Tapering Down in the Southwest

Following is a brief update on the past couple of weeks. As Leadville approached, I decided to go all out and spend some time acclimitizing to the looming high altitude of the race. After all, I have spent so much time training why stop now? Let's push all the poker chips into the center of the table and let 'er rip.

After reading LOTS of papers and articles on high altitude training, I decided to adapt the "sleep high, train low" model. My old stomping grounds of Flagstaff, Arizona is one of the uniquely ideal places in the U.S. set up to use this approach. It sits at over 7,000 feet yet it is an easy hour drive to get to Camp Verde, Arizona at approximately 3,000 feet. I would be able to taper/train there and since I used to work at Northern Arizona University, an old colleague (Roy St. Laurent) and I would be able to get a heavy dose of research done on a stat paper we've been working on. Perfect!

Here is a terse summary of some of the places I was able to visit just in case anyone happens to be in the area and wants a little taste of adventure. I am indebted to Jason Henrie's blog for motivating the first two runs. When running in the desert in the summer, get an early start, take some S-Caps along, and bring plenty of water! If you are by yourself, as I was, tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. Let me preface this by saying none of the runs were particularly hilly. If anyone has any questions about these runs or wants more details, then don't hesitate to email me at
pturk@stat.wvu.edu

Run #1 Towel Creek Trail

This trail is about 14 miles southeast of Camp Verde. I would say a downside of the trail is that it is quite rocky in sections rendering moderate sections of the trail unrunnable.

View of the Towel Creek drainage from above the trailhead.

You will also stand a chance of mixing it up with a rattlesnake so watch your step.

Poised and ready!

However, some positives of the trail are that it is remote so you will have lots of scenic solitude. Also, if you run far enough into the drainge down towards the Verde River (6 miles one way?), you will encounter some Indian cave dwellings. Please respect this treasure and do NOT take any artifacts (e.g., pottery chards).

Run #2 Lime Kiln Trail

Wow! This was one gem of a run and I highly recommend it to any serious trail runner. Running from Dead Horse State Park (near Cottonwood) for about 15 miles northeast towards Sedona, this trail is the quintessential southwest high-desert trail run with lots of runnable red rock, sweeping plains, and scenic vistas. It was built only a few years ago. Run this trail but do pay attention to the cairns.

As good a desert trail run as it gets.

Run #3 Parsons Trail

Sycamore Canyon Wilderness has always been my favorite chunk of real estate in Arizona. Parsons Trail drops you into the heart of the canyon and sends you north along a rare desert riparian zone fed by springs.

Sycamore Canyon Wilderness.

The road to the trailhead (roughly 11 miles west of Old Cottonwood) is rough in spots so I would not recommend taking a nice car here. I had been told the trail was heavily used so I was surprised at how poorly marked and overgrown it was with thorny desert brush (e.g., cat claw). Several times I got lost and spent a considerable effort backtracking before relocating the trail.

One among several springs you will encounter along the trail.

Cairns are quite intermittant so don't count on them. Frankly, Parsons Spring is anticlimatic, ending in a brushy wash.

Run #4 Monument Valley

One of the most impressive areas I have seen in recent memory, Monument Valley sits along the Utah/Arizona border on the Navajo Indian Reservation. Huge spires of red sandstone reach towards the heavens and you can see for miles in any direction. It is easy to see why many old western movies were filmed here.

The Twin Mittens of Monument Valley.

This is area is off the beaten path so plan your travels accordingly. Be sure to take in the excellent visitor's center before leaving! I learned a lot about Navajo history and particularly enjoyed the portion on the Code Talkers.

The vastness of Monument Valley.

The running would take place on the so-called scenic drive so get an early start before the tourists start piling into the place.

Run #5 Wupatki National Monument and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

This is a pair of gems located about 20 miles north of Flagstaff. There is a scenic
blacktop road that runs for 35 miles in a loop one can take in either direction that connects both monuments. In the northern Wupatki section, one can walk among Indian pueblo ruins from the 1100's, see out into the Painted Desert for miles or see the Vermillion Cliffs, and watch the monsoon storm clouds build over the San Francisco Peaks. Check out the awesome visitor's center near the Wupatki Pueblo; the pottery was amazing.

Wupatki Pueblo.

Further south, you will encounter old cinder cones (e.g., Sunset Crater) with patches of wildflowers some of which spewed large black lava flows that still exist in pristine condition to this day. An idea I have is to run the entire 35-mile scenic drive one day next year. Anyone care to join me? Yes, I am serious!

Desert wildflower.