Earth Marathoner in Flagstaff!!!

Japanese comedian and ultra-marathon runner Hazama Kanpei is on a
challenge to run and sail, non-stop, around the world.
Kanpei has already covered more than 14000 km, from Japan and 70 days
across the Pacific by yacht, and today is day 109 of his journey,
He's currently running across Arizona, and he is due to arrive in
Flagstaff in the next couple of days. You can find out more about Earth Marathon at the Supporters Club website, where there are daily photos, videos and maps.

Fort Valley Trail System

Kristen, Jenny, Neil, Tobin, Peter, Bruce, David, McKenzie (and Annika), Chris and Tobin (Josie and Wyatt), Amber (Soren), and Dave ran up and up and up the Fort Valley Trail system until they finally hit the pipeline. Starting out the crew spied an Earth First petroglyph in the cement footing at the gate. In all the years of running, no one had ever noticed this. We figured, well, when the gate is open, we don't go by the footing, and when the gate is closed, it is covered by snow. Always something new to see! Once we hit the trail, we ran into biker friends Jackie and CJ out for a morning ride from Cheshire. We had several stream (snow melt) crossings and ran through the Fort Valley restoration treatments which have provided great views of the Peaks! Afterwards we returned to Tony's seasoned kitchen for coffee and that was when the real fun began. Amber had to drop Soren off at home so the guys tried to figure out how to use the coffee machine. Thanks to Dave's heroic efforts, the group had strong espressos by the time Amber returned. Thanks again to Tony for providing us a great place to hang out! !Download run photos.

I Heart Huckaby Trail!

Thanks to Bruce Higgins we have the following post and photos!

It was a beautiful day in the Sedona environs as Susan, Steve, Pam, Mckenzie, Jason, Elizabeth, Dean, David, Dave, Bruce, newcomer Brett (lately of Vermont and a pastry chef lookign for work), and, of course, Annika ran this short, but hilly route. The verbena and blackfoot daisys were in full bloom as spring has come!Download today's photos.

Cibola Pass, Jordan, Soldiers Pass, Brins Mesa Loop

On a warm and sunny day, five of us (Doug, Carol, Bruce, Susan, and
David) ran the Cibola Pass--Jordan--Soldiers Pass--Brins Mesa loop
trail. This is a great running trail with some steep but short climbs
and an incredible view from the top of Brins Mesa. It is a 5-mile loop
but with the spur trails can easily be extended to 8 miles. The last 2
miles are an easy downhill cruise back to the trailhead. Everyone agreed
this should become a regular NATRA run.

Sedona celebrated St. Patricks Day on Saturday with a parade down Jordan Road, our access road to the trailhead. After zigging and zagging
through the neighborhoods we were finally able to get around the parade
route and to the trailhead. And we had coffee afterwards, of course!

Observatory Mesa Run

On a cold, blustery morning with pesky snow showers, 20 runners braved the hills of Observatory Mesa. This run always amazes me as no matter what the conditions, we can always count on about 20 runners showing up. I'd bet if we tracked the largest tournouts during our eight years, 5 of the top ten would be for this tough Observatory Mesa. It certainly is not the most scenic run we do, however, the convenient location must be the draw as no other run is closer to the coffeeshops! The three Daves, Robert and the Running Bob, Bruce, Brian, Doug, Josh, Tony, Steve, Eric, Neil, Sara, Heather, Rhiannon, Mackenzie, Jessie, Susan, Shea and dogs Petzl, Dharma, Bob and Annika fought the hills and chills all to return to the Seasoned Kitchen for Tony's freshly baked Sweet Potato Muffins and coffee. David McKee broke out Pennington's finest Kahlua and the fun began!

Beaver Creek Run

Janie, Mackenzie, Neil, Amber, Bruce, Dave, Bob, Chris B,
Chris P, Rhiannon, Jason, Peter, Susan and dogs Josie, Wyatt, Sklyar and Anika ran up to the pools along Beaver Creek. Cameron again led Brandon off on an epic hike on their own. Along the trail David and Neil spied numerous petroglyphs confirming they were retracing an ancient trail. Flowers along the edge of the trail gave runners their first hint of spring! All warmed up at the Campus Coffee Bean at the end of the run.Download today's photos.

Sedona Marathon Aid Station 5

For the 4th consecutive year, NATRA staffed AID station 5 at the Sedona Marathon supporting the efforts of over 700 Marathon and Half Marathon runners. NATRA had a record 12 volunteers who cheered on the runners which included many of their friends from Flagstaff. Thanks to Janie, Shea, Ande, Sara W, Bruce, Neil, Theresa, Michelle, Kathleen, Winona, Isaac and Sara who again had a blast pouring water, handing out food, bandaids and words of encouragement! Download today's photos.