Blackett's Ridge

(Update: Photos!)

After a fun Friday night with a soccer game, followed by eating at a new English pub in town (yummy!), Chris (aka "C") and I headed out to Sabino Canyon yesterday morning to go for a hike. I decided I need to start training on steep trails to simulate race day conditions at Zane Grey. It's well known about Tucson that the best steep-ass trail would be Blackett's Ridge. I haven't been on the trail for over nine years, but I remember its relentless grade. I wanted a companion with me the first time I headed up it while I got a feel for the trail that will become my best friend this winter. Chris is not a runner, so trail running isn't something I can share with him; however, he likes to hike. If I'm 'running' something steep, I'm not actually running - I'm hiking. Which is what Chris likes to do. So it's perfect!

The weather was slightly warm, but just about perfect. It felt strange to not be running the first flat mile or so. It also felt strange to be in 'hiking' shorts (with cotton underwear), as opposed to 'running' shorts (with a built-in wicking liner). It also felt strange not to carry my camelback (Chris convinced me that he'd carry everything, that I didn't need to carry my camelback).

Not comfortable with walking, I set a quick pace for the first 1.4 miles to the Blackett's Ridge turnoff. Then, as we started climbing, and climbing, and climbing (and climbing), my pace gradually lessened, to the point where I actually had to stop for a breather (I didn't want to!). Chris pointed out his parent's house and high school, among other nearby landmarks. It was a good stop, but I knew there was more to go. This hike was a good sort-of base test, the baseline to guage my progress this winter against. And I was much more out of shape than I was hoping!

I channeled Olga as I headed up some steep slabs: swinging my arms and power-hiking my way up, up, up. Relentless Forward Motion. Finally, we hit the top of the ridge, and I was ready to stop. The trail continues, but it doesn't really have an 'end'. This was good enough for me. We hung out on some rocks enjoying the expansive views and taking some photos before heading back down.

Chris took the lead on the way down, which was fine (I could do snot-rockets without him seeing me - really, what girl wants her boyfriend observing her blow snot-rockets?!), until we hit some prime running trail, at which point, I pushed him out of the way and let loose, flying over the trail, down, down, down, such sweet sweet release to open my hips and let my legs stretch out and fly free. Wheeeeee!!!!

This trail being as nasty as it is, that didn't last long. The rest of the way down, I'd run when I could, then wait for Chris to catch up as I took my time picking my way through the steep rocks, which was totally fine with him (yay!) The last 1.4 back to the car, I walked with him, even though I could have ran. It felt good just to amble along, knowing the goal of this was not to run run run, but to enjoy a Saturday morning with my boyfriend. I was quite glad he had convinced me to give up the camelback; It was nice to not have to carry anything! We estimated that we hiked about 5.5 miles with 2300 vt ft elevation gain.

After filling ourselves up with soup and sandwhiches at a favorite restaurant, we headed to my house, where he fell asleep and I got started on Sarah's custom running art (should be done this week, woo hoo!!!). The rest of the day finished out with Scrabble, a favorite Mexican restaurant and watching Howard's End (I hadn't seen it before).

This morning, I held myself to my goal of heading out for a recovery run. I spent a leisurely morning in bed (oh, so nice to relax and not worry about having to get up to run - the weather has cooled off enough that I can run later!). I wasn't too sore getting out of bed, although my right glute was complaining a little bit. I am actually surprised that I'm not more sore. I headed out for 1.3 s l o o o o o w miles around the neighborhood, then stretched a little. Now I've got laundry on, a cinnamon nut bread in the oven, an artisan potluck to go to this afternoon and Ash (yayayay!) tonight.

All in all, it's been a fantastic weekend.