Phoenix

We are heading west Saturday for a family visit in Phoenix. I cannot wait. I am way over due for a long break from the norm. It is a struggle to make it mentally through the day the past few weeks, thank goodness for morning and lunch workouts!

I should probably get in a long run while I am out there. Any Phoenix readers out there that have a recommendation for a good trail I can get 20+ miles in on? Probably a solo effort so safety is a must too. Debating pacing the FIL at the marathon Sunday to get in the miles, but I'd much rather get out on some desert trails!

May make a trip to Sedona, I've heard there are lots of great trails there. Anyone have any favorites?

Posting may be sporadic, I'll be busy spoiling my niece, relaxing, reading, formulating a training plan, and running on the trails. But hopefully I'll have some fun photos to post when I get back! Hope everyone is having a great week!

16 comments:

Dana said...

Have fun relaxing your trip. You TOTALLY deserve it.

Anonymous said...

Sedona is amazing. Have a relaxing time! I can't help you on the trails situation, although there is a park (one of many I am sure) in Sedona with some beautiful desert scenery. I cannot remember the name of the park, but it literally is right smack in the middle of Sedona. I went to a wedding there, right in the desert. Let me see if I can find out...

Kurt in Boston said...

Hey Elizabeth! Check out Arizona Hiking Shack at http://www.hikingshack.com/ -- they've got some online resources. I used to run a lot around the North Mountain preserve, but it might be hard to find 20 miles there. The South Mountain preserve has the 14 mile National trail -- it's kind of challenging with the elevation changes. Might want to check with Runner's Den in Phoenix for suggestions on trail running.

...And I see you're planning on running Boston this year! Hope to see you here again.

Have fun!

Trisaratops said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE Sedona. You MUST go there and run. MUST. That's an ORDER.

When I was there Matt and I rented mountain bikes from a place called "Bike and Bean." We found it in Outside Magazine. It's a coffeeshop/bike shop right at the entrance of a bunch of trails. I'm sure the people there can give you some running trail advice! They knew a ton about the trails there. The mountain bike trails were unreal. Bring your camera!

Plus, the guy who was working there was from Lakewood and had Cuyahoga plates on his car in the lot--he made me go out and look. ha ha!

Have FUN!

Unknown said...

i'd say white tank regional park which is northwest of phoenix, but i don't want you to yell at me if you break your jaw. ;)

B Bop said...

I agree with Cassie, Sedona is an amazing place. I can't give you specific trails, but the Coconino Natl. Forest sits just north of town and the Red Rocks state park sits pretty much right in town.

In Phoenix check out the Tonto national forest just north of town. I suppose they think that since their parks are so nice in Arizona it is ok to charge day use fees....which is pretty much a parking pass you have to purchase.

Anonymous said...

i hear they do some of the same things you do. they just call it a tepid bear plunge.

more my style.

enjoy your time. i always think of phoenix as pahonicks after that commercial.

Anonymous said...

Wow! E's blog is great source for running info! Even 10 states away! E asks, people answer! Enjoy your trip and your running while out West!

Bolder said...

Mmmmmm, somewhere warm!

Inca Princess said...

One amazing trail in Sedona is the Oak Creek Canyon Trail. Goes right along a river - it is beautiful!

Irene said...

January is the perfect time of year for running in AZ. FYI, the AZ Rock 'n' Roll marathon/half marathon are happening THIS Sunday, in the Phoenix area.


Enjoy your trip!

Brian said...

I always hike camelback mountain. More just a good hike rather then run

Rae said...

Have an awesome vacation!!!!! I love Arizona, it's so gorgeous!!!!

Robin said...

Have fun in AZ!

Unknown said...

Have fun.

Check out: http://arizonaphil.blogspot.com/ for some potential help on trail running in AZ.

Not Here said...

Have fun out there in AZ!

I think Brian was out there too with his team for the Rock'n Roll marathon. =)