Monsoon season is upon us. Yes, AZ has a Monsoon season. Essentially it means we do get rain every so often (and it really pours), but ultimately it means we have 110 degree temperatures with high humidity. Yep, you read correctly...high humidity. It makes training unbearable. This is the time of year that races stop in PHX and one has to travel to high country elevations like Flagstaff, etc...
Notice the HUGE dust storm rolling in behind the homes. Amazing! These storms are very electric and usually are followed by rain. It is humbling to see a mass of dust slowly roll across the desert with electricity flowing everywhere.
So, our race season is divided into two parts - Spring and Fall. I'm excited for Fall this year and will be doing a load of 10ks and distance runs. I'm looking forward to it, so regaining my legs has to start now - in the humidity and heat.
That's when I run at night. Saturday night I ran from my home to the middle school track in the area, did my track workout, and ran home. My dog (a black lab called Millie) was beat. So was I.
Track workouts - I love them at night. My area has a star-filled sky and the middle school track is tucked in a mini valley of mountainous foothills. It makes for a comtemplative and meditative run.
On one lap Millie (off lease) went running up into the hillside barking and as I stopped and turned around to view the commotion I saw a desert owl jump from the ground and start flapping its wings to get away from the dog. It flew one foot over my head. Let me tell you - these birds are BIG. Very BIG. I continued my run with a grin on my face feeling like I get to see things others don't because they are in front of a TV or doing things that do not place them in a spot to view nature.
It's all around us, however, only those that venture to hit the trails get to see it. My runs in the mountains are filled with nature and wildlife. I can't help but feel freedom while there.
I'm going to start mapping my weekly training as I see others doing as I am a stong proponent of accountability. As Fall race season is around the corner, this is a must!
Happy Trails!
