I took a random weekend away a couple weeks ago. Here’s what went through my head while I was planning it, even before I knew where I was going…
What do I love to do that I could do on this trip?
For me, this question was easy: trail running.
Do I want to go somewhere new, or somewhere I’ve already been?
Somewhere new!
Time of year?
Winter – I’ll need a break from the Alaskan darkness and cold at some point! (Guess that brings the destination to somewhere warm…)
Time to start researching places with trail running… Am I looking for a race, or leisurely trail runs?
I love to run ultramarathons, so that could be fun… Let’s set the filter for 50 mile races…
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What race stood out to me?
Elephant Mountain Trail Runs
Located in Cave Creek, Arizona, this 50 mile trail race has 6,900 feet of elevation gain. It goes through the desert and through a national forest. Plus, there are plenty of different distances to choose from for anybody that doesn’t want to run 50 miles (50 km, 35 km, 22 km, 12 km, and 6 km races). This race is hosted by Aravaipa Running, who have so many cool races throughout the year!
I had never been to Arizona. I had never seen a huge cactus in person – let alone thousands of them!
Upon planning my trip, I let a few of my friends that also enjoy running know that I was planning to sign up for the race – I got one taker! She ran the 22k (about 14 miles).
Finding a race to do, then planning a trip around it was one of the most fun weekends away I have ever had.
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On Sunday, we didn’t have a single plan. We both felt great after our race, so we drove the quick three hour trip from North Phoenix, where we were staying in an Airbnb, to the Grand Canyon, which neither of us had ever seen before! We walked four miles along the trail, which was a perfect recovery day with absolutely breathtaking views.
On Monday, we both had flights in the evening. There are so many trails to explore in the Phoenix area, so we found a relatively flat five mile loop hike (after having donuts for breakfast). After that, we went to Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina for lunch before we went to the airport. It was the perfect last day!
Obviously, not everybody wants to run a 50 mile race. That’s valid.
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But, even if you sign up for a 5k, doing a race on a weekend trip is a great way to leave that trip with a feeling of accomplishment. It gives you and whoever may join you something to bond over and break down in conversation. (That huge hill at mile three?? No thank you!!)
Personally, if my friend wasn’t able to join me, I probably still would have gone to Arizona. I wouldn’t have stayed as long, but that race was so worth it. It was so different than any trail I have ever run on.
Running is my favorite way to explore a new place… What’s yours? How can you use that to plan your next trip?
My Dilemma 
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