Soulstice Blog

The 10th running of Soulstice is history. What a race! If you are interested in making suggestions about the forthcoming lottery, please do so here. If you have thoughts or stories about Soulstice, please share here too! How did this race compare to previous year's races? Any special race day preparations? Cheers to all finishers and we will hopefully see you at a group run soon!

New Arizona Trail Alignment

14 folks headed out on a beautiful fall day from Aspen Corner below the Snowbowl to run north on the new alignment of the Arizona Trail. This new trail includes the section that NATRA and Flagstaff Biking constructed during last year's trail weekend. It basically follows the 9,000 foot contour line with only minor ups and downs, a rarity for a Flagstaff trail run. The trail offers spectacular views of the Peaks to the east, Sitgreaves and Kendrick Mountain to the west, and in spots, the north rim of the Grand Canyon! We also encountered a heard of elk and deer. While we planned to run 7 miles, Don's gps indicated most did a 9.6 mile run. We also welcomed Flagstaff new comers Erica and Sabrina. We will certainly be adding this run to our regular list, and it will likely be held once in the early summer and on the week before the Flagstaff Marathon when the aspens should be glowing. Tony and Dana then treated us to incredibly hearty Oatmeal Pancakes and coffee at the Seasoned Kitchen. Download photos from today.

Oktoberfest - Mormon Lake

6 runners headed out on a beautiful fall day from Gunter's rustic cabin on the edge of Mormon Lake. With the lure of brats grilled by Gunter and Oktoberfest beers, runners cut their run short to enjoy the magnificent views from Gunter's deck. As several folks showed up after the run, the first ever NATRA Oktoberfest was a huge hit for all that attended! This winter Gunter has promised us a ski across the lake. Stay tuned and hope for snow! Download photos from today.

War Dog 2009

(posted by Mark Thurston) Rob Hall was "Top Dog" (first to Doyle Saddle) and probably the first one to make the full round trip. I didn't carry a camera, and there was no one else at the saddle when I arrived next behind Rob (he had headed back down already). The wind was howling and blowing fog at about 25 mph through the saddle, so it wasn't looking good to relax there this year and wait for other Wardogs. I decided to run over to the IB (Inner Basin) side of the saddle to get out of the wind, thinking when I turned back I would see a gang at the saddle and get into a group shot. The trail over there was sweet, much smoother than below Doyle Saddle, so I kept going for about a mile and a half or two until I was on a section of trail out of the shelter of the trees, exposed to the weather, with talus above and below. There were a couple big blasts of wind I'd estimate at 40+ mph, then it started raining and sleeting, so I retreated back to the saddle to see if others were around. No one was there so I headed down, passing 5 more Wardogs coming up along the way.

Rusty Knott and I hung around at the Schultz Tank parking lot long after most of the other Wardogs had headed down the hill/home to warm up. We wanted to make sure everyone got back OK from the run. So we were there when the last finishers crossed the line... and the True Grit awards at this year's Wardog go to: Stephanie Sandner AND Valerie Brazzell (they ran and finished together). Here's a picture of them just after they finished. Stephanie is holding her baby Peyton, who patiently waited with husband/dad Jeff at the parking lot for the gritty ladies to return. Download War Dog photos.

Waterline

Evidently it was time for a men's only run. Bob, Neil, Steven, Zach, Don, Tony and Grant headed up to the tunnel. As we drove by the Sunset Trailhead it appeared that throngs of runners were testing the Soulstice course. The tops of some of the apsens along waterline were beginning to turn yellow and clouds started building for what promises to be stormy day. Back at the Seasoned Kitchen Tony served up his tasty muffins and specialty coffees where we filled the round table with Amber, Abby, Jen and Christine. 2 weeks to War Dog, three until Soulstice!

Shultz Creek

Today we decided that NATRA temporarily needed to be renamed, NIPRA, AKA, the Non Imogene Pass Runners Association. With just about everyone in Flagstaff in Ouray this morning, 8 NIPRA runners ran Schultz Creek. It was a gorgeous run with little dust on the trail as a result of the recent rains. There was also a cool fall chill in the air. Susan, Chris, Tobin, David, Elizabeth and Neil ran to the Lincoln Logs and back. The spring at the Lincoln Logs was filled with water! Mackenzie and Rhiannon started out early, putting us all to shame by looping Mount Elden. Susan cooked a scrumptious coffee cake which we all devoured outside at Late For the Train. Next week, Waterline!

Arizona Trail to I-40

14 runners headed out despite the stormy weather that awoke most of us at 4 AM. We could hear the thunder rumbling and see lightning off in the distance. Eric bohn joined joined run despite his impending nuptuals. We all are excited for the big celebration later today. At the trailhead we ran into my friend Tony Nestor of Ancient Pathways, teaching one of his outdoor survival classes. Afterwards we hit the Seasoned Kitchen for a quick shot of caffeine before getting ready for the wedding. Download photos from today.