TTR & The Phoneline Trail

This past Sunday, I got to run with my favorite running group, TTR (or Tucson Trail Runners). I love this group for a number of reasons! First of all, they all have a great attitude. Sure, they can get competitive, but they aren't snobby about it. Some groups in town (I won't name names) are comprised of a whole lot of...jerks. Seriously! Based solely on my experience. If you are in one of those groups, I do apologise, but come on! Be a little nicer. TTR has been accepting of everyone, even little 'ol me, who runs trails at about the speed of a turtle.

Another reason I'm loving TTR is for the runs. They pick the best routes! I may be biased because I love trails but they really are quite an experience...much more of a difference than running on a road.

The route this week was the Phoneline Trail to Sabino Basin. The total mileage was supposed to be about 13 miles, but I figured I would only go 8 miles (that way I would just be combining Saturday's and Sunday's run).

I got to the parking lot at Sabino Canyon at 5:45am to sign in. We waited until 6 to start. Since I didn't really know anyone, I stood alone, scoping out the scene. I spotted one or two people my age (I'm usually always the youngest) so I was a little excited about that. I think more people are hearing about TTR and so the runs have been filled with more runners (to the dismay of many senior members).

A beautiful Tucson morning...as usual. 

Right as the clock hit 6am, we were off! We ran as a group on a flat dirt trail for about 3/4 of a mile, and then hit the Phoneline trail. We started climbing and climbing and climbing. And somewhere around mile 1.1, I just couldn't keep up anymore. I jumped off to the side and let the runners behind me pass. I walked uphill awhile while I caught my breath. I know I need to train on trails more if I want to keep up with them.

About where I fell behind :c

I fell behind and became the very. last. one. 

At first, I was upset about not being able to catch up. But then I realized that I have no pressure on me. No one behind me and no one too close in front of me. It was like I was just going for a run alone (which sort of defeated the purpose of running with a group...).

The trail up ahead...

I had my eye on a runner a little ways in front of me. For about 10 minutes, I was too freaked out to pass him because then I would I have to keep up my pace so he wouldn't pass me again. But around mile 2, I got a boost of energy! (Also, the trail started flattening out...but don't worry about that...)  I zoomed past him and then a few miles up, past a hiker too (which definitely counts).

Feeling pretty good around mile 4. 

At mile 4, I told myself I should turn back even though I was running at a good pace. But the curiosity of what lay ahead was just too much and so I kept going.

A little past mile 5, I came to a runner turning around so I thought, "I must be close!". Soon, I reached a fork in the trail. which meant a really good sign for me. I could turn around! One day I would go all the way to Sabino Basin (it was really only 2 more miles, but I wasn't sure about all the climbs).

A plant cut me! Finally, I got a battle scar on the trail! 

And so I ran back. Two runners coming from Sabino Basin passed me (they were so fast!). I was still in the shade of the mountain, but the sun was coming up quick. And I knew that as soon as I hit the trail that had no cover, I would be in trouble. Thankfully, I brought a hat and sunglasses. But the heat still really takes a lot out of you! You have to be careful out here in the southwest.

It was even starting to LOOK hot.

I got back in about 2 hours. The run directors were super nice and they brought some really yummy snacks. (Also another reason to love TTR...the RD's always have food for you afterwards!). I chatted and chilled out with the runners for about 30 minutes and then I took my leave.

I'm always worried about coming to a run and not having a good time but that's never the case.. I always have a great time with this group.

Do you have a running/workout group that you love?