Arizona Trail Maintenance - Sandy Seep to Schultz

Northern Arizona Trail Runners Association co-sponsored a trail maintenance day with Flagstaff Biking on our Stewardship section of the Arizona Trail - 32a - from Sandy Seep to Schultz Pass. Most of the maintenance was done near the junction with Little Bear Trail where floods after the Schultz Fire have taken out the trail. Thanks to the 62 volunteers and NATRA gang (Aaron, Bret, Michael, Kathleen, Sioban, Isaac, Bruce, Neil, and Cory) who helped with the effort and eating 20 pizzas sponsored by Fratellis!

AZ Trail, Walnut Canyon to I-40

Nine runners and one dog started off on a warm and humid, but slightly overcast day in Walnut Canyon. There was some discussion as to which way we wanted to run, but ultimately it was decided that the flat run to the highway was a good idea in light of the upcoming Snowbowl Climb tomorrow. However, after a long and sweaty 8 miles, we were ready to hit the coffee! After musing over what looked like someone's pet bird in the parking lot, we headed back into town.

Always up for something new, we tried out the It's About Coffee location on Butler Ave, where we purchased some excellent drinks and Bruce proceeded to try to eat the display muffin. Fortunately, the lady behind the counter was kind and gave him an edible muffin from the back, so he did not go hungry. After deep discussions about pizza, health care in the US, and ways to find discounts on rent, we called it a day! (Thanks once again to Sabrina for the post!)

Schultz Creek/Dry Lake Hills/Brookbank/Rocky Ridge Trails

Nine runners started on the base of Schultz Creek trail. We welcomed newcomer Ludo, out for his first NATRA run. We also were joined by Stephanie, Margaret, Randy, Alexis, Jennifer, and Mackenzie. Running up Schultz was a challenge as always, but the lush greenery from the recent rains was fantastic. The cyclists coming down the trail were courteous too!

Thanks to a good group spirit and a lot of energy from the beautiful day, I am proud to report that all nine runners completed the full 9 mile loop this morning (a first, maybe?) We celebrated with coffee at Late for the Train, with some of us looking forward to going to Harry Potter/Winnie the Pooh this afternoon to relax. (Thanks to Sabrina for the posting and Ludo Pierson for the photos below!)

End of Team Run Flagstaff 24 Hours on Heritage Square!

A most successful inaugural Team Run Flagstaff 24 hour run on Heritage Square! Congrats to all participants and volunteers who stayed up all night keeping the treadmill moving despite the torrential rains and "Earthquakes"!

Sandy Canyon and Team Run Flagstaff 24 Hours on Heritage Square

After a soaking rain the previous day, Sandy Canyon was the most lush I have ever seen it. 9 runners made there way into the canyon, but only half made it to the top of Fisher Point. We welcomed Kathleen from Tuba City to her first NATRA run and we all returned to the Seasoned Kitchen before heading out to join in on the fun at Team Run Flagstaff's Inaugural 24 Hour Treadmill on Heritage Square Event. Another great day to be a runner in Flagstaff!

Flagstaff Four on the Fourth

A beautiful morning with intermittent rain showers and then a sudden downpour as runners made their way to the finish line. Again, about 70 runners joined in the celebration and it looks like the monsoons are here to stay! The gang then headed down to Charlies for some post run fun and the amazing July 4th Parade.

Aspen Corner, Arizona Trail

It was a gorgeous morning to celebrate the near arrival of the monsoons - at least as promised by Birthday Boy Meteorologist David Owen (Blanchard that is)! 14 runners (including former Flagstaffian and replanted in North Carolina - Shannon) started towards Utah but eventually decided to cut the run short and head back towards Mexico. Most runners agreed this is the prettiest section of the Arizona Trail. Evidently, David Mckee thought Tony was headed to Utah and started following what he thought were Tony's tracks. David got a long run in but unfortunately missed the coffee klatch group at the Seasoned Kitchen. Runners recovered with a NATRA newly created special: The Dusty Melon aka, Natraquila. What started out as an innocent pure watermelon juice leftover from art walk, quickly turned into something with a punch once Neil got his hands on it. We are thinking that we will freeze this concoction and hand it to runners who finish Soulstice. Might cut down on the beer drinking. Probably not. Happy Birthday David B! Get some sleep!