The Arizona Trail is a National Scenic Trail from Mexico to Utah that traverses the whole north-south length of the U.S. state of Arizona. (From Google Maps)
Last Sunday, TTR held a run on the Arizona Trail. The idea was for it to be a 50k, but I decided to run 20-25 miles just so the run director didn't have to wait any longer for me. I knew I would be slower than the group I was running with. We started at a pullout on Highway 83. It was cold and cloudy, but the weather forecast said we would have a high of 75.
I wore a bright orange shirt because there were hunters on the trail most days. I was the only one who wore one. The majority wore white. I felt I needed to be safe. I'm not going to trust a hunter to not shoot me. I actually had to tell a hunter where I was because they still couldn't see me! Had a few shots fired in my direction actually...
I started a few seconds late because someone brought a dog and I had to say hi (of course, dogs are the cutest). :)
We ran up a dirt road and then up a hill. Suddenly, they all came running back at me. Runner Stampede! Wrong way apparently. So, we took the AZ Trail and got back on course. I kept up with the group for a little while, then they all left me in the dust. But that's alright, I got used to rounding up the group in the back...I make sure there are not any stragglers. ;)
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| On the Arizona trail, following Robert and Abraham. |
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| Most of the group up ahead on the AZT. |
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| Showing off my bright orange shirt. Had to make sure the hunters could see me! |
