Arizona Trail Celebration Run

 16 NATRA runners (and 5 newbies!) who passed on Imogene Run, drowned their sorrows by celebrating the Arizona Trail with a grueling 7 mile run on the infamous steps of Oldham. We also made a photosphere of the run - check out this link - https://plus.google.com/+NeilWeintraub/posts/3UiCKEX5kRQ…

As we had to wait for the 10 AM party to start, Kelly's Bacon Oatmeal (and non-bacon) cookies replenished our carbos until the beer garden opened. Once again, Wanderlust Brewing Company provided several good reasons for drinking beer before noon and NATRA of course was first in line. There still time to make it out to Buffalo Park, so get out there before 2 PM!

With two major trail races the next two weekends, our next NATRA run is the 35th annual WAR DOG on Sunday October 4th. Visit http://www.natra.org and read all about it!

Having Your Cake and Eating it Too, Run

 
11 NATRA runners basked in a dreary, damp, northwest morning-like fiesta of Flagstaff Urban Trails, Arizona Trail, Loop Trail, and Kelly's scrumptious chocolate cayenne apple sauce cake. As overnight rains drenched Flagstaff, we noticed the Rio De Flag was alive at the start of the trail. We made our way east along the babbling brook until it hit the sewage treatment plant. We also admired the fabulous new Flagstaff Urban Trail signs! So cool and full of great information.

At that point the group split, some taking the high road (AZ Trail) while others took the lower road (a longer but flatter route by Hoffman Tank). While deciding where to run, Nick Hilton passed by us. We still had our wits about us and decided not to chase him!

As predicted the two groups reconvened at the junction of the Flagstaff Loop Trail and AZ Trail at nearly the same time. Not long after we hit the paved hills of Lone Tree Road. About 6.6 miles according to various watches.

Once back at the trailhead Kelly replenished our lost carbs with her to die for chocolate cayenne cake. Yes, and Bruce had his cake and ate it too. We returned to Wildflower and got excited for next Saturday's big Arizona Trail event at Buffalo Park at 10 AM. https://www.facebook.com/events/1030235177008265/ - To celebrate the Arizona Trail, NATRA will meet at 8 AM and run the Oldham-Rocky Ridge Loop, about 6.6 miles and then partake in the post run festivities in Buffalo Park. There will be great raffle prizes so bring some extra cash! Last year's event was a blast and there will be a beer garden! Post-run morning beer - perfect training for Soulstice Mountain Trail Run!