Running for Pat

Tonight, Mike and I will begin some very last-minute training for another good (albeit non-hiking) cause. Pat's Run is happening in Tempe this Saturday, and we've signed up.

More than 20,000 runners, walkers, volunteers and spectators will descend upon Tempe in the wee hours of the morning, to honor Pat Tillman and raise funds for the Pat Tillman Foundation. Pat Tillman was an ASU and Arizona Cardinals football star who joined the U.S. Army and served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was killed in April of 2004, when his unit was ambushed in Eastern Afghanistan.

Today, the Pat Tillman Foundation carries forward his legacy of leadership and civic action by supporting programs that educate and engage youth.

The company Mike works for, TriWest Heathcare Alliance, is a sponsor of the event, so we wanted to get involved. We'll run 4.2 miles, in honor of Pat's college football number -- #42.

Well, I say "run," but I mean "attempt to run." We're not really runners, Mike and I. We like to take strolls around the neighborhood, we hike, we hit the tennis ball around from time to time... but running? Not so much.

We originally planned to walk the 4.2 miles, but we figured that since we're getting up and out to Tempe so early, we might as well really make it count. And if I am in good enough shape to tackle the Grand Canyon, surely I can run a little. Right?

So tonight, when we get home from work, we're going to tie up our running shoes and give it a go. For Pat. Wish us luck!