their lives to promoting the legacy of leadership through action, I am proud to say that I once went to school, to ASU, with Pat Tillman.