Arizona, Off-Season Retreat

The North Face 50 always marks the end of the Mountain-Ultra-Trail season. Even if you didn't race TNF you can feel the vibe wind down everywhere in the trail community. Most runners embrace cross training for the winter and give their bodies a healthy break. For us, it was perfect timing to visit our friends in Arizona.

There's no hiding my pride in the Pacific Northwest but it was nice to sneak away during the darker months and embrace the desert momentarily. Justin and I previously worked for US Fish & Wildlife counting desert tortoise density in the Mojave which gave us a special appreciation for the desert. The remoteness, the vast openness, and the unexpected quietness were a few consuming characteristics of the desert. We were training for the Eugene marathon at the time and my fondest memories involved coming back to town from a work week of endless time on our feet and slaking my thirst with 32 oz of horchata from Mariana's Market.

We didn't have horchata during our weekend in Arizona, but we did have wieners at Brat Haus which filled the void. We explored all the best parts of Scottsdale by intertwining our two favorite things: Food and trail running. There's a possibility we may be moving to Arizona (woops, let the cat out of the bag! I had a grad school interview...) so Justin and I knew we had to be confident in a potential residence. Fresh loaves of bread and a bounty of local vegetables at the farmer's market tied the knot for me. Keep in mind that my mentality of moving to Arizona is temporary; my Northwest roots rule my emotions.

The surprising thing about the greater Phoenix area is that it is surrounded by trails in every direction. There is green space in every neighborhood, and I'm not talking about a small playground, there are miles of trails! Big Bonus: They go up! It is no wonder Aravaipa Running has group runs based out of Phoenix. If Justin and I were to make the move I know there would be no problem getting substantial training in for trail races. Weekends would undoubtedly be spent in Flagstaff and Sedona. It would also be nice to be close to friends we don't see enough. Until we make a decision I will be savoring every deep breath I take under the Evergreen trees in Seattle.

Group photo in Popago Park, Scottsdale